Perhaps it was because she had slept so much in the last few days that Tori was up early the morning they were to leave. She sat on a wooden bench beneath the porch, watching the knights carry out their things and pack them onto the awaiting carriages. She wore a dress she received from Duchess Tetri and her crystal carrying case was on her lap.

Piers sat beside her, eating his half of her egg and bacon sandwich. The entire cabin was abuzz with activity as recovering knights walked out and were assigned carriages. The knights who received the worst of the poison gas were moving slowly and a small assortment of crystals had been wrapped over their chests. They were the ones who had been out in the hall, guarding Alessa, Dimitri, and Montan’s room.

The four knights who were found on the ground floor had come in from patrol and fallen asleep after taking a rest. They were younger knights and didn’t seem to think twice about the sweet scent in the air. They assumed it had to do with the box of pastries that had been purchased for Tori.

“Do you want more?” Piers asked.

Distracted, Tori kept her eyes on the row of carriages. The Prime Minister’s two guards were putting away their belongings. The modest carriage of Baron Hart had been rented. Baron Hart carried his and his daughter’s things out himself.

“No, we’ll stop when we get to the resort towns by the lake. We can buy something to eat there,” Tori told him. She would sit in Piers’ carriage with him, as she had on the way to River View. Piers gave her a small nod.

Her father walked towards them from where he was checking on the horses. Several horses needed to be tethered to be brought back, as their knights were riding in carriages.

“Tori,” Marquis Guevera told her gently as he knelt in front of her. “Do you want Papa to stay in the carriage with you?”

“If you want to, Papa. I won’t force you if you prefer to ride,” Tori replied with a smile. She saw her father’s eyes flicker over to Piers for a moment before looking back at her.

He smiled warmly. “Then, I will have Sir Beltran lead Ocaso while I accompany you.” He reached up and gently stroked her hair back before he rose to his feet and walked back to the horses.

“It’s my carriage.” She heard Piers quietly complain beside her and she held back a smile.

“If you don’t want to let Papa into your carriage, I can always move to another to sit with him.”

“No. My carriage is more comfortable.” Piers frowned at once.

Tori let out a little snort-laugh and reached over to grasp his arm. “Thank you for letting me ride in it.” He shook his head and avoided her eyes.

“You are still recovering. You must be comfortable.”

She let out a small hum and looked back towards the yard.

“Lady Guevera.” A tired voice came from the door to the cabin and Tori turned her head. Baron Hart walked towards her with dark circles around his eyes and an overall dejected air about him. His clothes were a bit worn and wrinkled, and he hadn’t seemed to put any effort into his hair that day. He looked as if he’d just rolled out of bed in the clothes he wore the day before. He lowered his head and gave her a small bow as he stopped in front of her. “I cannot thank you enough for your assistance in finding my daughter. I am deeply sorry for the trouble we’ve caused you.”

Tori shook her head and gave him a small, dismissive wave. “We didn’t know how serious it would become. What’s important is that everyone is accounted for.”

“Yes, thank you.” Baron Hart’s voice was hoarse, and he stood up straight. His eyes were a bit red with shadows. He opened his mouth, but didn’t seem to know what else to say. Instead, he lowered his gaze, gave her another bow, and turned around. “Alessa, let’s go.” He called into the cabin and a moment later, Alessa stepped out.

Compared to her father, she looked much better. Her face was bright, and the color had returned. Her hair was neat and her clothes orderly. She was walking with Montan beside her. She didn’t seem at all as tired as she did yesterday.

Her eyes lit up as she looked over at the two seated on the bench. Alessa quickened her step to reach them, leaving behind Montan, and bowed her head. “Your Highness! Good morning! And to you, too, Lady Guevera.” She lifted her head and gave them a brilliant smile.

That is the smile of a girl who is ecstatic her father has been dumped. She’d be lying if she denied seeing it was annoying. Tori forced a tight-lipped smile as Piers quietly folded a napkin around the leftover breakfast sandwich. He was rich, but not wasteful. Tori had to answer for both of them. “Good morning, Lady Hart. Mr. Alvere.”

Tori looked past Alessa, at the pale-faced young man who shifted awkwardly under their gaze. He didn’t answer.

“Thank you again for your help, Your Highness and Lady Guevera,” Alessa said. “I hope to see you again soon. Lady Guevera, I will see you in Lycée.”

Tori gave her a small nod. “Safe travels, Lady Hart.”

Alessa beamed and turned back to Montan. She walked towards him and gave him a small nudge forward. Montan didn’t look at Tori or Piers as he took a single step closer. He kept his eyes on the ground.

“Thank you for saving us, Lady Guevera. Your Highness.” He gave them a small bow and then turned around. He grasped Alessa’s wrist and led her towards the Hart’s rented carriage.

“That’s the first time he’s spoken to me since we found them,” Tori said as she leaned back against the bench. “I can’t tell what he’s thinking.”

“He doesn’t like you. Is it because of Lady Hart or Axton?”

Tori thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, but he’s confronted me before because of Lady Hart.” She watched Montan talk with Alessa and handed her a paper charm before helping her into the carriage. Once she was inside, he stepped away.

The driver closed the door of the carriage and climbed up the driver’s seat. A moment later, Baron Hart and his daughter left.

“Where is Mr. Alvere? Dimitri, show him our carriage.” Tori heard Madam Guthry’s familiar voice. Since she had come downstairs the day before, Madam Guthry hadn’t contacted her once. Tori had expected her to at least stop to chat or call to say any additional thanks, but the woman seemed to be avoiding her.

Was she embarrassed? Ashamed? Upset that Tori revealed how much she didn’t like their son? Whatever the reason was, Tori didn’t feel it necessary to pursue. She was ready to end contact with the Guthrys after this entire debacle.

Dimitri walked outside and made it down the steps of the porch before stopping. He turned around and looked towards Tori and Piers. Tori hadn’t spoken to him since they were saved and brought to the cabin. Like Alessa and Montan, Dimitri seemed healthy. He no longer appeared sickly, though the usual amiable smile he wore in public seemed to be gone.

He had an unreadable expression in his eyes as he looked at the two of them. He seemed to be weighing his options before walking back up the steps to the porch and approaching them.

He lowered his head. “Thank you for your work to save us, Lady Guevera and Your Highness.”

Piers gave him a nod and Tori mirrored it. She didn’t reply and instead looked back towards the carriages not wanting to continue with any small talk. When he didn’t receive a verbal response, Dimitri took a deep breath and turned around.

“Your Highness, Lady Guevera.” The Prime Minister came outside with his wife and stopped in front of them. “Thank you again for helping us find our son. We are indebted to you both.”

“I am of a march,” Tori said, repeating her brother’s words. “This is what I should do.” Piers nodded as well.

The Prime Minister seemed unsure of what else to say and looked over at his wife. Madam Guthry looked pained and lowered her eyes.

“My lady, I am afraid we will no longer be able to come to your birthday celebration and will need to cancel our reservations in Viclya,” she said in a strained voice. She dared to look towards Tori, who kept an impassive look on her face.

Tori gave her a small nod. “I understand. I will let our staff know not to expect you.”

Madam Guthry’s face fell with disappointment, as if she’d been hoping that Tori would insist they still come. She gave Tori a nod and turned around, walking silently towards their carriage with her eyes downcast. The Prime Minister gave Piers one more bow before standing up and following his wife.

“Are they ending relations?” Piers asked. They watched the couple get into the carriage. The Prime Minister called for Dimitri and Montan to hurry up and get in.

“It looks like it,” Tori said. “The trouble their son and Lady Hart caused put me in an awkward situation.”

“You told them you don’t like their son.”

“That, too. I wanted to keep my issues with their son separate from my relationship with Madam Guthry and the Prime Minister, especially since I wanted them to think well of you, but I suppose it can’t be helped now.”

Piers raised a brow and looked towards her with a hint of curiosity. “You befriended them for me?”

“Initially, yes. You needed to enlarge your social influence and be on good terms with various parties. The Prime Minister was a good place to start,” Tori told him. She looked at him and watched his eyes meet hers for a second before looking away. “I don’t think he’ll think badly of you because of this, though. If anything, I bet he feels indebted.”

Piers nodded his head once. “His re-election is in a year. We will see if he remains the Prime Minister or if the Common Chamber elects another.”

Tori watched her father speak to the Prime Minister at the door of their carriage before giving them a firm nod and walking away. His face softened as he neared Tori. She put on a warm smile.

“Are we ready to leave?” she asked.

“We are,” her father said. He reached down to pick her up. “We will reach the resort towns before lunch. We will have some time for you to do some shopping for gifts for your friends.”

“Thanks, Papa.”

He carried her to the carriage and Piers waited until they were both settled within before climbing inside and sitting across from them. Outside, one of the knights closed the door and they began their several day-long journey back to Horizon and the delta.

Tori was looking forward to returning and was at ease, despite being unable to move her legs. Her father had personally carried her to any shop she was interested in and paid for anything she wanted.

I am truly a spoiled little girl. Tori looked over her father’s shoulder. Piers and a knight were holding several bags and boxes with gifts. In one of Piers’ hands was a bag of pastries for her to snack on.

However, she didn’t insist on stopping to shop once they left the lakes region. Crossing the Central Corridor was boring, and Tori spent most of her time writing down notes for a spy-themed game and running her ideas past her father and Piers. Marquis Guevera remained with her in the carriage the entire time, appearing both attentive to her and vigilant.

When they reached the edge of the Servana Duchy, where the road split between Horizon in the southeast and the Alvere Duchy and Sur beyond it in the southwest, they were met by over a dozen imperial knights and Albert, who had been brought in a carriage. They stayed at one of Axton’s inns before they split up. Tori and Albert spent more time going over the various gifts and clothing she had him bring than Albert spent with Piers reviewing reports he was to go over.

The next morning, before dawn broke, Tori kissed her father’s cheeks good-bye and he handed her over to Piers and the imperial knights with a threatening look.

“If I didn’t need to return, I would take you the rest of the way,” he said in a firm voice.

“It’s fine Papa. We’ll reach Horizon by noon, and I’ll rest at the palace before going to the delta,” Tori told him. “We are well protected.” She gave him a bright smile in hopes of reassuring him.

Marquis Guevera took a deep breath and reluctantly parted with her. “Your brother will stay with you for a few more weeks. Check to make sure he is well.”

Tori grinned. “Papa, you’re worrying about him?”

The Marquis let out a small huff and looked away. “He’s my son. Can’t I worry about him?” Tori chuckled. Her father was much stricter with her brothers, but he loved them very much.

When Sebastian was bedridden, her father went between her and him. If she were sleeping, he’d go and stay with Sebastian. He’d scolded Sebastian badly, but Idunn had told her that the Marquis had cried. Then Sebastian cried. It was awkward for Instructor Ignatius who had been healing Sebastian at the time.

When the party returning to Sur left, Instructor Ignatius joined Albert in the carriage he had come in and the carriages with the recovering imperial knights followed. They were well on the road to Horizon when the sun began to rise.

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“By the way,” Tori said as she looked over at Piers. “Have you called Axton to tell him what happened?”

“No,” Piers said. “Axton is on a mission for the General Marquis.”

Tori thought about the gorgeous older man for a moment and glanced at his nephew. “Is Axton going to come back early again? With the General Marquis for Her Majesty’s birthday?”

“It is unlikely, but dependent on the situation. Last year was rare and unexpected,” Piers said. He cocked his head. “Do you want to see my uncle?”

“Who doesn’t want to see handsome men?” Tori replied arrogantly as she crossed her arms over her chest and sat up straight. Piers frowned a bit and looked down.

“He is too old for you.”

Tori nearly choked. “What are you saying? I just appreciate beauty! Is that so wrong?” Piers’ hands tightened over his lap. His face flushed and he lifted his head to meet her eyes.

“Uncle isn’t coming this year. Axton will return in a few months,” he said in a firm voice.

Tori raised a brow and gave him a dumbfounded look. She nodded. “Okay, then. Do you know when Axton will be back from his mission?”

“He may already be done. I will call him when we arrive at the palace.”

They needn’t wait that long. Axton called just as their carriage was entering Horizon’s gates.

He was not happy.

Tori put the comcry on Piers’ bench across from her with how much Axton was yelling. He was scolding her for pushing herself, cursing Alessa and the others, and then admonished her for getting involved and giving herself crystal shock.

She hadn't put together that the Duchess’ body was severely damaged because of crystal shock until Piers told her, but now that she knew, she understood why Axton was angrier than she thought he should’ve been.

Tori didn’t speak for a while, allowing him to vent his fury until they reached the central district. Piers looked at her comcry with a sneer.

“How has he been yelling for so long?” he said in a low, annoyed voice. “Why hasn’t he lost his voice yet?”

“It’s all right,” Tori said, motioning for him to calm down. She could understand Axton’s anger. She hadn’t contacted him because the situation involved Montan, and she didn’t want to upset him. Piers didn’t contact him for the same reason. After the teenagers were found, he still did not tell Axton what happened because Tori had crystal shock.

Axton had found out when he called Ewan to check on how his La Garda exams went. Ewan had told him what he knew, which was practically everything except the reason Tori knew there was poisonous gas. Since her family’s, and by extension, the empire’s, illusion of stability could not be shaken, she had told only Piers about her abduction.

Tori had told her other friends that she had been suspicious and that some spare charms she was working on for detecting poison had been activated, which was technically true.

As soon as Axton had found out from Ewan, he had called Tori.

“Axton,” Tori said, as soon as she heard a break in his tirade. “We’re almost to the palace. I’m fine and everyone is all right. I’m sorry I worried you.”

She heard him take in a sharp, shaking breath. “Don’t do that again.” He sounded exhausted and helpless. “I...I’m not there to protect you.”

“I know. I am more aware of my limits than ever,” she said. “I will be more cautious in the future.” There wasn’t much more she could say. Tori looked out the window and could see the imperial palace looming ahead. “When are you coming home?”

“End of the seventh month. I’m taking a ship from Osten to Viclya.” Axton sounded somewhat placated, and Tori was relieved.

“I’ll make sure your tent is ready.”

“Don’t even think about doing any crystal work until you are able to walk on your own again!”

Tori held back an exasperated sigh. How many people had told her not to since she woke up? Almost everyone she knew. “I won’t.”

“Promise me.”

Tori wrinkled her nose and glared at the comcry. “I promise not to do any real crystal work until I can walk on my own.”

There was a pause. “....why did you say ‘real’?”

“I can still plan things that involve using crystals without touching crystals, and I’ll use day-to-day crystals, such as the comcry you’re yelling at me through. I think that is fair,” Tori said, crossing her arms over her chest with defiance.

“That’s fair,” Axton conceded. “I will see you when I come home.”

“Okay, be safe.”

She heard a small grumble and the call ended. Tori tilted her head back and slumped against the carriage bench. Piers lips were tight as he closed her comcry and put it on the small table between them.

“This is why I didn’t tell him.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever push myself to crystal fatigue again if this is how much nagging I’ll get when I wake up.” Tori narrowed her eyes at the ceiling.

“It’s for the best.”

“We haven’t even reached the delta yet. When I get there, Ilyana is going to be hyper-vigilant about me using crystals and then lecture me if I dare to pick one up.”

“As she should.”

Tori lowered her eyes and shot him a glare. “I’m not an idiot. I know I must rest.”

“You are a crystal fanatic. The temptation is strong.”

Tori stared at him and slowly narrowed her gaze as he glanced away innocently. As he turned his neck, a familiar leather cord peaked out from beneath the collar of his shirt. She frowned and extended her hand. “Give it to me.”

“Give you what?”

“The obsidian I was going to give to Sebby. When I get better, I’ll finish it,” Tori said, her palm stretched out in front of him.

Piers looked at her hand in silence for a few moments. “It’s used. Master should get a new one.”

Tori nearly balked as her hand dropped. “It’s not a single-use item! I can recharge it and finish it when I’m better and give it to Sebby!”

“Master will be upset if you gave him something I used,” Piers said with utmost seriousness. “That is how Master is.”

She didn’t want to admit it, but he was right. If she gave Sebastian a gift that Piers had already used, he would hold it with some disdain, even if he didn’t tell her. Tori scrunched her face and turned away to look out the window and scowl.

“All right, fine,” she said in a low voice. “I will just make Sebby a new one when I’m better. I have plenty of time before he leaves.” Piers nodded, appearing satisfied. “And it’ll be better. Not only for emergency energy and awareness, but speed. My brother deserves the best crystal talisman I can make!”

The satisfied look on Piers’ face faltered. His eyes drooped down, and he looked away.

The carriage reached the side gates of the imperial palace. They didn't need to be checked, as they were with the knight escorts sent. There were three carriages in their caravan: Piers,’ which she used; and two low-key imperial carriages, one of which was used by two recovering knights, Albert, and Instructor Ignatius. The other carriage had the rest of the recovering knights.

Tori peered out the window to take in the now familiar sight of the imperial palace and Piers shifted awkwardly across from her. “Why did you not make me a crystal talisman?”

Tori drew her head back and gave him a wary look. “Why would you need a crystal talisman for safety in battle? You do most of your work at a desk.”

His shoulders lowered. “What if I am attacked?”

“You have knights around you and you’re one of Soleil’s best swordsmen. You told me yourself.”

“So is Master. Axton is worse, but he is considered somewhat good, too. They both received obsidian talismans.”

Tori narrowed her eyes. In what world was Axton only considered ‘somewhat good’? “Do you want one?”

Piers’ eyes avoided hers and he didn’t speak up, but she understood that his answer was ‘yes.’ “This talisman was particularly useful at the cabin. It would be beneficial to have one.”

At least she knew it worked. She sighed and rolled her eyes. “Don’t you think your rank is a bit too high for a crystal on a leather cord?”

“I am not an extravagant person.”

“How can you wear it at formal events and when you’re in the Chamber?”

“It is hidden under my clothes. The crudeness doesn’t matter.”

Her eyes narrowed more so. He insulted her craft that she spent hours on. “I never called it crude.” She watched his eyes dart around, as if realizing he misspoke. Tori held out her palm once more. “Give me back my crude crystal, Your Highness.”

He leaned back to put more distance between them, as if thinking she’d snatch it from him. “It’s not crude.”

“You said it was crude.”

“It’s not.”

“Your Highness, my lady, we’ve arrived!” The carriage came to a stop and Tori still didn’t retract her hand. She held it out, silently demanding her crystal back. Piers didn’t move and the two were locked in silence. The footman opened the door, but the two inside remained seated across from each other.

The footman glanced inside and seemed to sense the awkward atmosphere between the two. Piers was avoiding Tori’s eyes and Tori was looking at him expectantly with her hand out. “My lady? Your Highness?”

Tori curled her hand in a beckoning motion, still determined to get her insulted crystal back.

“Lady Tori, are you all right? Do you need assistance to come down?” The Empress’ worried voice drifted from outside. “Someone, assist Lady Tori!”

Foiled, Tori lowered her arm and lifted her chin. “All right. Keep the unfinished charm. Now, I don’t have to work on the ring.”

She saw the flicker of interest cross Piers’ face, but before he could ask what she was talking about, a knight climbed into the spacious carriage between them.

“My lady, I will lift you and carry you to the door to Sir Rowley. He will carry you down and put you on your wheelchair,” the knight told her clearly before he moved forward to pick her up. He waited until she nodded, giving her consent to be carried, and then picked her up.

He was careful to make sure her legs and head did not hit the door jamb as he handed her to the tall, sturdy knight waiting outside.

“Are you all right, my lady? Careful of your head. Hold on carefully,” Sir Rowley said with a look of concentration on his face.

Tori mentally nodded in satisfaction. They had good courtesy and were thoughtful. She would complement them later. Sir Rowley carried her up the steps and to a wooden chair with wheels. Cushions had been placed around it to try to make it comfortable for her and there was a footrest with braces on the side to keep her legs in place.

She wasn’t sure what to expect when she was told she would get a wheelchair. She’d seen old examples of wheelchairs in museums and part of her expected a three-wheeled device with a handle she could steer herself. What awaited her was a chair with two large wheels on either side of her and a smaller wheel in the back that could turn.

Thankfully, the wheels had a hand rim, so at least she could move herself around in the room. There was a curved wooden bar behind the back of the chair meant for pushing her.

“How is it?” The Empress seemed to flutter around her, concerned. She examined Tori and how she sat on the chair, occasionally telling the maids with her to fix Tori’s skirt or get another cushion.

Tori couldn’t complain. Although a bit stiff, and she couldn’t maneuver it well on her own, like the wheelchairs in her world, it was much less awkward than having a knight carry her around whenever she had to move.

“It’s perfect, Your Majesty.” Tori lifted her head and gave the older woman a smile. “Thank you for your consideration.”

“What thanks are needed? This is the least I can do!” Empress Monica looked a bit flustered. “I already know what you did. Crystal fatigue and crystal shock? I understand that the situation was precarious, but in the future, you must be more careful. You are still young and learning; you have limitations.”

Tori kept a smile and nodded, but counted the Empress as yet another person who told her to be careful with crystals.

“Tori, do you want me to give out the gifts now?” Albert asked as he stood beside the carriage as Instructor Ignatius climbed out. Tori tasked Albert with sorting the clothing to be handed out to the recovering knights.

The night before, while the Guevera knights were still with them, Tori had Sir Beltran and Albert go to each room to give them the clothing and hats as thanks. Sir Aguilar and Sir Iturralde got both shirts and dresses, as well as hats. Tori felt it was the least she could give them for escorting her.

Marquess Guevera had called her and told her that two more female knights would arrive by boat to the delta: Sir Pinzon and Sir Bazan. They would replace Sir Aguilar and Sir Iturralde for the remainder of the summer.

“Yeah, remember to check the name tags on the packages,” Tori said as she was turned around by one of the knights.

“I will!”

“Is he my aide or yours?” Piers said as he walked beside her.

“He’s off-duty right now, isn’t he?” How could Albert help with desk work if he were traveling?

“No, it’s within his work week.”

“Then give him a holiday.”

“It’s too much trouble.”

Tori sent him some side eye and decided to ignore him. She looked towards the Empress. “Thank you for coming to greet us, Your Majesty. I’m sure you’re busy; we’re troubling you.” The Empress gave her a thoughtful smile, but before she could reply, her son spoke up.

“Mother, we came directly to the palace from the inn this morning. Can we have the kitchens prepare a meal?” Piers said.

His mother shot him an annoyed look. “Where do you think I am taking you right now? We are going to the dining hall for a late lunch. Your father is waiting.”

Piers’ smile softened and he reached out to gently hold his mother’s hand and squeeze it. It was a brief second at most, but Tori could see the stunned look on the Empress’ face. “Thank you, Mother.” Piers stepped back to fall into pace with Tori’s wheelchair.

The Empress’ face flushed, and she was at a loss for words. A smile was tugging at her lips and there was joy on her face. She looked back at one of the knights. “Make sure to escort Mr. Martin to the dining hall when he’s done outside.”

The knight bowed his head and turned around to see Albert. Instructor Ignatius followed behind him, looking around at the splendid decor of the palace.

“Senior Benedict, is this your first time in the palace?” Piers asked. Tori glanced over her shoulder and saw her instructor nod.

“Yes, I’ve only seen it from outside the gates.”

Tori held back a chuckle. Instructor Ignatius had tried to find a way to go directly back to Anahata Island instead of stopping in Horizon, but no one thought he was healthy enough to ride on a horse for a full day. The pressure from Marquis Guevera forced him to stay with Tori’s group and take the carriage.

Since he had officially moved to Viclya, he no longer had a personal residence in Horizon, so Piers invited him to stay in the palace as his guest. In the morning, they would leave with Albert, as it was his day off.

Tori was rolled into a dining room and a tall, silver-haired man was standing by the glass doors, looking out at the garden.

“Bring out the food,” the Empress said as she passed some servants. They immediately bowed and rushed to inform the kitchen.

“Good afternoon, Your Majesty.” Tori couldn’t curtsy, so she tugged the sides of her skirt from her chair and bowed her head. Instructor Ignatius bowed his head in greeting, as well.

“Welcome back to Horizon, Lady Guevera,” the Emperor said with an acknowledging nod. Tori smiled as she was rolled into the place setting next to the Empress. The last time they ate in this room, this was Gideon’s seat. She had sat across, next to Piers. The table could seat twelve people, but the place settings were condensed to one side, so Instructor Ignatius sat with one seat between him and Piers, reserving it for Albert.

He arrived and took his seat just as the food was served. The atmosphere was very relaxed with no political or economic small talk, although Albert was briefing Piers on work that awaited him while Piers listened and ate.

“Lady Tori, how long will the major effects of your crystal shock last?” the Emperor asked. He sounded very casual and was cutting through a piece of meat as he spoke. While he didn’t sound as familiar as her family meals, she imagined that this was as informal as it got in the palace.

“The crystal masters brought by Papa said that I won’t feel or be able to move my legs for at least two weeks. Following that, it will take another few weeks for me to regain control and walk properly.”

The man nodded. “Then by the end of the eighth month, you will be able to walk and ride?”

“I will walk, but as long as my brother is here, I am prohibited from riding,” Tori said, tightening her lips into a line. She cut her chicken a bit more violently at the thought. It’s been two years since the accident, you’d think they’d let it go by now.

“Then you will not be able to partake in my birthday hunt,” the Empress let out a disappointed sigh and Tori looked over at her.

“Your Majesty’s birthday is before the eighth month, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but since Gideon is at the naval academy, I wanted to wait until he returned home to celebrate, so I’ve postponed the celebration until he returns. I thought we could do a hunt. Vanessa - Duchess Fekete - has offered her hunting grounds for the family and invited parties to participate.” The Empress smiled gently as her eyes softened. “She used to invite us, that is myself, your mother, and Genevieve, and the other duchesses for hunts in the fall. The forests of the Fekete Duchy are well maintained.”

“What about the polo tournament?” Tori asked, cocking her head to the side. Armando told her that this year he was going to keep the twelfth district’s championship when she dropped off the kitten at their house.

“That is still on the same date as last year, as we don’t want to put a large gap between when the regular season ends and when the tournament starts,” the Emperor answered, with some excitement in his eyes. Tori almost forgot that he was a polo player, too.

“If we do a hunt, won’t we have to leave Horizon?” Tori desperately tried to restrain the look of exhaustion and horror at the thought of the imperial family taking another trip outside the city, and an official one at that. She could almost feel the ulcer.

“The Empress and I will not be physically attending the hunt,” the Emperor told her. “We will send proxies to represent us. Piers and Axton will hunt on behalf of their mother; Gideon and Fabian will hunt on behalf of me.” He sat up a bit straighter and looked at his wife. “Gideon is quite a hunter and Fabian has been practicing archery as of recently.”

Tori raised a brow, but didn’t respond.

“Lady Tori, do you hunt?” The Empress turned to her with wide, shining eyes and a brilliant smile. “Would you like to hunt on my behalf?”

Tori furrowed her brows. “Forgive my ignorance, Your Majesty, but how many people can hunt on your behalf?”

“A team of a half dozen,” the Empress said. “However, there will be at least two knights escorting each prince, not counting their own knight, so there are only two additional spaces.”

Tori sat up straight. “That reminds me! Do you know the results of Sir von Dorn’s La Garda exams?” At this time, the final interviews were concluding, and they expected to know whether Ewan was accepted soon.

The Empress brows shot up. She glanced across the table at Piers and then at her husband, both of whom avoided her eyes, and then back at Tori.

“Lady Tori, Fabian didn’t take the La Garda exams.”