Chapter 207: You Hate Parties

Chapter 207: You Hate Parties

Perhaps it was the lull after her first real mission in collaboration with Piers and his intelligence team, but Tori felt as if a weight was lifted off her shoulders. While she knew that the mission was still in progress, it was no longer her responsibility. Piers had insisted that he would oversee it, and would not tell her any updates unless she asked.

Even when she did, his answers had been short.

Usually, hed tell her a location where the tracking crystals were leading his men. Tori had expected all the tracking crystals to go in one direction and for a week, they had.

Then, they split.

Did one stop? Tori asked as she rummaged through the samples of invitations for Axtons birthday party.

Piers was reviewing a guest list. The wagon and horse stopped for a day, but the barrels remained for three days before moving, but they werent on the same wagon.

Tori narrowed her eyes. Where did they go?

Piers gaze lifted over the edge of the guest list and met her eyes for just a moment. I thought you were going to focus on the party planning?

She wrinkled her nose and wiggled down in her seat. Im just curious. She separated three of her top picks for the invitation. I know that gold looks good with hunter green, but I want to go with this white marbled gray and the gold foil.

Okay.

What do you think?

Its fine.

Do you think Axton will like it?

Axton wont see the invitations.

I mean the color theme, Tori said with a frown. Ilyana is waiting for me to settle on a color theme so she can get the table linens and decorations ready.

Piers squinted his eyes a bit. What decorations are you ordering?

The usual. Banners, garlands, some seasonal flowers, or plants, she said, counting off her fingers. And then we have to program the lights.

Axton will care about food the most, Piers said in a dull voice.

Piers, Im having a whole roasted pig prepared by the chefs from the Hong Empires embassy, Tori said in an exasperated voice. Have you ever had Hong-style roasted pig? Its amazing.

In addition to that, she was having numerous noodle soups prepared, as Axtons birthday was at the beginning of winter. It was a sort of buffet style, but there were pre-set soups to pick from if one wasnt sure. She was sure Axton would love it.

Piers seemed to think for a moment and nod. Axton will like that.

Tori lifted her chin, proud of herself. There will be fresh oysters to go with the hors devours to start off with and then everyone will be free to pick their own food.

Piers nodded once more. Axton likes choices. What about dessert?

Since its winter, I am considering pastries over cold treats. Of course, along with this, Im also going to be serving an after-dinner coffee, and for those daring, a drink from the Tona Empire. Its a warm milk-based beverage, sweet with a hint of cinnamon, thickened with corn, and a touch of sugar and a seed of a plant.... As she explained, she could see the doubt creep in Piers otherwise stoic face. This is my fault. I dont know how to explain chocolate or champurrado. Itll be good, I promise.

He let out a small hum and continued to look over the guest list. What about his cake?

Salted caramel over chiffon, Tori said. Mr. Jaeger is taking care of it. She put aside the white and gray invitation and decided to go with it. What are you getting him for his birthday?

I am paying for this party.

Piers.

I am throwing it. Is that not enough? Piers asked.

Well...I suppose it is, she said. You ordered fireworks and musicians, too. Piers gave her a satisfied nod.

Are you giving him a present?

Tori nodded. Its a sword.

He has many swords.

She gave him an irritated look. It has engravings and crystals embedded around the guard, hilt, and beneath the grip. Sebby helped me get it done.

Swords used for battle will be damaged.

Thats why I didnt put any on the blade. Its very subtle. Theyre hardly noticeable. Dont worry, Sebby knows what hes doing. Tori puffed out her chest with pride.

Piers was quiet for a moment and nodded. Should I get him something?

I thought you were just paying for the party and helping me arrange it? she asked with a raised brow.

His eyes were on the table. Axton is my closest friend. This will be his first celebration at Nassaun House. I must make it special.

A warm smile filled her face and she reached towards him to touch his head. She stroked the side of his head and he leaned towards her hand. You love teasing him, but you love him even more.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Dont tell him.

Tori laughed. I dont need to.

Piers hummed once more and turned his face towards her hand. A knock came from the door, and he snapped back in its direction with an annoyed scowl that reminded her of the look on Avas face when she was annoyed. Tori lowered her hand and looked towards the door, barely holding back a chuckle.

Go away. Piers had no qualms about sending off the visitor.

Tori sighed. Who is it?

Axton.

Tori sucked in a sharp breath and nearly threw her body across the table to hastily collect all the papers that hinted at his birthday party. Axton wasnt supposed to come. Give me a minute! She did her best to put them into a pile under Piers' frowning gaze and shoved them into her bag. She just knew the uneven, unorganized pile bothered him. Come in!

The door didnt open for another few counts. Finally, it creaked open, but only for about an inch. Are you decent?

What are you talking about? Tori glared at him. Were not in here alone.

Axton pushed the door open the rest of the way and looked from her to Piers and back. There are only two of you.

Alexander. Piers pointed to the daybed and the massive gray cat sprawled on his back, his belly exposed to the sunlight coming through the windows. His whiskers moved and one of his feet twitched, but he didnt get up from his comfortable position.

Axton took a deep breath. I came to get something to eat after training and saw the knights, so I figured you were here, he said, looking at Piers. Mama J said not to bother you.

Piers looked away. You disobeyed Mama J.

Thats not the point, Axton said, slamming a hand on the table. Youve been busy with your information gathering, so I havent bothered you, but I want to start discussing something important since the date is getting closer.

Tori furrowed her brows. Do you need a moment with him?

Axton shook his head. He closed the door and took a seat across from her. No, actually, its better to talk to you about this. She nodded and gave him a concerned, but encouraging look. Axton took a deep breath. I want to have my birthday party at Nassaun House.

Goddammit, Axton. Tori blinked and kept a calm expression on her face. Her voice, however, was forced and robotic. Thats nice.

Axton squinted at her and shook his head. He looked back at Piers. What do you think? I talked to Mr. Mercer, and he didnt seem sure if we could accommodate such a party since the renovations are still being done. Construction does slow down when the weather drops.

Rather than rush it, there are other options, Piers replied. What about the Lunar Pavilion?

Youre going to have your new year party there and the third-tier knights are having their party there next month. Axton crossed his arms and leaned back against the chair with a somewhat annoyed look. I considered Viclya, but we go there so often.

Are you saying its boring? Tori narrowed her eyes and he tensed.

No, of course not. Its just that we always have parties there. I was thinking we should do someplace...new?

Then where?

Thats what I want to discuss with you.

He may not have been able to, Piers replied in a steady voice. We do not know the circumstances in which he was wounded. At the time, he may not have been able to address the injury. We will know more when we arrive.

As Kasen needed the attention of the available crystal masters on the island and Tori needed to arrange travel and inform Instructor Ignatius that his best friend forever was injured and barely conscious, Tori was forced to end the conversation before she could get all the information she wanted.

She also wanted to speak to the men who arrived with Kasen, as they were part of the mission and discuss with Dr. Cooper-Fontaine and Instructor Ignatius on what they should do to help her brother recover.

Most of all, she just wanted to see her brother.

Ill feel better when I see Kasey, she said as she hugged Alexander a little tighter. If I can see him and get an idea of what happened and what to do, I wont be so worried.

Piers squeezed her shoulder. I know. You want to see with your own eyes. This is similar to when a tiger mauled Master.

The corner of Toris lip curled up a bit at the memory. It was a bit funny now, as she knew her brother was fine, but at the time, she was willing to roll out of her bed and drag her half-paralyzed body to the floor below to see him and assure herself that he was alive.

She lowered her eyes and felt some pressure on the bridge of her nose. Kasey was there when I woke up. I forgot so much, and he re-taught me everything. Her eyes began to sting and then blur.

Piers tensed beside her and shifted awkwardly. Senior is...not worth crying about.

Tori lifted her head and looked at him with confusion. What?

She could see the discomfort on his face. Dont cry for Senior. Toris face twisted with irritation and began to pull away. The discomfort lingering on him began to become panic. I mean, it is not necessary to cry because Senior will be fine. He would not want you to cry over him.

He paused every so often, trying to find the right words to comfort her, albeit awkwardly. Tori let out a heavy breath and slumped down. She understood what he was getting at.

Crying helps get the emotion out. Ill feel better.

Oh. He was quiet for a moment, as if letting her explanation sink in. Then cry.

The moment has passed. Tori wrinkled her face and turned her head away. The carriage only slowed down at Viclyas gate. As they had been informed in advance, they were waiting for them to arrive.

They headed directly to the main plaza and several knights were waiting. A boat was ready to take her and Piers to the island. The transfer from the carriage to the boat was only a minute or two; the amount of time it took to get off the carriage, walk to, and then board the small vessel.

Lampposts that hung their crystals over the water were placed along the edges of the islands, allowing for enough light to be used as a guide along the dark waters. Tori continued to hug Alexander, who was used to the swaying of the transport vessels along the somewhat choppy waters.

Anahata Islands dock area was marked by the glowing crystals atop the main barrier crystals. Another crystal token was used to let them in. Master Hansen stood at the dock with a knit shawl, waiting for them beneath the lampposts.

My lady. She bowed her head as Tori climbed out of the boat and on to the dock.

How is he?

He was sleeping for a while, but woke up to drink the broth soup prepared. Dr. Cooper-Fontaine said it was important for him to have liquids. Master Ignatius arrived just moments earlier and he is checking on Lord Kasen.

Tori gave her a nod as they swiftly walked down the lit pathway to the work courtyard. Nearly all the light crystals were on and two men she didnt recognize were seated on the patio of Instructor Ignatius bungalow. Upon the sight of them approaching, the two men stood up and bowed their heads.

Your Highness, Countess Guevera. They greeted in curt voices and Tori gave them a nod and bypassed them without another look. Piers followed a few steps behind her as she walked into Instructor Ignatius home on the island.

What is my goddaughter going to do if youre gone, huh? A distraught mans voice reached her ears. You know what you were doing and shouldve had a plan to deal with injuries.

I did, but I didnt have time. Even then, I could only fit so much in the disguise I was wearing. I also needed to hold the materials for the mission. Where was I going to put everything? Kasens voice was scratchy, and he sounded annoyed. Just heal the wound, Benedict.

Heal the wound, Benedict. Get the bandages, Benedict. Dont tell my brother, Benedict.... Instructor Ignatius grumbled aloud but still knelt down by the edge of the bed. He adjusted a small lamp on the nights stand to give more light to the red-spotted bandages on Kasens right shoulder. Instructor Ignatius put on an unexpected sneer. There is powder for reducing infection, you know.

If I had known you were going to criticize, I wouldve told them not to contact you so I could rest.

Kasey, let him work. Toris firm voice filled the room as she walked in with a frown. Kasen turned his head towards the doorway from the main living area and smiled.

Its just a flesh wound.

Just a....

He was trying to make a joke, but it had the opposite effect. Now that she saw her brother in person, the relief she hoped to feel didnt come. She felt sour and her eyes watered as her hands became fists at her side. She clenched her jaw and bit her lower lip to control herself.

Kasens eyes softened. His voice became gentle. Tori, Im fine. There were some slight complications before I was able to get my shoulder properly treated. Nothing vital was hit-

Id advise you not to move your shoulder for a few days even after I heal the wounds, Instructor Ignatius cut him off in a cold voice as he moved a piece of bloodstone shaped like a cigar along the edges of the wound.

Kasen grit his teeth and shot him a glare. Give the bloodstone to Tori. I want to talk to her.

Instructor, have you eaten yet? Tori asked as she moved to his side. I can get it started.

Instructor Ignatius thought for a moment, but nodded. It is always necessary to have practice.

Oh, Im practice now?

Senior should rest to promote healing, Piers said. He hadnt moved from the doorway and watched as Instructor Ignatius gave Tori his seat and put the bloodstone in her hand. Moving his mouth will only tire him.

Kasens burning glare didnt match with his gritted smile. Im starting to regret encouraging you to speak out more-

Kasey, just lay down and relax! Tori scowled as she gripped the bloodstone.

Keep to the edges and dont move the crystal until the energy has been absorbed into the flesh. You will feel the transfer occur. Its very light. If you move too soon, it wont promote regeneration. If you linger too long, the flesh will be unable to absorb the excess energy and youll only be wasting it.

Tori heard this before, but nodded. Yes, Instructor.

Try it first. He knelt down behind her and watched carefully as Tori held one smooth tip of the bloodstone over the opening of Kasens wound. It was just enough to brush his skin and Tori gave herself to the count of five to transfer the energy. When she felt the absorption, she moved the bloodstone down just a bit. Instructor Ignatius nodded. Perfect. If you get tired, take a break. This amount of concentration is exhausting. Pushing yourself will only delay your work.

Yes, Instructor. Tori kept her eyes focused on the wound as he and Piers left. Kasen remained quiet so as not to break her concentration. Sweat began to collect at her brow after some time and she furrowed it, forcing herself to focus.

Even Benedict cant do this continuously for more than a few minutes, Kasens dry voice said above her. Take a break.

She wanted to keep going, but lifted the bloodstone from his skin. She stopped grounding and let out a heavy sigh. No wonder it takes so long to heal.

This is a deep wound, Kasen told her. Tori lifted her arm and wiped her forehead and then her eyes. When she wasnt focusing, the thought that her brother couldve died flooded her and her eyes reddened once more. Tori, its all right. Im fine.

She sniffled and kept her head down.

How worried were you when I was unconscious? Tori asked with a hoarse voice. Kasens lips tugged into a small smile.

Even worse.

Tori wiped her eyes one last time and took a deep breath. How come youre the only one on the team that was injured this badly? They told me everyone else only had minor injuries.

I took the most...challenging parts. He gave her a wry smile and the pressure between her eyes strengthened. She shut her eyes.

Why? She swallowed hard. Do you really believe that out of all those agents, youre the best?

Of course not, he replied as he squeezed her hand. But I was the only one blessed by my sister.

Tori furrowed her brows and looked at him as if hed lost his mind. Is your brain not getting enough blood?

He didnt even manage to get a laugh out before he winced and grit his teeth. He pressed his head back against the cushion. Tori shot up and turned to call for Instructor Ignatius, but Kasens grip, even while feeble, held her back.

Tori, he said as he took a deep breath to relax himself. What crystal did you use to put that safety charm on my hands?

She looked back at him and frowned. Safety charm? The one I drew? Her eyes went down to his hands. Nothing seemed amiss. She lifted her free hand and pulled up the chain with her water moon crystal. This one.

When your usual safety charms are used, I really am faster, and my senses are heightened. I can keep my wits and my energy up when I shouldve reached a point of fatigue. Its better than black tourmaline talismans, Kasen said with a breathy voice. But this time, when I grounded, I could feel energy come from where you ran that crystal over my hands. I heard things from a distance where I shouldnt have. My vision in the dark was clearer. Every muscle in my body was light and I was moving before I even realized it. My speed increased and my mind was clear.

Thats...thats more advanced than normal.... she said, hesitant to admit it.

His eyes narrowed. Dozens of arrows were shot, but only one hit me. I could feel air moving to push those arrows away before they hit me. A few close calls, some scratches, but only one hit me and it was aimed at my chest not my shoulder. His grip tightened.

Air...but I didnt write anything about air....

Shed written the charm on him properly, as a way to show her hope and love for her brother, but she didnt expect it to work. It was written on him, not a piece of paper.

When Master Ramos returns, show him that crystal. Kasens eyes were serious. His voice was quiet. Whatever that crystal is, its as if it makes a person a living charm.