They were responsible, experienced people who knew what they were doing. Deep down, she knew she could trust them. She should trust them. Yet, Tori didnt take the step towards the awaiting imperial carriages like she was supposed to and stood rooted in her spot, gripping the handles of her bag like a vice as she t their dull, tired expressions with unnecessary worry.
The high-waisted skirts need to have samples in three fabric types to cover three general weather conditions, Tori said as she looked at Ilyanas smiling, but sowhat exasperated face. With the sumr coming up, offer the VIPs a complintary skirt with their sumr reservation at Viclya. For the n-
The linen henleys with sleeves that can be rolled up, yes, Tori. Everything is set, dont worry, Ilyana told her with reassurance.
Tori bit her lip and nodded. She turned to Henrik and opened her mouth, but he spoke before she could.
Lunar Pavilion will be hosting the VIP presentation for Lions Gate apparel and Cosora Travel tomorrow, and Lions Gate CrysTech and Den the day after for extended partners. The courtyard is prepared, and catering is confird. We are ready for pre-orders, Henrik said. Tori pursed her lips and then opened her mouth again. Catering has been confird and tomorrows will feature the oyster bar while the day after will feature roast pork bites and minced pork mini-pies to advertise the szaros familys pig farm and Senior Southards experintal farm.
Tori narrowed her eyes. She turned to Albert.
Both the tabletop gaming club is ready to display the new ga and a portable escape room. The cheering committee for the Spring Three-Day has all the banners and confird their reserved seating, he told her, as if reporting.
Tori frowned, starting to get annoyed. She then looked at JP and Sonia.
Yes, we will try our best, dont worry. Just await our good news, JP said with a casual shrug. Sonia nodded.
Relax. Enjoy your well-deserved break. Sonia put her hands on Toris shoulders and turned her around. Look, a fancy carriage is waiting for you. Its been stocked with your favorite pastries.
Im not a child or Ewan. You cant distract with food, Tori said in a low grumble.
All right. Food wont work, Sonia said, conceding. She looked towards the man standing by the door of the awaiting carriage. Your Imperial Highness, can you unbutton the top three buttons of your shirt slowly-
Sonia! Tori whirled around and sent her a sharp look as Sonia grinned.
Only three? Piers asked as his hands rose to his collar.
Tori shot him a silencing look. Dont. Her friends snickered behind her, and Ilyana sighed.
Tori, dont worry. Everything is settled. All the events can be handled well and we know what to do if there are any small issues, she told her as she pried one of Toris hands from her bag and held it. Dont worry so much.
You dont have to do everything, Henrik said. All of this is too much for one person, thats why we work so well together. It spreads the burden.
And even then, you tend to take the bulk of it, JP told her with a knowing look.
Go and relax. Youll see that we can do this much without you, so you can focus on other things, Ilyana said, squeezing her hand. I promise if there are any big problems, well call you. Otherwise, if you dont hear anything, assu all is well.
The others nodded and Tori gave them an uncertain look. I trust you.
Good, Ilyana said. She tried to pull her hands away, but Tori continued to hold them. Tori.
Tori bit her lips.
Tori, let go. The longer you stay, the longer it will take us to get to Geyser Cliffs. Axton crossed his arms over his chest and let out a tired sigh. Montan dug through his bag beside Axton. While he was invited, he declined as he was volunteering at the tabletop gaming clubs booth during Lyce hours and had a full shift during both festival weekends.
God sister, he said as he took out a new charm from his bag. Master has approved of my protection charms. This is to wish you a safe journey. Montan held out the charm as if offering it to her and Tori cocked her head to the side.
I have one, too, Axton said, touching his chest and the charm hed tucked inside.
Tori reached forward and accepted it. She looked over the charm and found that it followed the standard format. Increased energy circulation. Thats all encompassing.
Master said to either make it very general or very specific. I wasnt sure what specifics were needed, Montan said as he lifted a hand and scratched his head.
It depends on the person who will be using it. I usually give them to people who will deal with physical danger, so I focus on senses, reaction ti, speed-
Tori, Montan, can this wait until we get back? Axton crinkled his eyes and got between the two. If this keeps up, we wont leave the city until nightfall.
Tori rolled her eyes. All right, all right. She activated the charm and folded it into fourths before tucking it into the inner pocket of the vest she wore over a long sleeved tunic. Thank you, Montan. Ill be sure to keep it on when were traveling. She gave him a warm smile and he gave her a winning smile back.
Its a two day journey there, Sonia said, giving Tori a little push towards the carriage. Get going.
Tori sighed and finally handed her bag to Axton. She then turned towards her friends and gave them each a hug. Call if there is anything needed.
Dont expect a call, Henrik said with a small snort. Just pretend the outside world doesnt exist.
Yes, you brought your water hammock for a reason, Albert added.
Tori forced herself to climb into the carriage before she had any regrets and firmly planted herself on the modified bench-bed layered with cushions, pillows, a soft blanket, and Alexander. She looked out the window as Piers and Axton climbed into the carriage with her.
Go before she changes her mind. Axton touched the communication crystal embedded into the side of the carriage to notify the driver.
The carriage jerked and began to move away from Lyces gates. Tori looked out the window and took a deep breath before leaning back against the seat. She really didnt know why she was so worried. Henrik and Ilyana were more than competent, and she wouldnt have gone into business with them if she didnt trust them.
I deserve to rest.... she said in a quiet voice.
Youve left them to take care of Lions Gate and the delta before. Why are you so worried now? Axton asked as he leaned back against his seat and crossed his legs.
Usually when I leave, we dont have anything large planned to happen during my absence. Its either planning an event that will happen when I return, or taking care of post-event things like surveys and reports. We will have the Spring and Sumr collection release for Lions Gate, the booths for the clubs at school, Viclya is having a weeklong festival and guests will be pouring into the town, and then there is the big event for our upcoming crystal technology releases this year. Im sure there will be a lot of technical questions.
Technical questions that Master Ramos and Senior Benedict will be able to handle, Axton told her in a reassuring voice. And even if you were there to explain the details, most people wouldnt understand.
Tori wrinkled her nose. He was right, but she still felt she should be present for such an event.
It is only for a week, Piers said as he adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. You will return soon.
She took another deep breath and slipped out of the leather flats she was wearing. She pulled her legs up and curled them on the bench before laying down and playing with Alexander's fluffy belly. The last thing she rembered was Alexanders rough tongue on the back of her fingers before she fell asleep.
When she woke up, they reached their stop for the night: Lunar Inn at Poppy Glen. It had been renovated within the last year and from the number of carriages already parked and the nurous travelers in the lobby, there was likely little to no vacancy.
Axton approached the counter from a special mber line for those who traveled often and stayed at the various Lunar Inns. They received small crystal tokens to be used and Axton, like Tori, had one for owners.
Tori yawned and looked to the side, taking in the various guests.
All your rooms are filled? soone asked as they stood at the counter with disappointnt all over their face. How can that be?
The Spring Festival is a busy travel period. Most rooms have already been reserved and paid for, the man at the counter replied. Im afraid we have no more rooms to spare unless guests dont arrive on ti to check in.
How do we know when there are available rooms? a well-dressed middle-aged woman asked.
It will not be until past midnight, madam.
Word spread through the remaining handful of people in line. As if worried there could be trouble, several plain clothes imperial knights surrounded Tori and Piers.
Of course, Your Grace. The rooms have been prepared. From the uniform of the man at the front counter, he was the manager of the Lunar Inn and rounded the counter to personally escort them to their rooms. He approached Piers and gave a bow before also bowing his head to Tori, but didnt speak their titles out loud.
Axton leisurely joined them and pointed out the knights who would be staying in their own rooms, as well as instructed the staff on the luggage. They didnt have much, as they only brought what they were bringing overnight.
The manager led them to the owners suite while informing them of how business was doing since the renovations. Business had increased with brand recognition, as expected, and prior to the Spring Festival, about sixty-percent of the rooms had been booked for at least part of the week.
I hope this is reflected with all the others, Tori said as she walked a half step behind the manager.
Many rchants that often pass through tell us they prefer to stay at Lunar Inns whenever possible, my lady. There are always many suggestions requesting that more open along the major trade routes all the way to Kings Harbor, the manager told them.
There are so on the list once the renovations are complete, Axton said.
Tori nodded. Yes, we want to be consistent.
Guests praise the consistency. They are pleased to know what to expect every ti they stay at a Lunar Inn.
They reached the upper floor and walked down the hall to the far end of the floor. The owners suite was on the third floor and essentially a two bedroom apartnt. As discussed prior, Tori got a room and Piers got a room, while Axton got the large sofa in the parlor. Four of the knights would rotate through the night to guard from within the room and would rest in the antechamber.
What should we do about dinner? Axton asked.
Order in, Piers told him in a firm voice. Make sure to order Alexanders al. Sir Lloyd, please take Alexander outside to play for a bit.
Sir Lloyd bowed his head and picked up the pet carrier Alexander was in. Tori went into her room to sprawl out and fell asleep again before dinner arrived. If Piers didnt coax her to eat, she wouldve slept through into the morning.
Although all she did was go to class and travel the day before, Tori was exhausted enough to get a good nights rest. By morning, she was a bit more energized, though if she had her way, shed continue to sleep in.
Two more days, Tori...two more days and you can sleep in at Geyser Cliffs.... She convinced herself to get up and dress for another full day of travel.
Tori, breakfast has been delivered. Lets eat before we leave, Axton called from the parlor. Tori stuffed her clothes into her bag and ca out. Breakfast was rather hearty, and Tori was satisfied. With a full stomach, she didnt buy too many snacks at the inns restaurant and store.
Did everyone already have breakfast? Tori asked as she reached the lobby. The knights, driver...?
Yes, everyone has already eaten and is ready to go, Axton replied.
Piers checked his watch. We are on schedule and will arrive at the next stop before sunset. If we leave at the sa ti tomorrow morning, we will reach Geyser Cliffs by noon.
Tori nodded. Thats not a bad ti. That ant that by tomorrow afternoon, she could be neck deep in steaming water, happily ignorant of the outside world.
Axton grinned. Happy youve co?
Ill be happy when Im in the water, she replied with a grin of her own. They walked out the front door of the lobby and she heard soone call her na.
Countess Guevera?
Tori felt a chill before she recognized the voice. She turned her head and kept a pleasant look on her face as she gave a young woman stepping down from a carriage a nod.
Baroness Hart, what a coincidence. Tori scread internally. Are you traveling through, as well?
Alessa was dressed in a simple dress and a light traveling cloak. She bounded over with a wide smile and nodded. Yes, my lady! We arrived late last night, but this inn was full, so we stayed at another inn down the street. However, I was told that you can buy food for travel here, so I wanted to stop before we continued on our way.
Tori nodded. Yes, for the convenience of guests, the restaurant and store are open all day and have a small crew at night. She tilted her head to the side. Are you going to see the construction site at Fendersmith Fields? I recall you telling you were planning to go during the Spring Festival.
I am! Alessa seed pleased Tori rembered. Its another two days to the site, but Ill have ti to take a look before returning to school. And you? Where are you going?
Oh, were checking on so of the newly renovated Lunar Inns, Tori told her with a smile. Its one thing to hear that theyre doing well, but I wanted to see with my own eyes.
Will you be in the Fendersmith Fields area? Alessa asked with a hopeful expression.
Tori gave her a helpless look and shook her head. Unfortunately, no. We dont have any inns in that location.
Alessas shoulder slumped. Then, I hope you can co another ti.
Tori nodded and gave her another nod before excusing herself and climbing into the carriage. The door closed and Tori leaned back against her carriage bench.
Hart is going to Fendersmith Fields this week? Piers asked, raising his brow. He looked towards Axton, who frowned.
It looks like it. Axton looked back at him. Its a good distraction.
Tori furrowed her brows. Did you send soone to Fendersmith Fields?
Piers looked towards her for a mont before gazing out the window. Yes. He didnt say any more and Tori wrinkled her nose.
Youre not supposed to worry about it, Axton said with a chuckle. So, dont. Its just intelligence gathering. Nothing too dangerous at all.
She furrowed her brows. Did you send Ka-
Tori. Piers looked at her and frowned. You are here to relax.
She took a deep breath. Right...Im here to relax. She sank back into the seat. After a few monts, she adjusted her seat and brought her leg up. A mont later, she stretched them out. Her eyes crinkled up. Axton raised a brow from across the carriage as she shifted again.
Tori, you really dont know what to do with yourself if youre not working on sothing.... he said.
Piers seed to take a deep breath. He bent down and opened one of the compartnts beneath the seat and took out a folio. He placed it on the table between them. These are manor house designs that have been collected to fit on NE12 while still leaving outdoor space for a garden and courtyard. He slid the folio closer to her. Why dont you take a look and see if you like any of them.
Toris brows shot up and tilted her head. Manor house designs.... Like a stray cat lured with food, she inched towards the table with trepidation. For my island?
Yes, Piers said. If you like parts of one, but not the rest, they can be changed. He put a pencil on the table. Whatever you pick, the architects can work with.
Her eyes lit up and she opened the folio. The very first drawing caught her eye, and she held back a smile. She pretended she didnt hear Axton ask Piers if he was distracting Tori.
She also pretended she didnt hear Piers answer. It works on Fifi.
Reviews
All reviews (0)