As her best friend and roommate, Ilyana wanted to have the utmost confidence in Toris swordsmanship. Shed seen Tori at practice before, as well as seeing her do light sparring, but she hadnt actually seen Tori in a formal match since Ewan challenged her at the start of their first year. Everything else she knew of Toris abilities ca from secondhand information, given to her by Ewan, who had witnessed Toris last fight against von Dorn.
From what Ewan had said, Tori decimated von Dorn. They all saw the results of the duel.
However, that was over a year ago. Von Dorn had his ability questioned and seed to be overco with an obsessive need to improve.
Ilyana could still rember him sparring with his master. That strange man was too violent and said too many unnecessary things for her taste, but when she considered what she saw, none of that beating - physically or verbally, deterred von Dorn. He rose to his feet, ready to try again.
In a way, it was admirable.
In another, it was frightening. It was clear that afternoon wasnt the first ti von Dorn sparred with his master and if he had been training that way for a while, there was a significant chance that he would have improved.
This wasnt even taking into consideration the fact that he had spent the sumr at the Amber Fortress. Tori told her that Sir Nassaun and the General Marquis were less than pleased with his ability, particularly his endurance.
But that was months ago.
Tori didnt train like von Dorn did. She was more a casual swordswoman; she wasnt training for a professional position. It was very much a hobby.
Ilyana couldnt help but fidget in her seat. JP and Sonia sat across from her, watching her squirm and finally spoke up.
Stop it, Sonia said in a firm voice. Youre making nervous.
JP nodded with a hint of worry across his brows. Next to Ewan, youd know Toris swordsmanship best. If youre worried about this, then the rest of us have reason to worry. He moved his hand around to motion towards Henrik, who nodded.
Tori and Ewan left earlier that morning. Sir Nassaun ca to pick them up so Tori could get ready at the imperial palace.
Which gave Ilyana another reason to be nervous.
Prince Gideon was in her horoom, and she saw Prince Piers often; she even had him registered on her comcry along with Sir Nassaun, but shed never in her life thought shed see the Emperor and Empress in person.
Im fine, Ilyana said, forcing a bright smile. Tori will do great! Im more nervous about going to the Imperial Palace. What if we et the Emperor and Empress?
Henrik sighed. Im sure itll be fine. Its a match between two students. Im sure they have better things to do than watch Tori and von Dorn.
He seed confident about it, but Ilyana had her doubts. At the very least, she expected the Empress to be present. After all, Tori was the Empress best friends daughter. If Ilyana were in her place, she would also go to watch her best friends child hopefully beat up another student.
What ti is the match supposed to start? JP asked, shifting awkwardly as he looked out the window. They had reached the Central District and the imperial palace was looming ahead of them.
Before lunch, Ilyana told them. We have so ti.
Do you think von Dorns master will co? Sonia asked as she glanced out the window. If he does, do you think hell yell at von Dorn during the match?
You an coach him or yell at him if he makes a mistake? JP looked over at her.
Sonia thought for a mont. Both.
Ilyana bit her lower lip. Part of her didnt want to see that man. She didnt like the feeling he gave her. She couldnt help but wonder how desperate von Dorn had to be to get a man like that as his master. Tori said that the imperial family didnt find him; Harts thief rchant friend found him at Harts request.
They reached the gates of the palace and, as they were in plain imperial carriages, they were allowed in without question. Ilyana leaned towards the window to get a good look at the palace.
I forgot how big it is. JP said as he squinted.
Youve been here before? Ilyana asked, never taking her eyes off the sprawling gardens and the white facade that seed to dwarf them as they passed.
JP nodded. Our mom is a cook here, rember? Sonia and I ca a few tis. We havent really seen much, though.
Just the kitchen area and the grounds around it, Sonia said. Weve also ridden around the trails behind the palace, but theyre not technically part of the imperial palace.
The carriage pulled up to one of the carriage houses and Henrik crinkled his eyes. This is nicer than my house.
Ilyana nodded with agreent. She lived in a large manor house in Gorask, but it didnt have walls of carved marble with columns.
A footman opened their door and the twins stepped out first, followed by Ilyana and then Henrik.
Do you all see what I see? Alberts voice ca from her right and she glanced over. He and Constantine had co out of the second carriage that was behind them, along with Nanny Rey. Constantine didnt seem too overwheld, but then again, he did live in Temple Mountain. Nanny Rey didnt seem impressed at all.
Nanny Rey mustve seen so things.... Ilyana thought to herself. A valet t them at the doorway and gave them a small bow of his head.
Welco, guests of Lady Guevera. Please follow and I will take you to the match area in the East Wind garden pavilion, he said.
Ilyana and Sonia looped arms as they nodded and followed behind him. The four young n followed them with Nanny Rey in the back. Everywhere Ilyana looked, there were expensive pieces of art, painted or tiled walls and ceilings, statues, and gilding. She knew she was rich and grew up with the best her father could give her.
But this was a different level.
She was so busy taking in the corridors of the palace, that she didnt realize they had reached the garden pavilion. They stepped out of the large doors, and a stone courtyard with a large rectangular patch of dirt in the middle awaited them outside.
Ilyana shook her head. Patch of dirt was not good enough to describe it. It was a dirt packed court, likely made especially for sparring. Around it were more manicured plants, with a few trees and shrubs cut into the shape of animals.
There was a white tent over the stone courtyard with a row of two benches on either side of the dirt court in front of it. Under protruding portico, there was a row of imperial knights standing guard on either side. Ilyana couldnt see who was seated there.
The valet motioned for them to follow him and then to the benches to the left of the portico.
Ilyana and Sonia gave him a small nod of thanks and made their way over. They hadnt seen any familiar faces yet.
Suddenly, Sonia tensed beside her, taking in a sharp breath, and ca to a stop. Ilyana looked over at her and found Sonias brown eyes fixed across from them, at the benches on the opposite side of the dirt court. Ilyana followed her gaze and reacted in the sa way.
Her arm squeezed Sonias as she stood up straight and narrowed her eyes. Guthry.
Hart, Sonia said in a low voice. JP seed to notice they were staring and turned. His eyes narrowed.
Well, its not as if its a surprise, he said in a reasonable voice. They are friends with Prince Gideon and von Dorn.
Calm down, Albert said as he raised his arms and moved in front of her and Sonia. Just take a seat. Were not here to fight them.
Let Lady Guevera do the fighting for us, Constantine said as he ushered them down the first row.
Do you see von Dorns master, Ilyana? JP asked.
Ilyana tore her eyes away from Guthry and Hart. They were alone. There was no sign of an older man waiting. She shook her head.
Training Commander Reystrom, its good to see you again. A womans voice spoke up and as Ilyana sat down, she turned her head. The voice ca from the tent, and they hadnt noticed the beautiful couple seated there, on large, gilded chairs, wearing beautiful robes.
Ilyana nearly choked as she shot back to her feet, pulling Sonia up with her. Sonia looked taken aback, but when she saw the couple who were clearly the Emperor and Empress, she also gasped and grabbed the sides of her riding pants to curtsy.
I told you that you shouldve worn a dress, JP hissed in a low voice as he and the others also bowed.
I didnt think theyd actually co, and I had riding practice at dawn! Youd know that if you woke up early enough! Sonia hissed back.
Dont fight in front of the imperial couple! Henrik kept his head bowed as he growled at them.
Your Majesty Emperor Matthieu-Philippe, Your Majesty Empress Monica, good day, Nanny Rey gave them a smooth curtsy. Thank you for arranging this with safety in mind.
Of course! the Empress said as she smiled, regally. I could not allow either combatant to be injured.
Antonia would never speak to her again, the Emperor said with a slight grin.
When Piers called for permission, I made sure to check with Toni first, the Empress said, as if doing so was an accomplishnt. She said that since Tori was the one who requested it, then she would respect her daughters wishes. However, all safety protocols are to be put in place.
Nanny Rey seed to give a nod of approval before taking a seat. She leaned forward from the second row and tapped the long bench the six of them were bowing in front of.
It was their signal to stand.
Ilyana stood up straight and nervously took her seat.
Across from them, Guthry and Hart were already seated and seed to be talking, but Ilyana couldnt hear what they were saying.
Youre all here! They turned back to the palace and saw Ewan rushing out, appearing antsy. He noticed the imperial couple at once and bowed before moving towards his friends.
Ewan, introduce us to your friends, the Empress said in a smooth voice.
Ilyana looked at Ewan. Did he already know the Empress?
Yes, Your Majesty. Ewan moved in front of them and motioned to each of them individually, prompting them to stand. Constantine Zisos, son of Pope Zisos. Henrik Skuldsen; his father is the rchant guild master. JP and Sonia Vissage.
Oh, Chef Mariannes children, the Empress said with a nod.
This is Albert Martin, Ewan said.
Lettys grandson, another voice said. Ilyana looked past the tent and saw an older couple approaching. This ti she recognized them as Prince Emil and Princess Vivian. The older couple gave them a warm smile as they took their seats on so fancy chairs behind the Emperor and Empress. He looks like George.
And the last one is Ilyana? the Empress asked.
Ilyana held back a little eep. How did the Empress know about her?
I was told you are Toris best friend, the Empress said with a smile. And that the delta village was a combination of your nas.
Ilyana nodded her head vigorously. Yes, Your Majesty.
There were two more chairs under the tent, but they were positioned a bit lower and set before the imperial couple. As Ilyana expected, Prince Gideon walked out and after greeting his friends, took a seat in front of his mother.
Fabian ca out with him, dressed in padded clothing. There were valets and knights surrounding the dirt court and the valets were holding helts, while the knights held wooden wasters to give to the combatants.
Ilyana then saw three figures erge from a door to the side of the court.
Tori had her hair braided and a woven piece of cloth wrapped around her head like a headband to keep hair away from her face. She was wearing identical padded clothing. Ilyana realized that everything mustve been provided and identical so as to ensure an even match.
Tori saw her friends and waved as Sir Nassaun followed behind her.
Hi! Tori bead and Henrik ran a hand down his face.
Sotis, I dont think she has a concept of danger, he said.
She does, Sonia and JP said at once. JP took a deep breath. I just dont think she thinks this is dangerous.
Prince Piers walked past them, giving them an acknowledging nod. Ilyana heard him tell them softly. She will be fine.
Ilyana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Prince Piers took his seat in front of his father and on the dirt court, Tori and von Dorn were given their helts. Toris movents were smooth as she put on her helt, but so were von Dorns.
Knights checked each combatant before they entered the ring. Tori had a wooden training dagger on her thigh and von Dorns was in his boot. They had the sa weapons.
Sir Nassaun patted Toris helt and whispered sothing to her. She stepped back and nodded. As she and von Dorn stepped into the center of the courtyard, Sir Nassaun, the valets, and the imperial knights moved off, to stand at ready beside the battle area.
Ilyana grabbed Sonia and Alberts hands on either side of her.
She wanted to believe in Tori, but she knew von Dorn had a problem controlling his limits.
Reviews
All reviews (0)