OG Victoria had done many things that filled Tori with second hand embarrassnt, but this was the first ti she humiliated herself since she woke.
Excuse ? Axtons eyes widened as he drew his head back in surprise.
I an, its a pleasure to et you, as well! Tori shot up from her seat, her face red, but still pretending her first words to the first prince of Soleil and his personal aide werent fuck . It was bad enough that she was thirsting over two guys who werent even twenty yet, and in front of her brother, but she was sure the entire restaurant heard her.
Her panic was short lived as her defensive chanism was triggered. She needed to salvage the situation and she did so the only way knew how: putting on her professional facade and pretending she was confident.
Toris business smile appeared on her face as she raised her hand. Apologies, my thoughts were elsewhere for a mont. I am Victoria de Guevera, first year student at Lyce du Soleil. Please call Tori. Her voice was even and calm, without a hint of the self-deprecating tone of oh, fuck .
Her sudden change seed to montarily surprise Axton and Kasen, but Axton recovered fast and responded in kind. His eyes crinkled up as he smiled and took Toris hand. She expected him to shake it. That was what people did when faced with a firm business handshake.
His lips were surprisingly soft as they grazed the back of her hand.
Tori jerked her head back and blinked. This was unexpected. No one had kissed the back of her hand yet. She didnt think it was a thing here.
Tori, then. Please call Axton. His sharp eyes looked relaxed as he released her hand. He took a step to the side and looked towards the first prince of Soleil, expectant.
Taking the cue, Tori moved her hand in front of Piers. Your Highness.
His violet eyes looked down at her hand and she couldve sworn she saw disinterest on his face. He looked towards her brother and then, as if resigned to the action, the prince took her hand and gave it a weak squeeze before his hand dropped to his side. It was almost as if he hadnt touched her at all.
Tori wasnt sure what to make of it. Her hand was practically left hanging and she tried not to make it awkward as she brought her hand back. She had read him as a dominating CEO-type from his appearance: serious and aggressive with a hint of arrogance, but his action was anything but ultra confident businessman.
Kasen took a deep breath and released it. He didnt ntion the princes weak handshake and so Tori assud it was normal. Kasen moved back to his seat and motioned for everyone to take theirs. All right, lets sit down and order. Toris hungry.
She shot him a glare, but still bent down to pick up her discarded nu and take her seat. Axton sat to her right and Piers took the seat across from her.
Tori, please let us know when youre ready, Axton said in a pleasant voice. Were regulars here, so we all know what to get.
Oh great, she was holding them back. She kept a blank smile on her face and closed the nu. Im ready, as well. Ill just have the braised paprika chicken and so white wine.
Kasen lifted his hand and a waiter appeared at their table at once. He gave his and Toris orders before the other two gave theirs and Tori knit her brows just a bit.
Soleil was a parliantary monarchy, so while the imperial family held legitimate power, they still had to abide by pre-established laws and limits. For example, they couldnt just have soone killed for no good reason. That being said, wasnt her brother being too casual in the presence of Soleils first prince?
She and Kasen were children of a Marquis, but Piers was an imperial prince. Shouldnt he be addressed as such? He didnt seem at all bothered by the informality.
A glass of wine was placed beside Tori and she gave the waiter a small nod of thanks before bringing it to her lips.
She didnt read much on the first prince when she was on the train. He was ntioned as a side character; a blue underlined link. It was his brother, Prince Gideon, who was one of the targets. Piers was ntioned in Gideon's wiki article, but Tori had skipped it in order to read Victorias. From the plot of the first ga, Piers wasnt ntioned as having a significant part in the story. He was, at best, a background character who was only ntioned in passing.
Tori supposed his outstanding appearance was because he was the older brother of one of the love interests and the family mbers of the main characters, hers included, were all good looking in their own right. She could only imagine how his brother, the number one ranked love interest in the ga, looked in person.
Her eyes looked over the rim of her glass to catch another glimpse of the first prince.
Piers was taciturn and when he answered Kasen or Axton, there wasnt much of a change in his deanor or tone. His responses were clear and to the point. As unassuming as he was, that hot fucker across from her was the brother of the guy who stole Victorias heart and whose existence set her on the path of destruction.
As Tori lowered her glass, she caught his eyes and quickly avoided his gaze. She didnt know what to say to him; he didnt exactly seem open to conversation. In addition, she had no idea how his relationship to Prince Gideon was. Were they close? Would Gideons opinion of her influence Piers?
In the ga, did Piers support his brother and therefore, oppose Victoria? Did she have to be wary of him, too?
Tori? Her brothers voice cut through her thoughts and she lifted her head. She put a pleasant smile on her face, but her brother still frowned. Are you all right? Youre very quiet.
Tori collected herself and shook her head. Just taking it all in, she said. She made a vague motion of her hand towards the prince. I didnt know you knew royalty.
Kasen seed to relax. He leaned back against his seat and she could see a hint of a grin on his lips. Is that so shocking? Our father is a marquis.
Kasey, please tone it back for just a second. My body is noble, but my mind is peasant.
She heard a chuckle beside her and turned to her right. Axton was seated upright with a small white cup of coffee in front of him. Its understandable, Tori, he said. Its normal for you to be overwheld. Its your first ti in Horizon. Im sure you werent sure what to expect.
For sure I didnt expect to be seated across from the older brother of my enemy.
Dont be nervous. She nearly jumped at the sound of Piers voice. Her wide eyes looked across the table and Piers looked away as soon as their gazes collided. Imperial family mbers leave the palace all the ti. My mother often cos to this restaurant. We are still citizens of the empire. It shouldnt surprise you to see us.
Tori pursed her lips and stared at him. Sure, they were all citizens of the empire, but there was a massive difference in social rank. And wealth. And influence. And, in his case, beauty.
She took a deep breath. Life is unfair.
Tori, just treat him as you would a normal senior, Kasen told her. Piers is still a student and he must still have the sa decorum as any other.
As your seniors, we are more than willing to aid you as you settle into Lyce, Axton said, offering her a reassuring smile. Please dont hesitate to ask us any questions. Very fitting of the romance novel cover model; handso and supportive. As he was more talkative and directed questions at her, Tori was much more comfortable with Axton.
Then again, it couldve just been because Axton was not an imperial family mber nor related to the second prince.
The seventh district and Academic Quarter arent far from here, Axton said. There are many stores to choose from when it cos to buying supplies and the closer they are to campus, the more expensive they are. If youre willing to walk a little further, I can show you the stores we frequent. The quality is excellent for the price and its one of the few stores that will let you order in advance.
Tori nodded. That sounds great. I didnt bring any school supplies from Presidio. If we can buy them here, it wouldve been pointless to carry them with us.
Axton smiled. Senior Kasen, your sister is very smart. Tori couldnt help but smile back. Her cheeks ward a bit. Not necessarily because of the complint, but who wouldnt get a bit hot and bothered when soone as attractive as him smiled at her?
I heard youre ranked 78. Tori snapped her head back to face Piers, her smile wiped off. On her left, Kasen nearly spit out his wine. His face darkened as he looked at the prince.
Piers. Her brother said his na as if it was a warning.
Piers lowered his eyes. You said she was struggling in primary school. To be a struggling student and successfully enter Lyce is impressive. 78 out of 80 is still a near perfect score.
She wasnt sure if he was complinting her or stating a fact. It was very possible to score more than perfect, as there were advanced bonus questions that made the top spots competitive. Victoria had no chance of answering those bonus questions. A near perfect score on the regular portion of the exam was the best she could do.
Thousands of students take the test from all over the empire, Axton said. And only 80 are accepted.
80 academic spots, Piers said. His voice was a bit cold as he looked across at Tori. There are still a hundred other spots per year.
Those other hundred spots were for specialty niche students. They were high achieving in other ways. Auntie Lucia didnt test into Lyce for an academic spot. She was one of the best swordswon in the empire at fourteen. She received an invitation to study at Lyce.
Sebastian got in the sa way.
Kasen not only was invited for the sa reason, but also tested in. His rank upon entry: one.
Unfortunately, Victoria had no discernible skills. Testing into Lyce was her only option.
That wasnt Toris fault. It wasnt as if she was the one who took the test. Still, no one liked being called out like that. She looked down and played with the stem of her wine glass again.
The coursework of Lyce is known for being intense. Piers continued to talk, but his voice had lost its earlier edge. If Junior Tori needs guidance, I can be of assistance.
Her brows raised. She didnt expect him to offer. Are you serious? She was pretty sure he didnt an it and was only saying it because Kasen was there.
Piers entered Lyce ranked one, Axton said, proud. And he graduated at rank one.
Tch, who hasnt.... Tori heard her brother mutter under his breath. She cracked a small smile and reached over to pat his arm. Kasen gave her a gentle look before hardening his face and scowling at the other two. You know that if Sebastian or I were staying in the city, I wouldnt ask for you two to look out for my sister, but as of right now, you two are the most convenient option.
Tori held back her grimace. She appreciated having soone to help her if needed when she was new to the city, but she didnt want to be a burden to them.
Rest assured, Senior, we will take good care of Tori, Axton said. He and Kasen both looked at Piers, who acknowledged with a small nod.
Tori looked at her brother and wondered what he did to get them to agree to this so easily.
Kasen let out a low breath and nodded, satisfied. Two waiters arrived, each with two plated dished in their hands. They were placed in front of the four of them and Kasen gave them a nod. Lets eat. We still have much to do today.
He and Axton dominated the conversation over lunch. Tori mainly listened and nodded, occasionally answering when there was a relevant question. Piers was quiet most of the ti. Perhaps that was just his personality.
He did try to pay for the al, but Kasen denied him.
He and Tori took their carriage to the seventh district while the two followed on horseback. Tori perched herself by the window to watch the passing scenery.
Are you excited? She craned her neck and saw Axton riding close to her side of the carriage, sitting a little higher than eye level.
Who doesnt like new stationery? Tori said. Wasnt that one of the few fun parts about going back to school: shopping for school supplies? It had been so long since she last did so.
Axton chuckled. I ant going to Lyce. He looked up ahead and lifted his chin. Tori turned her head towards the front of the carriage and could see a few peaked towers and black tiled roofs in the distance.
I suppose, she said. She had mixed feelings. She was curious about going to school in this ga and wanted to see how it differed from her original world, but at the sa ti, with the soul of a forty-year-old woman, didnt want to relive high school. That was in addition to her being the villainess. Kasey told a lot about it and what to expect. I dont think anything will be too shocking.
I think youll do well in Lyce, Axton said. He kept his eyes ahead, looking thoughtful.
She gave him a doubtful look. Just because my brothers did well doesnt an I will. Rank 78, rember?
Dont discredit yourself before youve started, Axton told her. Test taking is just part of the criteria. Youll be evaluated on your project results and practical application of what youve learned.
Tori nodded and sat back against the carriage seat. Per Kasens instructions, they were dropped at the front gate of Lyce. The tall, black iron gates were still closed, but just looking at them and the brick and stone-faced buildings beyond them, Tori could feel its prestige in her bones. The three n seed to let her stand there and take in the sight of what would be her new ho for the next four years, provided she didnt fail out.
She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She turned around and faced her brother and his underclassn.
She narrowed her eyes and stood up straight. All right. Show what the seventh district has to offer.
She took out a folded map from her pocket as they walked along the streets surrounding Lyce. Kasen let Axton take the lead in directing Toris attention to various shops. He led them through so narrow streets, to check out stationary and bookstores.
Kasen and Piers arms began to pile up with various packages and bags containing things Tori purchased. Kasen tried to pay, but she insisted on using the money their mother gave her. Notebooks, loose paper, writing utensils and ink, cases of them, so reference books and various folders and portfolios were bought. One of the guards escorting them had to run back to the carriage to put her things away.
The three n offered their suggestions on a nearby tailor, cobbler, and fencing supply store. The twelfth district was across the city and it wouldnt always be convenient to go if she needed sothing fixed imdiately.
They passed by the neighboring Universit, which from the outside looked like an even larger version of Lyce. It was a gated town in itself.
If you need to find these two, you dont need a guest pass. The campus is open all day and night, however, particular facilities are only open during class hours and others require valid identification and guest escort, Kasen told her. Made sense; she doubted Uncle Maurizo would want random people entering his greenhouse.
Many students, especially those who are local or are doing graduate studies, live off campus near here or in the surrounding districts, Axton said. Piers and I have a flat a block from the main plaza. Well go back if we dont have anything on campus, so if you are looking for us outside of class ti, you can go to our flat.
It was a practical invitation and Tori was about to agree, when Kasen frowned.
My sister will not be going into any unrelated mans ho, he said in a low voice. Tori rolled her eyes. He was the one who introduced these two to her.
Axton looked a bit surprised. It was clear to Tori that he didnt have an ulterior motive. Senior, it would be good for her to know where-
No need. Kasens reply was quick.
Tori sighed. Its just in case of an ergency-
You can find an instructor. End of discussion.
Tori and Axton exchanged helpless looks.
If you need a quiet place to study, go to Cafe Fortuna. Piers spoke up unexpectedly. He had been quiet most of the ti, only giving his opinion when soone asked.
Wheres that?
Its a brick and ivy covered building. When you enter the main plaza and face the chariot statue, it is down the second alley on your left. The main plaza was two small blocks north of the front of Lyce. When they circled it, she saw plenty of places to eat and drink. Axton said it was a popular place for both Lyce and Universit students to go for als.
Cafe Fortuna? Tori looked for it in her map and lifted a pencil to circle the alley.
The entrance is small and the custors are mostly Universit students who take up tables, order a drink and small al, and then study for a few hours.
The corner of Toris lips perked up. So it was just like any other cafe in her original world. It sounded promising. I can always use a good cup of coffee when Im studying. Thanks for the recomndation. She looked up and smiled. He was more considerate than she thought.
It gets busy during test periods and late at night, Piers said as he glanced to the side. If you cant find a place to sit, go to my private study room on the upper floor.
She squinted. You have a private study room at a cafe? You can really do a lot when you have money and power, huh?
Madam Lillian runs the cafe with her sons, but Piers owns the building. Axton seed to notice the look of uncertainty on her face.
Piers nodded once. They will feed you.
Okay.... Tori gave a questioning look to Axton, waiting for him to explain.
Its mainly a cafe, but there is a full kitchen and als can be ordered, he told her. Tori made a little o with her lips. For a mont, she thought going to the private study area would give her free food. She wouldnt complain.
Ill give Madam Lillian and her sons your na. You can stay as long as you like, Piers said. Lyce had an open campus policy similar to Universit, however they didnt run year round and would be locked up during breaks. Those who stayed at the dorms also needed to be back at night or they'd be locked out of the campus for the night.
But dont stay out too late, Kasen said. I dont want you walking back when its dark.
The cafe was two blocks away. One step from the alley and she could look down the street and see the gates of Lyce from the main plaza.
Kasey, its close. I can get back to the dorms quickly.
He shook his head and looked towards the other two. If you see her there and its night, escort her ho.
Yes, Senior.
Of course, Senior.
The prince and his aide took Kasens order as if receiving military instructions. A duty had befallen them and Tori made a ntal note not to stay past sunset to avoid having to trouble them. She also glanced back at Kasen, now even more curious to find out why Piers and Axton were so obedient to him.
Tori, do you have a comcry? Axton reached into his pocket and took out a silver pocket watch attached to a chain. He flipped open the lid and instead of a clock face, it was a pale yellow quartz surface with a slight, smooth bump. Ill give you my information if you need to contact . You are our seniors precious sister, so we must take care of you.
She looked at Kasen, expecting him to deny Axton and say how dare you try to get my sisters contact information. However, her brother didnt protest and gave her a nod of approval.
Tori reached into her pocket for a round compact the size of her palm. She opened the lid, which had a mirror at the top, but the other half had a clear quartz surface, also with a smooth bump. She held it out and Axton touched the yellow quartz ring around the edge of the pocket watch with the clear quartz ring around the edge of her compact until both crystals began to glow with a faint light and her na Tori de Guevera appeared in dark letters across his crystal.
Similarly, Axton du Nassaun also appeared on hers. When their nas disappeared, he took his comcry back.
She didnt know if Victoria had a comcry before, but she was in awe the first ti she used this compact. She had gone to every mber of her family to get their information and would always smile like an idiot when she watched the process. It was as mundane as exchanging phone numbers in her world with near field communication devices, but to her it was novel and exciting.
To contact a person, she just needed to swipe her finger across the quartz and say a voice command.
Axton closed his comcry and slid it back into his pocket. Tori was about to do the sa when another comcry appeared in front of her hands. She looked up and saw Piers standing in front of her, holding open a similar pocket watch styled object with inlaid violet-tinted quartz. He was looking down at her comcry.
, too. His voice was quiet and Tori held back a slight grin. So much for the dominating CEO she imagined when she first saw him. His action seed almost awkward, but sincere.
She touched her quartz to his. Okay. His na appeared across her comcry as Piers du Soleil and when it disappeared, she closed her compact. Thank you.
He gave her a small nod and held the closed comcry in his hand.
Tori looked towards her brother with a big smile.
This wasnt such a bad idea. It didnt hurt to be on the good side of the first prince and his aide.
Maybe avoiding Victorias untily death wont be so hard.
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