Chapter 133: Do You Blame Alessa

Chapter 133: Do You Blame Alessa

This is unlike you.

Ive been busy, Tori replied from the inside of a fitting room at the boutique where she bought most of her uniforms. She lifted her hands over the buttons of her shirt.

You know you have to move into the dorms a week earlier to guide the first years, too.

Im aware, Sonia.

At the very least, your chest is growing.

Tori paused and squinted her eyes. ...Thank you, Ilyana. She looked at her reflection in the mirror and made sure that the buttons over her chest not only closed without a gap, but had some room. She didnt expect to grow too much more over the coming year.

Satisfied with the fit after stretching her arms and twisting her waist, she unbuttoned the shirt and took it off.

How does it fit? she heard Ilyana ask.

Perfect. Lets get two more of this size.

Okay.

When Tori came out, one of the store attendants was waiting with three crisp, neatly folded shirts. She took the one Tori tried on and replaced it with the three unworn pieces.

Sonia leaned back against the plush chair outside the fitting rooms. At the very least, you found out that your uniform shirts dont fit now. It wouldve been a hassle if you didnt realize it until you were already on campus.

Tori sighed and counted the three shirts in her hands. I didnt need a larger size last year, so it slipped my mind. She lifted the shirts. All right, Im done. Lets pay for these.

The two other girls with her pushed themselves up and headed downstairs, to the ground floor of the store.

Since Tori and Ilyana were ranked in the top ten at the end of the last school year, they were once more required to move in a week early to assist with guiding first year students. The group had moved back to the city, albeit somewhat reluctantly.

Her friends went to their respective homes while Ilyana stayed with Tori at Auntie Lucias. They were organizing their clothes when Tori discovered that she had outgrown her shirts. Thus, they headed out to buy some new ones. Her blazer still fit, as it was roomy to begin with, and her skirt had already been adjusted.

Tori paid for her new shirts and walked out with Sonia and Ilyana.

Where are we going next? Sonia asked.

Henrik and the others went to check on Lions Gate, Ilyana replied. Tori and I still need to pick up some school supplies.

Theyre cheaper outside of the Academic Quarter, Tori said. And Ewan wanted to buy some things from Daybreak Garden and needs me to help him get in. They stopped by her brand new former imperial carriage. Sir Bazan opened the door so Tori could put her things inside.

Shall we take you to Lions Gate, my lady?

Tori turned her head across the plaza. Lions Gates flagship store was literally diagonal from them, on the other side. No, we can walk.

The trio headed towards the store and saw Ewan standing outside with Albert. He lifted his arm and waved. Tori, Master says if you are going to Daybreak Garden, he wants to come, too.

Since her brother was back in Presidio, Ewan was talking about Axton. Tori nodded. All right. Call him and tell him to meet us there.

Should we pick up Sir Nassaun instead? Ilyana asked. If hes at their flat in the Academic Quarter, you can stop to see Alexander since Prince Piers has custody of him while youre in Lyce.

Tori scrunched her face and looked at Ilyana. He does not have custody of my cat. Alexander isnt a child, nor are Piers and I divorced.

Hes more than cat-sitting since Alexander will live with him while youre in Lyce, Ilyana said.

I dont want Alexander to live by himself in Viclya and Nanny Rey has a cat allergy, so Piers flat was the most convenient place thats close, Tori said. And Piers volunteered to keep him.

Alexander is quite active. He may be bored being kept in a flat, Sonia said. Hes used to wandering around Viclya.

Hes very popular with the villagers, Ilyana added.

Tori sighed. Several village children had asked Tori to leave her cat with them, swearing that theyd take the absolute best care of him, but she declined, assuring them that shed bring Alexander back whenever she returned. I am sure hell be fine.

She and Ilyana entered Lions Gate to look around and chatted with the manager for a moment. They found out that one of the guards was having a child and Tori briefly discussed giving him time off once the baby was born. Afterwards, the group climbed into Toris carriage.

The ride to Daybreak Garden was smooth and despite the heat outside, the inside of the carriage was kept nice and cool thanks to the crystal-powered air conditioner. Tori and Instructor Ignatius had sold their compact versions to the imperial family for use in their carriages. The crystals could be changed out to cool or heat, depending on what was needed.

Piers had told her that only the new carriages had them built in while the older carriages had to be altered to fit the small units over the windows.

Tori had almost cackled with glee when the carriages and horses were brought to Viclya. She didnt think that Gideon would come through on his part of the wager considering that the carriages werent his personal property, but belonged to the imperial family. At the very least, she expected some push back, but no such thing happened.

Instead, two brand new carriages appeared in Viclya with several large, healthy horses examined by JP and Sonias father himself, and spare carriage parts. If they were not in use, they were to be housed in the carriage barn by the supply yard in the village. Two men who had driven carriages before were hired as drivers, though on average, Tori expected to use one carriage to get to and from Viclya.

As requested, the exterior decoration was minimal, but the interior had thick cushions and pillows and it was large enough to fit all of them thanks to an adjustable bench.

The carriage went through the Fourth District and Tori couldnt help but look out the window as they passed Duel. The facade had yet to be updated, but the detailed pieces of the interior had started to arrive for installation. The wooden game pieces were being made in Viclya and would be brought to Duel closer to the opening date.

Where is the inn Hart told you she was staying at? Sonia asked as she craned her neck to look out the window.

Its close to the Golden Cow, Tori said. She said an acquaintance bought it and from my intel, it really isnt Adrien Rosiek. There it is.... She pointed to her left and the group inside the carriage strained to see.

The building fit in with the surrounding stone and wood beamed buildings. It was a four-story structure; five if the top windows were a separate floor and not part of the fourth. It was as wide as an average lot in the area; roughly fifteen paces across. It was right beside the Golden Cow, which was much wider, but a shorter two stories.

Thorn and Rose. Albert read the name of the sign aloud. Thats new.

Hart did say her acquaintance just bought it, Henrik said. It used to be a small store on the first floor and then homes on the upper floors. I suppose with Golden Cow next door, the store simply couldnt compete and closed.

Do you know who bought it? Ilyana asked.

Nicole Niel, age thirty-seven, from northern Anlar. She recently started buying property in mid-sized towns along the trade routes. Its not a coincidence that the properties are near the Cow Mans general stores that are also along the trade routes, Tori told them.

She didnt tell them that Nicole Niel was also doing business in Chetterswickshire. She was the businesswoman Alessa spoke of on the landing island, the one she was afraid Tori would poach. There were three people aside from Adrien who had approached Alessa when she became the Baroness.

All three, including Nicole Niel, were from Anlar and were supposedly drawn to Chetterswickshire because it was cheap to start a business there and there was potential for growth. Toris brothers intelligence network also believed that the merchants were led to Alessa and Chetterswickshire through Adrien Rosiek.

It would be too suspicious if Adrien did everything himself.

Does she plan on opening inns? Ewan frowned. Masters business is his chain of inns. This will be competition, wont it?

It seems like it, Tori said. Although, it was strange to build an inn in Chetterswickshire, as it was not directly on a trade route. They would have to go off the main route to Kings Harbor for three hours to get to Chetterswickshire. From the route to the Lakes, it would be two hours out of the way. Chetterswickshire wasnt a suitable location for an inn that catered to trade or tourist traffic.

Therefore, Tori was sure there was another reason, and the inn was a cover for something.

She took a deep breath and leaned back against the carriage. It was good to be aware of the movements of her enemies, but she had other things to deal with. Waiting for someone to commit a crime was exhausting when one was already busy.

When they reached Daybreak Garden, Axton and Piers were waiting outside. As they were not part of any guild that worked with Daybreak Garden, they needed Tori to let them in. When she hopped out of her new carriage, she noticed the gray ball seated like a statue beside Piers.

Alexander was wearing a new violet cat harness with his name embroidered on it. There was a piece of metal sewn into the harness that was attached to a leash in Piers hand. Tori frowned.

Why is Alexander here?

He was restless in the flat, so we brought him, Axton said. Dont worry, we made sure hes secure and leashed. He rode on Blue River the whole time.

Alexander trotted to Tori and rubbed his head against her leg. Tori bent down to scratch his head and saw the gold embroidery on his harness. Master of the Central Fekete Forest, Grand Hunter of Fowl and Foxes...Defender of the Empress with Valor and Strength?

Its the gift from Mother for his work during the hunting tournament, Piers replied. She was very pleased with the amount of game he caught.

Tori looked at her cat. Youve only been here for a few months and already have more titles than I do. A pleased meow replied, and Tori took the leash from Piers and led the group in.

Axton and Ewan immediately went to the back courtyard to start shopping. Henrik and Albert followed; Henrik was supposed to make sure Ewan didnt overspend. JP and Sonia went to see the equestrian supplies and Ilyana tagged along. Daybreak Garden made some of the best equestrian supplies in the empire and it was rare that they came.

Are you ready to return to the dorms?

Yes, Ilyana and I are moving in tomorrow. Tori let out a tired sigh. Weve already arranged with the Headmaster to do campus tours this weekend, and have about half a dozen second years weve contacted to accompany us. We plan to train them to do their own walking tours. It was such a success last year that we had many volunteers, but only those whod be on campus this weekend qualified.

Good. You two will not be so busy, Piers said as they walked around. Are you going to continue Metacrystals now that Senior Ignatius is no longer instructor?

Tori shook her head. Elective classes werent a fixed series and students could take different ones, though most preferred to stick to one subject their entire four years.

I talked about it with Instructor Ignatius, and he said that my foundational work exceeds what is taught at Lyce. In addition, I work directly with him and Master Ramos, which is more advanced and rigorous, so there is no point in taking a class at Lyce. It would just be repetitive for me and a waste of my time. Ive already changed my elective to dance.

Tori paused and looked over the top rim of her glass. She pulled the glass away from her and met Gideons gaze. What is so private that you would continue to disregard protocol?

His frown deepened. You think too much. Fabian has planned this training since we returned from the Naval Academy.

It doesnt have to be von Dorn. You should have a knight close. His mouth snapped shut and Tori raised a brow. Does this have to do with Piers?

The second prince inhaled deeply and shook his head. No. Wait...a bit. He put his mug down and clenched his jaw. His eyes held hers firmly. What exactly happened this summer when Alessa, Mr. Guthry, and Mr. Alvere were captured by poachers?

Tori almost jerked her head back in surprise. Youre asking me?

Annoyance crossed his face. You were there for most of it, werent you? You found them.

I tracked them, yes, but why are you asking me? Tori asked. Your brother was there, too. And Im sure youll believe him over me.

Gideon seemed to grind his teeth together. He glared at the tabletop. I do, but he said to ask you. He said youre the one who suffered the most for it.

Tori studied him quietly. Have you asked Baroness Hart? She was the one who was kidnapped.

Of course, I did! Gideon replied in a sharp voice. When Fabian and I returned to the imperial palace and before we left for the hunt, Mother told me that you and Piers participated in a rescue of three of our classmates near the lakes. She said Alessa ran away and was caught by poachers, and that your brother and the duchies got involved. She also said you exhausted yourself trying to find them and were in a wheelchair.

Tori nodded. So far, so good.

I spoke to Alessa when we returned from the hunt, and she said it was thanks to you and my brother that they were found and brought back safely. Her father and the Prime Minister sent recommendations for you to my father, and you became the Countess of Cosora.

Have you asked the Emperor why I was given a landed title?

No. Father has been busy lately.

Do you know anything else about what happened this summer? She watched him give a small shake of his head. Do you at least know why Baroness Hart ran away from home?

Gideon furrowed his brows. She had a disagreement with her father about her fathers lover...that commoner woman. He shook his head. Now that Baron Hart is no longer in power, the woman doesnt want him.

Is that what the Baroness told you? Tori sneered before taking a drink.

What other reason could there be? Gideon asked.

Tori put down her glass and shook her head. Baroness Hart hurled insults and hateful accusations at Madam Voss the entire time Baron Hart was courting the madam. The Baroness hated Madam Voss so much that to stop her fathers engagement, she ran away and almost got herself killed. Do you know how I got involved in searching for them? She didnt wait for Gideon to answer. Madam Voss, whose family has been supplying my village with bricks, called me to help. She is the reason the Baroness, Guthrie, and Alvere were found. Madam Voss sent her own sons to try to find the Baroness, called a noble woman she hardly knew for assistance, and then relayed information for several days while trying to support Baron Hart in finding his daughter, who hates her. Knowing that the Baroness would go that far to protest their engagement, why would Madam Voss want to continue it knowing what awaited her if the engagement went forward? Don't look down on her for refusing to accept abuse.

Gideon glared across the table. Then youre saying that its Alessas fault.

Im saying it and if you dont believe me, Madam Voss son is in Cosora right now. If I ask, hell come and tell you all about what hes seen and heard about how Alessa Hart treats his mother.

Gideon avoided her eyes. He looked away and shifted in his seat. Im not interested in the relationship of Alessas father.

Then what do you want to know about? Tori asked. How the Baroness confronted poachers and directed their attention to the driver, which ended up getting him killed? Do you want to know about the animals that were forced to fight in a ring and were skinned, their carcasses thrown into a pit? Or perhaps you want to know about my brothers injury fighting a tiger or how I lost consciousness using crystals to track a piece of lapis lazuli that may or may not have been on Guthrys person in a desperate attempt to find them?

Lost consciousness-

Twice! Tori said with a cheerful smile as she lifted two fingers. Crystal fatigue. I was asleep for a day. Then, crystal shock, where I was unconscious for several days.

Crystal shock! Gideons voice rose. He took Metacrystals with Instructor Ignatius with her. He knew what that meant. His hand gripped the mug. How did you get crystal shock? You should know not to push yourself, especially if you have crystal fatigue!

Im glad you asked, Tori said. She finished her coffee and raised her arm. Another, please! Tori proceeded to regale Gideon with the epic tale of summer adventures at Duchess Tetris cabin, recounting from the moment she received the distress call.

Gideons eyes were wide. He had focused on one point. How could you let my brother fight!

There was no choice; everyone was unconscious except for us, and of the two, hes the better swordsman! Tori reminded him in a sharp voice.

Gideons eyes crinkled up and his lips were dry. Hes the first prince of Soleil...how could you let him-

Can he use sacred geometry, charms, and crystals to move a house full of air? Tori demanded, slamming her hand on the table. We split up by our strengths and we succeeded! Tori drew her hand back. She let out a small, bitter laugh. And all it cost me was my loss of grounding, and my legs, for a month. She leaned forward and met his eyes with cold blue ones. Do you have any other questions, Your Highness?

The second prince was pale. He moved back in his seat. I...didnt know Piers had to fight....

It wasnt much of a fight, Tori said, pulling herself back. Your brother is one of the best swordsmen in the empire. The poachers were no match for him. He might as well have been dancing across the yard with a sword.

Tori took a sip of her second iced coffee and smacked her lips. Just what she needed to relax a bit.

Do you...blame Alessa for what happened?

Yes. Tori answered without batting an eye.

Gideon clenched his jaw. My mother also...when we got back from the delta, she told me she didnt want me to contact Alessa again outside of Lyce. Alessa isnt a bad person, she just-"

Stop right there. She held Gideons gaze as if willing him to pay attention. I dont care if shes good or bad. Baroness Hart is impulsive; her sense of righteousness will cause her to act or speak without fully seeing the consequences of her actions, both to herself and to others.

His face darkened. What are you saying?

Tori looked over her glass. Im saying just because she is doing what she feels is right, with little to no regard for others, doesnt make her a good person. It makes her selfish and reckless. She saw the anger fill his face and she cut him off. Which brings me to my question: what happened the night she came to find you to go to Viclya?

Gideon seemed to want to retort her somehow, but was faced with the question. He narrowed his eyes and looked up. She called me and asked me for help to go to Viclya. She said that Mr. Zisos was in danger.

Toris eyes stared at him critically. What did she mean Constantine was in danger? How would she know?

I dont know. Gideon looked at her with uncertainty. She was frantic when she called and when we went to her inn, she was in tears and panicked. She said she heard that Constantine was being forced to leave.

Being forced to leave is different from being in danger, Tori said in a low voice. Why did she call you? Doesnt she have her own carriage now? She brought it with her to Fekete.

Its a rental carriage. You know the financial situation of her family. Where would she have the money to suddenly rent a carriage to bring her to the delta, which is several hours away? Gideon asked with disdain. She isnt flush with money, like you.

You still havent answered the question: why did she call you specifically? What about Guthry, Alvere, or the merchant who stole my designs two years ago?

Youll never let that go, will you-

Answer my question or I will call your brother. Tori lifted her comcry threateningly and Gideon swallowed hard.

Mr. Guthry has not been allowed to contact her all summer and it seems that Mr. Alveres comcry was broken and has not yet been replaced. Mr. Rosiek is also not in Horizon at the moment and even if he were, Alessa wouldnt have called him because she said youd never let him into your village.

Shes right about that. I wouldnt let her in either. Its called a closed settlement for a reason.

Thats also one of the reasons she called me. She said that only I, as an immediate imperial family member, would be able to escort her into your village.

So, she called you specifically for help because she knew youd be able to get her access to Viclya because you are the second prince of Soleil. You felt that you were her only hope, so you left the palace under the guise of an errand for your project within Horizon. You couldnt take the imperial carriage or else youd be stopped at the gate, so you left it behind and hired a rental carriage to take you to Viclya. You also ordered your two escort knights not to report that you were leaving the city, as it would require more knights and time, which you couldnt afford. However, most people are unfamiliar with the route to Viclya, so you got lost, wandered into the Alvere Duchy for a bit before finally getting back on the right road, where you used your status as a prince to lead prohibited individuals into my closed settlement without my knowledge or permission.

Gideon's face seemed to pale. He hadn't mentioned all those details. How do you know?

Tori took a long sip of her refreshed drink. Your brother told me.

Piers had also told her that his parents had been waiting at the palace when his brother returned from the delta. The two knights who didnt heed protocol and didnt inform the palace that Gideon left the city had been removed from their positions. They were to do four more years of high-level training and would be reassessed after those years. However, they would never be able to qualify for first tier knighthood again. Axton had told her that theyd be lucky to be accepted as second tier knights.

Fabian had been sent to the knight cadets for extensive training until Lyce started. Originally, he was only going to do a few drills, but he was separated from Gideon completely until school began.

Alessa, for instigating the entire fiasco, had been banned from the imperial palace indefinitely, and faced a personal fine, which could not be taken from money taxed from her barony. It must be from the Harts private treasury or personal property. In addition, she, or her barony representative and Chetterswickshires representative would be forced to abstain from voting for a year, and a Viscount assigned by the Emperor would be put in charge of the barony for the next year.

Piers and Tori thought it was rather light considering her part, but apparently, Gideon had pleaded on behalf of Alessa and took as much of the blame as he could. This had only angered the Empress, who nearly had his comcry confiscated. Instead, she prohibited both of them from contacting Alessa outside of Lyce.

In addition, Gideons movements for the next year would be heavily regulated. He was to go home when he wasnt in Lyce, and if he were leaving the palace, for whatever reason, he would be limited to Horizon and wasnt allowed to leave its gates unless it was with another member of the family. The Emperor also assigned a half dozen of his personal escort knights to watch Gideon.

Gideon was not allowed to play polo, go to noble events, and his personal finances were frozen. Instead, for the next year, he would be required to study imperial law, policy, and protocol. His parents had been so incredibly displeased with his ignorance that it had come to this.

Gideon had dared to beg his brother to intercede, but only stopped when Piers had interceded by suggesting Alessa be stripped of her title.

Alessa only wanted to help Mr. Zisos. She should not be punished for this. I was the one who agreed to help her.

Toris sharp gaze stabbed at him. Since when did Constantine need her help when he has us? Everyone knows that Constantine is one of my friends and goes to the delta with us often. If he needed help or was in danger, who is in a better position to help him? You may be too dense to notice, but were not. She used you to get past me.

Gideon sneered. You think too much. Who would calculate against you?

I know. Who dares? Tori said, mirroring his look. You are the second prince of Soleil. Your relationships affect more than just you, so it is of great importance that you pay attention to who you associate with. If you want her to continue using you for personal benefit, then thats your business, but if it affects me, my friends, or the empire, do not expect me to sit here and accept it. She grabbed her glass and took a long drink of her iced coffee before slamming her empty cup on the table. Take that as you will, Your Highness.