Goddammit, Piers, have you no regard for your safety? Tori wanted to scream at him. Piers knew Sebastian was coming. It wasnt a secret; shed told him herself. She ground her teeth together. Never mind that, Tori. Focus.
She needed to defuse the situation at once, and without showing any favoritism towards Piers. If she appeared to side with him over her brother, then it would only upset Sebastian further. Tori tried to rember all the various mandatory manager training she had where she learned to diffuse conflicts between employees.
She turned around to look at her brother and slipped between him and Piers. Sebby, what are you doing? The figurines I bought for JP and Sonia are in those bags. Her brothers eyes flickered back to her and as soon as she got his attention, she opened her stance to appear more welcoming. She gave him a soft smile. Piers surprised us, didnt he? I told him to co for an inspection of the delta, but I didnt expect him to arrive this soon.
Her brothers scowl didnt diminish in the least. Why is he in your tent?
Piers isnt a regular visitor here, like , Nanny, or Axton, so he doesnt have a tent assigned to him, Tori told Sebastian. In fact, the last ti he was here, it was still winter. The front area of my tent doubles as a eting space, as well as my office. It makes sense that hed wait for us here, right?
She saw a flicker of recognition on Sebastian's face. She was being logical and pragmatic; things marquis children were raised to be. I suppose you are right. He looked past her, at Piers. You should put your work area in a different place.
Youre right, Tori said, never taking her eyes off her brother. I will do so when we have more room and available money. Right now, this is the easiest set up. I also study here when I co for my bi-weekly visits, so its convenient.
Sebastians expression eased, but he was still tense. Have a cot brought in. I will stay in your office while I am here.
Tori inwardly groaned, but didnt want to reject him yet. I will ask them to bring in a second cot. Her sleeping quarters were further back, behind another canvas wall and a flap door that separated the two spaces. If youre here, I can rest easy. Im sure I can learn from you, too. Youve had your share managing projects and hearing about your experiences will be beneficial to and the delta.
Her brother looked back at her, and his scowl relaxed into a frown. He took a step around her and shot a glare at Piers. Dont just walk into a womans tent without telling her.
Where would I wait? Piers asked, solemn.
You can wait in the carriage! Sebastian scowled once more, and Tori reached forward to pat his arm in an effort to calm him.
He wont do it again, right, Piers? She didnt receive an answer and looked over her shoulder, at the first prince. She narrowed her eyes. You will be more conscientious next ti. Right. Piers.
He looked away. I will be more conscientious next ti.
That was the best shed get from him. Tori let out a low breath and walked around Sebastian to lift up the flap of her tent door. Sir DeCamp, please go find Mr. Sima and ask him to arrange to bring a cot and other chamber goods to my tent for my brother.
Yes, my lady.
Tori slipped back into her inside. Neither her brother nor Piers had moved from their spot. She took a deep breath. Sebby, can you help bring my things to the back? My sleeping quarters are behind that wall.
Sebastian didnt take his eyes off of Piers as he bent down to pick up his sisters bags. Without a word, he stalked past Piers, glowering at him the entire ti. As soon as his back was turned, Tori looked at Piers with a disapproving frown.
Youre early. It was the only thing she could say to admonish him for appearing unscheduled when her brother was within earshot. I thought you were coming later.
I finished, Piers said. He took a step forward and thrust out his hands. For you.
She knit her brows together, but still lifted her hands to accept the bouquet. Why did you bring them?
Father said I should bring you a welco back bouquet, Piers told her, as if it were the most logical action. He always prepares one for Mother when she returns.
Tori clenched her jaw. Your parents are married, Piers. She looked down at the flowers. Now that she thought about it, shed seen this similar color sche in a bouquet before. It mustve been popular in the capital. Thats very sweet of him.
Are you happy?
She looked up from the ranunculus and let out a small hum. Im happy to be back and to have had a smooth journey. She could almost see the disappointnt in his eyes. Thank you for the flowers. Theyre just what I need to put so life into my tent. Ill put them on my nightstand.... Sebastian ca out of the back room and Tori turned and marched towards her desk. On my desk.
Do you like them? Piers asked quietly.
Tori looked around her desk for sothing to put the flowers in. She didnt decorate her tent, so she didnt have any spare vases lying around. All she was able to find was the wooden bucket where she tossed her laundry and the square bin she used for trash. She squinted and pursed her lips. Neither really seed to work.
Ill just put them on my desk as they are. Maybe I can borrow a vase later. She placed the flowers on the corner of her desk and tried to arrange them so it would look aesthetically pleasing. Yes, theyre lovely, Piers. Thank you. Its nice to have a warm welco upon return.
The corners of Piers lips turned up just a bit, but his eyes crinkled up. He seed satisfied.
Tori, why dont you take a rest. Youve been up since dawn, Sebastian said as he moved between them, as if to block Piers from her line of vision.
She almost nodded, but stopped herself. If she went to rest now, who knew what Sebastian would do to Piers. Piers would likely go with whatever Sebastian told him.
Im not tired, she said, smiling brightly. When the knights get here, lets see Anahata Island. I want to see what Master Ramos and Instructor Ignatius have been working on.
Sebastians eyes darted to Piers. Is he coming?
Piers, do you want to co? Tori asked. Piers gave her a singular nod. All right, then, while we wait, we can talk. I wanted to ask you about sothing.
Piers face seed to brighten. Dancing?
Dancing? Sebastian repeated with a frown.
Piers, why are you doing this to .... Tori stared at the young man with helplessness and disbelief. No, about farm land. An acquaintance I t at Moss Hill is coming to assess the surrounding area for farming. She has a lot of experience and when I asked around, shes one of the foremost authorities on agriculture developnt and research in the empire. She helped Kasey with the greenhouses in Nordur.
Piers seed to think for a mont. His eyes moved to Sebastian. Masters ex-girlfriend.
Tori silently scread once more. She snapped her head towards her brother, who stood stiffly to the side, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed. Piers, you should refer to her as Lady Idunn. Not as Sebbys...ex.... She grimaced as she said it, not wanting to upset her brother.
Piers gave her an obedient nod. Youre right. Father says that I should not refer to a young lady as soones.
What young lady...shes practically thirty, Sebastian muttered under his breath. Tori let out a low sigh.
Anyway, have a seat, Tori said as she rounded her desk to go to her little shelf. I have a good map of the delta for this sowhere.... She pulled out a half dozen maps and unrolled them partway to check the contents until she found the one she was looking for. She turned around, holding the map in her hands, and looked up. The Imperial family currently oversees....
Her voice trailed off as she saw her brother staring at Piers with a look that would wither a normal man. Sebastian looked almost ready to fight and Piers was avoiding his eyes, but standing firmly in place.
Piers. She slapped the map on the table in order to get their attention. Can you look at this map?
He turned around and stepped forward as she unraveled the map and used so books to hold down the corners. What are you looking for?
This is the section of the delta that belongs to the imperial family. This area is what has been allocated to us, Tori said, moving her hand over the edge of the river mouth and the islands. There isnt any space for farming, and I wanted to know if there is any possibility of renting the land further upriver for farming.
Piers was quiet as his hand lowered and traced so areas upriver. What area do you want?
Im not sure yet. I want to wait for Lady Idunn to co and take a look, and then discuss options. Tori glanced up. Is renting space possible? Once we have so inco coming in, we may be able to afford it.
He stopped moving his hand as it brushed against hers. I will discuss it with my father.
Tori let out a low breath of relief, but before she could thank him, Sebastian let out a loud cough. She looked towards her brother and saw his eyes focused on the table and the map. Piers hand was next to hers. They werent touching, but he casually moved away to circle another area.
Great, I will ask Lady Idunn to look over this area first, she said. She let out a small, awkward laugh and looked past her brother, towards the entrance. Where are the knights? Did they get lost? Maybe I should go look for them.
I will send soone to go look, Piers said, already stepping away from the table. I will also ask for sothing for you to eat. Its almost ti for your afternoon snack.
Tori could feel her brothers demanding gaze burning into her, silently asking her why Piers knew her snack schedule. In her defense, many people who were around her knew she liked to have snacks in the afternoon. She was sure even Constantine noticed it by now.
Thanks, Piers....
He looked proud of himself as he left the tent.
Dont tell he knows what you like to eat, too, Sebastian said. Tori looked back at the map and returned to her seat.
Hes not the one making the snack. But yes. He does know what I like to eat, but so do my friends. Ilyana even knows to alternate what lunch she gets , so I dont get tired of the sa thing. Tori lifted her hand and gave her brother a dismissive wave. Dont overthink it.
And earlier, what did you an by dancing? Sebastian asked as he sat in the vacated seat and seed to bore his eyes into his sister.
Tori raised a brow and gave him a shake of her head. I an dancing in the literal sense. At the Empresss birthday banquet.
Her brother frowned. The one where youre escorting him? His voice was laced with displeasure at the reminder, but Tori ignored him.
I dont think Piers will be able to manage dancing at his mothers banquet considering how loud and crowded it will be, Tori said as she lifted her red pen. She carefully made small dots around the map to mark off the land that seed promising for farming. He found out I like to dance and wanted to dance with , but Im worried it will be too much for him.
Sebastian relaxed a bit. It will be chaotic on the dance floor. With the amount of people who will be present, it is almost inevitable that you would at least brush up against soone in the midst of a dance.
I thought the sa. Thats why I told him that we dont have to dance. If I really want to, I can find another partner anyway.
She continued focusing on her map and didnt notice her brother smirking. Thats true. Ill be there, as well. If you need a partner to dance with, I dont mind.
Thanks, Sebby. Tori lifted her pen and scrutinized the map for a second before she looked up. But that would an leaving him unescorted and he could be overwheld. If Axton were here, Id feel more comfortable stepping away for a few monts. When we were at the garden party, there were a lot of people who ca to speak to Piers. When its just one or two people, even three if hes familiar with them, hes fine. Hes able to converse normally. The problem lies when he is sward by strangers.
Sebastian cocked his head to the side. Didnt you say that he was at your stores release event and talking to people?
They were people he already knew and expected to be there. Rather than a social event, it was more like a discussion. Piers was in his elent, Tori said before blowing across the map to dry the ink. Also, Axton was right next to him the entire ti, I was near-by, and he had a calming crystal in his pocket.
Her brother let out a tired sigh and ran a hand through his hair. Dealing with him is so troubleso.
The corner of her lip curled up. Sebby, it isnt as if there are banquets and balls every night.
He huffed and looked away with a frown. You shouldnt let him drag you to so many. Especially when Lyce starts. It will distract you from school and your project.
I know. If school and my project beco too much, Ill scale back the dinners and luncheons, Tori told him. Piers will understand.
He better.
Sebby, hes really trying to make an effort to be more social and mingle with nobles and aristocracy. She looked at Sebastian beseechingly and let out a tired breath. Kasey said that the marches all support him as crown prince, although hes lacking in the ability to socialize. Piers is trying very hard to change everyones perception of him and gain allies by going to these events because he wants to be crown prince. Cant you be more supportive?
Sebastian furrowed his brows. His lips remained downturned, and he didnt answer imdiately.
Piers is my student. As frustrating as he can be, I know very well how intelligent and clever he is. Tori watched her brothers face contort, as if it pained him to admit that. He will make an excellent crown prince and the fact that he is willing to socialize and et with people after he avoided doing so his entire life; the fact that hes willing to do that regardless of the discomfort and pressure it will put on him, tells that he is taking the position seriously and I want to support him. I do support him. What bothers is that hes dragged you into his fight.
Her expression softened. Sebby, he didnt drag . I willingly joined him.
He stared at her, perplexed. Why?
Tori drew her lips in and bit them. The future depends on who is in power. Both the empires future and hers. She smiled a bit and looked down. Also, he is my friend. I cant abandon him.
She heard Sebastian exhale deeply and she raised her head. He leaned back against his seat and rubbed his temples. The more ti you spend with him, the more people will talk.
Heh...I know.
He looked at her with uncertainty. And you are fine with that?
She shook her head. No. But its a small price to pay to support him. She chuckled and gave her brother a sympathetic look. Sebby, just because people talk doesnt an Im going to marry Piers.
His hands stopped rubbing his head. She saw the doubt across his face. Rather than listening to words, Im watching the actions.
She tilted her head to the side. Actions?
Sebastian shook his head. Never mind. He sighed and looked around her desk. What was your plan for the Empress Banquet? Are you leaving the night before so you can prepare at Aunties?
I thought about leaving the day before. Im also accompanying Piers to the final match of the polo tournant on the day of the banquet.
Sebastian raised a brow. Hes going to the stadium to watch the polo tournant. He knows itll be crowded and loud, doesnt he?
The Imperial familys private viewing box, Tori said. I checked.
And youll be all right with being in the sa room as that little brat Gideon?
Im not a child, Sebby. I can be in the sa room with him without issue. I am in the sa horoom as him, after all, she told him as she lifted her chin. Besides, there is also a good chance he wont be there. Piers said that hes participating in the tournant next week and his team is likely to play in the final match. She held back a scoff. I didnt even know he played polo.
Many children of noble bearing play polo, Sebastian said. Even Piers. Or at least, he would if he rode a horse other than that white one...whats its na...its moody and wont let anyone else ride it.
Snow Queen.
Thats exactly what I would expect him to na a horse.
Tori stared at her brother. Your horse is nad Victory at Sunset because I was born at sunset; dont judge other peoples horse nas. Im sure if the circumstances wouldnt overwhelm him, he would also play. Unfortunately, they do, so hell be viewing it in a private room with his parents and . She paused. Sebby, dont you need a ticket to get into the stadium? They should be sold out by now. Are you not going to attend?
Had I known you were going, I wouldve made arrangents. Ill make so calls to see if there is anyone willing to sell their ticket.
We can ask Piers to bring you into the imperial familys box. It was the most logical thing to do. She was sure the Empress would like to see her best friends son, as well.
Let make so calls first, Sebastian said. Ill leave with you the day before and well go directly to Auntie Lucias.
Master, I have permission to allow you and Tori to spend the night at the palace on the night of the banquet for convenience. Piers appeared at the entrance with a tray of snacks in his hands.
Sebastian gave him a dull look. We wont be doing that. The third district isnt far from the central district. There is no need to stay the night.
Piers placed the tray on Toris desk and quietly slid it closer to her. Madam Vargova said you may be hungry after your trip and ca to deliver this. It has been tested, as per protocol.
Sebastian looked at Piers with surprise. You gave my sister poison testers?
Nanny Rey is not here to cook for her, Piers said. I am being cautious.
Piers, what did we discuss about bringing people from the palace to work here? Tori said as she reached for so fried cheese balls. Madam Vargova had prepared Toris favorite village snacks: fried cheese balls, fried paprika chicken that were cut into strips and easy for her to pick up and eat, small baked goods stuffed with more cheese, and a creamy dip with cut vegetables.
Father ordered for two of the testers to co here to work until Lyce starts. He said your safety is of the utmost concern, Piers told her.
Tori wasnt sure how to take that, but accepted it. The poison testers in Soleil didnt taste the food and wouldnt be hard. They were specialists who used crystals and charms to look for any reactions against various poisons and agents. The charms could also be created to react to particular foods that one could be allergic to.
The Empress had an attendant with her who was her poison tester. Toris father said that the testers main purpose was actually to check for a particular seaweed in the regional dishes, as the Empress was allergic and would get hives.
Sebby is right. Well just go back to Aunties after the banquet, Tori told Piers with a nod.
Sebastian bit into a chicken strip. There is no need for you to be involved.
Piers knit his brows together and frowned. When will we dance?
So other ti. I told you, its not urgent, Tori told him. We have plenty of chances. Despite her words, Piers fidgeted and began to look distressed.
Co the day before and we can dance in the ballroom.
There was so desperation in his voice and Tori almost gave in.
Wont the palace staff be busy decorating it? Sebastian leaned forward and picked up one of the chicken strips. He bit into it and nodded, satisfied. Youll be bothering them.
There are other ballrooms, Piers said, his voice tightening.
Piers, I still have so much to do here. She motioned to the papers on her desk and the map. You know how much work I have to review. There are orders to go over and papers to sign....
He lowered his head and his shoulders dropped. I know. You are busy. We can dance another ti.
Piers turned around and seed to rush out of the tent before she could stop him. Sebastian remained seated, eating the snacks as if they were his, and watched Piers leave. Hes upset.
I know hes upset. Tori shot her brother a glare.
Sebastians eyes lingered on the entry flap Piers had walked through. He stood up and walked to the entrance, moving aside the flap. Who is escorting His Highness?
No one, my lord. His Highness doesnt wish to be followed around the encampnt.
Hes upset right now and not in the right state of mind. One of you keep an eye on him. You dont have to escort him, just know where he is. Make sure no harm cos to him, Sebastian said in a stern voice.
Yes, my lord.
Sebastian stepped back inside, and Tori stood up. He lifted his hand to stop her before she could take a step. Let him have his space to think this through. Hes disappointed, but hell survive. He gave Tori a stern look. Hes not a child, either.
I know. Tori sat back down on her chair and slumped forward. He just really wanted to dance.
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