What do you an youre going to see your goddaughter? Sebby didnt say you were going to be the godparent! Tori snatched her bag off the ground and stord in. And why didnt you tell you were coming? We need to prepare if an imperial family mber is coming. And where are your knights?
Theyre hiding on the ship.
Her eyes narrowed and her voice grew colder. Why are they hiding on the ship?
Because you would be mad.
So, you know Id be mad? Tori nearly threw her arms into the air. Piers-
I inford my family I was leaving for the ceremony. There is no problem.
She couldnt help but be suspicious. Did they agree, or they cant stop you? His eyes darted to the side, and he returned to his book. He went quiet. Piers.
Are you hungry? You ca from Horizon and havent eaten yet.
Dont try to distract with food-
Your Highness! Soone knocked on the door fra and bowed their head. It was Sir Dassler in civilian clothing. The als delivered from Sapphire-by-the-Sea have arrived. Shall I bring them here?
Piers gave a small nod. Yes. Notify Ewan that dinner is also ready and will be served here.
Sir Dassler nodded once more. Yes, Your Highness!
Tori shot Piers an indignant glare. This is the Marquis room! Its my room! How did you even get in?
I told the Guevera knights that I am a guest and would be staying here.
Toris eyes bore into him. Did they give you this room or did you let yourself in?
Piers stared ahead of him. Im going to clear this table. We can put the food that arrives here.
Piers!
Your Highness, youre here, too? Ewan walked in and looked around. His eyes landed on the coffee table that didnt have food. Is dinner not here yet?
Tori let out a groan and swept into the room, bypassing Piers to get to the inner bedchamber. She pushed open the door and tossed her bag on to the bed, only to see a small travel chest pushed against the foot of the bed. A familiar seal of the first prince on top of the chest lid mocked her.
Piers! She stord back into the antechamber, where two knights were placing the ordered food on the table. Ewan looked eager to start eating from one of the plush chairs hed pushed closer to the coffee table. Piers, why is your stuff in my room?
I will have it moved out here. The long sofa is enough for , Piers told her, unbothered. Co and eat.
Tori took a deep breath. She didnt mind sharing a space with Piers, but not when he sprung it upon her and took up her room. She sat down on a plush chair across from him and picked up one of the plates. Ewan was eating, unbothered.
Your Highness, did you bring a gift for Masters daughter?
I did, Piers replied. It is a ceremonial dagger from the Late Unification Period.
Ewan nodded, but Tori froze. She chewed her food and swallowed hard. The Late Unification Period was over a thousand years ago. You got my niece a historical artifact.
It was in my personal collection, Piers replied. I must give her sothing aningful to show my sincerity to my goddaughter.
Ewan gasped. Master picked you to be her godparent, Your Highness? How lucky! I am still hoping to be a godparent one day, but Henrik wont promise his first born.
Ewan, you cant force soone to make you a godparent of their child. She paused and looked at Piers with narrowed eyes. Piers, you cant force soone to make you a godparent of their child.
I am not forcing it, Piers replied in a smooth voice. I just want to show Master that I am the best choice.
Oh my God.... Tori let out a low sigh and continued to eat. I cant believe I have to deal with this the entire trip....
She stuffed the rest of her food in her mouth and leaned back against the chair.
She was so lost in the annoyance of Piers sudden appearance, that she forgot to contact her brother. It wasnt until they were already halfway to the open ocean that she rembered and at that point, she didnt want to bother any more.
If she had to deal with this, then so did Sebastian.
With light cargo and no stops, Tres Arcos was just a few days away. During this ti, Ewan was not lax in his practice. With imperial knights and Guevera knights present, he had plenty of people to lead him through practices.
He also got his first chance to spar with Piers. The results were obvious, but she didnt expect them to hit Ewan as they did.
Tori.... Ewan ca to her as she was in her cabin, reviewing land partitions. His usually smiling face was replaced with dejection as he trudged in and sat down. I dont think Im fit to be an imperial knight.
Tori lowered her papers at once and lifted her head, frowning. What are you talking about? Ewan, youre at the top of your class in La Garda. The knights are optimistic about you. If anyone is fit to be an imperial knight, its you.
Ewan shrank back against the cushions and drew his knees up to his chest, like a pouting child. How can I protect soone whos far superior to with a sword?
Ah, so thats it. Tori took a deep breath and gave him a gentle, understanding look. Did you spar with Piers? He nodded his head. Piers is not representative of every imperial family mber. Hes not only the best swordsman in his family, hes also one of the best swordsn in the empire. Weve told you that before, rember?
I rember, but I didnt think he was that good. Hes almost as good as Master, Ewan said, complaining. It was as if he knew every movent I made before I made it!
Such an ability cos with experience and practice, Tori replied. You will also start to notice cues from your opponent's body or telling movents that can predict their line of attack the more you practice. Piers didnt magically know all at once. It was sothing learned.
Ewan groaned. I was too confident, wasnt I? Im so used to being at the top of the class, I forgot that there are always those better than .
Its better that you learn that now than on the battlefield, Tori told him. Piers isnt taking it lightly with you, and in a way, thats good. Hes challenging you so you can improve.
I couldnt land a single hit on him.
To be honest, I dont think any of his knights can land a single hit on him, Tori said in a quiet voice. Her eyes drifted to the door and hoped the knights outside didnt hear her.
In his pri, Papa was supposedly able to beat all the Guevera knights, and, currently, none of them can beat Sebby. She grimaced a bit. At first, it did sound like their knights were incompetent, but one had to consider the person in question.
Ewan furrowed his brows and thought for a mont. Does that not affect them?
Tori shook her head. No, for so, its a bit reassuring that their liege is not helpless. That being said, they dont only protect the Marquis and his heir. They protect the Fortress, various military outposts, are assigned to ships, and for the higher ranked knights, they escort the family. Mama, Kasey, Robi, Fifi, and now Idunn and Valeria. When Im involved in a family event, they protect . Im competent with a long sword, but Im not a master by any ans. In your case, there is a higher chance of being assigned elsewhere. There are several tiers of imperial knights, after all.
Ewan took a deep breath. Tori, I want to apply to the first-tier knights.
She squinted and studied her friend quietly. First tier knights are another four to six years of intense training before theyre even assigned to an imperial family mber.
I know.
During those training years, you will have little contact with your family and friends. You will be traveling often.
Ewan nodded his head once more. I know. He raised his eyes and looked at her hesitantly. My instructors told that only a few students are accepted into training for first tier imperial knights a year. So years, there werent any who were accepted.
But you still want to try?
He looked at her with uncertainty. Do you think Im good enough?
Tori put down her papers and t his gaze with defiance. I am not an authority on the ability and skill of knights, Ewan. I cant tell you if youre good enough. His eyes lowered and he swallowed hard. Tori didnt flinch. But, if you were assigned to , I would trust you with my life.
He lifted his head and looked back at her. His eyes reddened a bit and he nodded. Thanks, Tori.
There was a knock on her door and Tori looked towards it. What is it?
My lady, Tres Arcos is in sight. We will disembark soon. Please prepare. Carriages are waiting at the dock, one of the knights told her.
Understood, Tori said. She stood up and reached across to pat Ewans shoulder. You have a good opportunity to learn from knights far superior to you. Take it, even if you cant get a hit in. Just keep practicing. Keep gaining experience. Rember what I told you before: sweat more now....
Bleed less on the battlefield. Yes. Ewan stood up as well and headed to his room.
Shortly after he left, Piers ca in. His things had been packed in the morning. He sat around, watching Tori collect her things and put them away, appearing not at all bothered that he was arriving in Sur without having inford her family.
As the ship approached the private dock, Tori could make out the carriages and awaiting horses from the deck.
Piers, you have a dozen imperial knights with you...there are not enough horses for them, Tori said in a dull, sowhat irritated voice.
I have discussed this with the Guevera knights. We will take who we can with us. The rest will follow after horses for the nearby fortress arrive, Piers told her.
The corner of Toris eye twitched. There is still a chance that Sebby isnt going to make you Valerias godfather.
It is a very slim chance.
Tori noticed the knights silently exchanged looks around them. Sir Dobchek had assured her that the imperial family had been notified, but in order to keep Piers trip a secret, only the Emperor and Empress knew. Gideon likely didnt know where his brother was, and admittedly the thought of Gideon horrified that he couldnt find Piers was funny.
Tori! Welco back.... Uncle Roms cheerful expression wavered as he snapped his mouth closed when he saw the man standing behind Tori. Your Highness...?
I know, Uncle, Tori said in a low voice. He has co to see my brothers baby.
Several Guevera knights looked at each other with uncertainty. Uncle Rom narrowed his eyes and looked at Piers with undisguised disapproval. Perhaps a regular knight or soldier would not dare, but he was Toris godfather. Irresponsible.
Tori glared at Piers, trying to get him to understand that she told him so.
One of the head knights who had arrived to pick her up hit his first on his chest in greeting. My lady, we were not inford that His Highness would be coming. We have not prepared a proper entourage.
A traditional entourage is not required to escort to Presidio, Piers told them in a firm, regal voice. I am traveling incognito.
Tori tilted his head back and sneered. No one is going to believe that, Piers....
Sir Pizon, who had co to assist Tori as a female knight, began to make arrangents. Uncle Rom followed up, leaving six Guevera knights to wait for additional horses with six imperial knights, while the six other imperial knights returned with them.
Under normal circumstances, all of Piers knights shouldve remained with him as an escort, but Uncle Rom would not risk Toris safety by leaving behind most of their better-trained and higher skilled Guevera knights to accommodate the imperial knights. A few imperial knights wanted to complain, but before they could, Piers spoke up.
This is Sur, he said in a low voice leaving no room for question. His lips were drawn in a tight line. We will follow the arrangents of the Guevera March.
Thus, his twelve imperial knights were split in half.
Unlike Piers, the knights warmly welcod Ewan. They asked how La Garda was doing and if hed consider moving to Sur to join them. To that, a few imperial knights squeezed into the conversation to reaffirm Ewans goal of becoming an imperial knight for him.
Tori suggested that I join in practice while Im in Presidio. I know Im here as a guest, but if possible, Id like to continue training as I have before, Ewan told them.
After Vals trifecta ceremony, we will have a week-long exercise. It is mainly for younger, newer knights fresh from our military academy, Uncle Rom told him in a thoughtful voice. Since you and Tori are here long enough, I will arrange for you to join. We also have a prospective first tier knight training with us this ti. He chuckled. I believe you are friends: it is Sir Gael de Navarro.
Ewans face lit up and Tori looked impressed. Sir Navarro had been an imasurable help to Ewan and he was an all-round good person to have around. Senior is here?
He was top of his class when he graduated from La Garda. First and second tier knights spend between two to six years cycling through training with the marches to beco well rounded, Uncle Rom replied.
Ewan, this is a good opportunity to get a taste of training for a prospective first tier knight, Tori urged as she sat on the edge of the carriage and peered outside the open door.
Ewan nodded, but was a bit tense. Do you think Im ready?
Let Master critique you first, Piers said as he climbed into the carriage and sat across from Tori. If he believes you have learned enough to participate, then he will tell you.
Ewan nodded and looked at Uncle Rom. Sir, I will confirm with Master first.
Uncle Rom smiled and gave him a hearty pat on the back. I will keep a spot open for you until you confirm.
Ewan thanked him and got into the carriage, taking a seat with Tori. Food was delivered to them just before the carriage started off. Usually, carriages from Tres Arcos to Presidio would take a leisurely three days, only traveling during the day ti and resting in villages or fortresses for the night.
However, as ti was limited, their rests were much shorter, and the fortresses were locations where they switched horses. The trip lasted a day and a half and as the sun was starting to set, they entered the towering gates of Presidio.
Though she spent much more ti in Horizon and even Viclya than she did Presidio since she woke up in Soleil, Presidio still had the feeling of ho and Tori relaxed her guard. She wasnt sure if it was because the people who had beco her loving family resided there or if it was lingering feelings from OG Victoria. There was a possibility it was both, and she didnt have a problem with that.
The familiar guard tower gates to the Fortress appeared as the main road to the city turned into a winding path that would lead up the hill to the stout stone fortification overlooking the city. Their carriage went beneath the portcullis and Tori sat on the edge of the bench, right beside the window.
The courtyard was lit with light crystals and a little girl was jumping up and down next to a boy who seed to be holding her back from running to the carriage. A wide smile ca over her face as the carriage ca to a stop. A knight swept forward to open the door and Tori was the first to jump out.
Auntie Tori!
Auntie, welco back!
Tori rushed forward as soon as her feet hit the ground and scooped up the little girl into her arms. Hello, Fifi! She placed firm kisses on Fionas chubby cheeks before taking her free arm and bringing Robert close to her. She leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Hello, Robi! Thank you for coming to et !
Roberts face ward up and he kicked the ground with his good leg shyly. Its getting dark so....
Auntie! Lets see the baby! Fiona wiggled in her arms and Tori bent down to release her. Her little hand grabbed Toris fingers and pulled her towards the steps. Lets go! Lets go! Shes very cute! You have to et her!
Tori laughed and took a step forward. She looked over her shoulder, towards Ewan and Piers who had stepped off the carriage after her. Let them take you to your rooms first. Im going to visit Idunn.
I also want to see the baby, Piers said. His voice was almost lost in the cacophony of knights getting off horses and starting to unload the luggage behind him.
Youre not supposed to be here. The cold words hit Piers at once and for the first ti, Tori noticed that Kasen had been waiting with the children. He gave Tori a curt nod. Fifi and Robi will take you to Idunn. I will take care of our...guests. His eyes narrowed as he looked back at Piers.
Ewan nodded and took a step back. My lord, Im here, as well. I had told Master I was coming.
Ewan, youre fine. Were expecting you. Were happy youre here and youve done nothing wrong, Kasen said in a reassuring voice before allowing it to grow cold once redirected. You. He glowered at Piers and just as Tori walked into the foyer, she saw Piers flinch.
Well, he shouldve known what he was getting himself into. Tori blissfully followed her niece and nephew as they led her by the hand.
The private chambers for family mbers were deeper in the fortress and after Sebastian and Idunn were married, they moved into a larger room. It had a connecting room for a nursery. In the marches, babies were breastfed and the only ti a nursemaid was brought in to feed a baby was if the mother could not produce enough, or any, milk.
In wealthier families, nannies were more like assistants to the mother for the first three years of the childs life, taking care of both the mothers needs as well as the babys. It wasnt until the child was walking and talking that the nanny would focus all their attention on them.
For Marquis families, the requirent for nannies also included military and basic dical training. Nanny Rey, who now acted as a nanny for Fiona and Robert, obviously t those requirents. The nanny for Valeria was a seasoned nanny recomnded by Idunns aunt and Nanny Rey; a forr Nord military specialist and dic whod retired early.
As Tori walked through the halls, she noticed the presence of more knights than usual, which considering the birth of the heirs heir, was understandable. In addition, Sebastian had a lingering fear of a baby being kidnapped after what happened to her.
They reached the upper level and Tori found her eldest brother waiting for her outside the door where two Guevera knights were stationed to guard. He looked a little disheveled, but otherwise excited. His face brightened as soon as he saw her.
Tori!
Im back, Sebby. Congratulations on your first baby. I brought back a lot of stuff for her. Ewan and Piers also brought gifts. She raised her arms to hug her brother. Sebastian gave her a warm squeeze as he laughed.
You didnt have to bring gifts! Just coming is enough. And I told Ewan it wasnt necessary.... Sebastian released her and stepped back as his voice trailed off. His lips tightened into a frown. I forgot that ridiculous prince stowed away on the ship.
I was caught off guard and was so surprised by finding him in my quarters that-
He was where? Sebastians voice hardened and his face darkened. Tori let out a small cough.
We can deal with him later. Show my newest niece!
Robert and Fiona had already squeezed through the doors partial opening and Sebastian, distracted by the reminder of his daughter, led Tori inside. A subtle scent of fresh milk and a baby scent was in the room and Tori couldnt help but smile.
Rocking on a wooden chair beside a cradle was Idunn in a robe, with her pale blonde hair neatly braided. A small bundle was in her arms and Tori held her breath as she approached. She found herself purposely trying to make as little sound as possible.
On either side of Idunn, Fiona and Robert had taken their places, as if they were familiar with guarding the mother and child.
Tori. Idunn gave her a warm smile as she looked up. Welco back. How was your journey?
Her voice was soft and quiet, aning the baby mustve been sleeping. Tori craned her neck to look into the bundle. A pale, but rosy cheeked baby with peeling skin was sleeping.
It was good, Tori whispered. Oh my...shes tiny.
Idunn chuckled. She didnt feel tiny coming out.
Tori cracked a smile. A few whisps of light brown, almost blonde hair was fuzz on the babys head. Shes beautiful, Idunn. Congratulations.
Thank you. Idunn looked down at her child affectionately. Their voices, no matter how quiet they tried to be, seed to stir the little heiress. Her face twitched and blue eyes opened to et Toris.
She tried to remain calm and not surprise the baby with her excitent.
Val, look who it is, Sebastian said in a soft voice as he knelt beside the rocking chair. He played with his daughters clenched fist. Its Auntie Tori.
Tori knelt down on Idunns other side and extended her hand. She was glad her nails werent pointed and sharp. She touched the babys hand with her fingertip and soon, a hot grip held on to her. Toris heart clenched.
Welco to the family, Valeria, Tori said softly as she smiled. I am your Auntie Tori. She stroked Valerias little hand with her thumb as Valeria held on. Their eyes were locked. She had a niece.
Her brother had gotten married to the love of his life, and they had a baby. In the original ga, there was no such happy family. No Idunn. No Valeria. No Robert. No Fiona. The thought that they wouldnt have existed in her life pained her. She bit her lips and blinked to keep from crying at the unexpected wave of emotion that swept through her.
A small voice echoed in the back of her mind: dont worry. I will protect you all.
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