It mustve been the muffled sound of the horses pulling the large carriage or perhaps the slight creak of the wood, but Tori tilted her head and rubbed her ear. She was sure she heard incorrectly.
What? She furrowed her brows and squinted at Axton, who was seated on the bench across from her, Ilyana, and Nanny Rey.
I mustve heard wrong as well, Ilyana let out a small, nervous laugh. She looked almost pained. What did you say, Sir Nassaun?
Axtons lips were in a tight line as he looked at them under the dim light of the crystals in the carriage.
The Empress wants to send His Highness Prince Gideon to the delta. It is his punishnt for abusing his status to get a policy enacted targeting you.
Toris mouth was agape as for a mont, her thoughts blanked. Seated next to Axton, Henrik had a similar look, only with a bit more horror. Beside him, Constantine looked confused.
Why. A low voice, dripping with irritation filled the carriage and Tori looked towards Ilyana on her right. Her friends beautiful face was twisted with anger as her jaw clenched and her small hands clenched over her lap.
Axton inhaled deeply. She wants him to look at the people whose lives he almost ruined.
Tori let out a low breath and tilted her head back. She leaned against the back of the bench as she closed her eyes. Her entire body suddenly felt tired and heavy. Ilyana scooted closer and gave her a hug.
I dont want him to co to the delta, Tori said. He has no business there.
I know. Axton closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.
Constantine leaned forward and looked towards Axton. Is this an imperial order?
Tori, Ilyana, and Henrik also looked at Axton. Tori silently prayed that he had heard wrong; that perhaps the Empress was simply contemplating sending her idiot second son to the delta.
Axton looked almost pained and he nodded.
A collective groan ca from the trio. Even Constantine shut his eyes tight and shook his head.
All right, but when? Henrik asked. She certainly cant be planning on sending him alone, does she?
She plans to have him co along during one of your bi-weekly trips," Axton replied. Considering the construction, its probably the safest option.
The safest option is if he didnt co at all.... Ilyana muttered under her breath. Tori put an arm around her and nodded.
Well, were not going next week. Its Lions Gates anniversary. Well be busy all weekend, Henrik said.
The week after that is midterm exams..., Constantine looked at the group. We are planning to go after midterm exams.
Oh, just what I need during an already stressful period, Tori said, scowling. We have pressing business, exams, and now this.
Axton held his hands up. The date isnt confird yet. She is going to wait until after midterm exams are over, but we dont know when.
Do we at least get a warning? Tori asked with a frown.
Yes. We will tell you and youll also receive a formal letter from her about this, Axton said.
Is he going to stay the whole weekend? Iyana asked. Axton nodded. She looked at Tori. Well need to have a tent prepared.
And additional knights will need to be stationed since hes an imperial family mber, Henrik said.
If knights are involved, will he bring Sir von Dorn? Ilyana scrunched her face, as if disgusted at the very idea.
Toris eyes widened. It wasnt Fabian she was worried about, so much as Alessa appearing and sticking her nose God-only-knew where.
Hes not going to bring Fabian, Axton said. He leaned back against the bench and crossed his arms over his chest.
Youre sure about this? Tori narrowed her eyes.
Fabian is training with the imperial knight cadets on the weekends. He has to if he wants to improve, Axton told them. Therefore, Gideon will be accompanied by additional knights. You dont have to worry about arranging that.
What are the chances that hes going to bring Miss Hart? Toris demanding look never faded. At the na of the other student, Ilyana stiffened next to her and her face darkened once more.
He is not allowed to bring anyone. Itll be only him, Axton said.
What reassurance do we have that it will be only him? Tori asked. How do we know that he wont tell her or Sir von Dorn, or even Mr. Guthry, that hell be going to the delta and that they wont follow him on their own?
I doubt the village guards at the entrance to the road leading into the village will be able to stop them, Henrik said.
Theyd likely co into the village to check to see if theyre allowed and if His Highness the second prince is there, then hes going to let them in, Ilyana added, as if assured that it would happen exactly as she said.
Axton looked at them with a bit of confusion. What do you all think of the second prince?
We havent exactly had very pleasant experiences with Prince Gideon since we started Lyce, Tori said in a dry voice. Ilyana nodded vehently in agreent. To be honest, I just dont trust him to co and be a casual observer. Nor do I trust him to co alone.
Axton reached up and scratched his head. I didnt know you had such a concern.
Axton, she was at the Empress birthday banquet. None of us knew she was going to be there, Tori said. If shes that close to the second prince, whats to assure us that she wont co, as well?
It was Miss Hart who was the cause of the vest debacle last year and it was her rchant friend who bought the bricks, Constantine said quietly. He furrowed his brows and looked up at Tori. Didnt you say that the First Prince said his brother had requested the budget limitation policy in order to aid his friend? Could it be Miss Hart?
I told you it was obvious, Ilyana said, pouting.
We decided to purposely seek labor and staff from outside of Horizon so as to avoid a floating labor shortage for the foreseeable future, Tori said. Piers suggested that. It also let us be more selective in who we hire.
Its worked out well. Henrik agreed. He looked at Constantine. The delta is being built at an astonishing rate.
To be fair, a lot of money is being poured into it and we dont have a lot of people to answer to that may hinder us, Tori told them. She shook her head. I still dont feel comfortable with the second prince coming. Im sure my mother has sothing to do with this. Ill call her when we get to the delta.
Axton nodded. All right. When we stop for our next break, Ill switch with Ewan and let him sleep the rest of the way there. They looked at the window and saw Ewan on Axtons horse, Blue River, seemingly talking to the horse.
Well...lets hope my conversation with Mama goes as well as Ewans with Blue River.
I thought I was going to die! Albert laid across the chaise in Cafe Fortuna as the others surrounded him. It was dark and cold outside, but the air inside the cafe was warm, though anything but relaxed.
Youre not going to die. Sonia rolled her eyes.
Nearly everyones ranks dropped during the reviews, Henrik said, shaking his head. What else do you expect with academic students so desperate to get into Ilyanas reviews for the midterm exams?
Albert tried to open both eyes, but his right one could barely do so. I didnt expect a fight to break out and then get hit in the eye!
Tori put her hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down against the chaise so the small towel with ice could lay around his eye without falling off.
Calm down. Getting all riled up isnt going to get the swelling down, Sonia said with a frown. She adjusted the small towel to cover the forming bruise. We told you not to try to stop them.
They were going to riot, Albert grumbled.
Constantine was seated by the window, his hair disheveled and a button from his jacket missing. I didnt think this would get so competitive that people would resort to fighting for a spot.
Henrik leaned back against one of the plush chairs next to the chaise and let out a tired breath. The largest study room at the dorm isnt large enough to hold half of the academic students. Her reviews are also attracting niche students now. Its impossible to fit that many people in the room, even standing.
A small bell rang as the door to the cafe opened. Everyone turned towards the door and saw JP hold the door open for Ilyana as she walked with Nanny Rey at her side and Ewan behind her. Ilyana was slumped forward and pale; her brown eyes wet and red as she took small steps inside.
Tori moved from the chaise to the front of the cafe to give her a hug. Ilyana raised her arms and wrapped them around Tori as she turned her head and put it against Toris shoulder.
Its all right, Tori said softly as she gently led Ilyana towards one of the oversized plush chairs to sit. As Ilyana sat down, Tori sat on the arm of the chair so she could keep Ilyana against her.
I dont want to hold any more review sessions after this! Ilyanas voice was strained and Nanny Rey stroked her back to try to calm her.
You dont have to if you dont want to, Tori said as she stroked Ilyanas hair back. They should be thankful you even decided to keep doing them.
Ilyanas eyes narrowed. They got into a fight to get in. Its just a review! Its ridiculous!
Tori sighed. I know.
People got hurt. Look at Albert! She turned towards the chaise, guilty. Sorry, Albert.
Its not your fault, he told her as he laid there with an iced towel on one eye. Youre a victim, too.
Tori looked towards JP. What did Headmaster say?
JP took a deep breath. He leaned against the side of the chaise and crossed his arms. No more reviews in the dorm study rooms; there is not enough capacity and he worries this will happen again. If Ilyana wants to keep having reviews, he will have one of the guest lecture halls opened for her and will ask for staff to be present.
I think we should force students to sign up ahead of ti so she knows how much to expect, Tori said. This has gotten out of hand.
Albert snorted. Im all for having people sign up ahead of ti.
Sonia nodded and looked towards Ilyana. But only if Ilyana wants to keep doing it. Everyone turned to the upset young woman on the chair.
Ilyanas eyes were narrowed and her lips were in a tight line. Ill think about it. Its not too late to do reviews next week. For now, well just keep doing our smaller reviews here.
Several of them let out small breaths of relief, agreeing with her decision to take her ti and consider if she wanted to continue. Ilyana enjoyed giving review sessions and felt that they helped her review the material, as well. However, what happened an hour ago was unexpected.
The bell above the door rang again and Tori looked over her shoulder. Axton and Piers walked in, taking swift steps towards them. Axton looked worried and Piers was frowning.
What happened? Axton asked. Ewan called and told that there was a riot.
They looked towards Albert on the chaise with an iced towel. Piers frowned more so. What happened to Mr. Martin?
Henrik rubbed his head. A fight broke out in the dorm study room between students trying to get a seat for Ilyanas review session. Albert tried to stop them and got hit in the eye.
Axton let out a low hiss.
Weve contacted Alberts family after we got him out of there. Theyre coming to get him in a few minutes, Henrik said. We also talked to the instructor who ca.
Axton knelt down by the chaise and looked over Alberts eye. He grimaced and shook his head. That's going to be at least two weeks. Did you take him to the infirmary?
We did, but the Martins are going to take him to their family doctor to make sure, Henrik told him.
Axton looked around. Do you know who hit him? The group shook their heads.
Tori frowned. It got very chaotic, very quickly.
Constantine nodded. There were at least three people who we know of that were injured. Mr. Martin was one of the first.
I dont know what wouldve happened if Tori didnt walk to the study room this ti, Ilyana said, still visibly upset.
We were lucky. Even if I ca downstairs with you, if I didnt have the ice calcite to give to Instructor Ignatius, I wouldnt have been able to do much to stop them. Tori leaned back against the overstuffed chair, still trying to soothe Ilyana.
What did you do with the ice calcite? Axton asked.
It was for testing our air cooler. I was bringing down a bag of scrap crystals and I threw several handfuls into the crowd, then triggered them to start freezing, Tori said. If she were being honest, she hadnt been thinking. It didnt cross her mind that it couldnt work; it was just scrap crystal, and while they were charged at the delta, they werent on the energy vein when she used them. It was likely the adrenaline rush of seeing the students descend to chaos that gave her a boost of focus to be able to trigger the crystals.
The room got cold almost imdiately, Henrik said. Everyone thought they were going to freeze.
Ewan nodded. Tori was so mad.
Of course, I was mad! Tori sat up straight and glared. Mr. Zisos was dragging Albert to a corner; I thought he was unconscious! No one was listening to Henrik trying to calm everyone down. I was worried JP and Sonia were going to get trampled trying to get to you guys and Ewan.... She looked at Ewan and he smiled weakly.
Axton raised a brow. What did Ewan do?
Several pairs of eyes avoided him. The less people who know the better.... The cafe was quiet except for the sound of coffee being made in the back.
Piers frowned more so and then turned to Ewan, who shifted nervously and had so sweat across his bald head. He kept his eyes diverted as Piers walked towards him.
What happened.
Ewan dropped his head and caved imdiately. I punched Sir von Dorn!
In the face! Sonia couldnt seem to stop herself from exclaiming that as a wide smile filled her face. I dont even think von Dorn knows who hit him!
And he wont find out, Tori said in a low voice, looking at JP. His eyes widened and he raised his hands.
I know when to shut up.
Axton drew his lips in and tried to hold back a laugh. How did that happen?
Sonia stepped forward, appearing eager to tell them.
When they saw Ilyana coming, the crowd started pushing from the back. Soone elbowed Hart, who was at the front of the room. That upset von Dorn, who turned around and yelled, Sonia told them. Normally, no one would argue or start a fight with him since hes Prince Gideons knight, but most of the people inside had been waiting for hours to get a seat. The whole room was tense and on edge. A few people yelled back at von Dorn and he shoved one of them back. Hart tried to stop him and Mr. Guthry ran into the room to help. I guess everyone thought he was trying to get a seat without waiting, and suddenly, everyone is pushing and shoving and von Dorn is pushed forward, right at Ewan, who punches him.
He surprised ! Ewan stood up straight and defended himself. I thought he was going to fall on !
So, you punched him in the face? JP laughed.
Tori sighed once more. Piers, she said as she looked towards him. Your brother wasnt there and so he wasnt involved, but it was still his knight....
If he was pushing soone, he started it. He is a knight and they are his fellow students. He should be able to control himself better, Piers said in a low voice. This incident will be reported to my parents. He looked towards Ewan. Does your hand hurt?
Ewan looked down at his right hand. He stretched out his fingers and clenched his hands a few tis. Nothing seed broken, but it was red and a bit puffy. He frowned. A bit...
Mama J! Can we get a bowl of ice water? Tori called out as she stood up and pulled up a chair. Ewan, sit.
Let see your hand, Axton told him as Ewan sat down. He lifted his hand and Axton narrowed his eyes as he examined the back of it. He shook his head but he couldnt seem to stop from laughing.
You shouldnt be so reckless.
You should say that when youre not snickering, Tori said, rolling her eyes.
Sorry, Master.... Ewan said, lowering his head.
To be honest, from the punch, Sir von Dorn may have it worse, Constantine said. He stumbled back into the crowd.
JP winced. And his nose was bleeding....
Sonias eyes widened and she looked at Ewan, impressed. Did you break his nose?
No, he did not, Tori said in a firm voice. This. Never. Happened.
Itll be fine, Axton said as he stood up. Mama J ca out, holding a white bowl half filled with ice water and a towel wrapped around the base of it. She handed it to Axton who put it on Ewans lap and told him to put his hand in. Axton looked at the others once more. Are you sure no one else noticed that it was Ewan who hit Fabian?
Everyone was quiet. Henrik winced. Were not sure. We dont think so, but everything happened so fast.
Ilyana and I were outside the door when it happened, Tori said. Who was closest to them other than you six?
Henrik furrowed his brows and thought for a mont. Mr. Guthry, Miss Hart, and a few people from my ho room. Their backs were turned when the riot began, as the pushing ca from the back.
Tori felt dread in the pit of her stomach. If they were other, random students, she wouldnt be worried, but if Alessa and her love interests were involved, there was a good chance at least one of them saw Ewan punch Fabian.
Am I going to be in trouble if they find out I hit Sir von Dorn? Ewan asked. His usually loud, cheerful voice was quiet and filled with worry. Tori didnt like it at all. She put her hand on his shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
You might, but in the chaos that was happening, you acted in self-defense. He was rushing towards you and you reacted as your instinct instructed, Tori told him. Rember that.
Ewan, Piers said, making Ewan look up at him. I will speak to my parents about this. You will not be punished severely.
Tori looked over at Piers. Shed made a ntal note of how she thought Piers ranked in closeness to her friends and Ilyana and Ewan were near the top, but Ewan was the first of them whom he called by his given na.
Ewans eyes grew large. Is that all right, Your Highness? Piers gave him a subtle nod and Ewans eyes grew wet. Thank you! When I beco a knight, I will gladly put my life on the line for you! I swear it!
Piers gave him another nod. Thank you, Ewan. But do not concern yourself with that now. Continue your efforts and take care of your body. You have yet to enter La Garda and everyone expects much of you.
Ewan looked at Piers as if hed heard divine words spoken and he nodded vigorously. Yes, Your Highness!
Beside Piers, Axton frowned and shot him a dissatisfied look. Its annoying that you sound more like his wise master than I do.
I am smarter than you.
Lady Guevera. Constantine, who was closest to the window, suddenly sat up. His eyes were fixed outside the glass, looking up the street. By any chance, does anyone else from Lyce know we tend to gather here?
Tori furrowed her brows. Im sure by now that a few people have seen us co here to eat. Why?
His Highness Prince Gideon is coming down the street.
Tori sucked in a sharp breath. Ewan seed to pale and Ilyana looked towards her, as if asking what they should do. Alone? Tori asked.
Hes with Miss Hart, Mr. Guthry, and...I think Sir von Dorn. There is a bandage across his nose.
Tori looked around the cafe and settled her eyes on Piers. Ti to deploy the anti-Gideon forcefield.
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