So...this tent was empty last night, Tori said as she, Piers, and Axton stood at the furnished, but unoccupied tent that was between Axtons and Ewans. This was supposed to be Axton's tent. Axton, your tent was supposed to go to Piers.
I thought they told tent eight, Axton said. I counted eight down from the entrance."
Tori closed her eyes and rubbed her forehead. Axton, you had a map for the tent arrangents. All the ones on the west of the walkway are odd and all the ones on the east are even, with the Emperor and Empress tents being tent two.
Then...Gideon wouldve been in tent four, Piers in tent six, and I wouldve been here.... Axton crinkled his eyes. Why didnt anyone stop ?
You carried your bags in and didnt co out, Piers said, glaring at him.
Axton let out a heavy breath and rubbed the back of his neck. Thats my fault. I was so sleepy last night; I wasnt paying attention. Sorry, Piers.
Piers was still glaring at him. I slept on a couch last night. I am too tall to fit.
It was only one night. We figured out what happened, Tori said, tired. If we do this again, I will make sure each tent is numbered properly, well lit, and visible.
Ill move my things here, Axton said, turning around.
No, Ill have the knights move my bag here, Piers said.
There are plenty of knights around, so the owner of the tent doesnt matter, as long as each person gets their own. Tori turned around and led them out. Piers looked towards the guard that was standing outside the entrance.
Bring my baggage here.
Yes, Your Highness.
Tori continued walking down the wooden walkway, back to the wooden deck at the shore. Light crystals illuminated the deck as several tables from breakfast were now filled with intense-looking guests hovering over printed cardstock with painted discs that they used to place on top of the called numbers.
The Empress in particular had one red disc gripped between two fingers and seed ready to slam it down as soon as one of her numbers was called.
All the players' backs were to Tori, and no one seed to notice her as they lood over their cards.
At the edge of the deck, closest to the shore, Henrik reached into a glass fishbowl with wooden balls that had been carved with numbers 1-75. Beside him, Ilyana wrote down what was called and guarded several envelopes that had the vouchers for prizes.
Tori crossed her arms and watched as Henrik stuck his hand inside the fishbowl and moved the balls around before taking one and lifting it up. He looked down at the ball and then turned it around for everyone to see the number.
36!
A loud thud was heard, and soone slapped their table. Bingo!
Tori turned to the right and saw an elderly woman lifting her arm and laughing as the people on either side of her looked over.
Grandma Connor, Ilyana will co to check your card, Henrik said. Ilyana rounded the table with a notebook and bent down to validate Ewans grandmas card.
21...7...3...51...and 36! We have a winner! Ilyana smiled and Henrik lifted up a bell to ring it as people clapped. Ilyana then escorted Ewans grandma to the front to pick her prize.
Can I choose any one? the old woman asked.
Yes, Grandma, you can choose any one you want, Henrik told her.
Id like that dinner at Sir Nassauns restaurant, she said with a pleased smile.
Grandma, pick another one, Axton said from the back. He smiled as everyone turned to look at him. Ill take you to eat at the Three Queens anyti you want. Just tell Ewan.
What...? Forr Sword Association captain and Ewans brother, Patrick drooped his shoulders. Thats not fair.
Its his restaurant, Captain, he can do what he wants, Captain sser said from the table behind him.
Oh...then in that case.... The old woman looked through the list. I already have a nice coat from Lions Gate...what is this rocking lounge chair?
Im glad you asked, Grandma, Tori said as she stepped forward. She, Henrik, and Ilyana had thrown in a few items that would be on sale in the future for advertising purposes. She raised her arm and two villagers assisting them carried in a carefully crafted wooden lounge chair with woven fabric and pillows.
Whats that? A rocking chair? soone asked.
Tori stood beside the chair. This wooden lounge chair is a recent design developed here in Viclya, by our local craftsn, to be used on decks. The wooden fra is curved to allow one to rock slightly and there is a comfortable layer of durable canvas with cushions and an adjustable pillow. Let help you lay down.
She and Ilyana helped Ewans grandmother lay on the lounge and raise her legs and feet up. The old woman leaned back and smiled. Oh...its very comfortable!
Theres more, Tori said, sounding like a salesperson. This crystal on your right arm rest can be moved along its groove to adjust the speed of the rocking or keep it still. On your left arm rest is a round niche to hold a beverage. This particular prize cos with an adjustable table for you to eat from or read on. The Viclyan Loungers, as we call them, also co with a little awning for shade that can be removed, as this chair is best used outside.
They dont go on sale until after we have the Spring Festival event, Henrik said. So, if you choose this prize, youd be the first person to have it.
Get the chair, Great-Grandma! Ewans niece and nephew urged their grandmother earnestly.
The old woman laughed. Do we bring it back?
Lions Gate will have it delivered this week. Tori told her with a warm smile.
Ewans grandma raised her arms and Tori and Ilyana helped her up. I will have my son clear a space in the yard for it.
Tori nodded and had the chair moved to the side. As Henrik returned the balls to the fishbowl and stuck his arm to stir them, villagers who were hired to help ca to exchange cards with those who wanted new ones. A few people went to check out the lounger and even sit on it.
When did you start selling furniture? Albert asked as Tori passed him.
Lions Gate has a wide portfolio, Albert, Tori answered, a bit proud. Lions Gates Den is our furniture and housewares division.
Albert narrowed his eyes. Ilyana nad it, didnt she?
It was the best one out of her suggestions, Tori sighed. She walked back to the walkway and Ewan walked over to her.
Tori, my parents and everyone really like bingo, he said. I didnt think theyd be so interested. Tori nodded.
Old people love bingo, Ewan, she said as she lifted a hand and patted his shoulder. If your friends and the Sword Association mbers get bored, dont forget the other things we offer tonight. The extra gas are with JP and Sonia. Albert has the dungeon crawl notebook.
Ewan nodded and headed back to his seat.
Tori raised her arms and turned around, passing Axton and Piers. Im going to go for a walk and relax.
Before anyone could stop her, she headed up the path and towards the supply yard to be alone on her ifana stone pile. She thought that shed have to move to a different pile once her current one started to be sourced, but it seed that the workers purposely left her particular pile alone.
Eventually, it would be used, but for the ti being it was her little oasis. As she walked past the pronade, she saw her cousins arm in arm, walking along the completed portion. A few villagers also walked along the pronade, as it had beco a popular place to take after dinner evening walks.
Its popularity in its unfinished state was promising. Shed had temporary streetlamps put up to keep the walkway illuminated and safe. Henriks restaurant was still open, as they were also using the knights and sailors as tests for running the restaurant.
Everyone was made aware, and it seed to be going smoothly.
Once Tori got to the supply yard, she climbed her ifana stone pile and laid down. She let out a low breath and let her body relax. There were knights crawling all over the area and sailors patrolling the shores. It wasnt a very private party, but at least she felt much more assured of the safety of the imperial couple and their two heirs.
She owed Auntie Lucia for all her help arranging the security.
As the cool night breeze swept over her, she heard a near-silent crunching below and frowned. Soone was coming, and there was only one person who would bother her there.
What now, Axton? she asked, already sounding annoyed.
Im not Axton. A different male voice replied, and Tori narrowed her eyes.
Did Axton send you?
No, Piers said as he reached her. I send Axton. Not the other way around.
Tori raised her brows. Thats true. She turned towards him and looked up. Is there a problem with bingo?
No, but its much more competitive than you said it would be.
Its not much of a competition. Its very much a ga of luck, Tori said. Piers remained standing a few paces from her.
Everyone is very determined. Mother won the last round and chose a sword from Daybreak Garden.
Tori smirked. Marquis blood.
It disappointed the students from La Garda. Ewan suggested they try dungeon crawl, so Mr. Martin will lead them through a round in Ewans tent, Piers said with a frown. Why did Ewan also get his own tent last night?
Its his birthday! I wasnt going to make him share with his siblings. And you each had your own tent. Axton just made a mistake and caused so confusion.
Piers frowned more so and narrowed his eyes. Axton needs more training.
Tori let out a little snort. Sit down, its difficult to talk to you if youre standing above . Piers carefully sat down a good arms length from her. He seed hesitant to hang his legs over the edge, but eventually did. Did you co here to complain about Axton?
Piers shook his head. I wanted to thank you.
The corners of her lips curled into a smirk as she closed her eyes. You already thanked and promised cake.
And I want to try to hug.
Tori opened her eyes. She turned her head to look at him with so concern. Are you sure? I know its difficult for you.
Piers was looking down, over the edge, and nodded. Did you see my Mother when I gave her cake? She was very happy.
Tori nodded. That she was.
Does she think I dont care for her? Piers looked confused. Mother cried earlier when I gave her cake. I know it is difficult for , but I want to get more comfortable with touch. He crinkled his eyes and fidgeted. I know she wants to embrace , but cannot.
Tori furrowed her brows and pushed herself back into a seated position. She swung her legs over the edge and looked at him. Piers, when was the last ti you hugged your mother?
He took a deep breath and squinted into the darkness ahead of them. I cant rember, he said. When I was very young, I already disliked physical contact with others, especially when I am upset or uncomfortable.
Tori let out a low hiss and looked down. She knew that Piers didnt embrace his parents, especially now, as an adult, but it was different to be a small child and not be shown that sort of affection, at least to her. Shed always been a hugger and couldnt imagine not being able to embrace her mother, in both lives.
Antonia would almost smother her when she had the chance and Tori always felt very comforted in her embrace. A part of her heart ached for the Empress. How difficult must it have been for her who couldnt touch her son for fear of triggering an attack? How did it feel to be a young mother and not be able to hold your little boy?
Did your mother ask if you wanted to be hugged?
I would push her away and I believe she began to fear it would upset . She does not embrace as she does my brother.
Tori tilted her head to the side. Would that an that perhaps the Empress and the rest of Piers family simply beca conditioned not to touch him? Ever? Did no one ask Piers?
Do you ever want to be hugged?
She wasnt sure if she was surprised or not that he nodded. There are tis. When you are saying good-bye or seeing your friends after a long absence. I also want to embrace you and Axton. When Axtons mother diedI couldnt comfort him like you did with Lady Agafonova. I also see my mother and uncle want to embrace , but stop. Its strange. I didnt expect to want them to continue. It is...uncomfortable.
Then well take it very slowly, Tori said as she slid her legs up and turned to the other side. Piers must've been quite lonely. If you feel at all uncomfortable, pull away.
Piers nodded and Tori began to climb down. He knit his brows together. Where are you going?
Ground, Tori said. What if you panic and fall off? Piers looked displeased with the assumption, but followed her down anyway. Tori reached the ground and brushed off the dust from her pants. All right, first, there are many different ways to hug. I tend to go with three: the one-ard hug, the full embrace, and the cuddle.
Piers stood across from her and nodded. What do you recomnd?
The one-ard hug is the fastest with the least amount of body contact. Youve seen give it a lot with JP and Henrik, Tori said. She held out left arm and took a step forward, putting her arm around an imaginary persons shoulders. Now, in this position, you can give them one firm squeeze or pat them on the back three tis. I dont know why, but we do it three tis.
Tori moved to stand beside him and adjusted his arms. I would only be touching part of their body for the count of three? Piers asked. Tori nodded.
Yes, this is a good hug for quick greetings and good-byes, used in a casual setting, and mainly with friends you tend to see often, Tori said. She moved to stand in front of him. Okay, I will not react. Step forward and put your arm around my shoulder and give one firm squeeze and then step back.
Piers took a deep breath. He lifted his arm, as Tori had shown him, and stepped forward. He carefully put one arm around her shoulders and moved his body closer, so it just brushed against hers. Then gave her a squeeze before jumping back, as if burned.
Tori pursed her lips.
How was that?
Dont jump back imdiately. It makes it look as if you are disgusted with the person you are hugging, she said in a droll voice. Thats not what hugs are supposed to convey. They are ant to show affection, longing, and comfort. Warm feelings. Not disgust.
Piers furrowed his brows and frowned. Im not disgusted by you.
Tori stared at him with her lips in a line and blinked. Thank you.
Try again? he asked, lifting his arm. Tori gave him a nod and, in the light of the light crystals that dotted the yards walkways, Piers stepped forward to give her a one-ard hug. She heard him counting to three under his breath and rolled her eyes as he released her as soon as he said three.
A bit awkward, but better. Dont count down to the end of the hug.
Piers took a deep breath and nodded. What about with my mother?
You may have to work with this, but Id go with a full embrace. This has a lot of body contact. Typically, the entire front part of your bodies touch, and you wrap your arms around them. Tori stepped back and held her arms out. Depending on your relationship and height differences, your arms go either under their arms, to their waist; above their upper arms; or above their shoulders and around the neck.
How do you hug the Marquess?
My hugs with Mama are cuddles, Tori said, unashad. She loved her mother and enjoyed the hugs she was showered with. Cuddle hugs are longer and there is nuzzling and squeezing tightly involved. Its beyond your level right now.
Piers frowned. This is complicated.
Expressions of affection and intimacy are complicated, but its all right. You only need to learn how to hug your mother, Tori said. Im sure she will be very happy.
Piers nodded. He lifted his arms. What do I do?
The Empress is shorter than you, but she is your mother, and she should feel as if shes gathering you, her child, into her arms, Tori said. I recomnd one arm lower than the other, so one arm under hers and the other over her shoulder to almost et at her back for a long squeeze.
Piers frowned. How long?
Three counts, maybe longer if you havent seen her for a while. And if you need to comfort her, Tori said.
Piers nodded once more, as if silently morizing what she was telling her. Ive seen you do that to comfort Lady Agafonova after her review session riot.
Yes. Ilyana is also a hugger, Tori replied. She stood beside him again and held out her arms. Follow my movents.
Piers watched her carefully once and then began to mirror her, also as if hugging an imaginary person. This isnt too difficult.
You are hugging the air. Its different when you try to hug a real person.
If you are comforting soone, how do you know when to release them?
I usually wait until they are either calm or they pull away, Tori said. Do you want to try a full embrace?
She saw him tense. He looked down and seed to think for a mont before he took a deep breath. I want to try.
All right. I wont move. Just touch as much as you feel comfortable and if it gets to be too much, move away. She stood in front of him and let her arms relax at her sides, but left a small gap between her arms and her body.
Piers seed to ready himself, and Tori wasnt sure how to feel seeing soone having to ntally prepare themselves to hug her, as if it was so sort of challenge. Piers swallowed hard and stepped forward. He raised his arms carefully and slipped one arm under hers and the other was raised over her shoulder.
Then he stopped.
Are you scared? Tori asked softly.
This is my first full hug, he said. Tori chuckled. He closed his arms around her, and she could feel him trying to relax.
How is it?
Am I doing it correctly?
Its fine for a first ti, Tori said with a smile. Do you want to hug you back? Or is that too much? Tell what your limit is.
Try.
All right. Here I go. Tori lifted her arms and gently moved them around his back. She felt him tense at once, but as her arms rested against him, he seed to relax. How is it?
You have stroked my back and arm before. Its similar, he said. I like it.
Tori smiled. Shall I squeeze you? She felt him nod and she moved closer and gave him a gentle squeeze.
Tori....
What?
Your hair slls like sweat.
Tori took a deep breath. Please dont make strange comnts like that when you are hugging your mother. She stepped back and released him, prompting Piers to let her go, as well. She stepped back and looked at him. How was it?
I liked it. As long as it is not long, I dont mind.
Good! Your mother will be very happy.
He looked down and nodded. Is it strange to ask for this?
Kind of, Tori said. But you have to consider the circumstances and the people involved. There is also nothing wrong with wanting physical affection and reassurance on your own terms. I would be upset if soone forced themself on against my will, too. Anyone would. Just take it slowly and as you feel comfortable. There is no reason to force yourself. Your mother will be overjoyed just knowing your intention.
He seed to purse his lips, as if thinking about how complicated this all was. Then, I would like to practice so more. Piers stepped to the side and lifted his arms to hug the air.
What are you doing? A confused voice spoke out and Piers, undeterred, continued practicing his embrace.
Practicing hugging, Tori said from behind him. Axton looked at them strangely.
What do you want? Piers asked.
Axton narrowed his eyes and shook his head. He muttered to himself as a look of exhaustion seed to appear on his face. You two are so strange...shes right there and youre hugging nothing and you...you just let him. I dont know what to do with either of you....
Tori shot him an annoyed look. Why are you bothering this ti?
A few people asked about you as theyre interested in investing in Viclya.
Tori perked up at once. Investing in Viclya? Who?
Madam Martin, Prince Emil and Princess Vivian, and Miss Vissage.
Tori looked surprised, but pleased. Sonia?
She was telling Miss Agafonova that she has a bit of competition money saved up- Tori was already walking past Axton, in the direction of their tents. Axton frowned. Now where are you going?
To find Sonia! Tori said, unable to contain the satisfaction in her voice. You stay and help Piers.
Axton held his arms to his sides. Help him with what?
Axton, Piers said behind him. He turned around and saw Piers determined face. Hug .
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