Baron Hart appeared confused and looked from Tori and Kasen, to his daughter and her friends. Alessa was standing stiff with a look of horror on her face. On either side of her, Dimitri and Gideon were at a loss. Tori could almost see the gears in their heads turning as she stood up straight and faced them.
Your Highness, Mr. Guthry, Kasen said, without a hint of remorse in his voice. I didnt expect to see you here. Are you coming through on your way to Moss Hill?
Even Andy seed to have a bit of a smirk on his lips as he crossed his arms over his chest. He lood beside Tori, as if daring the two young n to say sothing.
My lady, my lord. Baron Harts voice reflected his confusion as he turned to Tori and Kasen. Perhaps you are mistaken. They are my daughters friends from school.
The corners of Toris pink lips curled up. I am aware, Baron Hart. Mr. Guthry sits behind Lady Hart in the second row of our horoom class. His Highness Prince Gideon sits across the aisle from her. She looked at Baron Hart with an amiable smile. I sit in the back row of the sa class.
The color fell from the barons face as he fixed his eyes on Gideon. He imdiately bowed. Your Highness! Forgive my rudeness! I was unaware that it was you!
No, Baron Hart, there is no need for an apology. Gideon quickly turned to try to calm their host, but tossed a glare at Tori. It was I who should apologize to you for deceiving you.
Deceiving...? Tori pretended to sound surprised. She put on a look of shock. Your Highness, were you not properly introduced?
Lady Hart, Kasen said in a firm voice as his cold, blue eyes fell on Alessa. As the hostess and the acquaintance of these two young gentlen, it is up to you to properly introduce them. Baron Hart is unaware of what His Highness looks like, let alone the son of the Pri Minister.
I really do have the best brothers, Tori thought to herself as she held back from beaming at Kasen for collaborating so smoothly with her without being asked.
Alessas mouth opened, but she didnt seem to know what to say. I....
Baron Hart coughed and looked up with a panicked expression. Son of the Pri Minister?
Mr. Guthry, Tori said, gracefully lifting an arm and motioning towards Dimitri. She looked over at him and gave him a sweet, innocent smile. Are you traveling with your parents? I havent seen Madam Guthry and Pri Minister Guthry since the end of the Spring Festival. Will they be at my cousins succession ceremony?
She watched as each sentence seed to make the situation worse. First, she outed them. Second, she asked about their parents and implied her good relationship with Dimitris. Third, she gave them a reminder that while Chetterswickshire was Alessas ho town, Tori was family to the regions marquis.
They couldnt touch her.
Baron Harts face reddened. He seed to be trying to calm himself as he forced a smile on his face. He raised his hand and looked towards the pale-faced old man lingering by the hall.
Patrick, Baron Hart said. There was a slight tremble in his voice. Can you bring our guests to the dining hall? I need to speak to my daughter for a mont.
Tori was glad no one could read minds, as she was internally cackling like a crone hopped up on caffeine.
Baron Hart, this isnt Alessas fault, Dimitri said with a look of concern. It was His Highness and I-
Mr. Guthry, Kasens voice cut him off and they looked towards him. This is a familial concern.
Tori tried to hold back her smile as her brother essentially told Dimitri to mind his own damn business. The butler ca forward after appearing to have to collect himself.
Your Highness, my lords, and my lady, he said. Please follow . Dinner will be served soon.
Tori gave the old man a closed-lipped smile as Kasen sent one look of warning at both Dimitri and Gideon before leading her forward, after Andy. It was one thing to look at Dimitri in such a way, but to give such a look to Gideon? Did Kasen have no fear? She pursed her lips. Then again, he wasnt afraid of Piers. Still, sotis, her brothers were too brazen.
Admiral OTuagh, Lord Kasen, Lady Victoria, please sit here, the butler said as he motioned to the right side of a long table that had been prepared for them. Mr. Guthry, please have a seat here. Your Highness, I will move your place setting.
Theres no need, Gideon said, quickly holding out his hand and moving over to the place setting across from Tori, where he would've sat. I would prefer to sit here.
The butler looked torn. Gideon was technically the highest ranked person in the building; he shouldve been at the head of the table.
Mr. Mulligan, Kasen said as he took a seat to Toris right. Andy sat on her left. Allow His Highness to sit where he pleases.
Tori almost felt pity for the poor old butler who was just trying to do his job. Eventually, he bowed his head and stepped back. I will bring in the wine, my lords and lady.
With no other servant in the house, the butler headed to the kitchen. The dining hall was silent and Tori had a slight, pleasant smile across her lips as she looked around. The light crystal chandelier was in good condition and none of the crystals were dim. There was a fire going in the hearth across the room. She liked the cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Your Highness, does your family know you are here without escort? Kasen asked in a calm voice.
I have a dozen knights following . Half of them are in the village and the remaining six are keeping a close eye on the manor. Theyre standing guard just outside the walls, Gideon said, as if defending his decision.
So, thats who they were, Andy said as he leaned back against his chair. He looked over at Kasen. I told you there was no need to confront them.
We can never be too careful, Kasen said. His eyes flickered to Dimitri. And you, Mr. Guthry. Does your family know?
Yes, Lord Kasen, Dimitri said, avoiding Kasens eyes. They are two days ahead of and I will et them at Lady Siobhans succession ceremony.
Oh, so you are here for my sisters ceremony, Andy said. How interesting.
Admiral OTuagh, we only wished to travel through without drawing attention to ourselves, Gideon said. Surely, you can understand that we didnt wish to trouble Baron Hart to host a prince and the Pri Ministers son when he cant afford it.
I can understand, but deceiving him was uncalled for, Andy told them. Do you have any idea how humiliated he must feel right now?
Gideon sat up and looked towards Tori with resentnt. He wouldnt feel humiliated if Lady Guevera hadnt revealed us! Tori could feel the temperature in the room drop.
So, you are saying that it is my sisters fault that your lie humiliated Baron Hart? Kasen said in low, asured words. The two across from them tensed. What if I were the one to greet you first? Would I be in the wrong to have followed convention and greeted you?
Gideons face flushed and he looked away. Tori raised a brow. She was sure that if her brother wasnt there, all the bla would be put on her and Gideon wouldnt shut up about it.
We didnt know that you, and Mr. Guthry, were staying here under false identities, Andy said. He sneered and shook his head. This was a mistake. I never shouldve arranged to stay the night. He pushed his seat back and stood up. Tori, Im sorry. Kasen, you were right. We should leave.
Leave? The butler stopped by the open door to the kitchen, the wooden cart he was pushing with two bottles of wine and two silver platters of carefully arranged appetizers creaked to a stop in front of him. He circled around his cart and rushed forward. My lord, is there a problem?
Theres a problem? Baron Hart appeared at the doorway from the hall with a look of concern. Admiral, is sothing the matter? Behind him, Tori could see Alessa wiping at her red eyes.
She almost wanted to scoff. Did you cry? Bitch, it hasnt even been five minutes!
Alessa? Dimitri imdiately rose from his seat. Are you all right? Gideon didnt say a word. He walked across the room to Alessa as she entered, forcing a smile on her face and pretending everything was all right.
Its nothing, she said. Im fine.
It was clear she was anything but fine, and Tori rolled her eyes. There was no yelling that could be heard; if anything, Baron Hart likely asked her what was going on and scolded her for keeping the identities of the two boys a secret.
Baron Hart, this is my fault, Gideon said, rushing to Alessas defense. I was the one who wanted to co without the imperial entourage and purposely didnt announce my identity in order to keep a low profile. It was not my intention to burden you or Alessa.
We didnt wish to trouble you, Baron Hart, Dimitri added. We thought it best to keep our identities quiet.
Tori wished she had poured so wine so she could enjoy watching this to the fullest. Before Baron Hart tried to refute or reassure them, Andy spoke up.
Baron Hart, there has been a change of plans, he said. My cousins and I need to leave at once.
Is it an ergency? Whats wrong? Is there any way I can be of assistance? Baron Hart looked torn between speaking to the two teenage boys and the two n.
Andys face was cold and he shook his head once. There is no need for your assistance, Baron Hart. We will have our n prepare our things. Tori and Kasen stood up, as well.
Baron Hart looked helpless. Then...then, Admiral, my lord, my lady, please at least eat before you leave. He waved his hands towards the table. My butler has prepared his specialty for tonights dinner!
The knights might not have eaten yet, Tori said in a quiet voice.
Kasen shook his head. They already ate, Ive checked. Andrew will leave compensation for the food.
Andy looked back at Baron Hart. If youll excuse us, Baron Hart. We need to inform the knights. They will assist us. He gave the lesser nobleman a wry smile. Please enjoy your al.
As he stepped around Baron Hart to leave, Tori paused in front of him and gave him a small nod of her head. Baron Hart, it was a pleasure to et you. I apologize for our hasty retreat. Rest assured that I will follow through with Stackhouse Bricks. Thank you for coming to et us there today yourself.
Daddy, you went to that womans place again? Alessas voice went from distraught to disbelief. Tori looked towards her. Alessas face remained red, but her eyes narrowed and her lips pulled into a frown. Daddy, shes not a good woman! Shes trying to take advantage of you!
Alessa! Baron Hart turned just as red. He looked at his guests apologetically before turning to his daughter. He tried to lower his voice. This can be discussed later-
You said youd never remarry after Mumsy died! Alessa said, choking back a cry.
Toris eyes widened. Oh my God, Im sowing discord. And it doesnt even have anything to do with . Suck it, ga. Im better at setting up sympathetic encounters than you.
Tori. She felt her brothers hands on her shoulders, steering her away. Kasen looked towards Baron Hart with a frown. Baron Hart, I suggest you deal with your family before you have guests again. He took Toris arm and pulled her out the room. Lets go.
As they walked out of the dining hall, listening to Baron Hart trying to calm Alessa in vain, who was adamant that Madam Voss was a seductress out for his title, Tori looked back one last ti.
Gideon and Dimitri both looked at a loss as to what they should do. Their hosts were arguing in front of them, dinner had yet to be served, and the poor butler was looking at his tray of appetizers that were going to waste.
Tori pulled away from Kasens arm when they were in the hall and waved it to get the butlers attention. Surprised and seemingly worried, he ca towards her.
My lady?
Mr. Mulligan, forgive my rudeness, but Id love to taste your cooking. Is it possible to take so with us? I will have any containers returned once we get to the next town, Tori said as she gently took his arm and gave him a reassuring look, as if to tell him none of this was his fault. The old mans face softened and he nodded.
I will bring it out to the carriage, my lady.
Thank you, Mr. Mulligan. Im sure it will be delicious.
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