Chapter 79: Do What You Want, But Know What You're Doing

Chapter 79: Do What You Want, But Know What You're Doing

She was the last one to attend dinner. Tori needed a moment to collect herself and lessen the redness in her eyes before she stepped out of her room and faced her family. She put on a bright face and skipped down the stairs to get to the dining hall.

With both her Auntie Lucias family, her Uncle Lorenzo, and Uncle Rom present, as well as Ewan joining them, the dining hall was full and filled with noise whenever dinner arrived. Breakfast was usually a come at your own pace setting. Sometimes, shed eat alone. Sometimes shed get to breakfast, and her brothers were fighting with Marco and Mateo for food, as if they werent rich and had plenty to spare.

Lunch was similar, with meals being brought to her father and brothers if they were busy, or had outside in Presidio if they were wandering around. Ewan ate lunch with the Guevera knights. Dinner was a family affair and the long, wooden table was filled with food and multiple conversations.

Tori took her usual seat next to her mother. Ewan was next to her and talking to her uncles across from him.

Its just a light review and application of what youve learned so far, Uncle Lorenzo told him in a calm voice. He looked like a slimmer version of her father, though was slightly taller. His short, curly black hair seemed to constantly fall over his blue eyes. You dont have to worry about making a mistake. Theyre an allied family and weve informed them youre coming.

Ewan let out a whimper and Tori cracked a smile. They told you about the Count de Leon ball?

He turned to her with wide eyes. You knew!

Practical application of what youve learned of knightly conduct will help you remember, Tori told him. You have several months until the test. You need to practice every once in a while.

Tori is right, Uncle Lorenzo told him. La Garda will be watching you the moment you walk through its gates. Youll want to carry yourself as a knight as soon as they see you.

Ewan furrowed his brows and slowly nodded. You have a few more days, Sebastian told him. Continue with your reviews.

The meal was served and Tori let her curiosity eat at her as she kept a smile on her face and chatted with whoever spoke to her as if she didnt just stumble across a traumatizing secret. She made a point to keep from looking at Kasen, worried that shed be reminded of the notebook stained with tears and begging for her return.

She made it through dinner and wanted to ask, but she didnt know where to begin. She considered cornering Kasen and showing him the notebook, but she didnt know how hed take it. If he denied any such thing and misunderstood, she couldnt force an answer out of him. Kasen wouldnt give in easily.

Tori looked towards her parents and hesitated. She didnt know where to begin.

Tori? a voice asked behind her as she paced down the hall for the third time. She looked towards the sound of a mans voice and saw her Uncle Rom coming up the stairs. He gave her a curious look. What are you doing?

She quickly put a smile on her face and shook her head. I thought Id walk a bit. My legs are cramped from sitting all day.

His brows rose and nodded. The hallway gets colder at night. Dont linger.

Right, I know, Uncle. Tori nodded and turned around. She continued to walk up and down the hall.

Tori. She turned around once more. Uncle Rom walked past his room and looked at her with concern. Are you all right?

Im fine. She tried to meet his eyes, but quickly darted away.

Are you worried about construction at the delta? It is difficult to step back after being so involved.

Oh, no, I left it in good hands. And everyone knows to call me if there is a pressing issue that they cant address. Her eyes crinkled up as she smiled. Her uncle leaned forward and seemed to study her for any sign of fatigue.

Thats good to hear. I was concerned that you were overworking yourself even while on break.

I have so many ideas I want to try out, its hard to stop myself.

Were you working on more crystal projects?

She nodded eagerly. Yes, Im hoping to get crystals to react at a distance with Old Sulfae. Kasen gave me some of his old notes that he used when he was learning charms.

She almost didnt see the flicker of surprise in her godfathers eyes. He gave you his old notes?

Tori nodded.

He lifted his head and seemed to hold his breath. Did you read something in them?

The calm, pleasant look on her face melted away. She drew her shoulders back. You know whats in them? she asked in a quiet voice.

It took him a moment to finally give her an affirmative nod of his head. Uncle Rom knit his brows together and looked down for a moment, thinking. His shoulders rose with a heavy breath and looked up.

Why dont we go riding tomorrow morning? Tori tilted her head to the side and gave him a questioning look at his sudden question. He offered her a tired smile. You dont often have time to talk to your godfather. I can answer your questions.

Tori tensed. She wanted to ask more then and there, but she didnt want to force it. She paused and frowned. But they wont let me ride a horse....

I will be with you, he said with a soft chuckle. They wont protest.

All right, Uncle. Tori gave an affirmative nod. I will see you in the morning, at sunrise out in the courtyard. She turned around and quietly returned to her room.

She fell back on her chair and looked at the charms and notebooks. She reached forward and picked up the notebook with Kasens scribbles. She doubted he would remember even making them.

Tori looked through the pages once more before closing the notebook and tossing it on to her desk. She leaned back on her chair and took a deep breath before diving back into Old Sulfae.

Despite her efforts, she couldnt concentrate. Shed copy a few characters and her thoughts would return to an image of her brother frantically trying to figure out how to use charms. Sleep didnt come easy, either.

Tori tossed and turned in her bed, oftentimes getting close to drifting to sleep only to jerk awake and stare up at the dark canopy.

Her uncle didnt seem at all surprised to see her with bags under her eyes and a pale complexion when she came downstairs. The sun was just rising, but the horses were prepared and he made sure she was on safely and wearing a riding helmet before he mounted his bay horse and led her out of the Fortress.

They went around the back of the gardens, going along a cliffside trail that overlooked Presidio below. A few knights followed behind them, all older, seasoned men. They remained a few lengths behind, allowing the two to have a conversation.

Where are we going? Tori asked. Since she woke up in Soleil, she had never gone down this route before.

A scenic route around the city, her uncle said. He looked over at her and smiled. Do you not remember? It was your favorite trail.

I still have some gaps in my memory.

You liked the view, Uncle Rom told her. He took a deep breath. But thats not why I asked you to come ride with me this morning.

Tori gave him a little nod. Is it all right to ask?

His shoulders rose and fell with a heavy breath. I think you have every right to know, but...the subject is very difficult for your parents and brothers. No one was to speak of it.

She looked at him with a hint of concern. Will it trouble you?

Uncle Rom shook his head as he stared ahead of them. Even if it troubles me, it must be addressed now. You must already have an idea that something is wrong. I told your parents that you found Kasens notebook.

Tori drew her head back. What did they say?

Her uncle pursed his lips. They are worried about how youd take it. Your father debated whether he should speak to you and tell you youre mistaken, but your mother finally agreed that perhaps it is time. I told them I would tell you. I dont think your parents can tell you clearly. Although, I also hoped that you would never have to find out about what happened. Very few people know. Knights involved were sworn to secrecy. He glanced over his shoulder at the six men following them. Until now, they have held their tongues.

Tori looked back at the knights, then towards her uncle. What happened?

You were abducted the night of your fathers succession ceremony.

She felt herself suck in a sharp breath, but no air seemed to reach her lungs. Her hands tightened around the reins as she narrowed her eyes. Abducted?

Her uncle nodded; his eyes still fixed ahead as they seemed to glaze over. You went to your cousins succession ceremony in Moss Hill and mustve noticed the security. Not only are marquis and their families considered targets because of their positions, but at such events, there are other important guests attending. Safety is a priority. Gregorios succession ceremony had both knights and a portion of our army stationed around the Fortress and Presidio. The protection of the family is always important, but none of us expected you to be snatched from your cradle in the middle of the celebration.

His voice grew tighter and Tori swallowed hard. With so much security, how did someone take me?

You said the notebook you found was in the box with Kasens old charms? he asked and looked over at her. She nodded. Kasen was trying to use charms to detect hints of particular minerals on the servants of the Fortress. When three particular minerals are combined, they react to create a gas. It smelled sweet...very sweet to the point that it was overwhelming.

The gas puts people to sleep? Tori asked, recalling Kasens words the day before.

Uncle Rom nodded. You were a baby and so Nanny Rey brought you to your room to sleep while the celebration continued. We found all the knights in that wing, Nanny Rey, and Sebastian unconscious.

Toris head perked up. Sebastian was there?

Her uncles eyes glistened. Sebastian had gone upstairs to check on you. He was the first to see the knights and Nanny Rey. When he went to your cradle, you were gone. Sebastian was the first to find you missing.

Her eyes began to sting and she looked everywhere but at her uncle to try to blink them back. Is that why Sebby is so protective of me?

He blamed himself, Tori. He and Kasen were obsessed with finding you. Kasen wouldnt sleep unless we forced him; he was so focused on trying to track down who brought those minerals to your room. Sebastian was wracked with guilt. His hands almost bled during that time, as the only thing he seemed to be able to do was wave a sword.

My parents?

Yes. Her answer was to the point. I had my reasons, but in the end, thats all they are. I still treated people badly.

Like the rumors our first year? Tori nodded. So, what happened? The accident?

Tori nodded once more. I fell off the horse, hit my head, and my personality changed. Last year, many of my peers here didn't believe that such a change was possible, but here we are. Whether they believe it or not doesnt make it any less true.

Then, Ilyana really is your first friend? Ewan sounded surprised and Tori could understand. Hed grown up with Henrik, JP, and Sonia. He probably didnt remember a time when he didnt know them.

Thats right.

No wonder you named a village after her.

Tori laughed and grinned. If it helps, you are friend number two. I havent figured out what I want to name after you.

His eyes widened and a cheesy smile filled his face. Im going to get something named after me?

Thats our plan, but we dont know what yet. Henrik gets the main plaza on the shoreline promenade. We were thinking about naming the beach and its adjacent rocky cove after Sonia and JP, but have yet to discuss with them.

What about Albert?

Tori rolled her eyes. He wants an island named after him.

We can get an island named after us? I want an island.

Well consider it.

What about His Highness, Master, and Mr. Zisos? Ewan asked. Theyve helped much more than we have.

For his help with the assistance with the church, the village wanted to call the island with the temple complex Zisos Naos, but Mr. Zisos disagreed. He felt it wasnt fitting considering its dedication to the Belcoy pantheon. Thats why we just call it Naos. We compromised and the bridge from the church grounds to the island will be named the Constantine Bridge. Axton, Ilyana, Henrik, and I are building a spa, so Axtons name will probably be there, somewhere. We dont know what to name after Piers yet. Hes an imperial family member, so there will be a dedication eventually.

I also think you should name islands after them.

Just focus on dancing, Ewan.

Master - Sir Nassaun, says that sometimes, plains clothes knights are assigned to ballroom duty in which they must mingle amongst the guests, Ewan told her. Tori nodded.

Yes, I recognized a few familiar faces at the Empress Banquet. I dont think most guests would notice unless they personally knew the knight. But I did see them dancing and walking around. In this way, they can be closer to the imperial family in case there is an attack.

Where do they keep their weapons?

Mainly small daggers, but I was told that their priority is to shield the imperial family member. Tori furrowed her brows. Its a glamorous position, but a dangerous occupation, Ewan.

He seemed to mull over her words for a moment. But, I have a choice in it. I can choose to become a shield of the imperial family, he said. His eyes seem to sadden. You were born to be one.

Tori shrugged. At this point, she accepted that. There are worse things to protect than people you care about. She gave her friend a reassuring smile as they finished their dance.

The rest of the evening went smoothly, but it still tired both teenagers. They remained poised and confident as they walked out of the manor, but as soon as they were inside the carriage and it began to move, they slumped back against the carriage bench and Tori took off her heels.

Luckily, the de Leon estate wasnt far from the Fortress.

How was it? It wasnt that bad, right? Tori said as they reached the outer gates. And you made a friend. A friend you can spar with.

Ewan nodded, relieved. Master was concerned that I didnt have enough variation in my sparring. If Sir Navarro would be able to spare time, Id appreciate it.

The imperial knights are a close group, for the most part, Sebastian said across from them. Your father would know.

My father and siblings are low level knights. Ewan gave a sheepish chuckle and rubbed the back of his neck. But my godfather is a higher rank. Tori, youve met him; he organized the encampment. Commander Kuhn.

Commander Kuhns your godfather? Tori looked surprised. Ewan nodded, proud.

Im sure theyll be pleased to know that my trip here has been very worthwhile.

Its not over yet. You still have another week and then we begin the journey back, Sebastian said with a slight grin. You made a few mistakes today, but from what I observed, it was mainly your nerves. You were very stiff the entire time and that can make you lock up.

Ewan nodded. I understand, Master. I was very nervous.

Nonetheless, you did well for your first foray into applying knightly conduct in a formal setting. Sebastian looked pleased. No matter the outcome, I think you should be very proud.

Ewan was more than happy to retreat to his room and get out of the uniform. Tori reminded him that if he became a knight, hed have to wear a uniform when on duty. Ewan insisted that hed get used to it by then.

Tori crossed the hall to get to her room and as soon as she entered, she smiled at the warmth coming from the hearth. She kicked off her heels once more and put on her slippers. She shrugged off her cloak and tossed it over one of the chairs before going to the window to draw the curtains closed. Outside, small light crystals kept the walkways of the training courtyard illuminated.

She squinted and leaned forward and she saw a lone figure doing strikes against a practice dummy. Her father had his sleeves rolled up and seemed to be focus on whatever imaginary enemy he was fighting. After a few more strikes, he stopped and looked up. Tori turned to follow his gaze and saw her mother walking out from the hall with a towel.

After Uncle Rom spoke to her about her abduction, she seemed to know that it was not to be brought up again. Her brothers and parents knew Uncle Rom had told her what happened, but it was not addressed.

Tori lowered her head and pulled her curtains closed. She walked towards her changing area and paused as she passed her cloak. There were things she wanted to tell her brothers and her parents after learning of her abduction. The longer she waited, the more difficult it would be to bring it up.

She snatched the cloak from the back of the chair and moved it around her shoulders before leaving her room, still in her warm bedroom slippers.

When she reached the ground floor, she looked around and listened for any sign of her parents. It wasnt very late and she doubted they had already retired.

Sir Alverez, Tori looked towards one of the familiar guards posted in the hall. Have you seen my father?

He is in his study, my lady.

Thank you. Tori tightened her cloak around her shoulders and walked towards her fathers office down the hall. There was a thin sliver of light beneath the door and Tori raised her hand to knock. Papa?

Tori?

She waited at the door until it cracked open and Kasen appeared. Youre not asleep yet?

She narrowed her eyes. Youre not Papa.

Kasen gave her a dull look and stepped to the side, opening the door wider to let her in. Tori went inside and was somewhat surprised to see Sebastian seated across from their father while her mother was on the sofa. Sebastian smiled and welcomed her in.

We were discussing Ewans progress, he told her as he motioned for her to take a seat on the sofa with their mother. How do you think he did tonight?

Outside of his nerves, her father said. Its understandable when its his first formal ball of the like.

Hell improve. He just needs to get used to the situation, Tori said. She stopped by the sofa and looked around, raising a brow. All of you are here discussing Ewan?

I came to talk to Papa about it. Mama was here and Kasen was passing by, so I asked what he thought, Sebastian said. He gave her a curious look. What about you?

Tori chewed on her lower lip for a moment and tried to measure her words. I wanted to tell Papa its not his fault. She dared lift her head to look at her father, who looked confused.

Did I do something? he asked with an uncertain chuckle.

Tori shook her head. You did everything you could. Its not your fault. Her eyes began to sting once more. Its not any of your faults.

Sebastians slight smile began to falter and he sat up straight in his seat.

Tori.... Her mother lowered her hands and looked at her.

Tori lifted her hands quickly and took a step back. She gave them as bright a smile as she could. I just want to make it clear. Im very lucky to have you as my family, regardless of what happened. She took a deep breath. I love you all very much.

It sounded silly to say out loud, but she wanted to tell them, especially after she found out about the abduction.

Her mother began to cry, and from his desk, her father shut his eyes. If you were not my daughter, it would not have happened.

Tori drew her lips in and held back a small laugh. Are you saying you regret having me?

No! Her father and mothers voices filled the room in an instant. Antonia shot up from her seat and rushed to hold her.

How can I ever regret having you? Antonia choked out as she crushed Tori against her and buried her face in her hair. "You are our daughter and part of this family; we will always support you."

Tori closed her eyes and pressed her face against her mothers shoulder. A bittersweet feeling filled her body as she gripped the back of her mothers dress. ...and thats why the Guevera March fell.