Chapter 111: Tell Me Who Hurt You

Chapter 111: Tell Me Who Hurt You

The promenade was built above the water line, creating a sea wall, and extended across a wide stretch of waterfront, including the area where some of the docks were. They had since been moved to more discreet areas to allow for a better view of the water and islands from the promenade.

The fishing dock was closer to the mouth of the river and a series of docks integrated along a pier. It was still being built in order to accommodate for fishermen to offload their hauls. The transport dock was moved to the opposite end of the promenade, where a stone walkway led to the waters edge.

Small and medium sized vessels could dock to transport people to and from the islands. This was where guests who came from larger vessels would be dropped off.

The sun had set, and Tori waited patiently on the promenade as she watched a ship carefully dock. She heard the familiar voices before she saw their owners and a wide smile filled her face.

Ava, dont run! Aiden was shouting, but Tori doubted that would stop her little cousin. From the open gate that led down to the waters edge, a small figure appeared with a canvas bag secured across her body. Her curly hair looked like a little lions mane around her head, but she had no fear when she reached street level.

Her big eyes swept across the promenade, first surprised at the paved and well-lit walkway, and then seemed to land and focus on one person.

Cousin Tori! Ava didnt pay attention to the people walking around for their evening walks. She zoomed across the walkway, easily avoiding adults as they walked and prepared to launch herself into Toris arms, only to stumble to a stop. Her eyes widened and the excited look on her face disappeared. Wheelchair?

Tori gave her a weak smile. There was a bit of an accident.

Avas worried expression darkened. She stomped the rest of the way to Tori and grabbed on to her hands. Tell me who hurt you, the little girl said in a serious voice. I will avenge you, cousin!

Youre not avenging anyone. A hand grabbed the back of Avas shirt collar and pulled her away. Cousin has crystal shock. Aiden kept a firm grip on Avas shirt as Ava tried to reach out to Tori.

Aiden, welcome to Viclya, Tori said with a warm smile. Youve gotten taller.

A slight blush reached his ruddy cheeks and he looked away. Not much. Youre just seated right now.

How about me? Maeve slid in between them and wrapped her arms around Toris shoulders. Ive also gotten taller.

I think so, too, Tori said as she put an arm around Maeve and nuzzled her head. You all look so gallant. Was the voyage good to you?

Of course! Were at home on the water, Aiden said proudly.

Aiden, release me! Ava was still struggling. I havent hugged her yet!

Aiden let her go and Ava pounced on Tori. She climbed up to sit on her lap and hug her. Tori chuckled. Miss me?

A lot, Ava said. She looked around and seemed to finally notice the several teenagers around Tori. She cocked her head to the side. Are you my cousins friends?

We are. You must be Druid Ava, Ilyana said with a warm smile. Ava immediately sat up straight, pleased she was acknowledged, and nodded.

Yes, and youre very pretty. You must be Ilyana, Ava replied with a cheeky smile. Ilyanas brows shot up, but her smile widened.

Wait, then who am I? Albert asked, pointing at himself.

Ava gave him a dull look. I dont know you. Alberts face fell and the others around him held back their snickers.

Dont you think introductions should be made when everyone is present? a womans amused voice asked. Tori looked back towards the gate and saw the beautiful, tall woman with braids in her hair walking towards them.

Cousin Bridget! Thank you for coming!

No, no, thank you for inviting us, Bridget said with a warm smile. I heard good things from Eili and Deidre.

Cousin Baldwin didnt come? Tori asked.

Hes overseeing the poaching ring, remember? It was in Anlar Territory, Bridget said. Tori nodded. She forgot that Bridgets husband had taken over. The investigation is more important than a holiday. Hell be fine.

It mustve been chaotic with these three, Sebastian said as he looked at the children rambling about playing games and activities with Tori and the others.

I had help. Bridget looked over her shoulder. We picked up someone in Tres Arcos.

Tori and Sebastian both looked towards the gate and Toris brows shot up. An elegant woman with long, wavy brown hair appeared in a clean, olive colored dress and hat. A warm smile appeared on her face and Toris shoulders relaxed. Her eyes reddened.

Mama!

As if knowing that Tori had to greet her mother, Ava wiggled off Toris lap and then tried to push Toris wheelchair closer. Constantine smiled down at her and helped her push, but they didnt need to go far.

Antonia reached Tori and swept down to embrace her. My baby.... she said in a soft, pained voice. I was so worried about you.

Mama.... Tori reached up to hold on to her mother tight. Im sorry. I didnt mean to worry you.

As long as youre all right. As long as youre safe, Antonias voice rasped in her ear. She stroked Toris hair back and seemed to study her carefully with her eyes, as if searching for any hint of discomfort on her daughter.

Dont worry, Mama. Shes fine. The crystal shock is temporary, Sebastian said with a thoughtful look on his face.

Antonia slowly released Tori and stood up straight. She turned to face Sebastian with a stern look on her face and Sebastian shrank back a bit. You.... Antonia said in a low voice. Sebastian grimaced.

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You worried me, too! The grown man was swept into his mothers arms, and he stood helplessly as Antonia embraced him tightly. What were you thinking? A tiger?

A lost, but warm smile was on Sebastians face as his arms rose and he gently squeezed his mother back. Mama, it was just a flesh wound. A few scratches, really.

A few scratches. Antonia pulled back and held him at arms length. Her sharp eyes narrowed more so. Youre reckless!

I know-

All your training and bragging that youre one of the best swordsmen in the empire, and you cant even fight off a tiger!

Sebastians lips tightened into a line.

Mama, he was a bit distracted with the girl he was saving, Idunn said, trying to help him. He threw her a thankful look. Antonia released him and went to embrace Idunn.

If you didnt throw the knife, who knows what wouldve happened. You also need to be more careful, Idunn. Youre a researcher first and a warrior second. Antonia and Idunn exchanged cheek kisses.

Mama, Tori said from her seat. She furrowed her brows and looked up at her with confusion. What are you doing here? Papa said that you were in Presidio.

He wouldnt let me come with him to Anlar, so I came here instead, Antonia said in a proud voice. She stood up straight and looked confident with her decision.

Sebastian and Tori exchanged silent looks. Mama, he said, carefully. Does Papa know youre here?

Their little group was quiet for a moment, but Antonia didnt falter. I told him I was going out to run an errand for a few days. Since he wouldnt let me go to the lakes to see you, I would go elsewhere by myself.

Toris eyes crinkled up. An errand...here?

I should tell him I arrived, Antonia said. She reached into the satchel across her body and took out her comcry. Call Gregorio de Guevera. The comcry almost connected immediately and Tori heard her fathers confused voice.

My heart, where are-

Im in Viclya, Antonia said, cutting off her husband. Im going to stay with Tori and go home when Sebastian does.



Are you sure you dont want to stay in the resort tents? Tori asked as she was pushed into her tent by Sir Lovato, one of four female knights her mother brought with her. When her father said that two female knights would be sent to her, she didnt think her mother would come with them. Two knights were there to escort her mother and two more would stay with her.

No, I came here to see you, not to relax by the beach, Antonia said in a calm voice as she walked into the tent and looked around. Its quite large.

The front room is my office and where I receive people. The back room is where I sleep and there is an attached room where there is a toilet and another room where I can wash myself, Tori said. She looked over her shoulder. Please bring Mamas things to the back room of my tent.

Mine, too! Ava said as she jumped inside.

No, youll be staying with us in the resort tents, Bridget told her in a firm voice. You cant bother Tori. She still has to work.

But her birthday is coming. She shouldnt work on her birthday! Ava frowned and wrinkled her nose.

Its not just work for my project or my businesses, Ava, I also have to finish the plans for the celebration this weekend, Tori told her gently. I have activities planned for my guests who are coming to celebrate my birthday. Were also celebrating Alberts birthday and our friend Ewan, who was accepted into La Garda.

Ava let out a heavy sigh. She walked forward and patted Toris hand with sympathy. Youre working hard, Cousin.

Tori smiled.

Cousin Tori, is this your cat? Tori turned her head and saw Maeve and Aiden circling a wooden bench with cushions. On the drab colored cushions was a fluffy gray ball, who looked up with big golden eyes.

The prize will be on display at the resort tents meal deck in the morning. Youll see, Tori told her.

I suppose thats still a bonus. Whats important are the silver coins to spend, Maeve told her siblings. That can last me the entire trip.

Youre not going to share if you win? Aiden asked, raising a brow.

Why would I share? This is a competition!

All right, but dont come crying to me to share if I win, Aiden said in a calm, confident voice.

Cousin Tori, the challenges sound hard, Ava said, inching forward with a despondent look on her face. If I play, I may lose the challenges and I dont have a chance of winning.... She pouted and looked down.

Oh, baby, its all right, Tori said as she reached over and stroked Avas hair back. If you dont win, Ill buy you food.

Really? Ava looked up at her with glistening eyes and her cousins looked at her with disgust. You'll buy me all the food?

Auntie Bridget, do you see your daughter begging? Aiden said, looking towards the other end of the table.

Dont fall into her trap, Tori, Bridget said distractedly. Shes cute, but shes greedy.

Mom! Ava gasped and looked at her mother with betrayal.

Ava, just try your best, Tori said, still petting her head. Look, Riri said hes going to play. She motioned her hand to the next table over, where Ilyanas family was seated and chatting. Riri looked up when he heard his name and smiled.

Lady Tori, did you call for me?

Are you still playing the spy game tomorrow, Riri?

Riri looked excited and nodded. Yes! Im going with my sister and mother!

Oh, playing as a team is a good idea. Tori gave him a nod of approval. She looked back at Ava. See, Ava? You can play on a team and then split the prize if you win.

Ava furrowed her little brows and thought for a moment. She looked at Tori hesitantly. Are you going to play?

No, I have to do some work that day, she said.

Ava looked at her two cousins. Both seemed to expect her to ask, but she shook her head and snorted. I need someone wholl win....

What? Maeve jerked her head back.

Excuse me.... Aiden rolled his eyes. Im sorry were not good enough for you.

Ava ignored them and continued to look around. As her eyes settled on a person, she seemed to think about their odds of winning. She wiggled out of her seat.

Where are you going? Bridget asked as soon as she saw her daughter begin to move.

I need to find a partner, Ava said. She slid off her booster seat and onto the ground. She then went to the next table where Ilyana sat. Youre smart, but youre already teaming up with your family, so my share of the winnings wont be much.

Tori squinted her eyes and watched Ava carefully approach her friends. Her little cousin was daring, shed give Ava that. Ilyana laughed and the others seemed to wait for Ava to inspect them and make her decision. She deduced that Marco and Mateo were going to work together, and Henrik said he planned to play with the Vissage twins. For anyone who already had a partner, Ava was reluctant to team up with them.

She didnt want less than half of the winnings.

Ava, Ill partner with you, Albert said with a gentle smile. Ava looked at him and then shook her head.

I heard your grandma is coming, so you will play with your grandma, Ava replied with confidence. If my grandfather was here, I would play with him.

Albert sighed. Why does everyone think Im going to play with my grandma?

Because you will, Sonia said, ruthlessly.

Ava stood by the table and looked from Piers to Constantine. She looked torn and frowned. Constantine leaned down to speak to her.

Do you want to be my partner? he asked in a gentle voice. I can do all the challenges quite well and Im in the top tier in Lyce, so I will be able to do the puzzles.

Ava pursed her lips, but didnt decide. She stared at Piers, as if waiting for him to offer.

Piers reached across the table and picked up his wine glass. He said nothing as he brought it to his lips and took a sip, as if Ava wasnt looking at him expectantly. She frowned when she didnt get a response and looked at Tori.

He doesnt play well with others, Tori told her with a smile.

Ava huffed and looked down, disappointed. Hed make a good partner.... She dared to take a step closer to Piers. Excuse me, sir? Do you want to be partners?

Tori raised a brow. This is the first time Ive seen her so respectful to a stranger.

She has some manners, Bridget said with a grin.

Piers glanced at Ava and then looked away. No.

A shocked look filled Avas face and her mother turned her head and muffled her laughter. The rest of their table tried not to laugh as Ava looked stunned by the clear rejection.

Why not? she asked.

I dont play well with others, Piers said, repeating Toris explanation without looking at the child.

But youre the best looking one! Ava cried out, indignant. At the other table, Albert spit out his water. Everyone looked at the little girl who had protest all over her face.

Well, shes definitely Toris cousin, JP said as Sonia bit her lip to keep from laughing. Tori shot him a look.

Shut up, JP.

Ava, if His Highness doesnt want to be partners, you cant force him, Bridget told her in a stern voice.

Ava tilted her head back and swung her arms dramatically around her. She took a moment to grumble before turning to Constantine. Youre the next best looking one. Will you be my partner?

Ava, what are you basing your partner requirements on? Sebastian asked with a furrowed brow.

Face value, Tori answered for the child.

Why didnt she ask me? Sebastian said, frowning. My face value is high, isnt it? He turned to Idunn, who nodded and patted his hand.

Cousin Sebastian, you will partner with your fiance, Ava replied, as if it were obvious. Im not going to be the three...third.... She looked at Aiden and Maeve.

Third wheel, Aiden told her.

Yes, the third wheel! Ava nodded her head. Also, Id only get a third of the prize.

Constantine, can you be Avas partner for the spy game? Tori asked.

Of course, he said with a nod. Well work hard, wont we, Ava?

She nodded. And...and its fifty-fifty?

I dont eat that much. If we win, Ill give you seventy-five percent, Constantine told her with an amused smile.

The childs face lit up. She scrambled over and hooked her little pinky with his. We have an accord! You cant break it!

I wont.

Everyone heard it!

We heard.... Bridget sighed. She looked at her daughter with a mixture of frustration and exhaustion as Ava returned to her seat. She got help climbing back onto her booster chair.

Of course, Ava, thats only if youre both agents and if you win, Aiden reminded her with a smug look. Thats not guaranteed.

Avas face turned red, and Tori sighed. Dont upset her. Let her have fun.

Shell be disappointed if she loses, Maeve pointed out. She looked at Ava. Im just saying, you should be prepared.

Of course, Im going to be prepared! Im an OTuagh! Observe. Advance. Conquer!