When they returned to Horizon, the city was decorated with flower garlands draped across its busiest streets and wrapped around light poles. There were many stalls and most streets adjacent to plazas were completely closed to traffic. Axton watched with amusent as Tori sat by the carriage window, peering outside at the brightly lit streets at night with the wonder of a small child.
Its your first Spring Festival here, isnt it? Axton asked.
Tori didnt peel her eyes away from the window. Yes, Albert is taking Ilyana and around in the coming afternoons, after were done at Lyce, to look at so of the popular plazas in the city since its our first ti.
Do you need additional escorts? Axton asked.
No need, Tori said. She motioned to Training Commander Reystrom. Nanny is coming with us. Beside her, the white-haired woman with icy gray eyes nodded. Axton smiled weakly and looked away. No matter how many tis he saw Training Commander Reystrom fawning over Tori, and even Toris friends, like a doting grandmother, he couldnt shake the image he had of her in his mind as that of a seasoned soldier ordering her troops.
Axton doubted that Tori knew how intimidating her nanny was. He let out a low breath and leaned back against his seat on the carriage bench across from them.
The Spring Festival of Horizon is sponsored and run by the imperial family and their staff, Axton told her as they crossed through the first district to get to the imperial palace. They often make appearances at this ti.
Tori knit her brows as she sat beside Training Commander Reystrom. Even Piers?
Axton paused and looked to the side. Not usually. Last year, Piers spent the Spring Festival in the great library of the imperial palace and Axton had been bored out of his mind. Piers ended up ordering him to spend the week looking into apartnts near Universit for them, which gave Axton the freedom to wander around. This year, Piers was participating at the suggestion of Prince Emil. However, this ti, hell be joining the Emperor and Empress for various functions. He was at the opening ceremony today.
Tori frowned. Was it all right for you to co with to the delta? Shouldnt you have escorted Piers?
I shouldve, but his orders co first and his order was to go with you to the delta, Axton told her. Seeing the alarm on her face, he quickly raised his hands to calm her. Dont worry. All he had to do was stand behind his parents and then sit to watch a few performances at the start of the festival. They were properly escorted. You already know he doesnt need to protect him.
True. You are a glorified food delivery person, Tori said with a nod. Axton gave her a deadpan look.
I know thats true, but when you say it like that, it sounds mocking.
Tori grinned. Is Universit not in session this week?
There are no formal classes, but youll often find soone going in to check on their projects, Axton said. By the way, what are you doing for Lyces Spring Festival?
Im helping the Sword Association and giving short introductory classes every two hours in the morning until lunch and then the last three days, were spending the afternoons at the Imperial Stadium.
The three-day equestrian competition?
Sonia and JP are in the pairs event on the first day, then Sonia is participating in the individual event on the second day, and on the last day, theyre both doing the target run competition. Theyve already qualified for the top thirty, Tori said. She had bragged that she and Ilyana bought ten seats in the first and second row, just a little right of the center, where she and her friends could spread their support signs without blocking anyones view.
Axton let out a low whistle. The target run is difficult. There are moving and stationary targets they have to hit.
I know, Im excited for it, Tori said earnestly. JP is aiming for the top twenty and Sonia is aiming for the top ten. They dont expect to place that high in their first year.
You never know, Axton said. Does this an the first two days youll be at Lyce all day?
Only until noon. Are you guys going to visit? Tori asked, perking up. Were having a competition where five people throw pinecones at you and you have to be able to block them before they hit you. Fifty are thrown and whoever blocks the most by the festival closing wins an E2 jacket.
Axton chuckled. I dont need the jacket, but that does sound fun.
It is; we even have a sign board where were posting the high scorers, Tori said. You can also participate for bragging rights.
Ill think about it. Well see if we can drop by, Axton said. He looked out the window as they began to slow and neared the palace. The carriage ca to a stop at one of the side entrances.
One guard stepped forward and saw Axton looking through the window.
Welco back, Sir Nassaun, the guard said with a salute. He stepped back and gave the other guards a nod. Without a word, the other guards began to push open the iron gates.
Ill get out here, Axton said. He gave Tori and Training Commander Reystrom a small nod of his head. Safe journey ho.
Bye, Axton!
He stepped out of the carriage and closed the door behind him without waiting for the footman. He stepped back and ordered the carriage to proceed before watching it return to the main street. It was only then that he turned around and stepped through the partially open gates.
He gave the guards another small nod in thanks before walking up the elegant circular drive to the southwestern gatehouse. As he approached the exaggerated dod portico with its statues and pillars, he saw another, far more elaborate carriage parked by the entrance.
Axton stopped in his tracks and stood by the side, waiting for whoever it was in the carriage to co down.
Axton, are you just returning? A tall, slender man with silver hair and violet eyes behind thin rimd glasses was just stepping out when he caught sight of him. He had a clean-shaven face and wore a dark purple military coat with gold accents.
Axton imdiately bowed. Yes, Your Majesty. I have just returned from the delta.
Did Piers send you to escort Lady Guevera again? the man asked, with a glint of amusent in his eyes.
Was that her carriage that was at the gate? A beautiful woman with thick, brown hair in a sleek updo ca down from the carriage after the man. Her dress matched his coat. She took her husbands hand and stepped down onto the dark, stone floor. She looked at Axton with a pouty expression. Why didnt you have them co up to the gatehouse?
Axton pursed his lips as he struggled to co up with an excuse. He couldnt tell her the truth: that he had seen their carriage arriving and didnt want to put Tori in an awkward position by presenting her to the couple in front of him unexpectedly.
Its already late and Lyce opens its gates tomorrow. She is leading exhibition classes for the Sword Association in the morning, Axton said with a straight face.
Oh, thats right, the woman said as she and her husband began to go up the few steps into the palace. Gideons helping his horoom class. He said they were working with the baking club. She looked at her husband with a glint of playfulness. Should we pay him a visit?
We will need to find out when he will be on duty and work it into our schedule this week, the man said. Then wed need to arrange it with Lyce and notify Headmaster Laurent-
Matthieu, I ant an unofficial visit. The woman sighed, tired. Its so ti consuming if we make it official. Theyll make us take a tour and sit through performances. Then a delegation of so sort will have to follow us. I just want to see our son contributing to his class for a few minutes. Perhaps buy sothing.
The man at her side made a complicated expression and Axton held back a small smirk as he followed a few steps behind them. His godmother was raised as a marquis daughter and people from marquis houses were far more willing to forego formalities for the sake of convenience and practicality.
All right. Ill have Rudolph assist us. The womans face brightened but the man quickly continued. Rudolph was the chamberlain and the mans forr personal knight and aide. But it must be worked into our schedule.
Of course, I wouldnt dream of simply wandering off. The woman glanced back at Axton and winked as the man beside her let out a tired sigh.
Axton, the man said, without turning around.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Do you know when else Lady Guevera will be on duty with the Sword Association? the man asked.
Axton almost stumbled. Pardon, Your Majesty?
Lady Guevera, the man said, looking over his shoulder regally. When would be the best chance to see her?
Oh! Good idea, Matthieu. I want to see her, too, the woman said, beaming. Toni says she looks like Gregorio, but Im sure she mustve inherited sothing from Toni.
Axton swallowed hard as two pairs of imperial eyes looked at him, waiting for an answer. Your Majesties wish to see Tor-I an, Lady Guevera?
Yes, Axton. You said she was leading classes for the Sword Association? We should aim for the mornings then. Is she there all week?
He was trapped. Axton didnt want to give away that Tori was on duty in the mornings the next five days. His eyes rose and he gave them a placid smile. I know shell be there tomorrow, but Im afraid Im not sure about her schedule for the rest of the week. She did have additional plans to explore the festivals around the city, as well.
The woman looked disappointed and her husband gently patted her arm. Beloved, even if you cant see her this ti, wont you see her at Lady OTuaghs succession ceremony?
Thats months away, Matthieu, the woman said with a frown. She narrowed her eyes at her husband. And didnt you say that you wanted to see her, too?
Ive been hearing things and Im a bit curious, but if our schedules dont align, what can we do? the man said with a slight shrug. Uncle said to just leave it up to fate.
Axton let out a quiet breath of relief. Then, Godmother, Your Majesty, I will take my leave.
Have a good rest, Axton. Empress Monica gave him a warm smile as Emperor Matthieu-Philippe gave him a nod to excuse him. Axton gave them one more respectful bow before turning around and marching as fast as he could to the wing where his room was located.
He didnt think he could get away from the imperial couple fast enough.
How was the delta? A lazy voice asked behind him just as he reached his room. He whirled around and saw Piers coming from around the corner. Their rooms were across from each other, as was normal for the prince and their personal aide until adulthood. At that point, the aide and knight would be assigned to an adjacent annex that also had a formal office.
The only reason Axton still had his room was because he was the Empress godson and the imperial palace was also his ho. His room was half the size of Piers and it faced a random courtyard. The view was lacking.
Piers room faced one of the private interior gardens and had a balcony with stairs that led into the garden.
Everyone enjoyed the festivities today and the villagers insisted on continuing the construction work through the week, Axton said. Tori arranged for the boats to take villagers to the test island. The response is as expected.
Good, Piers said. He reached Axton and tilted his head. You look pale.
Axton took in a sharp breath. I ran into your parents on the way inside. Piers rely gave him a nod. They want to go to Lyce to see your brother one day during the festival.
Piers nodded once more. The Emperor and the Empress did the sa in Piers first year, as well, except it had been a formal event and theyd only seen Piers from afar for a few minutes.
Is it Mothers idea?
When isnt it? Axton said. He unlocked his door with a crystal key fob and pushed the door open. He paused before going inside. He looked back at Piers. They also want to see Tori.
At this, Piers eyes narrowed just a bit and his lips tightened into a line. Theyve heard about her, he said in a low voice.
Axton swallowed uncomfortably. Tori is also Godmothers friends daughter.
They werent curious about her before.
Piers, Axton said as he took a deep breath. Everyone knows about her Lyce project at the delta. Many people are watching her.
Why?
Why do you think? Axton said as he stepped back into his room, as if preparing to flee. She ets all the requirents, doesnt she? Noble blood. Influential family that supports the monarchy. Vast wealth. Extended connections. People skills. Now, shes basically building a city with the collaborative help of the governnt, the church, and Universit two months before she even turns fifteen. Not to ntion that she and her instructor developed that cooking plate recently and theyre hoping itll co to market by the end of the year. I wouldnt be surprised if people already know about it.
Piers frowned. Shes not interested.
It doesnt matter if she is or isnt, Axton said in a cold voice. The Chamber has started looking for prospective matches for your brother to be announced next year. As of right now, no one is standing out more than Tori.
Reviews
All reviews (0)