When she went to tournaments with her team for longsword in her original world, they would crowd around the side of the ring to cheer on the team member during their individual matches. Tori’s sword master would often sit with them and point out telling movements that would predict a competitor’s next step.

Aside from being taught to read subtle movements in the body when one was in a match, Tori had a bit of experience reading from the sidelines. It wasn’t a perfect reading, of course, but she knew someone was about to throw a punch immediately.

Tori was running across the greenery before it really registered to her that Dimitri was going to punch Gideon. Sure, Dimitri was going to do something she had been wanting to do for some time, but if the Prime Minister’s son hit the second prince of Soleil, the consequences would be beyond them.

Someone had to stop it and she supposed the instinct bred into Victoria to protect the imperial family kicked in.

“Hold it!” She opened her mouth and yelled as she closed the short distance between them, but didn’t actually hear anything come out. Shit, silence charm....

No one seemed to notice her. If no one noticed her, she couldn’t distract them to stop.

So, she had no other choice.

She dropped her shoulder and ran into Dimitri.

A choked grunt came from him as her petite body rammed into his side, throwing him off balance and sending him down onto the grass. Tori managed to shove past him and stumbled to a stop. She reached into her pocket and quickly ripped the charm before turning around.

“What is wrong with you?” Tori shouted before Dimitri seemed to realize that he was on the ground. He looked at her with a mixture of shock and anger.

“Why did you shove me!?”

“You have the nerve to ask me why I shoved you?” Tori balked, her eyes wide. “Do you not realize that you were about to punch the second prince of Soleil? You are the Prime Minister's son!”

“How could you shove me!” Dimitri was on his feet, but shaken. He couldn’t seem to grasp what just happened.

“Yeah, and I’d do it again,” Tori scoffed. “As much as I’d love to watch you two beat each other until you can’t stand, the consequences of your actions go far beyond you two fighting on campus.”

Dimitri’s chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. Two paces away, Gideon’s eyes were wide, and his lips were parted, appearing stunned. He turned his head to look at Dimitri and squinted in disbelief. Dimitri was known as an ideal student and Tori doubted they’d ever seen him upset. Gideon didn’t seem to understand how Dimitri and him almost came to blows.

“You....”

Dimitri's face was red, and he turned his eyes away. He grit his teeth. “It was a waste of time coming to talk to you. Alessa considers you a close friend and now you’re avoiding her because you blame her for getting you in trouble.”

“I told you, I don’t blame her! I’ve only been busy!” Gideon seethed. “And I’ve made it clear to her that I don’t blame her. If I did, why would I tell my parents that it was my fault?”

Tori crinkled her eyes. Did the two just forget she was there?

Dimitri and Gideon were further away from each other than before, but the tension was still there. Tori quietly moved to a spot where she could grab on to one of them if the fight started to get physical.

“But Alessa was still punished!”

“Why should everyone involved in the prince’s little excursion that night be punished except for her?” Tori asked in a dull voice. Several pairs of eyes turned to her, and she cocked her head. “Wasn’t she the one who instigated the entire thing?”

Dimitri threw her a hateful glare. “You knew they would get in trouble if they were found out and you called the Empress!” He took a step towards her, and Tori’s posture shifted into a subtle fighting stance.

Bent knees, hips facing him, and arms ready. “If you try to punch me, Guthry, I guarantee that the little push earlier will feel like a tap on the shoulder.”

His face twisted with anger. “I’m not going to hit a woman!”

“How chivalrous. I’m sure you’d say you wouldn’t hit an imperial family member, but you were very much about to.”

She could almost see the steam coming out of him. “Alessa was scolded by the Empress!” Dimitri yelled at her.

“So?” It was like every time she opened her mouth, it only made Dimitri increasingly angry. She’d be lying if she said she didn’t feel a little joy. “The Empress scolded her. Not tortured or imprisoned.”

Dimitri scoffed. “I’m not surprised you don’t care.”

“On the contrary, I do. Don’t get confused, Guthry. My title is countess, but my name is still Guevera. The safety of the imperial family is, unfortunately, engraved in my bones. What would’ve happened if there was an assassination attempt-no.” Tori stopped herself and narrowed her eyes. “Not even something so dark. What would’ve happened if there was an accident? If the carriage broke, hit something, or they got lost?” The corner of her lip twitched up as she tried to contain her smirk. “You should know very well how possible that is.”

Dimitri’s hands shook at his side. “I understand that it was a serious breach of protocol, but-”

“Please don’t say ‘but no one got hurt, so it’s fine’.” She rolled her eyes. “Would you only take the danger seriously if a tiger mauled someone? There are rules for reasons. The second prince may have allowed them to be broken, but it was Baroness Hart who instigated him. The Empress had every right to punish her.”

Dimitri drew his head back and sneered. “Do you know what her punishment was?”

“Yes. She got off light.”

“What?” Dimitri stared at her as if she’d blatantly lied to his face. “She was fined, her powers as a noble restricted, and her barony put under the control of someone else!”

“Her fine will be paid off in installments due to the financial status of her barony and comes from personal wealth, not what is taxed from the villagers; the restrictions on her noble powers and barony representative are temporary; and the barony has been put into capable hands.”

His eyes narrowed. “Capable hands?”

“Viscount McLauren and his wife. They are Anlar nobles who earned their titles and have been serving the empire. My cousin, Marquis O’Tuagh, personally assigned them as they have experience in finance, law, and infrastructure. You would know that if you looked into it. No one is hiding who they are. They will be able to work on a revitalization plan for the barony.”

Dimitri shook his head. “Do you think putting a hold on businesses that want to start in Chetterswickshire count as revitalizing it?”

“Do you think that an impoverished barony can suddenly thrive overnight?” Tori asked. “This isn’t a punishment for Chetterswickshire, it’s a favor to put competent and experienced nobles in place.”

“Are you saying Baron Hart wasn’t competent?” Gideon asked, looking at her with confusion.

I don’t think he’s competent in many things. “I’m saying give the Viscount a chance.”

Dimitri’s look turned suspicious. “You seem to know much about this. It’s almost as if you had a hand in it.”

Tori didn’t flinch. “If I did, she would no longer be a baroness.”

Dimitri’s brows shot up. “You would love that, wouldn’t you? I’m sure you hold a grudge-”

“Grudges. Plural.” Tori lifted her chin. “I’m not going to repeat myself on my stance with Baroness Hart. I only stepped forward when you were about to hit the second prince.”

“I wasn’t going to hit him.”

“You were going to.”

“How can you tell?”

Tori pulled her arm back and took a threatening step towards him. She watched Dimitri’s eyes shrink as surprise and fear crossed his face. His body tensed. Tori smirked and lowered her arm, never allowing it to extend.

“Did you think I was going to hit you? I wasn’t going to. If you can’t tell, why did you flinch?” Dimitri’s breath seemed to tremble as he struggled to collect himself. Tori gave him her own sneer. “Do you have anything more to say?”

“This was between me and the second prince,” he said with gritted teeth. “You needn’t get involved.”

Tori gave him a small, begrudging nod, but didn’t leave.

“Did you come here to ask if I was avoiding Alessa or accuse me of doing so because I blame her?” Gideon asked in a low voice. “I don’t blame Alessa, but I have things to do. I will apologize to her for making her feel that way in the morning, Mr. Guthry, but don’t accuse me of retaliating.”

Dimitri swallowed hard. “Then, I’ll take your word for it.” He gave Gideon a small nod and straightened his back. “Have a good evening, Your Highness.” He shot Tori a disgusted look as he walked between them and headed back to his dorm.

A cold silence filled the courtyard and Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She didn’t recall such animosity between the love interests in the wiki-article.

“You know my parents ordered me to limit my contact with her.” Gideon’s quiet voice reached her ears. “It isn’t that I’m avoiding her out of malice.”

“Then explain it properly. She should understand that her actions have consequences,” Tori replied. She turned around towards the tree where she had been hiding. “Let’s go.”

Ilyana stuck her head out sheepishly and nodded.

“Did you follow us?” Gideon frowned.

“We were coming back from dinner and saw you,” Tori said with a vague wave of her hand. “It’s a coincidence.”

“You still rushed to stop him from hitting me.” His tone implied that he wanted to know why. They weren’t friends and even disliked each other.

“Didn’t you hear what I said earlier? I would love to see you two beat each other, but unfortunately, both of you are rather high-profile gentlemen. Such impulsive actions will have consequences that will affect more than you, Guthry, and even von Dorn over there,” Tori said as she looked past him at Fabian. She gave him an incredulous look. “Think about it for a moment.”

“Isn’t it dangerous to get in between us?” Gideon asked.

Tori let out a little ‘ugh’. “Obviously. That’s why I shoved from the side. I’m not stupid enough to get in the way of person’s fist and its target.”

“Did you stop him because of my brother?” Gideon’s voice softened a bit. “Did my brother ask you to protect me?”

Tori and Ilyana, who reached her side, both looked at him as if he had lost his mind.

“Do you think Prince Piers would tell Tori to put herself in danger for you? He killed people to keep her safe.” The disgusted disbelief in Ilyana’s voice was unnecessary, but understandable.

“Okay, Ilyana, that’s enough. And it wasn’t just me, it was the entire cabin,” Tori said as she patted Ilyana’s hand. She met Gideon’s eyes calmly. “He didn’t ask me. However, if Guthry hit you in the face, it’s impossible to hide it from your parents. Someone is bound to report to them, and even if you lie and say it was an accident, they can investigate and find out the truth. When they do, Guthry’s parents will be notified, and they have enough going on right now as it is.”

Gideon lowered his eyes. His lips pulled into a bitter smile. “I know that...I know.”

Tori let out a low breath. She looked at Fabian and Ilyana. “It’s getting late. Let’s get back to the dorm.”

Ilyana nodded and she prepared to pull Tori forward.

“Guevera, can I ask you a question? Alone.”

Tori’s shoulders sank. “Again?” She looked at Ilyana, who was frowning at the request. She gave Ilyana a nod. “Go up without me. I’ll be fine.”

“Fabian, escort Miss Agafonova to the dorm entrance,” Gideon said.

Rather than being surprised, Ilyana scrunched her face. “I can get there on my own.” She reluctantly released Tori’s arm and marched off. Gideon looked at Fabian and gave him a small nod. Fabian lowered his head in a silent bow and followed a few steps behind Ilyana. When they were out of hearing range, Tori spoke up.

“For someone who was almost punched in the face tonight, you’re quite confident to have your knight leave,” Tori said as she jutted her hip out and crossed her arms. She looked at Gideon, waiting to see why he’d stopped her.

Gideon shot her an annoyed glare. “I know you won’t hurt me. As you said, your title is Countess, but you’re still a Guevera.”

“It’s good that you know. So, what’s your question?”

Gideon opened his mouth, but no words came out. He knit his brows together and had a look of confusion on his face. “I don’t know what to tell her.”

“Who? Hart?”

He nodded. “She wasn’t there when my parents punished me. Mother sent her back as soon as her punishment was decided.” He lifted his head and looked at Tori with a beseeching expression. “I don’t know how to tell her that I have to limit my contact.”

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Tori narrowed her eyes. “You’re asking me how?” He nodded. Oh, for fuck’s sake...

“You are someone who knows how to argue and use their words. My brother...he speaks highly of you in that way. If you were not allowed to contact someone because of your parents, what would you tell them to keep them from being upset?”

“If there is someone out there who wouldn’t be upset finding out that their friend’s parents didn’t want them to contact each other, I’d like to meet them and ask where they get their confidence,” Tori replied. “In this case, no matter what you say, it will upset Baroness Hart.”

Gideon closed his eyes and bit his lips. “I don’t want to hurt her.”

“She believes you’re avoiding her because you blame her for getting you in trouble,” Tori said. “Whether you do or don’t, it doesn’t matter if that’s what she believes. Sometimes, no amount of reason, or truth, will change what someone believes.”

“What would you do in this case?”

“If it was an order from my parents? I’d have to make it clear with her.” The closest thing Tori could think of growing up in her original world were her parents telling her she couldn’t go to a sleepover or a party or something. Never to cut contact with a person. “You said that your parents wanted you to limit contact with her outside of school or class. You can tell her that.”

“Is it fair to her that I should turn my back on her because my parents ordered me to?”

“Was it fair for her to beg you to take her to Viclya, knowing your travel restrictions and protocol?” Tori asked. “The Baroness traveled with you the summer before last. She should know what necessary precautions were taken and why. While it is your fault that you agreed to take her, and then broke protocol to do so, I don’t think it was fair for her to use you in such a manner knowing how it would affect you.”

“Would you have done it? If your friend begged you and they believed their other friend was in a dangerous situation?”

Tori smiled a bit. “I would probably do so.” Gideon opened his mouth to refute her, but she cut him off. “But...would my friends put me in such a situation?” His mouth closed.

Gideon wasn’t completely blind, and Tori knew it. He’d seen how close her little clique was. “She didn’t have anyone else....”

“Your Highness, I can’t tell you how to handle this situation in a way that will satisfy all parties involved. There is no such scenario of which I can think of. However, even if it is upsetting to her, you should make it clear so she doesn’t jump to unnecessary conclusions that could lead to events like tonight.”

Gideon nodded quietly. “I don’t want to hurt her. I really don’t blame her.”

Tori shook her head. She also didn’t care too much, but if this was going to cause a possible fight, it should be mitigated beforehand. Aside from telling Gideon to clearly communicate with Alessa, Tori couldn’t do or say much else to improve the situation.

“Well, how about this? What would you do if the roles were reversed? How would you want the topic to be addressed?”

Gideon was quiet. He kept his gaze down, but didn’t reply. They stood in the courtyard, in silence. Tori rubbed her forehead. She didn’t say a word as she turned around and began to walk back to the dorm. There was nothing more to say and she wasn’t going to offer him supportive words.

If he weren’t Piers’ brother, she’d probably spew the numerous criticisms she had ready. Piers was always helping her and was currently taking care of her cat, so the least she could do was not berate his brother to tears.

She heard the crunch of grass beneath someone’s footsteps behind her and glanced over her shoulder. Gideon was following, but still didn’t say a word. The silence continued as they reached the dorms.

Fabian was waiting just outside the entrance. When he saw them, he seemed to stand a little straighter.

Tori narrowed her eyes. Gideon was several paces behind her. She quickened her pace and almost flew up the steps. Fabian stood to the side of the doorway.

“Knees bent, shoulders angled with raised arms, and head bobbing forward,” Tori said just loud enough for him to hear. “Yet, you didn’t make a move to stop him.” Her cold eyes flickered towards Fabian as she passed and sneered, unable to control her disgust and frustration. “Looks like you made your decision on what’s more important.”

He tensed in place and Tori headed to the stairs. She heard Gideon arrive behind her.

“Fabian, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I’m sorry you had to see all of that. I should’ve controlled myself better,” Gideon said in an apologetic voice.

Tori climbed the stairs and shook her head. You dumb fuck. He’s supposed to be apologizing to you.

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She didn’t tell anyone about what she noticed that night. No one else seemed to have noticed Fabian’s inaction but her. Ilyana was so focused on Dimitri and Gideon, and Dimitri and Gideon were so caught up in their argument that it was as if they were the only two people in the courtyard that night.

Part of Tori wanted to observe Gideon and Alessa for any changes that could’ve hinted at a possible confrontation, but as curious as she was to watch the drama unfold, she had her hands full with non-fantasy-high-school drama.

Her Lycée Project was progressing on schedule and her main job was approving small orders or reviewing any problems that came up with the necessary parties, and then approving the solutions they produced.

Her county government was settling down and the selected farmers had begun to visit their plots and review the plans for the coming growing season and building their homesteads. Tori had to review the various bureaucratic paperwork for required government buildings in an independent county. Her first three buildings were: primary school, hospital, and post office.

Henrik and Ilyana were dealing with Duel, and Mama J’s youngest son was officially hired on as the manager and head chef for the cafe. As Tori expected, Mama J gladly threw her son at her when she asked. She had gloated to Henrik.

With the experience from last year, this year’s Lions Gate autumn and winter release party was taken care of quickly.

Fortunately, Axton was overseeing the Lunar Inns. She’d already completed her part of the arrangement in the renovation and addition designs, as well as products sold.

Unfortunately, the Lunar Pavilion was also another headache. All the paperwork went through, and Tori officially purchased the former imperial residence for all her money and Axton’s rent for four of the five years. He was renting the entire second floor and half of the third floor. Kasen was right: Axton was flush with cash.

Auntie Maria had been excited and assured Tori she would use the money for the various charities she supported, donating it in Tori’s name. For any charities that were backed by the Belcoy Church, the donations would likely be alms. In Soleil, such donations were also seen as a way of building good karma in a sense. Tori felt she made the right decision buying from her aunt.

The remaining year of Axton’s pre-paid rent was used on doing repairs. Once the initial repairs were done and the structure passed inspection, Axton could start renovating the areas he rented. Considering the size and age of the building, they likely wouldn’t get started until well into next year. Historical buildings had so many more things to take into consideration.

Tori suspected that she had to wait for her winter solstice and next birthday gift money from her family to start the renovation on the rest of the former palace.

That was just for school and business. In her personal life, she had to bake the cream puffs for Axton’s birthday, which was next weekend, finalize the god for her godchild’s trifecta blessing, and review the background information of Lady Patricia Mondelli, the first of Piers’ introductions.

However, after another long weekend at the delta, Tori didn’t want to focus on anything at the moment. She wanted to sit in the carriage and veg.

But Axton was too excited about his birthday next week.

“Don’t expect anything extravagant, like fireworks,” Axton said as he sat across from her in the carriage. “But the restaurant will be all ours and I’ve invited musicians to play. The weekend will be casual.”

“How many people did you invite, Your Grace?” Ilyana asked. She and the others had been trying to get into the habit of calling Axton by his new title. Occasionally, they would slip and call him Sir Nassaun, but Axton said it didn’t matter and wasn’t bothered by it.

“Aside from all of you and the others, I’ve also invited all of the escort knights and the other duchies,” Axton replied as he made a small motion of his hands around the carriage to refer to everyone within. Next to Axton was Henrik and then Nanny Rey, who was crocheting a small ball. Across from her was Ilyana, Tori, and then Piers. Alexander was riding in a special basket on Blue River’s saddle and Sir Lloyd was in charge of watching him.

Ewan and Albert would usually join them on their delta trips, but Ewan had his first weekend training excursion with La Garda and Albert had a family member’s birthday to attend. The Martins were a very large family, and it wasn’t rare for Albert to have a familial obligation. A sizable portion of the guest tents had been taken up by the family members Albert invited to their birthday weekend.

“It’s a day’s travel out. Will we leave early in the morning or the night before?” Tori asked.

“The carriages will pick you all up the night before. You’ll be able to sleep in the carriages on the way. When you wake up, you should reach Miller’s Row. Your rooms will be ready, and you can sleep in. I don’t have many activities planned,” Axton told them. “The party will start in the evening, but if you want to look around the town, there is plenty to see.”

“Miller’s Row’s local product is pastry flour, so they have quite a few bakeries,” Henrik said. “It may be a good chance to visit prospective bakeries to supply the inn’s store.”

“That would save me an additional trip,” Tori said with a small nod of her head. “Good idea, Henrik.”

Axton let out a ‘tsk’ and sulked. “I don’t want you to work while you’re there.”

“Aren’t you having her make your cake?” Piers asked in a sharp voice.

Axton snorted and lifted his chin. “Tori makes all our cakes. It’s tradition!”

“I’ve only been doing it for a year....”

“But everyone else got a cake.” Axton snapped his head towards her, worried.

“It’s not our fault your birthday is so much later than everyone else’s,” Piers reminded him.

“Your Grace, will you be turning twenty, as well?” Henrik asked.

“Twenty-one. I was born the year before Piers,” Axton said. He looked smug. “I’m his elder.”

“It’ll be difficult to get the usual candles to stick on the cake I’m making. I had to special order them,” Tori said. “I just hope twenty-one candles won’t overwhelm the cake.”

“I look forward to this cream puff tower you all told me about,” Axton said, clearly pleased. He looked at Piers, still smug. “Looks like I get the first birthday cake of this type. I wonder to whom I should give the first puff.”

Piers continued to look out the window. “Blue River.”

Axton flushed. He looked away. “How did he know?”

“You shouldn’t feed Blue River cream puffs. They’re not good for horses,” Tori said. “I’ll make him a fake one by carving an apple.” Axton grinned, lopsided as he leaned forward and rubbed her head.

“We will leave Miller’s Row in the late morning,” Nanny Rey said as she continued to crochet a ball. She’d already crocheted a fish. These were toys for Alexander. “We will return to Horizon by evening, and you will have plenty of time to rest before class the next day.”

“Yes, Nanny,” Tori, Ilyana, and Henrik chorused.

“Piers and I will follow on the return trip, but we’ll leave for the inn ahead of you all. I want to make sure all the preparations are complete,” Axton said. “Mr. Merced, my steward, is handling all the details, but I can’t help but want to see for myself.”

“Have you already seen the renovations?” Henrik asked.

“I saw most of them, but not the final completed rooms with all the decorations and bedding and the like. I have seen the restaurant and store, though. They’re exactly as Tori planned.”

Tori smiled, but felt a bit guilty. She’d essentially stolen the idea and picked out different designs to use from places she’s been in her original world. She used to often drive up and down California, and stop at rest stops along the way. She had particular stops where she could get gas, use clean toilets, and pick up road trip snacks or fast food in one place.

Those stops also sold items for quick car maintenance, from tire patches to various fluids. That was one thing Tori’s reconnaissance information found was missing from Adrien’s general stores: emergency carriage supplies and travel comfort items. She wished she could see Adrien’s face when the Lunar Inn opened and the one-stop rest-stop was unveiled.

“How many inns are being renovated?” Henrik asked.

“I currently have twenty, not counting the Lunar Pavilion,” Axton said. “Two are still being built, but they will follow this template. They are being renovated in batches of three at a time. Tori contributed a lot.”

“Just ideas.” Tori shrugged.

“Senior Benedict also worked on a directory comcry and service comcry,” Axton said. “Each inn will have a comcry that is connected to all the other Lunar Inns. When a guest registers the inn’s directory comcry, it will register all the Lunar Inns, allowing them to call and make reservations in advance even if they’ve never been to a particular one.”

“And what about the service comcry?” Ilyana asked.

“Room service.”

“Room service?”

“A comcry is fixed in each room and the guest can use it as normal to call one of the inn’s services: the front desk to ask for stewards to bring bags or ready the carriage, housekeeping for more pillows or towels, and the restaurant to have food brought to the room,” Tori said. “It saves the trouble of the guest to go to the front desk every time they have a question or need something.”

“Then...If we are in bed and want to have food delivered, all we would have to do is use the service comcry to call the restaurant for food?” Henrik asked.

Tori nodded. “There is a service menu with restaurant hours and what they offer in each room. The food will of course be charged to the room, and you will pay the balance when you leave.”

Ilyana’s eyes seemed to glaze over. “What if we want a meat pie?”

“You can call for a meat pie. We plan to sell them at all the inns as a sort of signature travel food item. I asked Senior Southard if she knows any seasonal recipes and she’s very excited about them.”

“We’ll have these in Viclya, too, right?” Henrik squinted and Tori nodded.

“Of course.”

The carriage rolled to a stop in front of Cafe Fortuna. Henrik, Ilyana, and Nanny Rey climbed out. Henrik and Ilyana would get dinner first while Tori went with Piers and Axton to drop off Alexander. As soon as Ilyana, the last of the three, stepped out of the carriage, the fluffy gray ball shot inside, meowing.

“What do you want me to get you?” Ilyana asked.

“Something light. Roasted cauliflower and a little meat is enough.”

Ilyana nodded and slipped into the cafe before the carriage continued on to Piers’ building. Tori gathered Alexander into her arms.

“Oh...your fur is cold. Were you cold sitting in your basket?” Tori asked softly as Alexander lifted his head to nudge hers. He shamelessly squeezed himself closer to her.

“Nyaow....” He sounded so pitiful; her heart ached.

“I will have a better basket made for you that keeps the temperature comfortable,” Tori said. “Sorry, Alexander. You know Nanny can’t stay in the carriage with you for too long because of her allergies.”

He didn’t seem to care and continued to cuddle against her. When Tori moved back to the dorm, she had started to miss waking up to her cat curled next to her.

“Alexander,” Piers said as he held out his arms. “Come to Dad.”

Alexander seemed to huff and instead buried his face against Tori’s chest. “He doesn’t see me enough. Let me hold him while I can.”

“Don’t spoil him.”

“He’s a cat,” Tori said with a roll of her eyes. She cuddled her cat, praising him for riding outside for so long and sneaking him some diced chicken breast from a little wooden container. Their ride was short, and they reached the large manor house far too quickly.

Alexander stuck to Tori, meowing loudly when she began to bend to put him down. Axton chuckled as Alexander draped himself over Tori’s shoulder and kept nudging her head. Tori supported him with one arm as she held onto the carriage railing as she stepped down.

“Your Highness, Your Grace, my lady, Master Alexander, welcome back,” the knight on duty greeted with a subtle bow of his head. He stepped towards Axton. Axton leaned forward as the knight spoke in a faint voice.

Axton’s brows furrowed and he turned his head sharply to the side. There was another imperial carriage pulled into the alley that led to the carriage house. Tori followed his eyes and recognized it.

She looked at Piers. His eyes were also fixed on the carriage and frowning. “Come upstairs,” he said.

Tori squeezed Alexander a bit tighter. She followed behind Piers as a knight opened the main door to the building. Alexander still remained in her arms as they climbed up the stairs. When they reached the correct floor, Tori drew her head back.

A figure was seated on the floor beside the door to Axton and Piers’ flat. His arms were wrapped around his knees as he hunched forward, his silver hair falling over his face. Two knights stood a few paces away in the hall and when Tori looked at them, they avoided her eyes. Neither of them stepped forward to explain.

Piers stopped ahead of them. She and Axton stopped behind him. Her eyes moved from Piers to the young man curled in a ball at their door.

“Gideon,” Piers said, sounding less stern to his brother than usual.

“Piers?” Gideon lifted his head and Tori sucked in a sharp breath.

His eyes were red, and he was pale. His hair was completely disheveled. His clothes looked fine, and his knights were there, so she dismissed the idea that he had been attacked. At least physically.

Piers seemed to come to this conclusion as well. “What are you doing here?”

Gideon tightened his lips and slowly pushed himself to his feet. “I....” His voice trembled. Tori frowned. Her immediate reaction was to ask what was wrong, but she held back.

One of Gideon’s escort knights stepped forward. He bowed to Piers. “Your Highness-”

“No,” Gideon said, looking back towards him. “Wait for me outside.”

The two knights looked surprised and frowned. “No, Your Highness. We must stay with you-”

“I’ll take responsibility,” Axton told them in a stern voice. “Just wait for him outside. If you are thirsty, ask Sir Granger or Sir Wagner for some water.”

The two knights hesitated once more. They looked back at Gideon, who gave them a firm nod. Reluctantly, the two men bowed and dismissed themselves. Tori moved to the side to let them pass and go down the stairs.

Axton kept his eyes on them and then walked to the railing to make sure they exited the building. He then turned back to Piers and gave him a nod.

Piers turned back to Gideon. “What are you doing here?”

His brother’s lower lip trembled. Gideon’s violet eyes grew wet at once. “Piers...brother....” His voice shook. His hands were clenched at his sides and his whole body seemed to struggle to remain standing. “Fabian...he....”

“Take a deep breath,” Pier said, taking a step closer. “Take your time.” Those were Tori’s usual instructions to him when he couldn’t speak.

Gideon nodded and seemed to take several gulps of air.

“What about Fabian?” Piers asked. Tori and Axton stayed quiet, not wanting to get in between the two brothers.

Gideon shut his eyes. “He requested dismissal from his post.” He choked back a cry. “He doesn’t want to be my knight!”

Tori’s eyes widened and she and Axton looked at each other, stunned.

Piers seemed to stand in place as his brother broke down, frantically rubbing his eyes and trying not to choke on his own tears. Tori didn’t feel a smug satisfaction or any pleasure watching him like she thought. Instead, she felt a surprising amount of pity.

Fabian wasn’t just Gideon’s knight, he was Gideon’s closest, and likely only real, friend.

Piers took a quiet step forward. Then another. He slowly raised his arms and closed the distance between himself and Gideon. Without a word, he brought his brother into an embrace, and a moment later, Gideon’s choked cries filled the hall.