Tori froze with Ilyana beside her. She was prepared to deal with Dimitri, Montan, and Alessa by herself, but didnt expect Axton and Piers to arrive. With other problematic love interests, it wasnt a problem. Piers had a good handle on Gideon. Dimitri and Fabian wouldnt say or do anything against her as long as Axton or Piers were there.
However, Montan was a different story. Both she and Ilyana knew how Axton felt about his half-brother, and the tension began to shift from her versus the love interests to Axton and his half-brother.
Tori swallowed hard and ignored her personal conflict. What was important now was to try to soothe out the situation. The very sight of Montan would upset Axton, and she couldnt help but shudder.
Nothings wrong. Tori turned her head towards the two n on horseback and gave them a reassuring look. Were just having a disagreent. Its nothing serious.
Axtons gaze settled on her for a mont, as if studying her face. Tori, your brothers left you in our care, and you are as close to a sister to as I have. If soone is bothering you, you must tell , he said in a low, even voice. Tori drew her lips inward and bit them. She knew he chose those words to attack Montan. When she didnt answer, he looked towards Ilyana. Lady Agafonova, as her friend and mine, you must tell whats going on.
Ilyana chewed her lower lip for a mont, before nodding. We ran into Miss Hart when we were going to the tailor. We didnt speak to her, but her friend harassed us. Nanny Rey had to step in. When we ca back to Lyce, Mr. Al...Alvere.... She seed reluctant to say the na with Axton there and Tori understood. He was speaking to Miss Hart, and suddenly turned around and rushed towards us, appearing angry. Tori told him that whatever shes been accused of this ti should be proven first, otherwise to leave her alone.
Then Tori asked him why he wanted to confront her if Miss Hart didnt instigate him to. He had no answer. Mr. Guthry has just appeared, and Tori told him that she regrets helping him with the guilds. I also regret that she helped him with the guilds, especially after he grabbed her wrist last year. Ilyana confessed the situation and darted her eyes away.
Tori told about that, Piers said in a dull voice. His eyes drifted to Montan. Is what she said true? Did Lady Hart instigate you to attack Tori?
Montan was pale. He couldnt seem to take his eyes off of Axton, sitting atop a horse and looking every bit a gallant hero. She...she had Alessas friend threatened.
Training Commander? Piers asked. Tori and Ilyana nodded. For Training Commander Reystrom to step in, one has to wonder what Lady Harts friend was doing to Tori and Lady Agafonova.
Her friend was threatened, and she ca crying to you? Axton sneered at Montan. And then you rushed to defend her without knowing the entire story. Montan lowered his eyes and Axton scoffed. Getting used by a woman. Just like your father.
Tori couldnt help but grit her teeth and let out a hiss. She turned around and looked at Axton. She knew he didnt like Montan, but his comnt was unexpected. He didnt seem at all bothered by what he just said. However, Montans hands clenched at his side and a mont later, he whirled around and ran back into Lyce without another word.
Montan! Alessa seed to try to do an awkward curtsy towards Piers before running after Montan. Unsure what else to do, Dimitri followed them, as well.
Tori closed her eyes and let out a low breath. This was between and him. It really wasnt serious.
He needs to learn, Axton said, his voice still cold. Tori turned around and walked towards him. She patted Blue Rivers neck as she approached Axton.
I am happy that you want to help . I know I can depend on you, but it wasnt necessary this ti. It was just a small disagreent. Tori reached up and grasped his hand as best as she could being as short as she was. Axton took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
If he does anything to hurt you, he began, opening his eyes and looking at her and then at Ilyana. Any of you...I wont let him get away with it.
Tori nodded and Axton moved his hand out from under hers and stroked the top of her head. What are you two doing here? she asked, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere.
We were taking our horses around the academic quarter so they could get out of the stables, Axton said. He continued to stroke the top of her head as if needing to in order to calm down. Were you two at Madam Midstroms to get your dresses tailored?
Im going to wear the dress I was supposed to wear at the new year party, but Ilyana is borrowing one of mine and it needs to be tailored, Tori said.
He finally gave you the invitations, Piers said. Tori nodded. We will also be in attendance.
By the way, do you know how long we have to stay? Tori asked. Were bringing Albert with us, and we need to schedule our return.
Do we need to stay up until the prayer? Is there more to the ceremony besides it and a speech from the Emperor? Ilyana asked.
Its a standard ball for the most part. The actual ceremonial portion is short, but its not the first thing that happens, Axton said, his hand on top of Toris head. There will be refreshnts, food, and dancing, then the Emperor will give a speech, the Archbishop of Horizon will give him a blessing, then the Emperor will present him as an adult mber of the imperial family.
That will go by quickly, Ilyana said, looking at Tori. We dont have to stay too long.
Tori nodded, pleased to hear it.
After the presentation, the chamber will present the prince and his parents with a list. After that, its just dancing, Axton told them. He was finally satisfied and lifted his hand off of Toris head. You can sneak away then.
He has a list? Of things to do? Tori looked put off by that. Damn, he just beca an adult and theyre ready to throw work at him imdiately.
Its an engagent list. Piers voice made her freeze. Tori stood still as sothing in the back of her mind seed to click. Its a list compiled by the Chamber of suitable partners for Gideons future engagent.
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