Tori sneezed. She narrowed her eyes and rubbed her nose. She looked around the plaza and the flowering plants in the gardens and pots. Her lips pulled into a frown. She didnt think this body had seasonal allergies. Wait, is soone talking smack?
Should we go whale watching first or should we do a cruise around the islands and maybe go upriver? Ilyana paced impatiently beside her. Her stepmother, the Baroness, and little brother had left their inn early that morning and were scheduled to arrive in the midafternoon.
Ilyana had been antsy since breakfast. Shed gone to the resort tent on the beach that she reserved for them twice to make sure that everything was ready, and she had to restrain herself from calling the Baroness every hour to see where they were.
Tori sat on a wooden bench beneath a small pergola placed by the curb of the lot so guests could sit comfortably and wait for their carriage. Tori chuckled.
Ilyana, theyve been traveling in a carriage for hours. Your brother may be excited and want to explore imdiately, but your mother will probably want to rest, Tori said. Speaking as soone who was once physically forty, she knew how it felt to be traveling for so long and then want to relax as soon as she reached her destination. Her older body didnt bounce back as fast or as well as when it was younger.
It wasnt that she wasnt excited, but her body needed to rest and re-energize before she could dive into activities.
Ilyana stopped and stood up straight. She snapped her head towards Tori and looked at her with wide eyes. Should I have the carriage bring them closer to the resort tents?
Tori raised a brow. She looked past Ilyana. The closest carriages could get to the resort tents, which were across a small creek, was to park on the other side of the lot they were currently waiting by. Tori scrunched her lips.
I dont think it makes a difference, she said. Well have the valets bring their things to their tent and then let them have sothing to eat and drink to refresh themselves at the restaurant. She waved her hand towards Henriks restaurant in the plaza just behind them.
There were just a few guests present, all of whom were sohow connected to social circles Tori, Henrik, and Albert were part of. Guests ca in limited quantities to assure that staff could be as attentive to each as possible and had reserved dates. All the guests they were expecting that sumr had either reached out to stay at Viclya or had won stays at bingo.
Though the number of guests was expected to be small, they were guests with deep pockets and a decent amount of money was being spent at the restaurant and shops, as well as on the lodgings themselves.
Ilyana looked towards the plaza and nodded. Youre right! Mom and Riri are probably hungry after traveling all day.
You can take them whale watching tomorrow, Tori said. Itll be good to make a day of it and let them familiarize themselves around the area. Theyre going to be spending most of the sumr here, after all.
Ilyana nodded. Its a sha Dad cant co. He said hell try, but hes always so busy.
Tori nodded. In the sumr, it took about three weeks to get from Ilyanas hotown in rural northern Osten to Horizon and Viclya. Round trip would be six weeks and as far as Tori knew, Baron Agafonov ran his business by himself. Unlike her father, who threw march responsibilities at her brothers, Baron Agafonov couldnt leave his business for extended periods of ti.
Tori leaned back against the bench and waited. A carriage was coming down the road and since they werent expecting many people, she figured that was it.
Is that them? Tori asked. Ilyana turned around to face the road and rushed forward. She craned her neck, and excitent and joy filled her face.
Thats them! She jumped up and waved her arms. Tori chuckled and rose to her feet.
She stood to the side and waited as the carriage circled the lot to get to them. As it rounded the corner, one of the windows was pulled open and Tori could see a small arm waving just as enthusiastically as Ilyana.
The dark colored carriage with its shiny tal finishes rolled to a stop in front of them and a footman jumped down to open the door. As soon as he opened it, a small being seed to fly out and fling themself into Ilyanas awaiting arms.
Big sis! A small voice cried out as a pair of arms clung to Ilyanas neck.
Tori couldnt help but smile as Ilyana wrapped her arms around a little boy and hugged him tight. Riri! I missed you!
The child rubbed his head against Ilyanas shoulder as a lovely middle-aged woman climbed down from the carriage with a helpless look on her face. She was a slender woman of average height. Her dark brown hair with a few strands of gray around her temples was swept up into a neat bun just below her hat, and round glasses went over her hazel eyes.
Riri, youre not so small anymore. Your sister cant always carry you. Tori assud this woman was Baroness Agafonova based on her fine clothing.
Im not heavy! Ilyanas little brother puffed out his cheeks defensively. Tori bit her lips to keep from laughing. Ilyana puffed out her cheeks, too.
Mom, welco to Viclya! Ilyana, still holding on to her brother, closed the gap between herself and the Baroness and extended her free arm to hug her. Sohow, she still managed to hold on to her brother.
I missed you, my sweet girl. Im glad we could co this year, the Baroness said, holding on to Ilyana tightly. She didnt seem to want to let go. Your father says that if he can finish his work, he will try to co and et us here before we return.
Okay, Ilyana nodded and shyly pulled away. She glanced at Tori, who remained quietly waiting for her introduction. Mom, this is Tori.
The Baroness eyes widened as she turned towards Tori. She seed to take a deep breath as her eyes crinkled up. Lady Guevera!
Tori smiled gently. No need to be so formal. Tori or Lady Tori is fine.
The Baroness face filled with warmth as she stepped forward and extended her arms. Lady Tori.
Oh! Tori found herself enveloped in an embrace and let out a slight laugh as she lifted her own arms to hug the woman back. Baroness Agafonova, welco to Viclya.
Thank you! The Baroness stepped back and held Tori at arms length. Her eyes went up and down, as if committing Toris image in her mind. Its good to finally et you. Youre all Ilyana ever talks about when shes ho.
Mom! Ilyana flushed and quickly tried to squeeze between them. I dont talk about Tori all the ti!
Most of the ti, the Baroness said with an amused smile. She looked at Tori and winked. Ninety percent.
Ilyana let out an embarrassed groan and almost hid her face against her brother. Tori stepped forward and craned her neck.
Are you going to introduce to this handso little man? Tori asked with a grin. Ilyana gasped, as if realizing she had forgotten. She quickly put her brother down and seed to urge him forward.
Tori, this is my little brother, Illarion. We call him Riri, so please call him Riri, too! Ilyana gently prodded her brother forward.
Tori looked down at the pale, chubby six-year-old with big brown eyes and thick brown hair. She could see his resemblance to Ilyana and nodded approvingly. Sure enough, since his big sister is a beauty, hes a cutie, as well. Tori knelt down to greet him. Hello, Riri. Im Tori.
His cheeks reddened under her gaze, and he tried to step back and hide behind Ilyana, but Ilyana wouldnt let him. Riri, greet Tori properly, like Mom taught you.
His little brows furrowed, and he seed to be gathering his courage. He took a deep breath and daringly looked up to et Toris eyes.
Hello, I am Illarion Agafonov and I am six-years old. He fumbled a bit before trying to give her a bow. It is a pleasure to et you, Tori.
LadyGuevera, the Baroness corrected. She is the daughter of Marquis Guevera.
Riri looked embarrassed by his mistake and repeated the bow. It is a pleasure to et you, Lady Guevera.
Tori chuckled and stood up. She took a fluid step back and lifted the corners of her skirt. It is a pleasure to et you, Young Lord Agafonov. She straightened up after her curtsy. But you may call Tori.
With conflicting instructions, Riri looked at the Baroness for direction, who gave him a nod. He looked relieved.
Mom, you must be tired. Co and rest at the restaurant first, Ilyana said as she gently pried her little brothers hand from gripping the cloth of her dress.
Ill have our staff bring your things to your tent, Tori told them. Ill et you at the restaurant.
Thanks, Tori! Ilyana took her mothers arm and led her towards the plaza.
Tori quickly gave instructions to the awaiting staff and stepped back and watched to make sure her orders were followed before turning around and heading to the restaurant. She found the small family seated in the outdoor dining area.
Riris chair had been moved close to Ilyana and the chubby little boy was clinging to his sisters arm as she looked over the nu with him. Tori quietly approached and took a seat across from them.
This is your friend Henriks restaurant? the Baroness asked. He is the rchant guild masters son, am I correct?
Tori nodded. Yes, my lady. Youll be able to et them soon. Henriks project is this restaurant, but he also does the bulk of the paperwork for Lions Gate.
The Baroness nodded, appearing impressed. You all are so young yet youre doing so much!
Lyce requires it of us, Tori said as she raised her arm. And we are very lucky to have the resources to do what were doing. A server rushed forward and Tori asked for an iced coffee with sweetened milk. The man bowed and rushed away.
When are we going to go on the boat? Riris eyes were fixed past the fountain in the plaza and on to the water.
Tomorrow, Ilyana assured him. We will go look at whales and then circle the islands and shore.
Riri nodded. Can I draw the whales?
Of course you can draw the whales! Ilyana said. You can do a lot while youre here. Go play in the water, go on boats, go fishing, sleep on a hammock.
Whats a hammock?
A large swing you can sleep on!
Riris eyes widened, as if hed just been told sothing shocking. He whirled around to look at his mother. Mom, did you hear that!?
I heard, I heard, the Baroness laughed as she reached forward and stroked her sons hair back. But you cant bother your sister all the ti. She has work to do while were here.
I wont! Riri looked determined.
Their beverages and a light al arrived. Tori told the Baroness about what they were planning and what activities were available for them. In the afternoon, theyd take a tour of the encampnt and shore so they could be familiar.
As they spoke, Riri began to grow impatient. He fidgeted in his seat and looked at his mother and sister pleadingly. Can I see the fountain? Can I walk to the water? I want to see the beach!
Finally, Ilyana gave in. Mom, Im going to take Riri around the pronade. Do you want to co?
Im going to sit here a bit longer, the Baroness said, happily leaning back against her chair. Ill wait for you two to return.
Ill keep your mom company, Tori said, sipping on her drink.
Ilyana gave her a thankful look and led her excited little brother out into the plaza. The two remaining ladies watched them go and the Baroness looked thoughtful.
Thank you for having us this sumr, Lady Tori, she said. Tori smiled and shook her head.
Im happy to have you. We all are. I know Ilyana misses ho, but with the work that were doing right now, its difficult for her to go back, Tori said. She giggled. She has been looking forward to your arrival for weeks.
The Baroness laughed and looked towards the fountain, where Ilyana and Riri had stopped to inspect. Tell , Lady Tori, how is my daughter in school?
Toris brows rose, a bit surprised but at the sa ti not. Many parents wanted to know how their children were doing, especially at a boarding school like Lyce du Soleil.
Shes doing very well. Constantly at the top of our class rankings. Everyone in our year crowds her review sessions before exams. She felt a bit like a teacher at a parent-teacher conference.
The Baroness took a deep breath and nodded. Has she...t any trouble?
Tori cocked her head to the side. Trouble?
Being away from ho for so long, I cant help but worry that shell have a difficult ti and wont tell us, the Baroness said, lowering her eyes. Ilyana is always happy to share good news, but hesitant to tell us if sothing is bothering her.
Tori furrowed her brows. Ilyana complained to her often, but she supposed it was different with a friend. She could see Ilyana not wanting to tell her parents if sothing was bothering her for fear of making them worry.
Ilyana is very popular and well-liked, Tori said, truthfully. The entire school knows who she is, and she receives confessions and love letters weekly. When you et our friends later, they can confirm this.
The Baroness let out a relieved breath and nodded. Thats good....
Were you worried that Ilyana would be bullied so far from ho? Tori asked. There was always that possibility. If this was the original ga and Ilyana was Victorias roommate, that could certainly be the case. This ti, it didnt seem like it. She and Ilyana were often attached at the hip. She frowned and lowered her gaze. Was sothing bothering Ilyana that she didnt notice?
The Baroness shifted in her seat uncomfortably and reached out to take a sip of her fruit juice. Ilyana didnt have many friends growing up. She paused and shook her head. No. It was more that Ilyana didnt have any friends.
Tori jerked her head back and blinked. That was surprising. When she first t Ilyana, she had been nothing but amiable and energetic; eager to make a connection. Toris shoulders sank. Then again, having no friends prior to Lyce couldve been the reason Ilyana was so firm in her decision to befriend Tori.
You dont believe , the Baroness said with a sad chuckle. I can understand why you wouldnt. She has such a cheerful and kind personality. One would think she would have many friends. Back ho, Ilyana was privately tutored. She looked back towards the plaza. Gorask is a mining town, and the local schools arent as sophisticated as those in larger cities. They have basic education, at best. So, the Baron hired private tutors for Ilyana up until she left for Lyce.
Im not worried about Ilyanas studies. She has always been a brilliant and studious girl. However, as a result of having private tutors, she had limited exposure to children her age. To make matters more complicated, we Agafonovs are new money. My husband bought the title after gaining so rit for his work that benefited the empire. Other wealthy families in Gorask are much more settled. They are willing to do business with my husband, but its not a secret that they look down on us. Thats rather common in rural areas. The Baroness looked down and smiled bitterly.
Tori didnt know what to say. While she didnt have a good relationship with her peers in Presidio, it was a personal problem; not one with her family. Victoria was a little tyrant and others still had to give her respect.
Are there many other wealthy families in your town? she asked. If I ever visit, lets see how they fare against Ilyanas best friend being a Marquis daughter. I should bring Axton and Piers. Triple threat.
A few, but I am also uncomfortable dealing with wealthy matrons. Im sure that rubbed off on Ilyana. Shes always been such a well-behaved and gentle child. When she was left out of the social circles and ridiculed, she didnt complain. She simply spent more ti at ho.
Tori nodded. I can understand why youd be worried.
The Baroness looked towards her and smiled. She reached forward and grasped Toris hand, squeezing it tightly. All Ive heard since she ca to Lyce are good things. She speaks of you so much and I am sure that she is happy here because she made a good friend.
Toris eyes reddened a bit. Actually, Im the one who made a good friend.
They heard a shout co from the plaza and they looked out, towards the fountain. Tori caught the Baroness face lighting up.
Riri was clinging on to the top of Ewans bald head as Ewan carried him on his shoulders. Chatting along with Ilyana was Sonia, their arms looped together, as JP, Henrik, and Constantine followed behind. The little boy was laughing as Ewan ran forward, letting him bounce up and down and cry out in excitent. Henrik chided him to slow down.
Mom! Mom! Big Sisters friends said they will take horseback riding! Riri shouted.
The Baroness eyes glistened over, and she nodded as she watched her children approach, surrounded by friends. Tori smiled and patted the Baroness hand comfortingly.
Yeah, I get that feeling, too.
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