What are you doing! Gideon was the first to respond. He shot forward and reached for Sonias raised wrist.
JP reacted instantly. He took a step forward and snatched Gideons arm before he could grab Sonia. His eyes darkened as he spoke in a low voice. No one touches my sister, Your Highness.
Gideon glared at him. Your sister hit another student!
Then let that student fight back, JP said. He released Gideons arm to the side and put himself between Gideon and Sonia.
Tori stepped around Ewan and moved towards Sonia. Let see your hand.
Sonia was still scowling, but held out her arm to Tori. In front of them, Gideon was seething.
Did you order her to do this? he said, his violet eyes fixed on Tori with resentnt.
She knew to expect him to bla her, but was too tired to care. Without looking at Gideon, she pressed her fingers gently against Sonias hand. Does it hurt? Sonia shook her head. Dont do that again. You need your hand for riding, Tori told her in a soft voice. Sonia lowered her eyes and nodded. Toris expression hardened as she turned towards Gideon. No, I didnt order her to do this. If I wanted to hit soone, then Id do it myself. She took a step forward and t his gaze with an unfeeling one. And theyd be on the ground, unable to stand, if I did.
Gideon drew his head back and narrowed his eyes. There wasnt a hint of a joke on Toris face. Are you threatening ?
Do I need to? Her eyes flickered to Alessa. Class is going to start in an hour. Go and take care of your cheek unless you want everyone to ask why its red and swollen.
Alessa swallowed and looked at Gideon. Lets go.
Gideon shot Tori a final glare and took a step back. This isnt over. Im going to report your friend.
Sure, youre good at that. Tori brushed him off. She stood there, hips over her knees and arms bent at her side, as if ready to defend if Gideon had any crazy thoughts. She watched the second prince and the protagonist head towards the west dorm. When they were far enough away, she turned towards Sonia. Lets go see the headmaster.
What? Sonia blinked. Her eyes crinkled up. Are you going to report ?
Yes, Tori said. Its easier to ask for forgiveness if you admit you did sothing wrong. Besides, we need to tell the headmaster what happened before that jerk does. Hell just make it seem as if you tried to beat her.
I wanted to.... Sonia grumbled.
Ilyana, Ewan, Henrik, can you grab us so breakfast and et us outside the administration building? Tori asked as she took Sonias arm and led her away. JP, co on.
Do you think this will work? JP asked.
Tori nodded. Maybe not as well as Id like and Sonia will still be punished.
Huh? Sonia frowned and tried to break away, but Tori held her firmly. But what if he doesnt report ? Isnt this unnecessary?
Do you really think he wont? Tori gave her a knowing look and Sonia groaned. She lowered her head and sulked as she was almost dragged into the administration building.
As it was early, the building was still closed, but Tori insisted on waiting. Her patience paid off as, after five or so minutes, Headmaster Laurent, in a familiar hunter green Biancci ns trench, arrived. He saw the trio on the steps and smiled.
Good morning, students! Who do we have here this morning? He climbed the few steps to the building and reached into his pocket for a crystal key fob. Miss Guevera, Miss Vissage, and Mr. Vissage. Are you waiting for the administration to open? He pressed a dark green stone against a clear crystal panel embedded next to the door fra and a mont later, the doors let out a click and unlocked.
We are waiting for you, Headmaster, Tori told him. I hate to take up more of your ti, but wed like a mont to speak to you.
The old man looked a bit surprised, but nodded. Of course. Lets talk inside. Its cold out here. He ushered them in and waved his arm in the air as soon as they stepped into the foyer to illuminate the room. They followed him down the hall and back to his office, where he used his key fob once more to unlock the doors. Have a seat. He motioned to the chairs in front of his desk as he walked to a coat rack and began to remove his down trench. By the way, Miss Guevera, I wore my coat to a dinner with Dean Njal of the Natural Sciences Departnt at Universit and he was quite impressed. The old boy wouldve stolen it off my back if it wasnt green. I told him he could custom order one. Hell have to, with that strange taste of his.
Tori smiled and gave him a thankful nod. We appreciate your support, Headmaster. Ill be sure to let you know when we release so designs for spring and sumr.
Oh, I cant wait. The headmaster walked around his desk and took a seat. Then, tell . To what do I owe the pleasure of my students visit?
He looked like he was waiting for good news and Toris eyes crinkled. Headmaster....
I slapped Alessa Hart. Tori snapped her head to look at Sonia, who was seated next to her. Sonia looked nervous and uncertain as she sat on the edge of the big, leather seat and gripped her knees.
Headmaster Laurents brows rose and he seed stunned. You...slapped Miss Hart? he repeated, slowly. Sonia nodded. He narrowed his eyes and leaned forward. Why would you do such a thing, Miss Vissage?
Sonia looked at Tori with uncertainty and Tori gave her a small encouraging nod. The young equestrian then looked back at their headmaster. Sir, she kept wrongfully blaming Tori. I couldnt stand it.
When she said it like that, it sounded as if her action was in excess. Tori scooted forward and tried to explain.
Headmaster, last night soone broke into Lions Gate East and vandalized so of the rchandise before our guards could stop them. The patrol office was called and the vandal was taken into custody. Hes currently in holding in the eighth districts patrol office. We found out this morning that the vandal is a friend of Miss Hart, Tori said, keeping her words clear and unmuddied with needless emotion. Miss Hart ca to this morning to try to release her friend from custody. The most I can do is waive the cost of damages, but as he was caught and arrested, it is beyond my hands.
Miss Hart continued to beg Tori and began to bla her for the vandal losing his apprenticeship and being banned from the city, JP said. This isnt the first ti that Miss Hart has harassed Tori and blad her for sothing when it was Tori who was wronged. My sister lost her temper and made a mistake.
Tori looked at Sonia, as if willing her not to say, I didnt make a mistake; I wanted to slap her. Luckily, Sonia continued to act guilty and ashad for her actions. She kept her head down and wore a tight-lipped frown.
I will properly apologize to Miss Hart, Sonia said. Tori tried not to grimace. Sonia sounded as if it would kill her to do so. No matter how upset I was that she was slandering my friend, I shouldnt have raised my hand.
Thats correct. Im surprised you would, Miss Vissage. The headmaster was disappointed as he leaned back against his chair and let out a heavy sigh. You understand that we cannot stand by and allow you to go unpunished despite your turning yourself in.
Sonia bit her lips and Tori grabbed her hand to try to calm her. Sonia nodded. I understand.
She will accept the punishnt given, Headmaster. I only asked for leniency as it was a first-ti offense and it was in defense of a fellow student, Tori said, squeezing Sonias hand.
The headmaster thought for a mont and then slowly nodded. Physical violence against another student, for whatever reason, is prohibited. Miss Vissage will be required to write a reflection and apology letter to Miss Hart to be posted on the board. Second, she will also be prohibited from any after school activity until the end of the sester.
Sonia gasped and sat up straight. Her brows knit together in worry. But who will feed my horse?
The headmaster raised his hand. The exception will be to feed and care for your horse. However, you will not be allowed to participate in practice or competition exercises until next sester. In addition, once next sester starts, you will be required to fulfill a month of campus beautification duties.
The na sounded much more pleasant than it actually was. It ant picking up garbage around campus and the grunt work of gardening.
Tori looked at Sonia and saw the hesitation on her face. Tori thought for a mont. Headmaster, can Sonia be assigned a section of the campus for beautification duties and once that section is completed, her punishnt will be over?
Yes, that has been done before.
Then, can I request to volunteer to help her with that section? Tori asked. This whole situation is partially my fault. Sonia was coming to my defense and I shouldve handled it better.
At this JP straightened up. He looked at the headmaster, as well. Id also like to volunteer.
The headmaster seed to be trying to hold back a smile. His eyes crinkled a bit and he raised a hand. One volunteer is more than enough, Mr. Vissage. As Miss Guevera volunteered first, I will allow her to help Miss Vissage in the beautification duties. The area will be worth a month of work for a single person and I will discuss with the grounds services which area is suitable for this punishnt. Miss Vissage can co check with Mr. Legaspi at the end of the week to find out what section she will be assigned for punishnt and drop off her apology letter then. I will inform Madam Autumndottir that you are prohibited from equestrian activities for two weeks starting today.
Sonia grit her teeth, but nodded. I understand.
Thank you for your leniency, Headmaster Laurent, Tori said.
Then, if there is nothing else, you are dismissed, the headmaster said. Tori and Sonia rose from their feet. The headmaster stood up, as well. Miss Vissage. Sonia turned around to look at him as she was halfway to the door. While I am very disappointed that you hit another student, even for such a reason as defending your friend, I am pleased you ca to take responsibility for your own actions. I trust you will not do this again.
Sonia took a deep breath and nodded. I will not, Headmaster. He gave them a nod and the trio walked outside. Once they were out of the hall, Sonia let out a groan and finally cried out. Two weeks! How can I be banned from practice for two weeks!
Thats what youre complaining about? JP looked at his sister with a quizzical look. She shot him a glare.
Youre not the one who cant ride your horse for two weeks!
There are only two weeks left of the sester, Tori said as she walked ahead of them. This week is partially over, then next week is finals week. You wouldnt have been able to go to practice anyway considering the school wants you to put priority on studying for the exams. Then the half week after that is for us to get ready to leave for the winter break, while waiting for the final scores to be released. Imdiately after, you get to ride Ciel Noir ho. She looked over her shoulder and smirked. And this ban doesnt cross over into next sester, when you need to start focusing on training for the empire-wide three-day equestrian competition in the spring.
Sonias footsteps slowly ca to a halt. She stared at Tori. Thats what you wanted to avoid?
Tori nodded. Ilyana and I are getting signs made to cheer you on for the competition. How can you miss it?
Sonias eyes dampened and her lip trembled. She rushed forward and hugged Tori. Thanks.
I think the hardest part will be the apology letter, JP said with a smirk as he watched his sister cling on to Tori. Youre going to struggle trying to make it sound sincere.
I regret slapping her, if only because of the punishnt, Sonia said with a scowl. She deserved it.
As they walked outside, they saw Ilyana and the others each holding what looked like cups of hot beverages and a bag stuffed with bread and whatever else Ewan likely grabbed at the dining commons. Ilyana took a step forward with a worried expression. How did it go?
Tori was about to answer when she saw an expected figure storming up to the administration building. She almost wanted to laugh. Youre too late! I got here first, sucker!
She moved to the side as the second prince arrived. He gave them a suspicious look as he passed and climbed up the steps. Tori smirked a bit.
Weve already received our punishnts, Your Highness, she said calmly as she accepted the cup of coffee from Ilyana and took a sip. For an act of violence against another student, Sonia is banned from riding practice. She turned around to face him and lifted her head defiantly. And she will be required to do campus beautification for a duration of ti. I hope youre happy. You should know that she is here as a niche student for riding. This will severely hinder her progress.
Gideon narrowed his eyes and stopped at the top step. He turned to look at them. She shouldve thought of that before she slapped another student.
It won't happen again, Sonia said with a frown.
Gideon seed to want to continue arguing, but instead turned around and walked into the administration building. Henrik handed JP his mug and squinted. Do you think hes going to confirm?
Oh, yeah, Tori said, as if there was no other option. He'll be out in...less than five minutes.
"I'm going to go more than five, less than ten," JP replied.
Tori gave an accepting nod. "If you win, I owe you a coffee. I'll throw in a pastry if he's trembling with rage." The group lingered by the steps, eating their breakfast in the cold, and waiting.
As expected, a still scowling Gideon marched out not long after. JP glanced at the clocktower across the courtyard and made a face. "Dammit."
Gideon stopped in front of the group and glared. If it happens again, shell be expelled! He then continued to storm off.
We should check the schools disciplinary guide, Henrik said. A single slap or two shouldnt be worth expulsion.
Theyre not, Tori said. But I do worry that niche students and commoners wont be given as much leniency as academic students and nobles. Im sure theyd try to keep it fair, but wealth and status does have a certain degree of pressure. She swallowed part of her croissant. Everyone should be careful. Dont let Miss Hart get to you. If sothing happens, co to .
Youre going to try to argue for us every ti? JP raised a brow, sowhat amused.
Tori shrugged. Well, if His Highness the second prince and the Pri Ministers son can always co to Miss Harts defense, why can't I co to my friends defense when they need ?
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