Her brothers green eyes went from Piers to her. All at once, Sebastians concerns regarding her closeness to Piers flooded into her head. The scene now before him was sothing he didnt want to see. Tori rembered Sebastians trembling, terrified face at the thought of her marrying Piers and being made a target for assassins.
She began to feel guilty even though she wasnt doing anything wrong.
Toris eyes crinkled up.
Sebby, she began carefully. This isnt what it looks like.
Sebastians face darkened. Do I look blind to you? he snapped back as he shot them both a glare.
Tori is giving a greeting hug, Piers told him. For practice.
Practice? Her brothers incredulous voice seed to raise as he shook in his spot. Do you think Ill believe that!
Sebby, it really is for practice, Tori said. Piers is working towards hugging the Empress, and Axton and I have been trying to get him used to embracing others.
Call Axton. He will confirm it. Piers was serious and Tori wondered if her brother would start yelling.
It doesnt matter if hell confirm it! Sebastian threw his arms down beside him and sneered. Why havent you let my sister go?
Piers seed to think for a mont and then frowned. I lost count. One...two....
Just let her go!
Piers stepped back obediently, and Tori lowered her arms. You need to pay attention to how long you are embracing another person. It will get uncomfortable if its too long under these circumstances.
Is a month of absence too little for the one-ard hug? Piers furrowed his brows and frowned.
No, a one-ard hug will suffice, but you and I have both had so stressful situations recently, so a normal two-ard embrace is-
Do you really not understand how to embrace other people? Sebastian asked, both frustrated and exhausted by this exchange.
Tori frowned and stood in front of Piers. Sebby, you know he doesnt feel comfortable being touched. He hasnt hugged anyone since he was a little boy. This takes ti to get used to. Dont yell at him; hes trying his best. Her disapproving tone was both admonishing and defensive.
Piers nodded and looked over the top of her head. Master, I can hug you, too.
Sebastian stared at the two of them and Piers stepped around Tori. He raised his arms and approached Sebastian cautiously. When Sebastian didnt react, Piers moved closer. He seed to asure his steps before reaching out with stiff arms and putting them around Sebastians.
What is happening.... Sebastian muttered under his breath as he looked at them.
Tori watched as her brothers face went from frustration to confusion to disgust. Piers went with patting Sebastian on the back thrice and when it was over, he stepped back quickly and then looked towards him, as if awaiting a critique.
It was too stiff, wasnt it? Piers frowned and lowered his eyes. I need to be more relaxed, but Master didnt reciprocate.
Its fine. For so people, a firm handshake will do, Tori said with an assertive nod. She looked back at her brother. Sebby, what are you doing here?
Kasen was away from Presidio, still doing assigned work. She didnt expect her other brother to also leave the march. Didnt he have work to do? Her father wouldn't let him wander off so easily.
As if knowing what she was thinking, Sebastian frowned and waved his arm dismissively. Im not staying the whole sumr, just a few weeks. Papa has given permission.
Tori stared at her brother in silence before speaking. You missed Lady Idunn that much, huh?
Sebastian stood up straight and frowned. I didnt just co here for Idunn! Toris eyes narrowed, and Sebastian looked affronted. How do you see ?
Toris eyes slowly looked to the side. As soone who hasnt seen his girlfriend in months and is desperate to see her again.
Tori, Idunn and I are busy people, and we know this. Despite being unable to make ti in recent months to see each other, we talk nightly, Sebastian told her, as if explaining to a child. He had a bit of an arrogant air. When you are older, you will understand that you dont need to be with your partner every mont to be in a strong relationship.
Tori narrowed her eyes. I already know that. Gramps and Grammie live apart so Grammie can do research, rember?
Sebastian let out a small cough. Then...if you understand that, you can understand that while I do hope to see and spend ti with Idunn while Im here, I also ca to see you.
Tori drew her head back, suspicious. Sebby, I told you and Mama and Papa that I was going to be busy working this sumr for both Lions Gate and my Lyce project. I dont have ti to play like last sumr.
Sebastian almost appeared to pout. You cant spare a little ti for ?
Tori faltered. Well...I can, of course, but its not the sa amount as last sumr. It seems a waste of your journey to co for just a few weekends. You have so much work to do back in Presidio.
I finished what needed to be done and the rest can be done through calls, he told her, once more regaining his confidence.
I didnt know you had so much free ti, Master, Piers said.
Sebastian shot him a glare. If you must know, Im also here for Ewan. One of his references should be present and since Axton is at the border, I ca for the interview.
Tori relaxed her shoulders. That was a legitimate, responsible reason. In fact, she was a bit happy that her brother had co all that way to support Ewan so close to the exams. Still, she couldnt help but prod at her brother.
Then does this an youll have Ewan stay in Horizon until his entrance exams and then wait here for him? she asked with a raised brow.
Sebastian imdiately let out a scoff. Why would I do that? He can review in Viclya. She knew hed say that.
Then youll wait in Viclya until his exams are over? Tori continued on. Sebastian opened his mouth and she cut him off. Thats great. Im glad there will be soone there waiting for him when his exams are over to follow up. I have to go to the Tetri Duchy with Instructor Ignatius and Lady Idunn to discuss purchasing crystals and take a look at their irrigation research.
Sebastians mouth snapped shut. He looked at his sister with wide eyes. I planned to go, too.
Tori frowned. Lady Idunn didnt tell her Sebastian planned on joining them. They were planning the trip in detail and had to let Duchess Tetri know how many people were coming with them. From her experience with Lady Idunn, she wouldve told her if her brother was coming so they could inform Duchess Tetri in a tily manner.
Sebby, did you tell Lady Idunn you were coming?
Sebastians face reddened a little. I wanted to surprise her.
Piers shook his head behind Tori. Master, you are aware that Lady Idunn is very busy. This is very rude.
Sebastians glare only hardened. No one asked you! And Ill call her right now! Flustered, Sebastian patted down his clothes until he found his comcry in his pants pocket. He walked to the corner and slid his finger across the crystal. Call Idunn Nordursin.
Tori looked back at Piers and let out a heavy sigh. Dont overwork Albert this sumr. Ease him into the position.
Piers nodded. I will properly discuss the duties required of him, of course. He will only start to accompany to Chamber etings after he has suitable experience.
Hell want to co to Viclya to see us. You can join him if youre not busy.
I will make ti to co for the twins' and Mr. Skuldsens birthday, as well as the celebration for Ewan when he is accepted into La Garda, Piers told her. Do not forget that you still owe steak and said you will attend Mothers birthday festivities.
I know. And your mother reminded when we were at the delta last, Tori said with a tired sigh. Will you be able to attend the smaller gatherings on your own?
Mr. Martin will be present, Piers said. I am confident.
Tori gave him a nod and lifted her arm to stroke his shoulder reassuringly. Dont overwork yourself, either. She saw the corner of his lip curl up as his eyes lowered.
I wont.
Will your brother be able to help you? she asked. He was useful at the new year party.
Piers glanced up and shook his head. No, he will be leaving for the Naval Academy at the end of the week.
Toris head snapped up. The last she heard; the Empress seed reluctant. Your parents agreed? He nodded.
Mother called Marquess OTuagh directly to help find Gideon an open position for this years sumr training. He wont be back until the eighth month, before Lyce starts.
Tori let out a low breath and knit her brows. I didnt expect him to actually go.
It will be good for him. He has very little self-defense training and his discipline is lacking, Piers said with a frown. The Naval Academy will not only train him, but discipline him and force him to work with others. He understands this well. I approved of his decision to attend.
Tori bit her lips and held back her laugh. She could only imagine how excited Gideon was to have his brothers approval.
If youre going, of course Im going. Sebastians firm voice ca from the corner and the two looked towards him. Yes, theres ti. The interviews wont be for another month. It takes a week to get to the Tetri Duchy from Viclya. How long are you planning to stay? There was a pause, and they could hear Lady Idunns muffled voice. Then, Ill accompany you three to the Tetri Duchy.
Tori wrinkled her nose and frowned. If Sebastian left with them, then he couldnt see Ewan off and the week before the exam would be wasted. At least discuss this with Ewan first....Oh my God, youre so clingy. Last sumr, after Sebastian and Lady Idunn made up, he would seek out Lady Idunn when he was free.
Of course, my sister will agree, Sebastian said, full of confidence. He looked over his shoulder. Tori, you dont mind if I go with you to the Tetri Duchy, do you?
I mind.
See, she doesnt.... He trailed off and looked at Tori, stunned. Why do you mind?
Arent you also here for Ewan? Were leaving a week before his exams.
Then you three go ahead first and Ill follow after seeing Ewan off, Sebastian said. He didnt seem to think there was any problem. Ill catch up on horseback.
Tori had a dull look on her face and turned away. Fine. Do whatever you want.
Sebastian seed a bit hesitant to continue after seeing his sisters disapproval. Honey, Ill call you back later. Let discuss this with Tori and Ewan first. He ended the call and looked at Tori beseechingly. Tori-
We are going to the Tetri Duchy for research and procurent purposes. Its work, Tori said in a firm voice. This is not a vacation, Sebby. We have a limited ti to get things done.
I know that-
And I know you havent seen her in months and want to spend ti with her, but you get very clingy, and Im worried youll distract Lady Idunn.
Im not clingy! Sebastian looked affronted once more. He looked at Piers, as if waiting to be defended.
Piers avoided his eyes and neither agreed nor disagreed.
If you co with us, please dont try to monopolize her ti, Tori said, crossing her arms and giving him an expectant look.
Sebastian rolled his eyes. I have so self-restraint, Tori.
Good, then lets get going. Everyone is downstairs and the knights have gone to get their horses, Tori said, walking towards the door. By the way, did you co here alone?
No, Rodriguez, Alvarez, Aguilar, and Iturralde are with . Theyre out in the plaza, Sebastian told her. When you go to the Tetri Duchy, bring Aguilar and Iturralde.
Tori sighed. The two female knights were part of her mothers usual escort. They also accompanied her mother last sumr to Siobhans succession ceremony. Is that necessary? I have imperial knights guarding .
Aguilar and Iturralde were sent by Mama to escort you this sumr, since Nanny Rey went back, Sebastian said.
If her mother sent them, Tori couldnt bring herself to reject them. All right, fine. She walked down the hall and headed down the stairs. As she reached the ground floor, her friends, who were snacking around the hearth, turned towards her.
Master! Ewan gasped as his eyes went wide. He grabbed the bread roll he was eating and stuffed the rest of it into his mouth in panic.
Henrik squinted at him. That was unnecessary.
Lord Sebastian, what are you doing here? JP asked as he and the others rose to greet him.
I wanted to visit my sister and see Idunn. Sebastian looked towards Ewan knowingly. And he has two more weeks until his entrance exams to La Garda. I felt that it would be beneficial to co for review. In addition, in a month, there will be interviews and I must be present.
Ewan let out a heavy breath and looked relieved. Thank you, Master.
Sebastian laughed and walked forward. He slapped Ewans back and smiled. Why are you so nervous? Youll do well, Ewan.
Ewan nodded, but continued to have a concerned look. Its difficult to calm down the closer the exam date cos. There are only so many spots in La Garda and Ill be competing for one against the best young swordsn in the empire.
Sebastian seed to think for a mont. Are you worried that if you are unable to get one of those spots all your hard work will be for nothing?
A wry smile tugged at Ewans lips. He looked apologetic. A bit, yes. I know that the experience and knowledge Ive gained while preparing will be beneficial, even if I am not accepted into La Garda. There are also other imperial knight positions I can apply for later, just not those that are as highly ranked as the ones La Garda students are suitable for. However....
You worked very hard; you want proof that your hard work paid off, Tori said in between sips of the coffee Ilyana gave her.
Ewans face reddened and he nodded. I know there is no guarantee that it will.
And yet you tried, Sebastian said, thoughtful. Ewan, there are other knight positions outside of the imperial knights. You can always apply for private knightages of one of the duchies or marches.
Ewan scratched the back of his head and Piers spoke up.
The knights of the duchies arent the most prestigious, he said. Ewan would do better as a knight for the marches.
Ewan seed bothered and shook his head. Your Highness, the knights for the marches are....
Piers raised a brow. Held to a higher standard due to the nature of their liege. I am aware.
Tori nodded and knew that Ewan knew this. Hed spent ti with the Guevera knights in Presidio and the imperial knights at the delta. He knew the difference in their training and abilities. Imperial knights were focused on protecting the imperial family directly, their property, and their interests, which included soone like her who was investing heavily in the delta. There were different ranks of imperial knights, but only those who protected the imperial family daily were the ones who could stand toe-to-toe with the knights of the marches in terms of ability.
Those imperial knights all went to La Garda.
Ewan, youre sixteen, Sebastian told him as he gave him a reaffirming shake of his shoulder. La Garda isnt the end of your career should you not be accepted.
Lord Sebastian is right, Constantine said, hoping to encourage their friend. You can still be a knight.
But Tori knew Ewan wanted to be a top ranked imperial knight. Ewan seed to force a smile. I know.
Good. Sebastian stepped back and patted his shoulder once more. Because if La Garda doesnt want you, we do.
Tori held back a smile as she watched Ewan nod, as if accepting the comfort, but then freeze when he realized what her brother told him. Ewan stared at Sebastian with disbelief.
Who wants , Master? he asked.
All around him, his friends smiled as they collected their bags of food. Sebastian went to pick up the bag that had been prepared for him on the counter. He looked over his shoulder, casually.
We want you, Sebastian said. If La Garda doesnt make the right decision to take you, then Guevera will.
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