The fastest way out would be to exit through the small side door leading to a back hall, opposite the main entryway of the ballroom. It was where Piers and Axton slipped in and out unannounced. Unfortunately, Tori wasnt sure which of the side doors they had entered through and, for security's sake, most of them were likely locked and she could end up in front of one of the locked ones.
The only doors she knew were open wer across the ballroom, where everyone had entered. In order to reach them, shed have to walk past all the guests present as they watched her.
On one hand, she was the daughter of Marquis Guevera, and a certain amount of decorum was expected of her. On the other: fuck that list.
She took a deep breath and kept her back straight. Her shoulders were down, and her chin was up. She looked towards the imperial family, who had also turned in her direction, and gave them a smooth curtsy as she grasped the sides of her ice blue ball gown.
Tori stood up, maintaining a look of calm indifference.
Then, using her bitterness and spite to drive her, she turned around and walked along the side of the ballroom, behind the crowd, to get to the main doors.
In her jumbled thoughts of swearing and no, she barely heard the clicking of Ilyanas heels and the shuffle of Alberts shoes as they followed behind her.
Tori was making a silent scene and she didnt stop to look at the expressions of the guests or consider the imperial family. She was confident that her family would support her, if not be infuriated that she was on such a list to begin with. She also didnt want to give more work to Piers, but she trusted him to settle this with his family.
She could still feel the eyes of the crowd on her back as she walked past two familiar imperial knights guarding the door. Her heels stepped on to a soft rug that was laid over the hall and she made her way towards the gatehouse. Their carriage was supposed to be waiting for them so they could leave at any ti.
Tori? Albert asked in a tentative voice.
Shh! she heard Ilyana tell him. Not now. She needs a mont.
Tori smiled a bit. Her anger lessened knowing that Ilyana understood her. She slowed her steps and turned around. It seems Ive made us leave sooner than expected.
The two looked at her and vehently shook their heads. What were we going to do? Dance? Albert asked with a wry smile.
My feet are starting to hurt on these heels, Ilyana said, pointing down as she lifted one foot. It couldnt really be seen beneath the dress, but the skirts raised a bit.
Toris lips curled up more so, and she looked at them with gratitude. Thank you, both. She was very lucky to have t them.
They returned her smile and Ilyana took a step forward to grasp her arm. Lets go. We made an appearance and stayed for the important parts.
I couldve gone for more food, Albert said as he began to walk. Should we stop to get sothing to eat?
Albert, you ate several plates of finger foods, Ilyana reminded him.
They were small plates! Albert put his hands together and made a circle. You cant fit much food on sothing that small.
Then, what do you feel like? Tori asked. Youre here because of . Ill pay.
Can we stop by Lyce to get new shoes first? Ilyana asked, pouting. These are pinching.
Grandma Letty always says to break in your shoes before you wear them to an event, Albert said. Ilyana gave him an annoyed look.
Tori patted Ilyanas arm. Our things are in the carriage. We can change into our usual shoes inside. Ilyanas face lit up at the reminder.
Lady Guevera! She heard a voice calling out for her and she looked past her friends, back up the hall. A man in a formal suit was chasing after them, looking flushed and uncomfortable. Chamberlain Rudolph Thropson, who had read the list, only moved when one person spoke, and that person was the Emperor. One mont!
Tori stood up straight and gave him a small bow of her head in a respectful greeting. Ilyana and Albert stepped to the side as the tall, burly man with a graying brown beard reached them.
Chamberlain Thropson, Tori said. May I help you?
My lady, the Emperor and Empress wish to speak to you, he said, eting her gaze with a calm expression. Tori was being summoned. She took a deep breath and gave him another nod.
May my friends wait for ?
Yes, my lady. They may wait out in the hall. The Emperor and Empress will see you in one of the adjacent rooms, he told them.
Tori nodded once more. Please lead the way.
She wasnt going to try to run from this man. Axton told her that the chamberlain was forrly the Emperors personal knight; the Axton to his Piers. At first, Tori thought Chamberlain Thropson was older and asked what the age range was for personal knights, but Piers told her the chamberlain was the sa age as the Emperor. He currently looked five to ten years older and Tori wondered if it was the stress of having to constantly deal with a monarch.
Axton needed to invest in so face cream or sothing if that was the case. No wonder he was so interested in a spa and resort.
They walked down the corridor and rather than going straight at one point, they made a left. Two knights were guarding one of the doors and as it opened, Axton walked out with Fabian. It ant that the two princes were also inside.
Youll be fine, Ilyana whispered to Tori as she grasped her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Tori smiled and nodded before releasing Ilyana.
Tori gave Axton a nod and prepared to acknowledge Fabian, if only to be respectful in the setting, but he avoided her eyes, and his face was red.
Beating his ass again mustve affected him. I am a shadow in his mind now. Yay. Tori looked ahead and the chamberlain stepped into the room.
Lady Guevera, Chamberlain Thropson announced once before stepping back to let her in. He remained in the room as he closed the door. He stood to the side in silence.
Tori stood in a small room which was lined with books, but appeared to have a small fireplace. There was a single window, and sofas and a coffee table in the center of the room. Despite all the comfortable seating, none of the imperial family mbers were seated.
The Emperor and Empress stood to one side, Gideon was scowling with his arms crossed by the fireplace, and across from him, Piers was standing, looking indifferent.
Tori wondered what happened when she left, as the imperial family mustve left quite quickly to speak to her. She, Ilyana, and Albert had almost made it to the gatehouse and escaped when Chamberlain Thropson reached them.
Tori pinched the sides of her gown once more and curtsied. Good evening.
Lady Guevera, regarding that list, the Emperor began in a calm voice. We understand that you are upset, but you are under no obligation. The list is just a bit of traditional formality. It has no bearing.
I am aware, Your Majesty. Both His Highness Prince Piers and Sir Nassaun have reiterated that, Tori replied.
Then why did you leave? the Empress, in the private setting, seed to drop her formality and looked disappointed.
I wanted to make a clear statent that I reject any possible engagent. Not to be dramatic, but Id rather be stabbed.
Gideon threw his arms down at his sides and shot her a glare. Whod want to marry you? I didnt want you on that list, either! Tori saw the Emperor lift his hand to his forehead and gently rub it. Gideon took a step forward and scowled. I dont know why they put you on the list in the first place!
At this, both his parents seed to look towards him with incredulous expressions that quickly turned to confusion and questions of whether or not their second son was an idiot. Tori drew her lips in to keep from snapping back at him.
If anyone felt strongest about her not marrying Gideon, it was her.
She took a deep breath. Is it possible to find out why my na appeared on the list?
I spoke to the Chamber Lord, Piers said, his voice rather passive as they looked towards him. Amongst other reasons, you attended the Joint Chamber Session with Master two months ago. Several chamber mbers were present when you were speaking with Master in the foyer. They had a good impression of you. In addition, Master kept speaking highly of you.
Sebby. Tori narrowed her eyes. She had had a feeling that one day all his painfully embarrassing bragging would co to bite her in butt. Hes going to get a sternly worded comcry call later.
Lady Tori, please do not feel at all pressured by this, the Empress said, concerned. This also isnt sothing your mother needs to know-
Monica.... The Emperor gave her a look and she cringed. Once more, Lady Guevera, it is only a formality.
I wouldnt marry you if you were the last woman in Soleil! Gideon said with a proud look.
Gideon. The Emperor gave him a firm look and Gideon snapped his mouth shut, but looked away, still displeased. The Emperor looked back at Tori. The reason we called you here to speak to you is to reiterate this. You are also the daughter of my wifes best friend; we would be remiss not to address this with you.
Tori gave them a small nod. Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesties.
Rest assured that you will not be affected by this any further, the Empress said. I am also sure that your action leaving the ballroom sends a firm ssage to the Chamber.
At this mont, I have no plans to marry, Tori said. She could see Piers nodding to the side. He already knew this. I feel I am best able to serve the empire in other capacities.
She pretended she didnt see the utterly heartbroken look on the Empress face. The Emperor kept his neutral expression far better while Gideon appeared a bit confused.
If that is all, may Tori be excused? Piers asked. Tori silently praised him; he was getting better and better at learning to read a room.
The Emperor gave them a small nod, but said nothing. Tori gave them one more curtsy. Piers stepped forward and offered his arm to her. She took it without question and turned around.
You are too outstanding, she heard him say beside her. Tori cracked a small smile.
The reward for doing a good job is more work, Tori said. He chuckled and opened the door for them.
Outside, Ilyana perked up as soon as the door opened and shuffled forward. Is everything all right?
Tori gave her an affirmative nod. Everything is fine. The list is as everyone told : just a formality with no bearing. I was scared for nothing.
Ilyana and Albert let out relieved sighs. Thats good, Albert said. It would be difficult for a crystal fanatic to do experints here.
I got carried away one ti, Tori said with a dull look.
Tori, you can lift a pile driver and its granite cylinder block, Ilyana reminded her. I dont think Instructor Ignatius can do that.
Im sure he can if he tries. He's just focused on other things. If anyone is a crystal fanatic, its Instructor Ignatius, Tori said, confident. I an, the mans girlfriend broke up with him because he disappeared for the sumr to experint with crystals. Thats pretty hardcore. She turned to the two n with them. What happened after I left the ballroom?
Axton crossed his arms over his chest. There was a lot of talking about your departure and then Godmother had the musicians start to play. She laughed and told everyone that it was too early to leave; there was still a lot of food and drink to be consud and not to forget to dance.
Several knights disguised as guests slipped through the crowds and began to dance, Piers said. Once they started, people naturally returned to the festivities.
Tori nodded. Perhaps she was not as dramatic as she thought she was being.
It has been made clear that you reject any marriage prospects with my brother, Piers said.
Was he embarrassed? Albert asked. Tori wanted to know as well. If it were her, even if she didnt like a person, it would still be awkward to be blatantly rejected in such a manner.
I dont know, Piers said. I did not pay attention.
After everyone started dancing, the Emperor had us go to the room to speak to you, Axton told them. I believe they will also be speaking to other young ladies on that list to let them know that there is no pressure to marry.
What if soone is legitimately interested in the prospect? Ilyana asked.
Gideon would have to make the decision, Piers said. The list is a recomndation and introduction to a young lady, but it will be my brother who decides if he is willing to spend ti with any of them.
Ilyana snorted and looked to the side. We all know hes interested in Hart.
It was surprising that Miss Hart wasnt on the list, Albert said.
One needs to be an accomplished young lady to be put on the list, Piers replied. Tori bit her lip.
Lets put that behind us. What are you three going to do now that youre clearly not returning to the ball? Axton asked. Tori looped her arms with Ilyana and Albert and headed towards the gatehouse.
Out! Its still early, should we call the others and get sothing to eat while were at it? Tori asked.
They may have already eaten dinner, Ilyana said with a furrowed brow. Her eyes lit up. Dessert?
Where should we go? Albert asked. Most of the dessert stores nearby should be closing soon.
Ilyanas shoulders fell. And it will take so ti to pick up the others....
Tori released their arms and turned around. She looked at Axton and gave him a wide smile. Axton...would you like to co? Perhaps...provide us with an establishnt in which to dine?
He raised a brow and looked at her cheeky face. Ilyana and Albert were also looking at him with so hope. Axton let out a low breath. He reached into his pocket and took out his comcry.
Call Franklin Sassure, he said after sliding his finger across. It didnt take long for another mans voice to greet him. Manager Sassure, please prepare my dining room. Just for coffee, tea, and desserts.
Fried finger foods, Piers said.
Axton gave him a tired look. And perhaps so fried finger foods.
Of course, my lord. Would you like a table prepared for dungeon crawl?
Tori furrowed her brows. Theyd only played there a few tis. Albert had his comcry out and whispered. Say yes, Sir Nassaun. Ill call the others.
Yes, prepare the dice, Axton said. We will all gather in an hour.
Albert and Ilyana were already on their comcry, inviting their friends. Tori looked at Axton. I didnt bring my story notes.
Its fine, Ive been working on my own, Axton said. Ill go get it and et you all at the Three Queens. He turned around and almost broke into a run to get to his room.
Mr. Martin, would your grandmother like to join us? Piers asked. I recall her interest in dining at the private dining hall. Ewans grandmother has already had a chance to dine there.
Thank you! I can ask, Your Highness.
Tori stepped forward and put her hand on Piers arm. Are you sure its all right for you to leave your brothers Coming-of-Age celebration?
I have already left, he told her without a hint of regret.
That was true. If anything, this was a good excuse for him to leave. Then, lets send the carriages to pick up everyone, Tori said as she took his arm.
I want to role-play, too, Piers said as he walked with her, towards the gatehouse, as Ilyana and Albert followed, calling different people.
Dungeon crawl? Tori raised a brow. He shook his head once.
No, alone with you.
Oh, Tori nodded. Do you want to continue the haunted forest or try the murder mystery?
Can you guide without notes? he asked, appearing uncertain.
Tori nodded. Its a lot easier for when its only one person Im guiding. And its not magic, so its a bit less complicated.
In that case, I would like to try the murder mystery.
Good choice.
Am I the murderer?
No, Piers, you are the character trying to find the murderer. That is the mystery.
Oh.
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