Ilyana wasnt talking. Tori knit her brows together and leaned forward.
Ilyana? Tori glanced at her brother and then moved closer to her friend. Are you all right?
Ilyanas eyes were still fixed on Kasen. She nodded her head quietly. He...helped ...pinecones.
Tori squinted. Thats great.... She looked at her brother and motioned her hand towards the tree where another canvas bag was now only half filled. Can you move it to the tree?
Sure. He bent down and picked up the canvas sack hed carried. He hauled it over his shoulder once more and walked over, greeting Ewan who rushed forward to help him.
Tori looked over at Ilyana and then followed her gaze. Her brother was bending forward to put the bag down. She crinkled her eyes.
Is sothing wrong with my brother? she asked, looking at Ilyana again.
No! No! Your brother is perfect! Ilyana shut her eyes tight and bit her lips. Perfect gentleman! Hes a perfect gentleman! He helped carry the bag.
Tori cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. Are you sure youre all right? Your face is red.
Ilyana nodded earnestly. Im fine. I just...I didnt know he was your brother.
Tori raised a brow, but nodded with understanding. I look more like Kasey than Sebby.
I expected him to look more like Lord Sebastian, Ilyana said.
Tori grinned. Oh, Sebby looks like Mama. Green eyes, brown hair. Kasey and I look like Papa. Everyone says Kasey looks almost exactly like Papa when he was that age.
Ilyana wasnt looking at her, but nodded. Once more, Tori furrowed her brows and followed her friends gaze back to her brother. Tori drew her head back and raised her brows.
I see.... Hes eight years older, you know.
Oh, is he?
Tori let out a heavy sigh. Youre still young. Id suggest waiting until you finish Universit, or Lyce, at the very least.
Ilyanas eyes widened and she seed to perk up. She snapped her head towards Tori. Waiting for what? Her voice was higher than normal, and Tori held back a laugh.
Okay...wait for nothing. Co on. She patted Ilyanas shoulder. Go get so water to drink. Then you can start calling people over to the pinecone challenge.
Ilyana wrinkled her nose. Im not thirsty....
Tori chuckled to herself as she walked towards one of the pinecone tossing stations, where Ewan was explaining the process to Kasen. She grabbed onto her brothers shoulders from behind.
You dare to give it a try?
Kasen chuckled. Ewan, get the equipnt. Ewan nodded and turned to get a padded jacket, helt and gloves. As Kasen put his arms through the jacket, he looked towards the five students tossing pinecones at one of the first contestants. Whats the record?
Forty-nine, Tori told him. By Piers, last year.
Her brother let out a little scoff as he rolled his shoulders and tied the padded jacket. He didnt get fifty? Thats surprising.
Yeah.... Tori looked to the side. She was sure if she didnt toss the last pinecone, Piers wouldve.
GG cleared out the first contestant and the underclassn sward forward to pick up the pinecones and prepare for the next round.
Were open! GG said, raising an arm.
We have a VIP who wants to try! Tori called to him. GG looked over and gave her a nod. Tori motioned for her brother to co forward and Kasen slid his helt on. He walked to the center of the challenge area and moved his waster in front of him.
Ready! GG called out and Kasen gave a small nod. Begin! The mbers of the association carefully tossed the pinecones towards him and, unsurprisingly, her brother blocked almost all of them. Final score, forty-seven!
Tori and Ewan clapped their hands as Kasen handed the waster to one of the students and removed his helt. They could hear groans of disappointnt coming from the few people waiting to try, and Ewan grimaced.
Maybe we shouldnt have let Lord Kasen go first....
Spread the word that his score doesnt count. Think of it as an exhibition, Tori said. Ewan nodded and moved to speak to the crowd.
Can I try more than once? Kasen asked as he tugged off his gloves and then ran a hand through his hair.
Tori shook her head. Sorry, Kasey, but we have a line. She motioned towards the entrance and her brother looked over. There were two stations for the challenge, but there were plenty of people already in line or looking at the scoreboard posted in front of the exhibition area. Were very popular.
Kasen chuckled and removed his jacket. Miss Agafonova said that I can win a coat at the end of the week.
Tori gave him an unimpressed look and crossed her arms over her chest. You already have a coat. Didnt I have one made especially for you?
Two coats from my sister are better than one, he told her with an amused smile.
GG, hold your station after this contestant. Captain ssers voice reached them as she led a small group of people forward. We have a few more VIPs.
Tori turned around and felt her shoulders shrink. Beside her, Kasen also let out a heavy sigh at the sight of the disguised imperial couple approaching. He put and arm around Toris slumped shoulders and pulled her close to give her a reassuring hug. Calm yourself. Mama says she has a history of doing what she wants.
Ahead of the Empress and Emperor, who was wearing a black wig today, were Axton and Piers. Axton lifted his hand to greet them, and Piers lowered his head, as if guilty of sothing.
He walked directly to Tori. I did not assist them today. I didnt know they were coming; I found them at the gate.
Tori narrowed her eyes and bore her gaze into him.
Piers shrank back. I did.
He did, Axton confird. He lowered his voice as he whispered. I dont think they ca for Gideon; I think they ca just to try this again.
Tori took a deep breath and exhaled. Kasen stepped around them to greet the imperial couple casually, so as not to give them away.
So, you are Lord Kasen, the Emperor said, extending his hand. Kasen gripped it and shook it, as if nothing was amiss. Are you here to see your sister?
First, then I have so work that needs to be done, Kasen replied.
A few paces away, Fabian was moving a small crate of already shattered pinecones and did a double take. His eyes widened he opened his mouth to greet them. Axton acted imdiately and grabbed his shoulder to pull him back. Fabian looked up at him, surprised, and Axton gave him a sharp shake of his head.
Fabian seed clever enough to get the warning and awkwardly gave the imperial couple a small bow before taking the crate back to the training grounds.
Shall I go first this year, darling? the Empress said as she looked at her husband. You know its not dangerous. The Emperor nodded and the Empress looked at Ewan. Ewan, hand the equipnt.
Yes.... Ewan said, careful not to add your majesty. Tori let out a small breath of relief. She looked up at Piers and Axton. Are you two going to try again?
Sure! Axton said. What did I get last year? Forty-eight?
Forty-six, Piers corrected at once and Axton sent him an annoyed look. You only hit forty-six.
Why do you have to say only? That was one of the highest scores last year! Axton bristled.
You can beat forty-six, Tori said, handing him a padded jacket. And if I rember, it was the second highest score that week.
Axton put on the jacket and gave Piers a smug look. Second highest.
Tori, who had the highest? Piers said in a disinterested voice. Tori bit her lips and hesitated.
You did. Piers looked at Axton and the corner of his lip curled up into a satisfied smile. Tori rolled her eyes. Its a new year. The old scores dont count! Lets see what youre able to score this ti.
Forty! GG shouted and they turned to see the Empress raise her waster in the air, triumphant.
Thats a good dozen or so more than last year. Piers, the Empress removed her helt as she reached them and grinned. Im catching up.
Thats good, Piers replied, seemingly unsure how to respond.
All right, Beloved, its my turn, the Emperor said as he put on his helt. The Empress helped him tighten it to secure it and smiled.
He looks very confident, Tori said as she crossed her arms over her chest once more to watch. She leaned closer to Piers. How many do you think hell get this year?
He says that his highest count so far has been in the high 30s.
Thats not bad at all, Tori said. Much better than...four.
Your Highness, I brought you a new jacket, gloves, and helt. Ewan rushed towards them with several items in his arms.
Tori narrowed her eyes. When did we bring those out?
I brought them out in case His Highness returned, Ewan said. Rember last year? He would only wear new ones.
Tori shot Piers an annoyed look as he took the jacket from Ewan. Excellent work, Ewan. Being proactive is important for a knight.
Tori shook her head as the Emperors score was called out. Twenty-seven!
Darling, thats much better than last year! Have you been practicing? The Empress looked extrely pleased as she rushed forward to et her husband. The Emperor was careful in removing his helt in order to keep his wig in place.
Despite his score being several tis more than what it was last year, he still looked disappointed. Piers looked at his father questioningly. You said your average was in the thirties.
The Emperor frowned as his wife untied his jacket. Being watched brings unnecessary pressure.
Im next! Axton said. He shoved on his helt and bounded to the challenge station. Piers imdiately followed to go to one of the throwing stations. Before he could reach one, Axton rushed back out. No! No! You are not allowed!
Why not? Piers frowned. I tossed pinecones last year.
You didnt throw them, you hurled them at my head!
The Empress gasped and grabbed her husbands arm. I forgot I could toss them! Darling, do it again so I can throw them at you.
Tori swore she saw the Emperor wince. Im afraid not, Beloved. There is quite a line and theyve already made an exception for us once, so we dont have to wait.
Now the Empress was the disappointed one.
Tori, tell him he cant throw them at ! Axton demanded, blocking Piers from one of the tossing stations.
Piers, were not allowing friends of competitors to toss pinecones. Its too irregular and so people abuse the privilege, Tori told them. Piers frowned a bit, but returned to her side. Axton let out a heavy breath and walked back to the challenge station.
Without Piers aggressive pinecone tosses, Axton was able to achieve a solid forty-seven, as well. How was that? he asked. Is that the record for today?
Youre tied with Kasey, Tori said. Axtons face fell, but he appeared resigned. Piers.... She trailed off when she saw him already halfway to the challenge station, wearing his new equipnt.
They shouldnt go easy on him, Axton said as he handed Ewan his jacket. They should hurl it at his head, too.
We didnt practice those kinds of throws, Tori told him. If we tell them to throw them hard now, most of them will miss Piers completely.
Just tell him to reach out and hit them. Hell do it.
No, but Ill take this as a suggestion to have a more difficult level next year. Thats a really good idea, she said. Axton nodded, satisfied.
They looked back at the challenge as GG yelled for them to begin. The small line of spectators, from Kasen at one end to Tori on the other, all seed to wear unimpressed expressions, as if knowing that Piers would score well.
Fifty! GG called out.
Surprise, Tori mumbled. Groans escaped the bystanders waiting to try, and Tori quickly tried to reassure them. Ilyana, Ewan! Let them know the VIP scores dont count for the prize!
Her two friends nodded and went to let those waiting in line know. The Empress furrowed her brows. Lady Tori, does this an our scores wont be counted?
We will put your score on the scoreboard, but you are not eligible for a prize as a VIP, Tori said.
The Empress rubbed her chin. I suppose thats fair.
Fifty, Piers said as he looked at Axton, who rolled his eyes. Piers handed off his helt and then peeled off his gloves to give to Ewan before triumphantly passing his parents and approaching Tori. Prize?
She let out a small snort of laughter before lifting her hand and patting his head. You did a wonderful job and have advanced a level. Next year, Ill be sure to make it more difficult.
His eyes t hers for a mont before quickly darting away. I look forward to it.
Kasen let out a low cough and Tori pulled her hand back. You dont get the prize either. You have your own coat.
I want steak.
All right, Ill make you a steak over the sumr.
He just asks for food, and he gets it.... Axton said with a shake of his head. He walked over and leaned forward, putting his chin on top of Toris head. Tori, I want-
Mr. Zisos ordered so cured lamb to be brought to the delta this week; I promise to save so for you. Tori cut him off and he bead, knowing what it ant.
Excuse ...your...um...Sir, Madam. Fabian seed to step forward, having returned from his errand. He bowed his head to the Emperor and Empress. Are you looking for Prince Gideon?
The Emperor didnt flinch, but Tori could see the brief mont of confusion on the Empress face, as if wondering why shed be looking for her son. Her eyes widened and she quickly smiled.
Do you happen to know where he is, Sir von Dorn? the Empress said.
Kasens head snapped in his direction and his sharp eyes fixed on Fabian.
Yes, Madam. He is assisting the baking club, Fabian said. Would you like to escort you?
Tori raised a brow and looked him up and down. Did he not realize that he was on duty for the association at the mont?
We will not take up your ti, Sir von Dorn, the Emperor said. We were given a map. The baking club, you say? He raised one hand elegantly and a plain clothes knight who was looming around them stepped forward and held out a piece of paper.
Their booth is just outside the main auditorium doors, Sir, Tori said. The scent of slightly burnt bread could be slled when they passed earlier.
The Emperor gave her a nod. Then, we will go. Sir von Dorn, continue your work here.
Fabian looked sowhat disappointed but bowed his head and stepped back. The imperial couple gave them small nods before following their knights out into the rest of the school. Kasen moved towards Tori and leaned closer to her.
Is that him? The boy you beat?
Tori gave him a small nod. Thats him.
Kasens eyes narrowed. All right. He seed to take a deep breath before turning back to her. I have to go do so work now. He opened his arms in front of him and wrapped them around her, kissing the top of her head once more.
Tori instinctively raised her arms to embrace him back. Are you free for dinner?
Unfortunately, no. The job is a bit complex, Kasen said as he pulled back and looked at her fondly. I will call you when I can schedule a ti, all right?
Tori nodded. She wanted to ask for more details, but if he was purposely being vague, then it was likely a classified mission of sorts. She swallowed back her worry. Her brother was a fighter and intelligent. Hell be fine. Okay. Be safe.
He lifted a hand and stroked her hair back. You, as well. A crack was heard, and he held up his hand, catching a pinecone as it ca flying towards her head. He looked towards the challenge station where everyone seed to have frozen with panic. Be more careful next ti.
He casually tossed the pinecone back. Tori bead. My brother is so cool.
Kasen turned around and began to walk away. He seed to stop to say good-bye to Ilyana, who imdiately froze and turned red.
Albert moved forward from where he had been, lining up people for the challenge. Why is Lord Kasen more terrifying than Lord Sebastian? he said, looking worried.
Tori raised her brows and shrugged. Probably because hes much calr. As they say, an animal that wants to kill you wont give warning.
Also, hes much better with his fists than a sword, Axton said. And you saw his score.
Albert looked at Tori with dismay.
Axton. Piers, Kasen called from the entrance. He tilted his head to the side, in a beckoning motion.
Coming, Senior Kasen! Axton looked over his shoulder before quickly patting Toris head and heading out.
Well be busy the next few days and will be unable to go to the delta, Piers said as he stopped in front of her. Imperial knights are assigned to you.
Are you helping my brother? Tori narrowed her eyes as Piers nodded. Then, you be safe, too.
I will, he said as he turned around. I want my steak.
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