For an introvert, going to a party was like going to war. There was a lot of ntal preparation that was often involved, and armor that manifested in nice clothing, shoes, and overall put together appearance. It was like this for Tori every ti and she was used to the stages of preparation.
Tonight, they would be attending the winter ball of Count Ferrero, one of the main vassals to the Gueveras. The Ferrero Estate was just outside the east gates of the city and it wouldnt take them long to get there. Tori had looked up his family and noted that there were two daughters and a son within a few years of her age. It was likely that she had been rude to them at one point and needed to prepare herself for eting them.
Kasen said to expect that other vassals would also be at the party, as, of the three they were planning to attend, this one was the largest. The Gueveras themselves didnt throw a winter ball. They had a family dinner. Instead, they threw a week-long spring festival in the city and then a harvest festival in autumn.
However, they still had social obligations and so mbers of the family had to make appearances. This often fell on Sebastian, the heir, Kasen, and now Tori, who happened to be ho.
She stood in front of the massive mirror leaning against one wall of her room, looking at the slightly toned-down version of what wouldve been a rococo-era dress. It was heavy and she had to wear a small hoop to make sure the satin and lace skirt ca down correctly. It had poet sleeves, ribbons, and a low neckline.
Tori looked down at her chest and pursed her lips. In her original world, shed use her cleavage as a pocket when, for whatever reason, she didnt have one and needed to free her hands. At her friends wedding, she needed to keep her car keys, phone, and a small wallet on her, so she shoved them in there and they fit in snuggly.
Now, she doubted it would hold a credit card snuggly. Im not asking for my Ds, Im just asking for sothing.
My lady, you look very beautiful. Tori heard the maid who just finished styling her hair into an updo speak as she stepped back. The gown the marquess selected fits you perfectly.
Tori took a deep breath and put on a little smile. Yes, the colors go well with my features. Her mother had gone with a sapphire-colored dress with gray embellishnts. Her hair had been decorated with sapphire pins and jewelry that night were sapphires set on silver. Get my coat. I should go downstairs.
The maid brought out Toris black Ilyana coat and she put it on, careful of the sleeves, and only buttoning it down to her cinched waist, allowing the coat to rest over the skirt. She headed downstairs and already felt hot in the coat. She shouldve known that this many layers of dress would keep her warm.
Look at my little girl! Her father gushed as she ca down the stairs. Her mother clasped her hands together, utterly pleased. A beauty just like her mother.
Tori smiled as she reached the ground floor. Im ready to go. Where are my brothers?
Theyre already outside, her mother said as her father offered his arm to escort her. Tori took it and they walked through the fortress to get to the outer courtyard.
A carriage was waiting at the bottom of the steps and her brothers were standing beside it. They were both dressed well, far neater than how she usually saw them dressed. Their black shoes were shiny and their suits pressed and dark beneath the mohair coats she gifted them. Even their hair was combed back.
It looked so odd to her, as she was used to seeing them with ssy hair, that she almost laughed. Her father leaned down. They look strange, dont they?
Tori snickered and gave him a nod before she was ushered into the carriage. Her brothers ca in after and sat across from her.
How are you feeling? Its your first ball since the accident, Kasen asked as the carriage jerked forward.
A bit nervous, she said. But were just there to make an appearance on behalf of the family.
Sebastian is the heir. We can leave most of the talking to him, Kasen said as he looked over at their brother.
Sebastian nodded. Count Ferreros balls are quite casual and everyone in attendance is familiar with our family. There isnt much dancing, either.
Tori nodded and looked out the window as they passed through Presidio. The old streets had lamps, but they werent as bright as the ones in Horizon, likely because the streets were not as wide.
It took less than half an hour to reach Count Ferreros estate and by the ti they arrived, there was already a small line of carriages in front of them dropping off attendees at the front. The estate itself wasnt as large as the fortress, but it was newer or at least had been renovated much more recently. The facade differed greatly from the usual building styles within Presidios walls.
Once we step out, just follow to greet the various lords and ladies, Sebastian said as their carriage slowly moved forward. After we greet the major parties, you and Kasen can go get sothing to eat. Count Ferrero always has a good array of food and drink at his parties.
Tori nodded once more. Their carriage finally reached the front and a footman ca to open the door. Sebastian stepped out first, followed by Kasen, who held out his hand to help Tori down.
Smile. Nod. Shake hands. Friendly greetings, exchange questions, and move on. Tori told herself as she fixed a neutral, business smile on her face and stepped out of the carriage. She took Kasens arm and was led inside. They handed off their coats once they entered the foyer.
If anything happens to that coat, soone will pay dearly, Sebastian said with a cold smile.
Tori resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She tugged his sleeve and gave a nod of her head to urge him to continue forward.
A set of double doors was up ahead and small groups of people were waiting to be announced and enter through them.
Smile. Nod. Shake hands. Tori stood up straight with her shoulders down and chin up to elongate her neck. She kept her pleasant deanor as she stood beside Kasen and followed Sebastian closer and closer to the entrance.
Lord Sebastian de Guevera, Lord Kasen de Guevera, and Lady Victoria de Guevera have arrived!
They stepped into the wide ballroom and the bright lights almost made her squint. She could feel dozens of eyes on them as they entered and she could only pretend she didnt notice as she followed Sebastian around.
Smile. Nod. Shake hands.
Count Ferrero, thank you for having us. Were happy to be able to co tonight, Tori shook the hands of a tall, middle-aged man who was beaming.
Its a pleasure to have all three of you co. How has your ti been at Lyce? he asked. He looked thoughtful. Have you gotten hosick yet?
A few tis, but I call ho often, Tori replied after shaking his hand.
Ah, its always hard to be away from ho for the first ti, Count Ferrero gave her a nod. Since youre here, be sure to try tonights food. Ive made sure to put out the best of our southern delicacies.
A genuine smile reached Toris face. Not to diminish your greeting, but that may be the highlight of my night.
Count Ferrero let out a laugh and ushered her along to greet the next guest. The line of greetings continued on. Count Ferreros wife, three other vassals, two local lords, and so visiting nobility ca one after the other.
Smile. Nod. Shake hands.
Last one, she heard Kasen whisper as they reached an elderly woman. Tori gave her a proper greeting and smiled. She answered the questions asked. She even stood there patiently as the woman, Viscountess Navarro, na-dropped her grandson who was in La Garda.
Hes only three years older than you, but if you are in any trouble, you can go find him, the Viscountess told her as she patted Toris hand reassuringly. Hes a good boy. Very handso.
Viscountess, there are already too many handso n in my life. Im good. I will keep him in mind. He is a Navarro?
Yes, Gael Daniel Rodrigo de Navarro, the Viscountess said. I will let him know about you.
Tori kept a smile on her face as Kasen interrupted and finally led Tori away. He leaned in closer. Youre not really thinking of contacting him, are you?
I was being polite. She seems like such a nice old lady, I cant say no, Tori whispered back.
The Viscountess just loves matchmaking. Dont take her seriously, Kasen said. His eyes narrowed. Doing so is a mistake.
Tori raised an eyebrow and wanted to ask more, but they reached the long-awaited tables of food. Toris eyes lit up as she pulled away from her brother to walk along the tables and get an idea of what was offered and figure out what shed get first.
Her first instinct was to go for the desserts, but there was so much more offered on tiny plates for her to pick at and get a taste of.
How bad would it look if I treated this as a buffet...and are there tables where I can sit? She turned around to look for a place to eat. Preferably a hidden corner or behind a pillar where she could sample as many of the food tastings that were laid out as possible.
Drink first, Kasen said as he handed her a glass of white wine. Youve been talking for a while.
Youre always dependable, Kasey. She took the small wine glass from his hand and took a sip. Where should we go to eat?
There are so standing tables along the walls, he told her. We can always co back, so there is no need to take as much as possible at once.
Tori rolled her eyes. Im not going to pile my plate with food. Anymore.... Theres so much, I dont know where to begin.
Pick what you want to eat first.
I want to eat everything.... Her voice trailed off as her eyes fixed on yellow slices of fruit laid out on a white platter. They were circular rings accompanied by small cubes and, as a garnish, there were the pointed leaves of the top of the fruit beside them. Her heart quickened. If this was what she thought it was, then a whole new food situation opened for her. Is this a pine-
Tori. Kasen stepped closer and motioned his head to the side. She followed his gaze and saw a small group of half a dozen teenagers approaching. Count Ferreros eldest daughter and her friends.
How bad was my past relationship with them?
Subtle rivalry at best. Parasitic at worst.
Her lips tightened into a line. All right. I can deal with them. Kasen gave her a nod and began to step away. Ah, but dont go too far.
He gave her a small reassuring smile and nod before taking a few steps back. The teenagers greeted him as they passed.
Lady Guevera, the young woman leading the group was young Lady Ferrero and she and her entourage stopped before Tori and gave her a small bow. Its good to see you again.
The business smile was back on Toris face. I am happy to be able to co. Its been a while since Ive been ho.
How is your ti in Lyce? young Lady Ferrero asked with a pleasant smile that didnt reach her eyes. Ive heard that youve had quite a ti when you started. There was a sharpness in her voice that wasnt well hidden.
It was a bit chaotic at first, Tori replied. But it isnt bad. Im at the top of my electives class and rank third overall as of the last exams. She looked back at them, glancing at their faces one by one. There were only two other students from Presidio who made it into Lyce and both were from scholar families. Tori didnt have much interaction with them, but she did look into them after finding out that rumors of her buying her way into the school were spread through them. How have all of you been?
Before they could answer, Tori saw a blur of yellow from the corner of her eye. She turned her head as soone grabbed onto her arm. It was an affectionate gesture and one that Ilyana often did. It was familiar enough that for a mont, Tori thought Ilyana had co to visit. She looked at her right arm and drew her head back.
A pretty girl with light brown hair was smiling widely at her, but Tori didnt recognize her.
My lady, youre finally here! You must co see this. Lady Veronica is wearing a hand--down dress from her sister! She didnt even try to alter it; can you believe it? Count Ferreros ball is the largest this winter; she should have so respect as a noble! The girl spoke in one breathless sentence, but despite that, Tori heard every word and felt a wave of secondhand embarrassnt.
Without answering, she looked towards her brother with wide, questioning eyes. Was this how I was like? Really? I wouldve hated , too.
Kasen seed to be holding back a smile as he quietly raised his glass towards her, as if in confirmation. Tori cursed Victoria.
She looked back at the girl clinging on to her arm and took a step back, gently trying to pry her off as she gave her an apologetic smile. As Tori managed to pull her arm away, the girl looked confused.
Im sorry, but Im afraid I dont recall who you are, she said in the most courteous, but sowhat confused voice she could manage. I dont an to be rude, but since I had that accident, I have so gaps in my mory. Ive had difficulty rembering people.
She looked at the others to try to read their reactions and most seed surprised while a few were in disbelief.
Tori squinted and prodded. Did you know I fell off a horse and was unconscious for several days last sumr?
The young nobles seed to snap out of their surprise and looked at each other before nodding. Soone else she didnt recognize stepped forward and gave her a dubious look.
Are you sure you dont rember people?
Unless they were family I saw every day, no. I didnt even recognize so of the servants and knights at the fortress. Now that shed told them, she looked at the girl who had clung on to her and offered her a polite smile. May I ask who you are?
The girl seed to think for a mont before her face lit up. She reached forward and grabbed Toris arm once more. Im your best friend!
For a mont, Tori imagined Ilyana sowhere in Horizon, suddenly getting upset and not knowing why.
Tori kept a polite smile on her face. Whats your na?
Angelica Montes de Castillo!
She tried to rember if that na was familiar. She vaguely recalled the nas from the few notes asking about her when she woke up, but none of them were from an Angelica Montes de Castillo. Once more, Tori pulled her arm away from the girl.
You are my...best friend? Tori asked carefully. The girl nodded and Tori narrowed her eyes. Then why didnt you visit when I woke up?
The girl froze. Tori looked at the others and could see the satisfaction and smirks on their faces as they watched Angelicas face drop.
Well, it looks like your usual kissing up to Lady Guevera isnt going to work this ti, is it, Lady Castillo? a young woman next to young Lady Ferrero said with a mocking grin.
Go ahead and answer her, another teenager urged with a smirk. Whydidnt you visit her when she woke up?
I...I didnt know...there wasnt an announcent! Angelica floundered for a mont before seemingly finding her ground and glaring at the other young nobles. But what about you all? I didnt visit, but at least I didnt go around saying Lady Guevera deserved to fall!
Tori almost grimaced. The atmosphere grew tense in an instant and under her eyes, the young nobles seed to freeze in place. Her eyes darted past them, towards Kasen. His earlier amusent was gone and was now frowning.
The group was silent and so of the young nobles seed to pale. Even if they had proudly said it before, it certainly wasnt sothing to brag about in front of Tori. She saw Kasen put down his glass and prepare to walk over.
She turned back to the group and let out a low chuckle.
Heh...perhaps I did. Tension gave way to confusion and from beside her, Angelica was looking at her with disbelief. It seems she really expected Tori to loudly defend herself. Tori had a wry smile on her lips as she looked at each of them. I wasnt a very nice person before the accident. I know that. And Im sorry if I insulted or hurt anyone. I wont make up an excuse, but I am regretful of my past actions. She paused for a mont and furrowed her brows. I will try not to be so arrogant and rude in the future. She gave them a small nod and stepped back with a tight-lipped smile. Have a good evening.
She took a step around them and walked towards her brother. She didnt want to elaborate any further and aside from an apology, there was nothing else for her to say. While she wasnt completely reconciled - she doubted she ever would be, considering she was apologizing for sothing she didnt do, she counted this as the most practical course of action.
Address the issue, apologize, and move on before it can get any worse. She didnt need to make friends and if Victoria was indeed as terrible to her peers in Presidio as she thought, then Tori wouldnt want to be around them longer and make the situation awkward.
She reached her brothers side and didnt look back.
How is it?
They look confused.
Thats good enough. She finished off the glass in her hands and placed it on a table to the side. She took a deep breath and slowly released it, then looked up at her brother. Should we eat?
Kasen gave her a nod. Have you decided what you want?
Tori looked back at the table filled with food and squinted. Whats that yellow fruit and where can we get it?
Reviews
All reviews (0)