“Does your niece dislike me?” Piers’ voice asked as Tori tried to control her laughter from the swing.
“No, how can you think such a thing? Isn’t it obvious she thinks highly of you? She mentions you all the time.”
“She named her chicken after me and says I am a loyal servant to you.”
“She didn’t say ‘servant’, she said ‘sidekick’,” Tori told him as she muffled a snicker. “There’s a difference.” There was a long pause on the other side.
“Good-bye.” Piers ended the call and Tori giggled. She heard someone raise their voice from the camp.
“My brother is not a sidekick!” Gideon exclaimed as he loomed at the proud little girl. Several people watched from around the campfires. “He’s a prince! He’d be a hero!”
“Does he follow Auntie all the time?”
“Yes.”
“Holds her stuff and brings her things?”
“Yes....”
“Does he do what she says?”
Tori could see the pain in Gideon’s face. “Yes....”
Fiona looked triumphant as she smirked. “Sidekick.”
Gideon’s face reddened as the child openly besmirched his brother. “Guevera! Your niece is talking nonsense!”
“You’re talking not-sense!” Fiona sent him a glare and ran to her father. “Daddy, the old man prince is mean to me!”
Gideon stumbled back as if he was wounded by her words. He lifted his hand to his chest. “Old man prince?”
“It’s the silver hair.” Tori reached them.
“This is a sign of my imperial heritage!” Gideon choked as he pointed at his head.
Eili leaned closer to her wife. “I thought violet eyes were a sign of imperial blood.”
Gideon let out a grumble and turned around. “I’m going to walk around the island!” Tori couldn’t help but feel a bit of secondhand embarrassment watching him walk several paces away and then make a sharp left to walk the perimeter of the small island. No matter where he went, they could see him from where they sat.
“I didn’t notice this before, but it’s hard to hate him when he’s embarrassing himself all the time,” Ilyana said as she shook her head. Ewan and Albert nodded solemnly, and Fabian flushed.
“He only admires the first prince very much,” he said in a tight voice.
Ewan seemed to give him a look of pity. “It must be hard for you.”
Fabian turned even redder, and he jumped up and went to accompany Gideon.
The sun had almost disappeared from the horizon and Tori watched as her twin cousins stirred the dried pasta. They already had experience cooking it, as Tori had made it for them before and showed them how. Now, they were showing their cousins.
There were three fire holes dug. The first one was dug by Ewan to show the children and was where the pasta was boiling, the second one was dug by the children and where the fish was being roasted, and the third was dug by an enthusiastic Eili and was used to make chowder.
Eili and Deidre didn’t have to return to Anlar until the end of the summer and Tori wondered if they were making the best use of their time camping with the children. Still, the two seemed to be enjoying the novelty of it all.
Tori had added some potatoes and when the chowder was done, she removed it off the fire and put it to the side to cool a bit so the children wouldn’t burn their tongues. Nanny Rey removed the roasted fish and let them sit before taking the two smallest fish that were the size of her palm and removing the bones for the small children.
“My lady!” Someone shouted from the dock and Tori perked up.
“It’s the oysters!” Tori told Ewan to watch the pasta as she raced towards the dock. “Von Dorn! You’re not doing anything! Help me carry this back to the camp!” She waved to him to follow her as she passed him and Gideon on their walk.
Fabian looked a bit confused, but Gideon nodded and the two followed her to the dock. When they reached her, Tori was paying the fisherman for a large sack that was as tall as her knee. She thanked him and sent him on his way.
“You bought oysters?” Gideon asked. Tori nodded and he frowned. “Small children can’t eat them.”
“They can’t eat them raw,” Tori said. “But I’m going to chargrill them so they can have a taste.”
Gideon lifted his head. “Chargrill?”
“Over the grills on the fire holes. We open them up and cook them in their shell while covered with a garlic-lemon butter sauce and cheese. They’re cooked thoroughly and the children can eat them,” Tori said. “If you don’t want them cooked, you can still eat them raw with some lemon. Also, I recently got hot sauce from Ambassador Izel from the Tona Kingdom.”
She led them back to the camp with Fabian holding the bag. She went through the kit of cooking utensils and took out a short and somewhat blunt knife.
Tori also had a few leather gloves, and some were small, knowing that at least one child would want to try to pry open an oyster. While she showed the children, Kasen and Deidre divided up the oysters into a pile for the adults to eat and a pile for the children.
“Cousin Kasen, we should have more. There are more of us,” Maeve said in a rational voice.
“You can’t eat too many oysters,” Deidre told her. “And we don’t know if Fifi and the others will like oysters.”
“We like them!” the twins chorused. “Robi, have you had them before?”
Robert furrowed his brows. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Then, you and Fifi can have a little,” Deidre told them. “We don’t know if you cannot consume shellfish, so it’s best to consume a little just in case it makes your tummy hurt or you dizzy. If you start to feel any tingling, itchiness, or tightness in your mouth and throat, tell us immediately.”
Robert’s eyes widened. “Is this dangerous?” He looked at the oysters that Ewan and Fabian were forced to pry open and put across the wooden board they had been using as a prep table.
“Only if your body rejects it and you have an allergy,” Kasen explained. “Few people cannot eat shellfish, but we don’t know until we try. Don’t be scared. If you feel anything but it being delicious and smooth, then I have medicine from Dr. Cooper-Fontaine.”
From what Tori had observed, what she considered allergy tests were a sort of a crude low-level poison testing. Most people did not know they were allergic to something until they came into contact with it, either by touching it or eating it. However, foods that tended to have a sizable population allergic to them were often introduced to children in small doses and under the careful watch of a supervising adult with medicine.
The moment there was any sort of rash, bumps, itchiness, or breathing difficulties, the liquid medicine would be consumed.
In Victoria’s memory, she’d tried shellfish, fruit, and various dairy as a young child under such conditions and this was common in Soleil. She did hers at home, but for commoners, they could have their children try these foods during the Harvest Festival in autumn, when towns assigned doctors in the main plazas to oversee such tests.
That was how Ewan and the others first tried several foods.
“It’ll be yummy, Cousin Robi,” Ava told him with a reassuring pat. Oysters were common to eat in King’s Harbor.
“I don’t like oysters. My dad had them shipped to Gorask before and they tasted awful,” Riri said before sticking out his tongue to emphasize his disgust.
“Riri, these are fresh,” Ilyana told her brother. “Fresh is always better for food. Also, Tori will be cooking them.”
Tori was mixing a bowl with some softened butter, lemon juice, and diced garlic. She then scooped a little into a few of the oysters and topped them with a layer of cheese before taking tongs and putting them over one of the fire holes.
“It’ll take a few minutes to cook thoroughly,” she said. “For the adults who can eat raw oysters, please try it with this hot sauce from the Tona Kingdom!” She went to her satchel and took out a glass jar with a cork lid. “There is a little spoon attached to the lid. Just put a little on the oyster. It’s spicy.”
“From the Tona Kingdom?” Deidre asked as she took the glass jar and lifted it up to inspect the deep, red contents.
“I’m having it imported. Ambassador Izel agreed to open a restaurant specializing in food from the Tona Kingdom on Rois and this will be served there. It’s a condiment.” Tori opened the jar and showed them how much to put on the oyster.
She then tilted her head back and sucked the meat into her mouth directly from the shell. She took a moment to savor the spicy taste mixed with the brininess of the oyster.
Eili followed immediately after and as soon as the spice hit, she let out a whoop and hissed. “Tori, what is this!?” she said as she opened her mouth and fanned it with her hand.
“Chilis...it’s a secret sauce from the Tona Kingdom. I don’t know exactly what’s in it.” If it were revealed that she knew what it was and the sauce became popular, there could be diplomatic issues.
“It’s good,” Ilyana said with a firm nod of her head. She picked up another oyster and added a little more hot sauce before eating it. She closed her eyes, chewed, and swallowed before opening her mouth and letting out a small rush of air. “It burns, but the aftertaste is great.”
“Cousin,” Aiden said. “I want to try.”
“I’ve never eaten them raw before,” Evzen told them. “May I?”
“I’m going to confirm with your mother first,” Tori said. After making a quick call with Duchess Fekete, who complained that had she known there was something new to eat, she would’ve come to the island, too, Evzen was allowed to eat.
The two older boys’ faces turned red and their eyes watered, but they didn’t dare spit out the oysters. It seemed as if they were waiting for the other one to spit it out first. When each kept it in their mouth, they reluctantly swallowed.
“It’s not bad,” Aiden said, though his eyes were red.
“It’s quite good.” Evzen wheezed.
Tori checked on the chargrilled ones for the children, who were already eating their meal of a little chowder, some pasta with cheese, and roasted fish. Alexander was also eating his roasted fish with them.
After letting the chargrilled oysters cool so as not to burn the children, Tori gave the little ones one each and the older ones two.
“This isn’t bad,” Robert said.
“How do you feel?” Kasen hovered over them like a helicopter parent clutching the medicine in one hand in case his children were allergic.
“I like it!” Fiona said. “Daddy, have one.”
“Just a little. Daddy wants to make sure you two can consume it without problem.”
The adults also liked the chargrilled oysters and Tori revealed she was serving oysters at the celebration lunch after Montan’s trifecta ceremony the day after tomorrow. She wanted something different and when she checked what Montan had eaten in the past, he seemed to like fried oysters.
“You keep a record of what we eat?” Gideon lifted his head up.
“Just in the beginning to know your taste preferences. We do this with particular guests so we can better cater to their tastes. Many of those guests tend to order special meals for private dining. For example, Piers doesn’t like clams, oysters, or crabs, but he likes shrimp and squid, as long as they’re deshelled and headless,” Tori said.
Gideon looked impressed. “What do I like?”
Tori sighed and gave him a dull look. “Leafy greens that aren’t cut up into tiny bits and incorporated into a larger dish, and radishes.”
“I also don’t like those,” Riri said.
“Greens are yucky!” Istvan agreed as Tori wiped some chowder from his face.
Gideon’s face reddened, as if the child voicing his agreement confirmed that he had the same taste as a three-year-old.
Ewan sighed once more and patted Fabian’s shoulder sympathetically. “It must be very hard.”
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“Montan Antoine Tahar de Alvere.” His heart leapt to his throat as the man in the simple priest robes called him forward amongst the garden of holy shrines. Beneath a small gazebo that functioned as a miniature temple, Montan stood up and walked towards the altar.
His white clothes were new, and he had only tried them on once to make sure they fit. He had been cautious in hanging them in his tent and walking around it carefully, afraid of accidentally staining it. He took quiet steps and stopped in front of Brother Cassius.
Beside him was Axton holding a small metal bowl with crushed crystal. He had volunteered to be part of the ceremony.
“Will the godparent of Montan rise and join us,” Brother Cassius said as he looked out to the seated group. Montan couldn’t look over his shoulder, but from the corner of his eye, he saw an elegant middle-aged woman rise from her seat and take fluid steps towards them.
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Her face was calm and almost cold as her chin was raised. She had thick brown hair and green eyes. At first glance, she didn’t resemble her daughter, but when they were beside each other, it was noticeable that the Countess’ face resembled her mother’s.
“I am,” the Marquess said as she stopped beside them. Her voice was smooth, but curt; fitting of an intimidating woman who gave birth to intimidating children.
Despite knowing that, Montan had learned that the Marquess was quite warm and thoughtful. Her words could be somewhat harsh and stern, but the meaning behind them was full of loving intent. She made a point to eat dinner at his table and make conversation. She gave him particularly good suggestions on what he could do after Lycée.
She was very encouraging and listened to what he said, even quieting his brother if Axton tried to help him answer. Let him say what he thinks first, she would say. In the past, his parents would cut him off, silence him, and ignore his wishes as easily as breathing.
Montan’s heart quickened. He couldn’t help but be nervous. He, the bastard son of a displaced duke, was going to become the godson of one of the most powerful women in the empire. It was already a blessing that his half-brother was not only a high ranked knight, but accepted him. Now, he would also have godbrothers who were masters in their fields.
In a unexpected twist of events, he would also become the godbrother to a young woman he had despised at first. He hadn’t seen Victoria de Guevera in a good light at all. He didn’t know when his opinion of her began to become favorable. He was lucky; his godsister was likely the most formidable and terrifying young woman his age. If she wanted, she could have ruined him. He’d been so rude to her, blamed her for things that weren’t her fault, and looked down on her. He didn’t think they would one day be related in such a manner.
He almost couldn’t believe it. Last year, at this time, he’d been living in a ramshackle storage in an alley he rented from a co-worker’s family. Now several imperial family members, a handful of upper nobility, and his estranged half-brother were with him, watching him be blessed on an island in a town that required invitations to enter.
It was like a dream and if he woke up, he didn’t know if he could take the disappointment.
Brother Cassius dipped his finger into the crystal dust and brought it up to his left brow. “Pagalea, goddess of health and strength.” Montan felt a gentle wave of energy coming through his forehead as Brother Cassius gently wrote out the symbol for the goddess. “Chosen by Duke Axton Alvere to keep you healthy and give you strength.” Montan felt his chest tighten. He didn’t know what gods were chosen. His brother thought it would be fun to keep it a secret. Brother Cassius traced another symbol over his right brow. “Loru, god of language and writing, so that you may be proficient in your abilities, learn well, and express well.”
Axton must’ve been careful in picking gods that will help him. Because he was malnourished and abused, Axton wanted him to be healthy and strong. Because his interest was in charms and Old Sulfae, despite having been forced to learn it because of his mother, Axton had chosen Loru so he could improve. Montan was very moved.
He saw a hand reach forward and dip a slender finger into the crystal dust and then felt a light energy against his forehead.
“I am Antonia Maria de Guevera de Sophos and to bless my godson, I have chosen Qwesar, god of navigation.” For a moment, Montan was confused. He wasn’t a sailor or had any interest in travel. “So not only will you always have the guidance your heard needs, but so you will always find your way home.”
His eyes shut tight, and he bit his lips. His eyes brimmed with tears, and he fought them back. The energy subsided and he vaguely heard Brother Cassius’ prayers before he felt the cool blessed water against him.
Before he knew it, his trifecta ceremony was over.
The luncheon celebrating it was held at nearby Isla de la Reina, the Queen’s Island. Slightly smaller than Rois, the King’s Island, the transportation hub dock and the center of the island had already been built. Where Rois would be a city center with government buildings, a school, and a plethora of foreign food, Reina was more a place for guests to relax and retire to.
The main plaza was a ‘u’ shape flanked by beautiful buildings, including the first building of what would be a joint project of numerous nobles, including the Countess and his brother. From what Montan heard, the major attraction would be a series of luxurious baths and spas.
However, today, the lovely Queen’s Plaza with its crescent moon shaped fountain was decorated with cloth flower garlands and light crystals. There was a band playing and numerous round tables were set up around the plaza beneath the shade of trellises and pergolas with cream colored cloth.
There were places to play various card and tile games and across the other side, what the Countess called a ‘playground’ for children.
When he arrived with his brother, the small children of the Countess’ family were already playing. Food was brought to everyone’s tables and for those who were there to play games with their peers, small drinks and snacks were served.
“Who are all these people?” Montan shifted awkwardly and moved closer to his brother.
Axton chuckled. “Don’t mind them. They’re guests of the delta. Our lunch will be on the patio of the Reina de la Luna.”
Montan followed his gaze across the plaza to the shaded patio just outside the side doors of the resort building. Reina de la Luna was the name of the resort, and it was based on the structure of the Lunar Pavilion. The facade had been finished recently, but the interior was still being worked on.
However, the areas to eat and lounge facing the plaza were ready for guests.
Montan followed his brother to the patio and found that the second prince and Fabian von Dorn were already seated and talking to Ewan. Ewan was by far the friendliest of the Countess’ friends and insisted that he be called by his name, as he wasn’t a noble or had any sort of rank.
As a La Garda student, he should’ve been called Sir Conner, but as he came from a family of knights, there were already plenty of Sir Conners.
Not far away, Henrik Skuldsen was talking with Lady Agafonova and the Countess along with a few older individuals in uniforms. He assumed it had something to do with the resort and the food. The popular Vissage twins were one table away, seemingly holding the table for the Countess.
“I will have Tori escort me to greet the guests here,” Prince Piers said. Montan couldn’t help but look at the tall, cold-faced man who was his brother’s best friend.
“I’ll join you after I seat Montan,” Axton said as they walked across the plaza.
“You should stay with your brother,” Prince Piers told him. “He is unfamiliar with the environment and may be overwhelmed.”
Prince Piers didn’t seem nearly as cold as his brother said he was.
“Axton, you should eat first,” Tori said. “I’ll take Piers around to greet the visiting guests. It’s your brother’s trifecta luncheon; just enjoy your meal first.”
Montan didn’t know why the Countess openly ordered his brother, but Axton didn’t seem at all bothered by it.
“Then, we’ll start.” He led Montan to one of the tables.
“Alvere, congratulations on your trifecta.” Prince Gideon stood up to properly greet him. He extended his hand and Montan took it.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“I was very moved by the god the Marquess selected,” Ewan said with a nod of pride. “As expected of Tori’s mom.”
Montan nodded his head quietly. He was very moved by it as well. The god of navigation didn’t only mean navigation in the literal physical sense, but in finding guidance and traversing life. It was not a god chosen half-heartedly and the Marquess must’ve spent some time considering it.
At their table, two more chairs were pulled out and Montan stiffened as two beautiful middle-aged women took their seats. The first one was, of course, his new godmother. The second one was the Empress.
“I thought you told him you were going home yesterday,” the Marquess said. If Montan heard correctly, she sounded somewhat irritated at the Empress.
“Matthieu understands. I had to stay for the ceremony.” Empress Monica brushed it off. Montan didn’t know why she was there. She’d followed them from Nassaun House to Horizon and then came to Viclya a few days later. He didn’t ask why, as it wasn’t his place, but it seemed as if the Empress was following the Marquess to spend time with her, as they were close old friends.
“Axton, you don’t need to introduce Montan to everyone since it is overwhelming,” the Marquess said. “However, the other dukes and duchesses are here.”
Montan tensed once more. The meaning was obvious; as the younger brother of a duke, even if he were a bastard, he’d have to at least be properly introduced to his brother’s peers. Montan lowered his eyes.
His father never did that. Both Montan and his birth mother were not allowed to attend noble gatherings, but that didn’t mean they weren’t talked about. His mother followed his father around like a loyal dog, if only to be seen by others and for others to know that she was with him. Montan used to be dragged around with her, but when he was old enough, he tried to avoid going.
He couldn’t stand the eyes of others looking at him with disgust and resentment as if he were the one who killed the beloved Duchess Alvere. It made him hate his mother who used him as a weapon and hate his father who let her.
“Don’t be afraid of what they may say,” the Empress said. “Toni and I are here. They won’t be critical.”
Axton looked hesitant, but nodded. After all, it was basically the order from the Empress. When the food started being served, Montan was surprised to find that there were several oyster dishes presented to him.
“Tori says that you seem to like shellfish, so she had these prepared,” the Marquess said in a regal voice. She raised her arm. “Ilyana, do you know what these are called?”
“Yes, Marquess.” Lady Agafonova rushed over from where had been calling the children to eat. She walked to their table and named off the oysters and the red ‘hot’ sauce that had been placed on the table. “Please be cautious; the sauce is spicy.”
Axton and the Empress laughed. “How spicy can it be?” Axton took a chilled raw oyster still in its shell and took a spoonful of sauce and put it on the raw oyster.
“Exactly, godson! How spicy can sauce be?” The Empress mirrored his brother’s action and the two toasted each other with the oysters with confidence.
Not three seconds later, their faces were red, and their eyes were watering as they choked.
“What did Ilyana say, Monica? Be cautious! You are always so quick to jump into things without considering the consequences.” The Marquess frowned, and quickly put a plate of a creamed potato dish in front of the Empress. “Eat this.”
The Empress shoved a fork into the dish and brought it to her mouth. Axton did the same and immediately, their tearful faces relaxed.
“Fruit slices will also help, Your Majesty,” Lady Agafonova said as she quickly motioned for a server to bring over a small fruit platter.
“It burns...why does it burn? What is this?” Axton choked and Montan hurriedly stabbed a piece of orange with a fork.
“Axton, eat some fruit first,” he urged as he put the fork in Axton’s hand.
“What did I tell you?” the Countess appeared by their table with a frown on her face. “Only add a little of the hot sauce to try it first!”
Beside her, the first prince was frowning a bit as he held the Countess’ hand on his arm. Axton shot her a glare. “Are you trying to poison me?”
“It’s not her fault when you don’t listen to instructions,” the first prince said in a dull voice. He looked at the Empress. “Mother, you are too excited.” The Empress scowled at him.
The first prince and the Countess took a seat on the table next to theirs. The Countess’ back was beside her mother’s and Fiona had climbed on to the Countess’ lap. As the meal went on, Montan found himself a bit more comfortable than he expected.
Axton was at his side and lightly arguing with the first prince while Montan was close enough to the students his age to exchange a few pleasantries with them.
“My own son comes to sit here with his friends, and doesn’t invite us.” Another middle-aged woman gave her son seated with the O’Tuaghs a small, annoyed look as she approached.
“Who told you to be so entranced playing sun tiles?” the Marquess rose to her feet to greet the woman. “Didn’t you lose last night? Don’t gamble away the Fekete Duchy.”
Montan’s head snapped up. That woman was Duchess Fekete? He froze in his seat, unsure if he was supposed to stand and greet her or if he were to remain seated until called forward.
“Gerard is carefully monitoring my spending, so I don’t get carried away,” Duchess Fekete said in a proud voice. “The others are coming. They’re trying to pry the Great Duchess away from her game.” She lifted her hand and touched the Marquess’ arm. “She loves your daughter. If she mentions her youngest grandson, change the topic.”
“She’d dare mention her youngest grandson?” The Empress shot to her feet with an affronted look. “When my eldest is present?” She waved her arm towards the next table over, where the first prince was seated next to the Countess and seemingly listening to Fiona telling him how chicken was the best food.
“They are only friends,” the Marquess said in a firm voice. She looked towards Montan and gave him and his brother a nod. “Axton, come and introduce Montan to the others.”
Axton stood up and so Montan had to stand as well. His legs felt weak as he followed behind his brother, trying to keep his back straight and not look down.
A bustling small group approached them and Montan felt himself freeze in place. “The one in the center is the Duchess Servana. As the eldest duchess, the others refer to her as the Great Duchess. To her right is Duke Sinan and to her left is Duchess Tetri,” Axton lowered his voice to inform him.
Montan swallowed hard. Duchess Servana had narrowed eyes and a stern appearance. She walked with a cane and had a large sunhat. As she approached, he could feel her eyes on him, studying him carefully.
He wanted to look away or step behind Axton, but he knew he couldn’t. It would be an embarrassment for Axton. Instead, sweat collected at his temples and he tried to focus on not clenching his hands so obviously at his sides.
“Your Graces,” the Marquess took a step forward and seemed to shield him with her body. She lowered her head to greet those technically above her station.
“Marquess Guevera.” Duchess Servana had a low, scratchy voice. “You wanted to introduce us to your new family members, so I traveled far.”
“Great Duchess, you were already here when we arrived,” the Marquess said with a raised eyebrow. Montan didn’t know if she was challenging Duchess Servana or teasing her, but it made him even more nervous.
“I meant coming to the island. I don’t like boats,” Duchess Servana said with the wave of her hand. She turned her attention to Montan, and their eyes met. Hers narrowed as she leaned forward. “Is this him?”
The Marquess looked at Axton, who stepped forward. “Great Duchess, this is my brother, Montan Alvere. My mother saved his life and took him in as her own before her death.”
The old woman lifted her eyes and squinted. “News has reached me of the deaths of the former duke and his mis....” She caught herself and took a low breath. “And his companion.”
Axton took a deep breath and gave her a singular nod. “Yes, they were buried in the village.”
“Good!” The old duchess stamped her cane on the ground as a brief look of fury filled her face. Montan nearly jumped back. “They should not grace the grounds of the Alvere family even in death!”
“Axton,” Duchess Tetri said in a gentle voice. “We heard that Senior Gen was brought home?”
“Yes, Duchess Tetri. She is now in Nassaun House.”
Duchess Tetri nodded with understanding. “Good...it’s what she would’ve wanted.”
“Has your brother been added to the family records?” Duke Sinan asked as he looked over Montan. He seemed more curious than anything else.
“Yes, Duke Sinan, he has,” Axton replied. “As the adopted son of my mother.”
Montan readied himself for the judgment as several sharp eyes of the empire’s duchies fell on him. He’d heard that they were the proudest of all the nobles. They were arrogant and took pride in their lineage. It was why his father was so ashamed to have him around.
The old duchess stepped forward and Marquess Guevera took a step to the side. She put a hand on his shoulder and Montan had to resist the urge to grab his godmother’s hand for support.
“Genevieve was a saint,” the old duchess said in a soft, but raspy voice. “She could not adopt you while your birth parents were alive, but she treated you as hers in her heart.” Her wrinkled hand rose and gently touched Montan’s head. He almost jumped, but couldn’t take his eyes away from the elder. She gave him a serious look. “Do not dishonor the Alvere name as it was granted to you not by your father, but by Duchess Genevieve de Alvere and Duke Axton de Alvere.”
Montan found himself nodding. “Yes, Great Duchess.”
The old duchess nodded and retracted her arm. He hoped that the glint he saw in her squinted eyes was satisfaction. She looked at Axton and then at the Marquess. “You’ve done well to bring back the boy. Axton, you must instruct your brother well. Antonia, you must guide your godson.”
“Yes, Great Duchess.” Axton gave her a small bow and the Marquess lowered her head in a small nod. “Thank you.”
She turned around and Duke Sinan helped her back across the plaza. Montan let out a breath he had been holding in and Duchess Fekete laughed.
“Were you scared?” she said with amused eyes.
“Cillian kept him from you all because of his shame,” the Marquess said. “Montan’s experience with nobility is limited and mostly negative as a result.”
Duchess Fekete gasped and lifted a hand to her chest. She looked at Montan with surprised eyes that didn’t hide her confusion and dismay. “Is this true?”
The question was directed at him, and he had no choice but to answer. He felt a gentle squeeze on his shoulder, reassurance from his godmother. “Father was ashamed of me and there were many rumors. It would not be surprising to know I was hated by my brother’s peers.”
“To be fair to the boy,” the Empress said as she took a seat. “There was a lot of animosity between you four and Cillian.”
“That was to Cillian,” Duchess Tetri said in a sharp voice. “How could we not look at him as such after what he did?”
“As long as you don’t blame Montan,” the Empress replied.
“Genevieve was adamant about protecting him and asked that we harbor no animosity. We’re not so arrogant as to pass the sins of his father on to the son,” Duke Sinan returned quickly and extended his hand to Montan. “It is good to finally meet you, Young Master Alvere.”
Montan’s heart skipped a beat. That was his title, the title of a family’s adopted son, like Robert. He took Duke Sinan’s hand and shook it.
“Senior Gen prepared us for you, Montan,” Duchess Tetri told him with a kind look. She didn’t seem to stick to formalities. From her words, it seemed that the late duchess was her senior in school. “We all knew that she was protecting you.”
The duke and duchesses gave him a few more kind words, encouraged him to work hard in Lycée to bring honor and glory to Alvere and the duchies, and to not be afraid to reach out to them. Duchess Fekete winked at the Marquess.
“Everyone says that the marches are the closest group of nobles, but we duchies aren’t too far behind. We are descended from the kingdoms that succumbed to Soleil; we have our own brotherhood, you know.”
“Vanessa, I am right here,” the Empress’ irritated voice said. “Don’t make it sound like you five are treasonous.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Your Majesty,” Duchess Fekete said with an exaggerated curtsy that only made the Empress roll her eyes.
“I trust that you will make sure to correct any erred rumors regarding Montan?” the Marquess said in a cool voice.
“Of course, Marquess,” Duke Sinan said with a firm nod. Montan thought the Duke was older than his godmother, but despite that and being ranked above her, he showed her an immense amount of respect. Montan could understand why; his godmother naturally demanded respect. He couldn’t help but feel a bit proud of this.
The Marquess nodded, satisfied. “Good. Do not forget that aside from being Axton’s brother, he is also my godson.” Her green eyes bore into theirs and Montan held back a warm smile as a feeling of protection from all sides seemed to surround him. “He now has Guevera behind him.”
Montan felt a pressure on the bridge of his nose.
The Countess once told him when his parents died that he was not alone in the world. Logically he understood that, but right now, he couldn’t help but feel it.