Her fingers touched his wrist, and she gently pushed his hand that held the tiara down. Thats fine, but how is Axton?
Axton is well.
Tori let out a relieved breath and looked at Montan, who looked just as relieved. He seed to whisper a silent thanks as his body relaxed. She looked back at Piers in front of her.
When is he coming back?
I dont know.
Tori frowned. What do you an you dont know? Didnt you say he is well?
Piers blinked and seed to draw himself out of a daze. He looked around and lowered his eyes. He completed his errand, but needs to write a formal report. Since he is in Osten, Uncle wants him to see his new sister.
At the ntion of errand, Tori rembered that not even Ewan and Montan, who were there when they saw Axton off, knew the exact details of Axtons mission. They thought he was running an important errand near the border; thus, Tori wrote a protective charm on him as a precaution.
She nodded and relaxed her stance. Oh, since hes there, he should just take his ti.... She trailed off as she turned her head and saw Montans pale face. His eyes were crinkled up and he seed a bit of a loss.
Brother has...has a sister? His voice was quiet and laced with confusion and disbelief.
Marquis von Schwerts daughter. He told us about her, rember? Ewan said. He was neither too excited nor sad and seed to be trying to answer Montan sincerely. Marquis von Schwert sees Master as his son, so he would want his daughter to see him as her brother.
The others nodded, hoping this made sense. Everyone knew that Montan had almost as bad an older brother complex as Gideon.
Montans eyes dropped. Yes...I rember. Hed also t Marquis von Schwert and Tori had seen how impressed he looked when he t the Marquis General. He mustve felt that his brother was lucky to have such a man who cared for him like his own son when their birth father was such a disappointnt.
However, Montan was Axtons brother. Half-brother. And their relationship wasnt good for years. He finally had a family mber who loved him. For that family mber to have another sibling, Montan likely felt a sense of panic and fear that hed be abandoned.
Tori tried to find the words to comfort him and give him reassurance of his place in Axtons heart, but wasnt sure where to start. In addition, Madam Midstrom was waiting for her in the bedchamber to finish her fitting.
My lady, Madam Midstroms voice ca from the other room, and she appeared as the flap opened. Your comcry. She held out the round compact in her hand, and as the room fell into awkward silence, Tori went to take it.
Thank you, Madam. She opened the comcry and her brows shot up. It really is speaking of the devil. She swiped her finger across and answered with so sarcasm. Dont you have a report to fill out?
I dont have an obsession with paperwork like Piers, Axtons voice replied. Montans head snapped up and he looked towards Tori and her comcry with uncertainty in his eyes. Do you know where Montan is? Hes not answering his comcry and Manager Sorset said hes not at Duel. The only other place I can think hed be is with you.
A sharp gasp was heard and Montan patted his body. He paled and seed to realize he didnt have his comcry on his person. I left it in the tent!
Is he there with you? Axtons voice sounded a bit eager. Montan, I told you to keep your comcry on yourself. What if there was an ergency?
Tori smiled. He would not scold Montan if he did not care about him. Were in my tent and preparing to go to dinner. I have to finish my dress fitting, so Ill give my comcry to him. She handed Montan her comcry and looked at the others. Clean up. When I change, well go to the restaurant for dinner.
Her friends nodded and she went back into her room. She could hear Montan speaking to Axton in the other room. Twice, Axton assured him he was fine. He only had a quick errand to deliver so paperwork. Axton asked about what Montan had been doing the last few weeks, if he was eating well, and why he was in Viclya.
Madam Midstrom helped Tori out of her gown and carefully packed it away as Tori changed into her regular delta attire. She lazily tied up her mass of curly hair. Madam Midstrom lifted the bundle to bring with her.
Ill head to my lodgings for the night and return tomorrow, my lady. Your gown will be ready well before the event, she told Tori with a warm smile.
Tori held the flap open for her as she walked her out. Thank you, Madam. I appreciate it.
I will have your gown and His Highness suit brought to the Lunar Pavilion.
We have private apartnts ready for changing in the upper floors in preparation for this party, Madam, Ilyana said as she joined Tori at the tent exit. I will et you there and bring you to the apartnts.
Very good, very good! Madam Midstrom was escorted to her tent and Tori looked back inside.
Everyone seed ready to leave, except Montan, who hadnt moved from his spot and was still talking to Axton. Tori gave Ilyana a small, silent nod and she returned it. She motioned for the others to follow her out and at her cue, the usual group filed out of her tent.
Piers glanced at his brother and then looked towards the exit. Gideon nodded and he and Fabian followed Toris friends outside.
Tori didnt rush Montan and instead turned towards Peers and whispered. How was your suit? Did it fit all right?
Yes, my asurents didnt change, he told her. We will match.
I know, Tori said. She lifted her hands and straightened the collar of his shirt. Are you nervous about the party?
It isnt my first. I trust your, Henrik, and Lady Ilyanas abilities, Piers replied. He lifted his head a little higher, giving her access to his neck.
Brother, thats not necessary. Montans voice rose a bit and he sounded worried. I will continue to work.
You can work and still go to Universit, Axton told him. You said you like school.
I do! Montans face flushed. But Universit is not necessary.
Senior Kasen said that you have a lot of talent and are progressing quickly. Even if you dont study charms, you can study Old Sulfae. You can study anything you want, Axton said. He paused for a bit and his voice softened. If you want to continue to learn, dont concern yourself with money. Your big brother has plenty and Ill support you. Do what you want, but dont restrict yourself because of financial difficulties. That doesnt exist for us. Im not our father.
Montans eyes reddened. Ill consider it.
The exams are in a few months. Tori and the others are studying. When I get a chance, Ill ask Lady Ilyana if she can tutor you to prepare for the test.
Brother, I cant bother Lady Agafonova about this-
She wont be bothered. She and Tori dont need to take the entrance examination to Universit. Those overachievers already have their places reserved. Tori narrowed her eyes and glared at the comcry. Axton didnt call her a nerd directly, but the tone was there.
Im still in the room, Axton, she said in a low voice.
She heard a faint, sharp inhale from the comcry. Nothing wrong with overachievers, of course. We should strive-
Go and finish your report. Piers low voice cut him off and Axton let out another heavy sigh.
Of course, youd be there, too.... They heard him mutter. Ill call you later with more details. Montan, dont worry about anything. I have a place for you stay near Universit. Itll be convenient.
Montan nodded mindlessly. All right.
Tori took her comcry back. Good-bye, Axton. She slid her finger across and shook her head. She sneered down at it. You wish you were an overachiever.... She shoved her comcry into her pocket and glanced at Montan. Lets go. Dinner ti.
Montan nodded and followed behind her and Piers. Your Highness, he said, quietly. Will my brother follow you to the palace once he graduates?
It is not required for a personal knight to live with their liege as adults. He will live outside the palace if he continues to be in my service, Piers replied at Toris side.
Tori furrowed her brows. Axton is the Duke of Alvere. If he continues to work for you, is it possible to do so why running the duchy? Does he have to return there?
It is possible, and many nobles run their territories by proxy from a different location, Piers said. Axton will live at the Lunar Pavilion.
It was close to the imperial palace, but still gave Axton a sense of independence.
Then, he will take occasional leave to take tours of his duchy, Tori said. She saw Piers give her a single nod. Good. Hell be close by if Montan needs anything.
They didnt go to Henriks restaurant by the sea, but inland, towards the large inn beside the ice-skating rink. On the ground floor was a restaurant that served hearty als typically enjoyed in the winter. The restaurant also had its own bakery and many winter guests brought baked treats back as a souvenir.
When they arrived, the others were just seated.
Were early and have more than we reserved, but they can accommodate us, Sonia told her. Dont worry, theyre not displacing any other parties.
Tori nodded with approval. Their seat was near a massive hearth that was more for ambience than heat. The entire inn was regulated by crystals. Walking in from the chill, damp coastal weather, one was imdiately bathed in a comfortable warmth. They shed their coats and checked them in at the coat room by the entrance so they could eat more comfortably.
There were plenty of other guests seated in massive dining area featuring a vaulted ceiling and large windows that looked out towards the skating rink, the steam beyond it, and from one corner, the lights from the encampnt. The light crystals were a warm yellow and not too bright, making the entire area open, but intimate in setting.
They sat at a long table and began to chat amongst themselves. At one end of the table, Piers was the head with Tori on his right and his brother on his left. On the other were Ilyana and the others, who seed to naturally steer clear of Gideon. Tori didnt bla them.
They gave their orders and Tori took a sip of wine. Across from her, Gideon took the opportunity to speak to his brother.
Are you going to sell the mansion in the Academic Quarter? Gideon asked. Tori raised a brow. That was where Piers currently lived and where she and Ilyana would move for Universit.
No, Piers replied in a cold voice.
Gideon frowned. Arent you going to move back to the palace?
I am. Piers glanced over at him. Why do you ask?
Gideons face lit up when Piers asked him a question. I was hoping to stay there after Lyce.
After Lyce? Tori put her wine glass on the table. I thought you and von Dorn were going to the Naval Academy. Eili had already confird that both Gideon and Fabian were going to start at the Naval Academy in the fall for two years of training before they were sent on tour.
Tori was relieved to know she didnt have to deal with them for two years.
There are breaks in between the training periods before touring and I want to experience living apart from my parents, Gideon told her as he lifted his chin.
Youre going to live away from your parents when youre at the Naval Academy. Tori narrowed her eyes. Gideon opened his mouth to reply, but Piers spoke up.
Rental arrangents have already been made starting this sumr, he said. Gideon whipped his head back to Piers.
Already? His brother nodded. To whom? The whole building? It has multiple flats! Piers t his eyes for a mont and then turned to Tori. She smirked as she looked at Gideon and watched his face pale. No....
Im renting Piers current flat, and Ilyana is renting the one across the hall. Several rooms are still reserved for knights and any staff. If Henrik and Albert get accepted, there are also two rooms reserved for them on the street level that are currently vacant, Tori replied in a cool voice.
But...but what about the upper floors?
Storage.
What do you need storage for? Gideon imdiately scowled. And why cant Agafonova live with you?
We also want to experience how it is to live on our own outside of campus. Tori swirled the wine in her glass as Gideon reddened. He turned to Piers in protest.
If you wish for a room, you must ask Tori.
But its your building!
Piers turned and gave his brother a firm look. Gideon shrunk back. Your Highness, my god sister has flats available at the Lunar Pavilion, if you are interested, Montan said from Toris right.
Gideon gave him a depressed look.
Alvere, what do you plan to do after you graduate? Fabian asked. Continue at Duel?
My brother wants to go to Universit, Montan replied. Only, I dont know what to study yet.
Duel is far from the Academic Quarter. Are you going to commute? Gideon asked. Tori gave him a strange look. Did he think that Duel was a boarding house just because Montan lived there while he worked over the sumr and during breaks?
My brother said he would arrange accommodations for .
Where?
One of the street level rooms at Piers building, Tori spoke up, watching Gideon scowl as she smiled.
Do you find joy in irritating ? he asked in a sharp voice.
Tori took another sip of her wine and nodded thoughtfully. Yes.
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