A pair of big, violet eyes seed to pierce her very soul with such intensity that her heart began to race. Tori could only take another step back. Except, she couldnt go any further. A stone column brushed against the back of her dress.
She was trapped.
Tell , what do you like most about my nephew? Princess Celine had grabbed her hands upon eting her, then insisted on sitting next to her at the dinner table, and now she had cornered Tori during the reception ball.
There were many guests all over the ballroom, chatting in small groups, mingling, or dancing. Piers was indisposed talking to dostic political leaders, Axton remained by his side in case Piers beca too uncomfortable, and her friends had already retreated to relax in the garden, away from the sea of powerful and influential guests.
Tori wasnt fast enough to join them, or rather, she couldnt lose the energetic princess.
Asking for help from the princess husband and wife did nothing. They seed to be just as curious about her, too.
No one could help her. Not even the Emperor, who couldnt control his sister to begin with.
Hes intelligent and ticulous, at the sa ti very efficient with his work. Tori gave the silver-haired woman a perfunctory answer hoping she would take a step back.
Yes, yes, hes always been a brilliant boy. Once he focuses on sothing, nothing can break his concentration. Princess Celine tossed her head back and laughed with joy. She held Piers in high regard, and it made sense.
Piers was her very first nephew. The Princess mustve been ecstatic to spoil him and then heartbroken that Piers did not like physical touch and recoiled violently whenever they tried to show him affection. She had seed to almost want to cry after Piers embraced her and all throughout dinner, the Princess asked Tori about how she was able to get Piers to hug others.
Madam Georgia had seed interested in the process and Master Petir told her he admired her dedication to his nephew.
Yes, its admirable in a way. Hes certainly managed to complete a lot as first prince. Tori put on a hopeful smile.
Princess Celines gaze softened. He may love paperwork, like his strange father, but now that he has you, he will make ti. Im certain. My ridiculous, bookworm brother was the sa. He was so boring! Of course, he still is, but more so back then. Nothing steered him away from reading about law and politics until he t Monica-
Celine. A low, irritated voice ca from behind her. Madam George and Master Petir tensed up and took a small step to the side as a shadow fell over the silver-haired woman. The Emperors eyes darkened as he glared into the back of his younger sisters head. What are you doing here?
Tori wasnt sure if the Emperor ant to save her or question his sister.
Princess Celine pursed her lips for a mont and all her energy seed to have been drained in an instant. She took a step to the side and turned to face her brother.
What does it look like Im doing, Brother? Im talking to my future niece!
Piers and I arent engaged-
And I am not legally married. What does it matter so long as youve recognized the relationship? Princess Celine replied with such confidence that there was no way Tori could correct her without a lot of effort, so she just accepted that this was not a hill for her to die on.
So this is why the Emperor is the way he is with his sister. I get it now. I get it. Toris lips pulled into a tight line.
The Emperor took a deep breath. Celine, you didnt tell us that you were coming.
Why cant I? Princess Celine almost pouted. Horizon is my hotown. Why cant I be here?
You havent set foot in the city in ten years! The Emperors voice shot up for just a bit before he managed to even it out.
It isnt as if youll run out of room to house us while were here, his sister replied. Besides, how could I miss Piers ceremony? This is no simple birthday and youve finally nad your heir. She lowered her voice and lifted her shoulders a bit. Not that there was a question.
You werent at the cathedral for the ceremony.
But I made it to the ceremony reception. Princess Celine gave her red-faced brother a winning smile.
The Emperors eyes narrowed. You ca to see the Countess, didnt you? You knew shed be here.
What are you talking about? What Countess? The Princess shifted her eyes.
The one youre talking to right now.
Oh, Tori? Brother, dont be silly! Its a pleasant surprise to be able to et the young lady Ive heard so much about. Princess Celine looked at her spouses for affirmation and they nodded.
Tori squinted her eyes. What exactly had this woman heard about her?
Celine. The Emperor took a step forward and Celine finally drew her head back a bit.
She seed to think for a mont before she stood up straight and lifted her chin with defiance. All right, I didnt just co for Piers ceremony, but that was the main goal of this visit! Dont misconstrue my intentions. She swallowed and quieted her voice. Its just that I also ca because Father said that Tori built a resort on a swamp, and I want to see it.
The Emperors eye twitched and he grit his teeth. You-
Your Highness, you shouldve told that you were interested in seeing my delta! Tori threw formalities out the window and stepped in between the two imperial siblings. She clapped her hands together and put on an eager smile. It is a coincidence that we are having a celebration next weekend for my good friends birthday. Hes a La Garda student and applying for the first-tier knights, so this may be his last big birthday for a while and were planning to make it count. Knowing Ewan, he wont mind at all if you and your husband and wife drop by to experience such a celebration.
Ewan really wouldnt. His family was coming, as were likely half of La Garda. Tori had received gifts from Sur to give to Ewan from various knights, her family, and, of course, Ewans master, Sebastian.
Princess Celines face lit up. She threw her brother a haughty look. You see, Brother? Such hospitality! The Emperor kept frowning and she turned to Tori. Ive heard so much about your delta from everyone. As Im traveling around the empire all the ti, Ive gotten a chance to stay at Lunar Inns. You know, the ones that Axton owns. Of course, we stay there when we can, as we must support my nephews best friend.
Axton would be happy to hear that. Tori nodded. Im very pleased. When our Lunar Pavilion is prepared, I will ask for an invitation to be sent to you.
Ive already seen it. The Emperor unexpectedly spoke up and seed to gloat. The renovations match historical records, but they also have the most advanced crystal technology. He sneered at his sister. Youve never seen anything like it.
The Princess face turned red and almost scrunched up. I will see it soon enough!
Seeing that the Princess had turned all her attention to the Emperor, Tori decided it was ti for an escape. Her eyes swept across the room for a path to freedom where shed avoid anyone that wanted to talk to her on her way to the garden.
Piers was still talking to guests and his grandfather was at his side, introducing him to older guests. The Empress was chatting with the visiting duchesses. Axton was approaching Piers to speak.
Assured that Piers would be fine with Axton, Tori took a step to the side. I still have so guests to check on and will return soon. Please excuse , Your Majesty. Your Highness. She gave a smooth, quick curtsy before they could stop her, and then quickened her step as she made a beeline for the back exit.
A knight saw her approaching and seed to know her intention. He stood to the side and opened the door for her.
The back hall was lined with knights and Tori was directed towards the garden courtyard where her friends were. She heard them talking as she approached. From the hall, she craned her neck to the open door and drew her head back.
Gideon and Fabian were sitting around the two tea tables and occupied two chairs. This explained why she didnt see them inside. They sat as far away from Ilyana as possible, and Gideons face was almost green with envy as Ilyana sat across from him and bragged about their sumr plans.
Yes, were pretty much navigating the coasts of the empire. Ilyana looked smug. Were going to visit all the marches. Tori has already arranged it.
She got approval to visit Buchenberg? Gideon scowled. Thats my familys castle!
She had to get approval, or we cant visit, Albert said. She said that the Marquis General approved of our dropping by ourselves.
Gideons face looked even more irritated. Tori held back her grin and was about to take a step out into the garden when she felt a familiar pulse. She turned her head and froze; in case it was a fluke.
Another pulse of energy hit her, and she let out a heavy breath as her shoulders dropped.
The crystal table was calling to her.
She changed course and instead of going out to the garden, she made her way into the depths of the palace. The luxurious surroundings beca more and more modest until she was in a narrow stone corridor sparsely lit by dim crystals. Her body seed to know the way by itself, and she found herself standing at the threshold to the room quickly.
Tori tilted her head to the side as she saw a man standing over the edge of the table with his hands resting on the edge. He leaned forward and his eyes were closed as he took deep breaths.
Were you called? Tori walked into the room and raised her arm, putting her hand behind his shoulder and making small, soothing circles.
Piers kept his eyes closed as he took even breaths. No. I needed to be alone for a mont to breathe.
Tori nodded and removed her hand from his shoulder. You lasted a long ti today, Piers. From morning to now with little rest. You did a great job. She moved her hand to the crook of his arm to reassure him as she studied him for any sign of discomfort or additional stress.
If she didnt know him well, she would think he really was just taking a breather.
Did the table call you? Piers asked as he seed to calm down. The muscles in his arm relaxed and she took it as a good sign of his current wellbeing.
I felt a pulse, so I ca, she said.
Are there any changes?
Tori turned her attention to the table and squinted. The crystal table always had a faint glow and she found changes visually. She scanned the table for any abnormally bright or dim spots, but didnt find any that stood out at the mont. There were no energy fluctuations either, but she was sensitive to the table communicating crystal placent with energy through light.
For crystals, visualizing energy was always her strong point.
She swept over the table once more and settled on where Piers pale hands rested on the edge of the table. She furrowed her brows and moved closer, taking Piers hand, and lifting it up. As soon as he stopped having contact with the table, the brighter light faded. She put his hand back and the light grew brighter beneath him.
Tori cocked her head and repeated the motion multiple tis.
What are you doing? Piers asked as he stood stiffly to the side, letting her flop his hand on the table over and over.
I think the table really wants to go with you on the break, she said. Did the table know she was overworked, too?
Piers took a deep breath and took a small step closer to her. He lowered his head and bent forward, placing his forehead against her shoulder. Tori, Im tired.
Her stance softened and she raised a hand to rub his back. You worked really hard today, Piers. I know youre tired. Take a few more minutes to relax before you go upstairs. Itll be over soon. I promise.
She felt him nod against her and she stroked his back, listening to him breathe evenly.
I don't like this birthday. I want to go to the delta. She was sure that was code for I want to go sowhere where I wont be bothered.
Tori cracked a small smile. he'd wished him happy birthday that morning, before the chaos of the day started, but it was so busy, she didn't doubt that it wasn't enjoyable. Next weekend, you can relax a bit while everyone is busy with Ewans party. If you want, you can also co with to the primary school festival.
His hot breath rolled across her skin as he agreed. I saw their flier. Their writing is poor.
They are children, Piers, she told him in a dull voice. She invited him because at such an event, Piers would be surrounded by knights, so he would not be overwheld by children. The primary school wasnt very big, either. Tori had been delighted to find out that the date of the festival was the day before Gideons birthday party in Horizon, thus she had a good excuse not to go when invited. She frowned. Wait, its before your brothers party. Its too much trouble to make a round trip in a day.
I can make it. Gideons party is in the evening and is a dinner. That ant that Piers had ti to return to Horizon the day after the festival and still attend his brothers party.
Which led Tori to another question. Why is his party at the imperial palace this ti? She was sure if given the chance, Gideon would try to mooch off the connection to her and have a celebration at Viclya or a ga thed party at Duel.
Piers didnt answer her imdiately. He should restrain himself.
She turned her head towards him. Did Piers make Gideon have his party at the palace? Piers pressed his head against her shoulder, as if asking her to continue comforting him. She sighed and patted his back.
Tori closed her eyes and grounded, cycling energy through the m crystal resting between her breasts. She spread her energy out and found that Axton was approaching. She furrowed her brows and found it was much easier to find heartbeats. She instinctively knew who was moving around in the garden.
Why Ewan had decided to try the swing while standing on the seat was beyond her, but she made a ntal note to check on them before she returned to the ballroom in case he hurt himself or Albert, who was nearby.
She knew where each of Piers on-duty escort knights were, that the Emperor was with the Empress, and that there were three-hundred twenty-seven guests in the ballroom.
She took in a sharp breath and opened her eyes, breaking her concentration and losing the heartbeats all around her.
Tori? Piers lifted his head and gave her a quizzical look as his lips tightened. Are you all right?
Tori opened her mouth, in a daze, but no words ca out. She blinked and looked out ahead of her, trying to collect her thoughts. The more she used the m crystal, the better she was able to utilize its energy. All the crystal energy exercises Master Ramos made her do to beco accustod to it were working better than expected.
Im fine, she said as she lifted her head and smiled at him. She lifted her hands and placed them lightly on his chest. How are you feeling? Axton is on his way to get you. If youre still a bit uneasy, take so more ti.
Im calm now. He cocked his head to the side as he lowered his eyes and frowned a bit. How do you know Axton is coming?
Crystals. She pointed at her chest, where the m was resting, and he followed her finger. His face tinted a bit and lifted his head back up.
Piers, how are you feeling? Can you stand to co back up? Axton appeared at the doorway, and he stopped. His hands rested on the doorfra on either side of him and he leaned forward, into the room. His gray eyes squinted at them with suspicion.
Piers, are you ready to go back? Tori ignored Axtons gaze and looked back at Piers. He lowered his head and then gave her a reluctant nod.
A few more hours, he said.
Thats right. Tori rubbed his arms reassuringly. Just a few more hours and itll be over.
Piers inhaled and exhaled deep breaths. Axton looked towards the table. Is there sothing new?
No, the table is telling to take a break, Tori told him. The corner of Axtons lip curled up.
Im fairly certain that isnt sothing the table can do, he said before looking at Piers. But speaking of news, Voss found sothing good at the construction site in Fendersmith Fields. He said itll take so ti to get sothing tangible back-
Later, Piers said as he stepped away from Tori and straightened his clothes. He stood up straight, appearing to ready himself to go into the ballroom battle. We can discuss this after tonight.
Right. Save your energy, Axton nodded and stepped aside to let Piers out. Tori, are you coming?
In a bit. Im going to go to the garden after this.
Axton looked envious, knowing it was much more relaxing than in the ballroom. I want to go to the garden.... He muttered under his breath, but still followed Piers out.
Tori turned back to the table and took a deep breath. Since she was there, she might as well see if there are any additional changes. She grounded and touched the edge of the table. A ripple of energy lted with the gentle glow, and she looked over the surface to try to find any bright spots.
In a small corner of the Central Corridor, along a mountain border south of Nord, the glow was a bit brighter than normal. Tori closed her eyes for a mont and then opened them again in case she was seeing things. The glow remained, but it was still faint. It seed to lt west, into the border with Anlar, but wasnt close to Fendersmith Fields. It would be at least a days travel.
Tori wrinkled her nose. That area by the mountains was where Geyser Cliffs was. You really want to take a break, huh? she said with a slight shake of her head. She took her hands off the table and sighed. Well, if the table is telling , I should prepare myself.
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