The Empress appeared proud of herself for defending her son, but Toris mother only looked at her as if she were an idiot.
Im not talking about Piers, Monica! Im talking about Gideon! Formality was gone. Antonia stalked forward, her arms raised, and hands curled into claws as if ready to throttle her friend. The imperial knights, who noticed just how upset Marquess Antonia Guevera was, seed to rush forward to try to protect the Empress.
The sound of their armor clanging filled the courtyard as they surrounded the two middle-aged won and Tori, who was near-by. Spears were pointed and swords were ready to be drawn in defense of the Empress. None of this seed to bother Antonia as her eyes bore into the Empress.
Mama! Tori called for her mother once more and the two won looked over, appearing surprised that she was there.
The Empress gasped. She imdiately straightened up and seed to try to regain her imperial composure in front of Tori. She then looked around. Her eyes widened and she raised her hands.
Put your weapons down! What are you doing? she yelled, glaring at the lot of them as she turned around. This is a marquis castle! Do you really think the four dozen of you stand a chance here?
Tori turned her head and saw her family had congregated at the entrance to the castle, watching. Just beyond the few rows of imperial knights, there was an even thicker row of big, buff OTuagh knights. Their confidence mustve been imnse, as they hadnt even pulled out their weapons. They rely stood there, surrounding the imperial knights and looking ready to tackle and subdue whoever dared take a step towards their lieges cousins wife.
While Tori knew that the power of the monarchy was not absolute; they were still powerful and commanded respect. For the Empress to blatantly tell the n and won protecting her that they were at a disadvantage if they fought against the OTuagh knights was surprising.
It ant that she knew who their loyalty ultimately went to and it wasnt the imperial family.
Everyone stand down! Marquis OTuaghs booming voice filled the courtyard. The imperial knights hesitated and still remained at ready, but the OTuagh knights relaxed their stances. Lawrence turned his eyes towards the Empress and frowned. Monica Helga von Schwert du Soleil, do you know what your second son has done?
The loss of formalities confused Tori at first. It took her a mont to rember that Piers mother was also the daughter of a marquis. The Empress was raised in this very environnt and right now, Marquis OTuagh wasnt talking to the Empress; he was talking to another mber of their internal group.
It was a strange feeling of familiarity and, as Tori watched the Empress avoid eye contact with Marquis OTuagh, Tori understood that this familiarity and bond ran very deep. If she were the empress and Siobhan scolded her, shed probably react in the sa way, imperial title or not. These were people she knew supported her, and to let them down and earn their disappointnt and displeasure was shaful.
Is this about his knight dueling Tori? the Empress asked in a tentative voice.
Oh! Antonia scoffed, her brows rising. So you do know about that! She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at the Empress, as if asking what she was planning to do about it.
Toni, rest assured that Matthieu and I have discussed this, the Empress said, trying to be rational. Fabians breach of decorum and lack of discipline are unacceptable. Weve decided that after his second year, we will send him to La Garda.
Tori gasped. It was confird. She didnt think shed know the outco of this until the end of the next school year, but if the Empress herself said it, then she could kiss Fabian good-bye. Her heart quickened. Her eyes were wide with excitent, but she tried not to make it too obvious.
Her mother relaxed a bit, but still kept her eyes narrowed. Well...what about the other incidents?
The Empress knit her brows together and tilted her head. What other incidents?
Cousin, perhaps we should let Her Majesty and her entourage co in and rest first? Siobhan let out a heavy sigh as she ca down the stairs. She stopped in front of the Empress and did a curtsey. Welco to Moss Hill, Your Majesty.
At her cue, the rest of the family and their servants and knights all bowed or did a curtsey. Tori shuffled to her mothers side and mirrored her cousins movents. The only one who seed to refuse was her mother.
The Empress gave Antonia a deadpan look. Youre that mad?
Hes been harassing my youngest, Antonia replied without skipping a beat.
The Empress sighed. You can tell what happened, but lets not ignore the fact that my Piers has been very attentive to your Tori.
Oh my God, please dont say it like that. Toris head was still bowed as she clenched her jaw, silently willing the earth to open and swallow her so her mortification could end.
Hmph. Antonia grumbled, but still did a quick bend of the knee before standing up straight and pretending she didnt.
Ahem. The Empress turned to Tori and spoke in a regal voice. Lady Tori, is it? I believe weve already t.
Tori didnt want to look up. She wasnt prepared to et her friends mother in this way, but she had no choice. She took a deep breath and stood up straight, pretending everything was fine. Yes, Your Majesty. You did an excellent job at the pinecone challenge. It was well above average. Of course, that also included the scores of little children and other participants who didnt block any.
The Empress appeared pleased to hear this. She reached forward to take Toris hand. I wanted to properly introduce myself to you then, but my husband and I were trying to visit the school without much fanfare and a proper introduction wouldve revealed us, she said with bright eyes. Since we are eting today, I think we have much to talk about-Toni!
Antonia squeezed between them before the Empress could take Toris hand. Tori was pulled close to her mother, away from the Empress, and ushered back into the castle.
My cousins have prepared a al for you and your entourage. You should eat and then rest. It has been a long journey, Antonia said remorselessly.
Youre being petty! The Empress frowned. Im still the Empress!
Did you not say that even if you married him and beca the Empress, I should always treat you as I did before? Antonia said in a thoughtful tone. She looked over her shoulder and raised a brow. So, I am.
Tori was brought back inside and seemingly handed off to Andy, who decided to bring her to her room. Tori narrowed her eyes. What just happened downstairs?
Nothing to worry about, Andy told her, as if nothing was amiss. We four marquis families are very close. The Empress paternal family, the von Schwert, are also distantly related to us. Six or so generations back; not as close as the Gueveras.
Are we also related to the Nordursins? Tori asked as they walked down a hall.
I dont think theyve married directly to your family, at least not to a marquis, recently. And the last ti one of them married into our family was a few generations back, also outside of the direct line. However, the Empress paternal grandmother was a Nordursin, Andy replied. He patted Toris shoulder comfortingly. But, despite the dramatic scene in the courtyard, we all get along very well. Our loyalties to the imperial family, in general, are unwavering.
Tori narrowed her eyes and gave him a suspicious look. Why is it in general?
We may be overly familiar with individuals and treat them as such, Andy said, drawing his lips into a line. I was told your mother and the Empress were very close in Lyce.
The Empress was the one who brought Mama into Papas sights, albeit unknowingly, another voice said behind them. Tori stopped and turned around.
Kasey, where did you go?
I needed to make a call, her brother said smoothly as he caught up with them. He gave her a smile. Mama will clear things up with Empress Monica.
How much trouble will this cause? Tori asked. That was her main concern. What would the consequences of this entire episode be?
No trouble. She should know what her idiot youngest son has done, Kasen replied. Dont worry about this.
Tori was still suspicious. Is this going to affect His Highness having Lady Hart escort him?
Since the succession ceremony is at the end of the week and they are likely already on their way here, I doubt it, Kasen said. However, it is still good that the family knows. We cannot protect one of our own if we dont know.
I dont want to wield the familys influence so recklessly, Tori told them as they continued walking. After all, Lady Hart is the daughter of an impoverished baron. It would appear as if were oppressing them.
Tori, even the imperial family knows what it ans to harass a mber of a marquis family, Andy said. One or two misunderstandings or a few minor conflicts are unavoidable and understood. We must look at the big picture, so to speak. And I know you see this as childrens grudges, but it needs to be addressed while youre young, so as not to affect your relationships with other powers when you beco an influential adult.
If Prince Gideon is making baseless accusations and coddling Lady Hart at your expense, then this is sothing that would beco problematic when hes in a position of power, Kasen said. Everyone has their favorite, but if that favorite is slighted, how one would react is of utmost importance.
Wars can be started. Andy added with a firm nod. Let alone a simple, negative relationship with another power. The monarchy is stable in part because the marches are loyal to them. If Prince Gideon wrongs a march because of a barons daughter, do you think the imperial family would stand for it?
Tori shook her head. I just dont want to trouble our family. If I can handle it without having to use the force of the marquis, then Ill handle it. The family is already has a massive responsibility. It has more important things to do than be concerned with a cheating scandal and ridiculous rumors.
Small incidents can be exacerbated, Andy said as he put a large hand on top of her head. Be careful.
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