You can pack. I can go without you.
Senior Kasen told to watch you.
Are you Senior Kasens knight or mine?
Yours, but you wont kill . They will.
Gideon heard the voices of his brother and Sir Nassaun around the corner and quickened his speed. He ca for a family dinner with his parents the night before, but his brother and his godbrother, Sir Axton Nassaun, werent at the table.
His mother distractedly told him that they had a prior engagent and couldnt make it. Gideon had been disappointed. Though they went to school near each other, he hardly saw his esteed older brother. Piers only ca to the big family dinners once a month and when he did, hed usually sit at the other end of the table with their Great Uncle.
Gideon rarely had a chance to speak to him. Since he was leaving that afternoon, he thought hed miss his brother yet again, but it seems he was lucky.
He rounded the corner and saw the broad shoulders of his brother and Sir Nassaun walking towards the gatehouse. Gideons eyes widened. Piers! His brother paused and looked over his shoulder. Their eyes t and his brother gave him a small nod before turning forward and continuing on his way. Gideon began to run. Wait! Where are you going?
Piers continued walking without looking back. I have an appointnt today.
Is it by Lyce? I need to go back.
No, its not, Piers said. Axton stepped a bit to the side, as if to allow a space between him and Piers so Gideon could squeeze between them.
Is it far from here? Gideon continued earnestly. He didnt hide that he was interested in spending ti with his brother. Piers was aloof and always busy. If Gideon didnt put in an effort, hed never get to say a word to him.
In the twelfth district. Im getting a suit made for Mothers birthday banquet. Piers paused for a second and glanced down at him. Youre at the age where youre growing quickly. You should get re-asured and order another.
A wide smile filled Gideons face. His brother had noticed he had gotten taller! He nodded energetically. Yes, Ill do that!
Piers gave him a subtle nod of approval. Gideon lived for those. No one else in the empire had a more outstanding brother than him. A top student his entire life, a talented swordsman, and a kind, but firm person. If only his brother wasnt so averse to being around other people, he wouldve made an excellent crown prince and emperor.
However, Piers hated doing anything remotely social. His only friend was Axton and unless he was talking about policies, trade, or had thoughts on diplomatic relations, Piers answered in short, clipped sentences. The fact that he told Gideon to get re-asured for a suit elated him.
I think you should also get additional suits for the lunches and dinners this sumr, Axton said, suddenly, from his right. Gideon furrowed his brows and looked at his godbrother.
Lunches and dinners? His notoriously unsociable brother wouldnt attend such things. If it wasnt an important imperial function that required his presence, Piers wouldnt set foot in a ballroom.
The corner of Axtons lip curled into a small smirk. He has been attending more functions lately. Havent you noticed?
Gideon narrowed his eyes. He rembered his surprise at seeing his brother at the Pri Ministers evening party months ago. Had Piers attended others since then? His lips fell into a frown. Was it because of Lady Guevera?
That selfish girl didnt seem to have any restraint. It was one thing to lead around her little commoner friends in Lyce, but to take advantage of his brother because of Piers connection to her brothers? She was going too far. Piers was not there for her to use as a prop to help her advertise and sell her ridiculous coats to the aristocracy.
His face was dark as he looked back at his brother. You dont have to go if you dont want to.
His brothers expression didnt change. Who said I dont want to?
Gideon tilted his head to the side. He didnt expect that from Piers. His brother had turned nineteen in the second month and for all those years, Gideon knew his brother didnt like going to social events.
Piers hated being around too many people.
He disliked loud atmospheres.
He didnt like to be touched and if soone got too close, hed involuntarily step away. If he didnt and was uncomfortable for too long, hed start to get very anxious and lash out if he couldnt leave the situation quickly. Why would Piers put himself in such a stressful position?
The only reason Gideon could think of that would change his brothers mind was that Lady Guevera was putting pressure on him and making him go. Many people, including himself, knew that his brothers famous Lyce project restoring aqueducts received a lot of help from Lord Kasen Guevera and that his brothers skill with a sword was sharpened by Lord Sebastian Guevera.
It was clear that their younger sister was using them as leverage to control his brother.
Is it because of Lady Guevera? he asked, but he already knew the truth. He didnt seem to notice Axton raising a brow at him. He kept his eyes on his brothers stoic face.
They walked in silence for a few more steps before Piers answered. It is.
I knew it! Gideons face reddened. He clenched his hands at his side. A girl like Lady Guevera was remorseless in using other people. Her circle of friends included the city guild masters son, who he heard managed all the paperwork for her store. It also included Agafonova, one of the richest girls in the school, who was always sent to fetch Lady Guevera's lunch.
Not to ntion Agafonova was the likely reason Lady Gueveras rank had risen so dramatically. It was obvious that she was using her so-called friends and was now using his brother for clout.
They reached the open doorway to the gatehouse and as they stepped out, Axton went to tell one of the servants to fetch a carriage instead of Snow Queen.
As they stood there, waiting, Gideon stepped in front of his brother.
You dont have to listen to her, he said in a firm voice. His brothers indifferent, violet eyes lowered and t his, but he said nothing. Gideon swallowed hard and continued on. I know you feel you owe her brothers for how much theyve helped you in the past, but that doesnt an you owe her.
Piers head tilted ever so slightly. His eyes narrowed just a bit. You think I owe her?
No! Thats what Im saying! You dont owe her. Gideon tried to explain. He lifted a hand and ran it through his short silver hair. She has no right to ask anything of you!
I am aware.
Then dont force yourself to go to those lunches and dinners, Gideon said as he lowered his arms helplessly at his sides. I know you dont like being around a lot of people. It makes you anxious. He looked down, wishing he could keep Lady Guevera away from his benevolent older brother.
It is sothing I need to learn to do, Piers said in a slow, asured voice. There is nothing for you to worry about.
How can I not worry about you? Gideon said, his eyes reddening. Youre my brother!
Since he was a child, his parents had told him that Piers was sensitive and shouldnt be bothered. He complained that he wanted to play with his brother, whom he always heard was brilliant, but his parents and the other adults around him told him that Piers didnt like being around other people for too long.
He was only six the first ti he saw Piers beco overwheld at a function and run out, yelling. Axton had run after him. Gideon was both worried and curious, so he followed them. He found his brother curled up on sofa in the library, eyes closed and counting slowly with Axton.
Until that mont, Gideon always saw his brother as composed, disciplined, and elegant. Piers was quiet and didn't speak much. When he did, people stopped to listen. He was the very picture of a young prince that Gideon aspired to be. Seeing his brother breaking under pressure he couldnt control was an image that lingered with Gideon.
He had decided that he could no longer be so insistent on forcing his whims on Piers. He didnt want to upset his brother. He didnt want his esteed brother to dislike him.
Gideon accepted that Piers was different and would go through his life doing what he wanted. No one in the family made Piers do otherwise, though his brother still tried to do the duties expected of him. The most Gideon could do was hope that one day his brother would overco the anxiety he felt.
Having Axton around did seem to help Piers, but Gideon would never really know for sure, as Piers declined all social invitations. When he had to make an appearance at an imperial function, Piers stayed rooted in his seat, went off to find a dark, secluded corner, or simply left the venue as soon as he could and avoided talking to others.
That was why it was such a big shock to see his brother at the evening party, which had fifty to sixty guests.
Gideon, his brothers low, smooth voice spoke up. I will make my own choices. You should worry about your own.
One of the white imperial carriages was brought to the gatehouse and slowed to a stop in front of them. The footman jumped down to open the door and Piers stepped inside.
Where are we heading to, Sir Nassaun? the driver asked. Gideon looked over towards Axton.
Take him to the flat of Training Commander Reystrom in the Academic Quarter, Axton said. Then take them to the twelfth district. Daybreak Garden.
Yes, sir.
Axton stepped back and looked towards the carriage. The curtains were pulled open, and Axton walked towards one of the windows and knocked on it. Piers gave him a questioning look from inside and then opened the window.
With a serious look on his face, Axton spoke up. Dont do anything questionable that will give trouble.
Gideon squinted. He couldve sworn his brother almost smirked. Even if I did, its not as if you can stop . He looked towards the front of the carriage. Go!
The carriage jerked forward, and Piers closed the window. Axton let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. Gideon stood with him at the gatehouse, watching the imperial carriage with Piers circle around and head towards the iron gates.
Sir Nassaun, Gideon said as the gates opened to let out the carriage. He felt a tightness in his chest. I thought my brother wasnt going near Lyce.
Hes only going there to pick soone up. Axton turned around and headed back inside. Your Highness doesnt need to worry.
Gideon turned as Axton reached the doorway. Is he picking up Lady Guevera? Axtons long legs seed to slow to a stop. His shoulders heaved with a heavy breath before he looked over his shoulder.
And if he was, do you think you could stop him? Axton asked.
Gideons face reddened once more. Why does she keep calling on my brother! How annoying!
Axton gave him a strange look and shook his head. Your Highness...Gideon.... I dont know why you dislike Lady Guevera-
Shes selfish and manipulative! She uses people and its clear shes using my brother!
Axton let out another low breath. Its not that simple-
I know youre just going to defend her because of her brothers, but Im not going to stand for it. I wont stand by and let her put my brother through such situations where hed have another attack. Determined, he marched up the stairs and swept past Axton.
Gideon! He made it a few more steps before Axtons voice bood and filled the hall. It was rare that Axton, though habitually informal with Piers, would simply call him by his na. He turned around and saw a frown across Axtons face. His eyes were narrowed and unusually cold. Do not get involved between your brother and Tori. I dont care what problem you have with her, but her relationship with Piers has nothing to do with you, or , for that matter. He slowly moved closer, until he was almost looming over Gideon.
Gideon couldnt help but shrink back a bit. But...shes....
No. Axtons voice was firm. Dont get involved or your brother will never forgive you. With one final look of warning, Axton circled around him and walked away.
Gideon could feel his heart racing as he thought of the uncharacteristic reaction of Axton at his concern. Did Lady Guevera have so sort of influence over Axton, as well? Was it because of her brothers? Her family?
He narrowed his eyes as his hands clenched once more. The Gueveras were powerful and wealthy. They and the other marches were the walls that protected Soleil and helped assert their power. His mother was from a marquis family and so, hed grown up respecting them.
But when he heard about Victoria de Guevera buying her way into Lyce, he almost couldnt believe it. Hed heard about it the mont he entered Lyce and went to his dorm. Her na was posted in the signboard listing rooms and this prompted everyone to talk.
Students from her hotown spoke very badly of her. Perhaps if it was just one or two people spreading rumors, he could look past it, but even upperclassn from the region confird that Lady Guevera was spoiled, arrogant, and had historically low academic performance. It was impossible for her to get into Lyce, so she must've bought her way in.
That was not befitting of soone from a marquis family, and it angered Gideon that she would act so terribly and sha her family.
Had she no sense of decency?
She was nothing like Alessa. Alessa was humble and calm, from a modest barony with only her father as her remaining family. She understood the plights of commoners and though a noble herself, she didnt act like one. And Gideon knew how nobles acted.
Alessa was kind and gentle. The first ti they t, she was trying to help another student find their way to the east dorm despite her own dorm being the west one. When it beca clear she was confused, she saw him and asked for help. She then thanked him and happily introduced herself.
She had a beautiful smile and Gideon couldnt help but wear his own when he thought of it. She was always willing to help others.
In comparison, Lady Guevera didnt even want to give up her seat when asked so that Alessa could see the board. Theyd already clashed the day they were looking for their classes. She snubbed him then. They had just t and she was so rude, even knowing that he was the second prince of Soleil.
Gideon narrowed his eyes. Now he knew that she t his older brother first and likely didnt bother with him because she was targeting Piers to use. Gideon let out a low scoff. Alessa had tried to tell him that it was likely because Lady Guevera was just tired from moving in or didnt an to be rude, but every ti he looked at Lady Guevera, she acted as if she were better than everyone else and even looked down on Alessa when Alessa offered her a map.
Lady Guevera rarely greeted anyone except for her roommate and her group from the excursion. Even then, she blatantly waved her wealth in front of them, making them buy new clothes and accessories for the excursion just so she could be comfortable. Those poor, foolish commoners were only following her for the benefits she provided. It was obvious. Why else would they befriend such an arrogant young woman?
They even stood to the side and let her control their tents and take credit for opening that store. Thinking about Lions Gate made Gideons blood heat up. He didnt plan to go to its grand opening, nor could he, as his brother went ho that weekend and wanted to speak to him about Lyce.
Hed been so excited to go ho only to have Piers tell him not to demand so much from others or abuse his status as a prince. Piers mustve been worried that the new environnt would shake his morals and Gideon was touched he was concerned. Unfortunately, because of this, Gideon hadnt been at Alessas side when Lady Guevera humiliated her in public and accused her of stealing her vest design.
He wanted to go and confront Lady Guevera, but Alessa had cried, clinging to his arm and begging him not to, as Lady Guevera could retaliate against Alessas rchant friend. Seeing how much Alessa wanted to protect her friend, Gideon restrained himself. Alessa also wanted to protect Lady Guevera during the cheating scandal, but the look of sheer hatred Lady Guevera gave Alessa because of it was now a shadow over Alessas heart.
Now, whenever Alessa saw Lady Guevera, shed try to avoid her and if she couldnt, shed shrink back, afraid. Then, Lady Gueveras misdirected friend slapped Alessa and rather than apologize, Lady Guevera protected her violent friend!
If it werent for his brothers words telling him not to abuse his status as a prince, Gideon wouldve demanded expulsion from Headmaster Laurent. All Alessa wanted to do was beg for her friend to be spared, but Lady Guevera wouldnt even allow for that. He didnt know what she had against Alessa to refuse her the freedom of a helpless commoner, and then to violently attack Fabian when Fabian was only trying to regain Alessas honor.
Why did Lady Guevera dislike Alessa so much? Wasnt it enough that she was wealthier and more powerful than Alessa?
Gideon ran his hand through his hair once more. He needed to be careful or else Lady Guevera would lash out again.
A flash caught the corner of his eye and he looked down at the glow coming from his breast pocket. He reached down and took out his comcry. His face instantly softened as he read the na. He slid his finger across.
Alessa?
Gideon? Her voice shook a bit and he frowned and ca to a stop.
Is sothing wrong?
I just...I needed soone to talk to. Alessas voice was hesitant.
Then, talk to , he said as he walked out into one of the garden courtyards. Whats wrong? Are you having trouble with a rental carriage back to Chetterswickshire? If you want, I can help with one of ours.
No, its not that, Alessa said. Its my Lyce project.
What about it? Were the sisters contacted by the Archbishop of Horizons clerks?
Yes! I am very thankful for your help. Having the Church of Belcoy involved will be of great help to the church and the orphanage. I cant thank you enough, Gideon. If I can ever return the favor-
Dont say such a thing, Gideon said, smiling intently as he walked down a gravel path around the garden. I want to help. If there is anything else I can do, say the word.
Ive already asked you for so much.
Nonsense! Gideon stood up straight. You havent asked for much at all. Im the second prince of Soleil. It is only right that I do what I can to help my people when given the opportunity.
You are a wonderful prince. I am lucky to have t you.
...and Im lucky to have t you, as well. He paused for a mont, imagining her on the other end, smiling at the crystal fondly. Tell , is there anything else I can do? You sound as if youre worried about sothing.
Its a small matter. I will find a solution.
Well, what is the problem? Perhaps I can be of assistance again.
Alessa seed to hesitate before she spoke up. As you know, my project is to help with the educational needs of the children at the orphanage. I have begun to look for teachers, such as going to schools and inquiring with friends parents about tutors who may be interested.
Did you find anyone?
I have! There were a few that were promising, especially for small children, Alessa said. However, they rejected my offer. I dont think the amount I was offering to pay was enough.
Gideon cocked his head to the side. Then, perhaps we can offer more.
I tried to increase the offer, Alessa said. But the ones I wanted to hire to teach the orphans had already signed contracts to teach elsewhere.
Where?
The delta. Her voice was forlorn, as if she were already defeated. I cant compete with Lady Guevera, Your Highness. I cant. Not when it cos to money.
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