Tori Transmigrated

“Why won’t you wear it?” Tori frowned and glared at the open comcry on her desk as Nanny Rey brushed and tied up her hair for the day. “I charged it myself!” She was indignant as Axton seemed to hesitate to answer. Tori narrowed her eyes and her voice lowered. “Do you think it’s going to explode?”

“That...has crossed my mind....” Axton admitted.

Tori drew her lips inward and stifled her growl. When she overheard Gideon and Fabian talking about Axton possibly joining a skirmish while on summer training in the eastern front, she’d gone through her box of crystals from Presidio to find a thumb-sized chunk of raw obsidian.

According to her studies, obsidian was often used by soldiers in the battlefield for absorbing chaotic energy of war around them and channeling it into energy for the wearer. She brought the obsidian with her to the delta to properly charge and then carefully scraped Old Sulfae for clarity of mind on it under the careful guidance of Instructor Ignatius.

“Do you know how hard it is to carve obsidian? It’s glass, Axton. I spent hours scraping at glass,” Tori said, somewhat upset. “The copper wire I wrapped around it was expensive, too.” She’d brought the wire wrapped obsidian to Daybreak Garden to have it put on a sturdy leather cord for Axton to wear as a sort of safety talisman.

And all her hard work was for naught.

“If it’s glass, isn’t it dangerous to wear? What if I get hit and it shatters?”

“It’s a raw chunk wrapped in wire,” Tori said in a low voice. “If you want, you can even put it in a small pouch. It just has to be close to you in order to take effect.”

“And what effect should it have?”

“Absorbing chaotic battle energy and channeling it to the wearer for additional stamina and strength when you start to feel fatigued. I’ve also carved in clarity to keep your mind clear and focused,” Tori told him. “Instructor Ignatius oversaw the whole process and I checked the Old Sulfae with Kasey. Also, only one crystal exploded and it was because too much energy was channeled into it at once. Only one.”

Axton sighed. “All right, I’ll wear it. I won’t let your good intentions go to waste.”

“Thank you,” Tori said. “I haven’t made any for others yet. You’re the first. Tell me if it works well.”

“Are you using me to test this?”

“No.” Kind of. “I heard you were going to the eastern front and want you to come back safe and sound to deal with Piers.”

“Speaking of Piers, he said that last week’s events were ‘fine’. Were they really? You know how he is.”

“They went very well. Piers is very popular. Academics like him. Merchants like him. Foreign dignitaries like him,” Tori said, naming off the people they ran into and Piers actually spoke to. “As long as it’s on a subject he’s interested in, he’s very engaging.”

“Engaging is not an adjective I’d use to describe him, but that’s good. You should try to give him more exposure to the aristocracy and nobles,” Axton said. “The garden party this weekend is a good chance. I should warn you that he is most uncomfortable around the people who will be attending.”

Tori nodded, though he couldn’t see her. “Is there anyone I should be wary of?”

“Unfortunately, I can’t say. You know we don’t normally go to these things. I can only base what I know on hearsay. I don’t know if there is anyone targeting Piers, but Gideon will also be there. Keep an eye on who is fawning over him. It will be good to know who’s on his side.”

“Understood.”

“And keep particularly attentive noble daughters away from Piers.”

“You know that I am also a noble daughter, yes?”

“Yes, but you don’t count,” Axton said. Tori frowned. “I don’t mean that in a negative way. Only that many noble and aristocratic daughters, and sons, actually, in Horizon often target potential partners of a higher status, and despite his attitude and aversion to people, Piers is the oldest son of the emperor. He and Gideon would be at the top of the list.”

Tori knew that was true. She doubted Gideon would be swayed with his devotion to Alessa. He’d also likely be able to get out of such a situation, but Piers could be overwhelmed if admirers came to him all at once.

“I’ll be careful,” she said. “Don’t worry, I’ll stay with him.”

“Thank you,” Axton said with a small breath of relief. “Usually, when I’m at training, he doesn’t go outside.”

Tori cringed. “The entire time?”

“He’ll go out into a garden or courtyard, but he won’t leave the palace.”

That was pitiful to hear, but she was sure Piers was quite content indoors. “When do you usually come back after summer training?”

“Beginning of the eighth month,” Axton told her. Tori heard some muffled voices coming through the comcry. “All right. I’ll be right there! Take care of him for me until I get back.”

“I will. Take care of yourself!” The comcry dimmed and Tori let out a heavy breath. “Nanny Rey, how dangerous is it on the eastern front?”

“Sir Nassaun should be stationed at Amber Rock. It’s a stone fortress overlooking the grassland border just below the hills. It is the fortress that supports multiple garrisons in the area and General von Schwert heads it,” Nanny Rey said as she braided Tori’s hair.

“What is the likelihood of Axton going into battle?”

“If there is a skirmish, it is almost certain,” Nanny Rey said. “Sir Nassaun is a good swordsman, but also skilled in spear and dagger. He has formal training in strategy and has led small units. General von Schwert will utilize him well, but within his ability.” Tori nodded, quiet, and lowered her eyes. Nanny Rey smiled softly. “Are you worried about him?”

“Piers really depends on Axton,” Tori said. “Not just to get him food. And Axton is a good friend. He’s helped us a lot.”

Nanny Rey finished tying Tori’s hair and put her hands on her shoulders. “You gave him a good crystal to protect him, my angel. I also wear obsidian when I am in battle.”

Tori’s eyes crinkled. She tilted her head back to look at the old woman. “Nanny...when were you in battle? What did you do?”

Nanny Rey’s smile didn’t falter. “That isn’t something for you to worry about, my angel.” She kissed the top of Tori’s head affectionately. “It is already mid-morning. You have meetings to attend.”

Tori let out a low breath and stood up. She figured if Nanny Rey didn’t want to tell her, she simply wouldn’t find out. Somewhat disappointed, Tori headed outside of her tent, towards the largest of the dining tents where the village’s weekly meetings took place. As she and Nanny Rey walked, they saw a crowd of people rushing to the edge of the encampment.

Tori furrowed her brows and looked around. “What’s going on?”

“Let’s go see,” her nanny said as they followed behind the crowd. They reached the shoreline and Nanny Rey calmly moved people aside so Tori could get to the front. When they reached the walkway at the edge of the camp, she saw Brother Cassius in a simple white shirt and dark brown pants carrying a shivering little boy in one arm.

Both of them were soaking wet.

“Thank you, Brother Cassius!” someone cried out.

“Jakub! What did I tell you about playing on the dock!” A woman’s voice scolded, but was filled with fear. “It’s dangerous!”

Tori watched as a village woman fell to her knees and gathered the little boy who had begun to cry. An old woman was also chastising a few small children cowering behind Brother Cassius. They all wore guilty and frightened expressions on their downcast faces.

“Is everything all right?” Before Tori could ask, Constantine slipped through the crowds to get closer. “Brother, are you okay?”

“It’s fine,” Brother Cassius said with a tired smile. “I’m just glad I was nearby when he fell off the dock.”

Tori narrowed her eyes. “Do the children often play on the dock?”

“They’re not supposed to,” one of the men said as he frowned. “We’ve told them over and over that it’s not a place to play. They could slip in and fall. And that’s exactly what happened!”

“I’m sorry!” The child continued to cry.

“Bring him back to your tent and dry him off. Have him change into dry clothes,” Tori said in a firm voice. She looked at the other children. “Do you see how dangerous it can be? The dock is not a place for you to play. If Brother Cassius wasn’t near, what would’ve happened to Jakub? Can any of you save him?”

At the cold reminder, the other children’s eyes grew red. A few sniffled.

“Lady Guevera,” Brother Cassius looked at her, worried. “It was an accident. Please don’t be upset.”

“A child could’ve drowned,” Tori said in a sharp voice. Her straightforward statement seemed to silence the crowd. “How can I not be upset?” She looked around and pointed to the dock in the distance. “Have the dock fenced off as soon as possible.”

“Yes, my lady,” Johan said as he lowered his head, as if ashamed that such a thing happened.

“As for the children, until a proper location is selected and an instructor is present, do not allow them into the water,” Tori said. She looked towards the horizon and squinted. “Since it’s the start of summer, the weather is warm enough. I will look for someone to teach them to swim.”

Several pairs of eyes looked towards her, surprised. “Teach them to swim?” a woman asked.

“They live by the water and will one day be going to and from the islands on boats. It’s important that they know how to swim,” Tori said. “We’ll bring this up at the meeting in a bit. Brother Cassius, please go and change. Thank you for your help.”

The man gave her a bow of his head and seemed to smile a bit. “Yes, my lady.” He headed towards his tent as the crowds began to disperse.

Tori let out a low breath and ran a hand down her face as she watched Brother Cassius leave. His wet, white shirt clung to his skin and Tori squinted. She could see bold, black markings across his back in various patterns and lines.

“Does he have a tattoo?” She hadn’t seen anyone with a tattoo now that she thought about it. She looked around for Constantine and found him finishing up talking to the little boy who had fallen in the water and his mother. The little boy was finally calmed, but still sniffling as he was carried away.

Constantine looked up with a helpless expression. “They were racing to see who could get the furthest on the dock without falling in.”

Nanny Rey let out a tired sigh. “Children are like that.” She looked at Tori and Tori knit her brows and lifted her hand to her chest, feeling somewhat attacked.

Okay, she certainly can’t be talking about Victoria.... Tori shook her head and looked at Constantine. “We should make a point to have as many people as possible learn to swim or at least float.” She lifted her hand and rubbed the bridge of her nose. “Thank goodness Brother Cassius was here.”

“He usually does his mid-morning walk at this time. He saw them playing, but couldn’t stop them in time,” Constantine said.

Tori nodded and turned around to walk towards the dining tent. “By the way, what were those marks on Brother Cassius’ back?”

“Scriptures and sigils for specific gods,” Constantine said. “When a priest finishes his studies and dedicates himself, he is marked in a ceremony. Brother Cassius has several sigils and the scripture that he feels most represents his faith.”

Tori drew her lips inward once more. She didn’t know there was such a thing, but it was kind of cool. She glanced over at him. “If you decide to join the clergy, will you also be marked?”

Constantine nodded. “Yes. I’d like to get my full back marked if I join the church. It usually happens in stages, as it can be a long and painful process. Some clergy, both men and women, only have small markings over their left shoulder. That is where it is traditionally placed.”

Her mind drifted to an older Constantine with a back tattoo and narrowed her eyes. He’d look good with a back tattoo. Axton would look pretty cool with tats. Would Piers...no, he’s not the tattoo type. Tori shook her head. “How is it done?”

“A thorn from a blessed desert locust tree and charcoal ink.” Constantine tilted his head at this. “Are you curious?”

“I’m always curious.”

He chuckled. “If one day I get one, I can invite you to watch the ceremony.”

Tori perked up. “Are non-clergy allowed?”

Constantine laughed once more. “It’s not a secret ceremony. Family and friends are welcome and often come to watch the first and last part of the ceremony. These could be weeks apart depending on how many markings are to be done.”

“Oh, well, then, remember me if you get one,” Tori said. “Speaking of the church, when are you heading to Temple Mountain?”

“In a few days,” Constantine said. “I’m going by ship. A shipping vessel from Karap will be going up the gulf and coming into the lagoon.”

“Oh, the one with the sacrament priest to bless the site for the shrine and future church,” Tori said, nodding. Brother Cassius didn’t have the authority to do such a thing, so they called for a higher ranked priest to do the blessing. They also thought it would be a good test to see how a larger ship would do coming in from the gulf and into the lagoon. “There’s nothing on the big island yet, so I hope they don’t mind.”

“It will be the location of the future church, main plaza, government buildings, and schools,” Constantine said. “It’s arguably the most important island. I’m sure it’ll be fine. What about you? When are you leaving?”

“In another week. My brother is picking me up and then we’ll go to Anlar. Although, I’m leaving for Horizon again tonight.” Tori let out a tired breath. She felt she’d just settled in and got into a routine, but now she was going back to Horizon.

Constantine lowered his eyes and his smile dimmed. “You’re escorting His Highness again?”

Tori took a deep breath and nodded. “It’s for a garden party. It’ll be my first one. I hope it’ll be all right.”

She severely underestimated the amount of wealthy young women and men of influential backgrounds, in Horizon alone, who were interested in Piers. Whether it was for political, economic, social, or romantic gain, they all had a sort of predatory glint in their eye as they saw the first prince walk into the garden, making a painfully rare appearance.

Tori silently cursed Axton for leaving her with such a problem. Was this why he just went along with Piers when Piers didn’t want to make social rounds? Were they both avoiding this much trouble? Had she known, she would’ve questioned this whole ‘take Piers around to increase his visibility and make him crown prince’ idea.

At previous events, the guests had all been people Piers would have something to talk to about. But at the garden party, which was a charity social event that was much larger than she expected, there were many more types of people with two main things in common: money and power.

And her job was both to help expose Piers to Soleil’s ruling elite and to limit the number of them that approached Piers at a time in order to keep him from becoming anxious. Failing that, she needed to take him away from the stressful situation. It would prove a challenge.

The party took up the entire garden and lawn area between the Imperial Temple Complex and the Imperial Palace. It was open air and at best, they could seek solace behind some trees or an ostentatious decorative piece.

There were tables of food and servers in crisp, white uniforms going around with trays of drinks; there were several sets of musicians and all along the roped off lawns where donations to be auctioned for charity, each guarded by Imperial Knights under a small canvas tent to protect them from the sun.

This is such a rich person thing; I have not been rich long enough to understand. Tori kept a firm grip on Pier’s arm as they made their way down the gravel walkways to ‘admire’ the items.

“How long do you think we should stay?” Tori asked in a low voice. She’d seen roughly twenty items and, from the pamphlet they were given, there were a hundred up for auction.

“We should see all the items first,” Piers said as they looked over a painting beneath a tent. “What if there is something you like?”

“Piers, these are all just fancy decorations for the wealthy,” Tori said with narrowed eyes. “We’ve seen statues, paintings, vases, a bunch of shiny boxes....”

“There are pieces of jewelry up for auction,” Piers told her.

“I’m not interested in-”

“Antique crystals.” He glanced down at her with a small, knowing smile.

She snapped her mouth shut and shot him a glare. “You....”

“You’re doing a good job,” Piers told her. “Very few people have come to bother me.” Tori grit her teeth. Warding off people wasn’t the purpose of coming to this event.

They were supposed to attract attention and gain allies, but the kind of attention they were getting was not what she wanted. Only a dozen or so people, people Piers was already familiar with, came to greet and talk to him for a moment about things Piers was interested in.

The other guests came to introduce themselves, as they’d rarely seen Piers. It was fine, at first, but then the snide remarks started and not-so-subtle dismissive looks were given to Tori.

“Your Highness Prince Piers!” A light voice drifted over and Tori turned to see who called him. Piers remained uninterested and read the pamphlet. Tori gave his arm a small squeeze as a silent sign for him to pay attention. A trio of young women in satin gowns with low necklines, three-quarter poet sleeves, and matching hats appeared.

“Good afternoon!” Tori greeted them cheerfully. A smile had been fixed on her face since she arrived. She couldn’t feel her cheeks anymore. She squeezed Piers’ arm again and he gave the newcomers a small nod of acknowledgement, but didn’t say a word. “I am Victoria de Guevera. How are you this afternoon?”

The girls, who looked to be around her age, gave her small nods and muttered greetings, but their attention was mainly on Piers. “Your Highness, this is the first time we’ve seen you at such an event. We are familiar with the auction. Would you like to join us?”

“No.” Another succinct answer.

Tori gave them an apologetic smile. “We’d hate to hold you back. Since both His Highness and I are attending for the first time, we thought we’d take our time. This would only hinder other guests.”

She received a sharp look for her excuse, but her smile didn’t falter. The young woman in the center gave her a wry smile. “Lady Guevera, thank you for your consideration, but what does His Highness think?” Several pairs of eyes fluttered back to Piers hopefully.

“We’d only hinder you,” Piers said in a low, indifferent voice. “I cannot trouble others.”

“But it’s no trouble at all!”

“Indeed, Your Highness! My daughter has been attending the Garden Charity Auction since she was twelve. She’s quite seasoned!” A short, rotund middle-aged man with a shiny, bald head waddled over with his arm around the slim waist of a younger woman. He smiled wide as he reached them. “Let my daughter guide you. It would be our honor.”

Tori hadn’t seen this man before and looked up at Piers. There was a slight crease between his brows and he didn’t seem to recognize the man, either. Tori smiled once more. At the very least, proper introductions were in order.

“Good afternoon, sir-”

“Young lady, the afternoon sun is quite hot,” the man laughed and looked over at her with a slight hint of disdain in his eyes. “You should go rest in the shade. My daughter will escort His Highness.”

“Too much sun is bad for the skin,” the pretty woman on the man’s arm had a low, husky voice as she looked Tori up and down, silently assessing her.

Tori had worn her most simple sapphire blue baroque dress with tapered three-quarter sleeves, white lace trim, and silver rose and vine embroidery. Her hat matched and she’d even bought a white rose to add to it. In terms of how showy the dress was, it was relatively middle ground compared to what others were wearing.

She thought it was fitting for someone her age and status. Elegant, but uncomplicated. Tori narrowed her eyes as the woman’s lip curled up in a look of distaste. Tori raised a brow and frowned. She didn’t like being judged by a woman in a gaudy dress that clashed against her skin and undertones so badly that she looked like she had jaundice.

You’re not here to make enemies, Tori. You already have them and Piers doesn’t need them. Do it for Piers. She forced another smile on her lips. “We appreciate your concern; however-”

“Young lady.” The man looked at her and frowned. “You are being rude. Do not speak for His Highness.”

Calm. Down. “Oh, I didn’t realize.” Tori lifted her hand towards her chest and softened her look. “Piers....” She said his name as sweetly as she could as she moved a little closer to him, tilting her head up and blinking her big blue eyes. “This elderly gentleman....” She trailed off and looked back at the bald man who reddened at being called ‘elderly’. “My apologies, sir. I didn’t get your name.”

“Baron Gordon. My cousin is Duke Sinen,” the man said as he lifted his chin.

Oh, so we’re name dropping. Okay. “A pleasure to meet you, Baron Gordon. I am Victoria de Guevera, daughter of Marquis Gregorio de Guevera.” Tori kept her pleasant, empty smile as she watched the annoyance on Baron Gordon’s face turn to surprise, then nervousness. A duke was a higher rank, but the four main marquis families were formidable. She also wasn’t just a cousin; she was a daughter. She looked at Piers once more. “Baron Gordon seems to be ordering me to leave.”

“No, that’s not what I-”

“Lady Guevera has been entrusted to my care,” Piers said in a firm voice. His eyes narrowed and Tori nodded, pleased he picked up on the introduction. “And she is not speaking for me.”

Actually, I was, but go on. Tori looked back at Baron Gordon and his family with a pleasant smile.

“Baron Gordon, I appreciate your sentiments, but Lady Guevera’s brothers, Lord Sebastian and Lord Kasen, would be upset if they found out I left their sister behind at such a large event.”

“My brothers are very protective of me,” Tori said with a matter-of-fact look. “Especially Sebby, who once ran through 148 imperial knights without a scratch.” She squeezed Piers’ arm in a defiant action. “I’m afraid I have to trouble His Highness.”

“I didn’t know that was the case,” Baron Gordon said with a choked laugh. Tori could see a thin sheen of sweat over his bald head. “My apologies. I didn’t understand the situation.” He swallowed and looked at his daughter. “Rebecca, it seems that His Highness is quite busy today.”

The young woman pouted a bit, but still stepped back and curtsied. “Another time, then, Your Highness.”

Piers gave them a nod and then pulled Tori away. When they were a few steps ahead, Tori let out a low breath. “That excuse isn’t going to last forever.”

“It’ll last however long I want it to last,” he said, almost determined. He looked down at her. “Are you all right?”

“I should ask you that.”

“I’m not the one they’re being rude to.”

“But I’m not the one they’re eyeing like starving wolves,” Tori countered. She shook her head. “Being a prince certainly is troublesome.”

“You understand this better than Axton.”

“Did you know that you’d get this much attention?” Tori asked. Piers seemed to hesitate.

“I know I have a reputation. This is unexpected." As he said it, she could feel him tense up and she lifted her hand and stroked his arm.

“You’re doing very well,” she said quietly. “If it gets to be too much, we can go. You’ve already walked around.”

“Not enough people know me,” he said. “Can we stay a little longer?” He looked at Tori as his voice had a bit of a plea.

Tori nodded. “Of course. We’ll stay as long as you like. When you’re tired or uncomfortable, we will go home.” Piers looked ahead of him and kept walking.

“I will try to speak up more,” he told her in a quiet voice. “So you don’t have to.”

“It’s fine,” Tori said. “That’s what I’m here for.”

“People shouldn’t be rude to you because of me. That’s not fair.”

“Piers, people have been rude to me since I was a child,” Tori told him. “Some people will dislike me, regardless of what I do. And it’s not necessarily something I can control.” He opened his mouth and Tori cut him off. “And it’s not something you can or should control, either.” He slowly closed his mouth.

“You’re too nice.” His voice was withdrawn and Tori chuckled.

“Just because I’m nice to you and the others doesn’t mean I’m nice to everyone.”

Piers furrowed his brows and looked at her with a hint of disbelief in his eyes. “Who?”

“Piers!” The two turned their heads forward to see a handsome, silver-haired young man walking forward, with a face that was growing darker with each step.

“Your Highness Prince Gideon.” Tori greeted him in a tired voice, resigned to the fact that they had crossed paths once more. She forgot that he’d be here and that she was supposed to watch him. “Good afternoon.”

Gideon’s face was filled with displeasure as he looked at Tori’s arm holding on to Piers. “Good afternoon,” he said behind gritted teeth. He looked at his brother and then at Tori with a forced smile. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Until Axton returns, I’ll be escorting Piers to various functions.” She wanted to make that clear.

Gideon looked upset and turned to his brother. “Is that all right?”

Piers raised a brow. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“You don’t like...things like this....” Gideon said, lifting his arms weakly. “Are you not anxious?”

“A bit and if it becomes worse, I will leave,” Piers told him, as if reassuring his brother. “I know you worry, Gideon, but there is no need to.”

Gideon still appeared torn. He seemed to think before perking up. “Do you want me to accompany you? Perhaps having someone familiar nearby will make you more comfortable.” He looked at his brother earnestly and Tori tilted her head. “I am free to do so, if you'd like!”

Tori’s brow’s shot up. Hold on...does Gideon actually like his brother?

“If you want, I can walk with you. I’ve been to this event in the past and it can get confusing for someone on their first visit. We can look for a gift for Mother’s birthday together!”

Tori’s eyes widened. The admiration and pride in Gideon’s eyes, the way he leaned towards Piers, the earnestness in his voice as he asked to spend time together. At this point, Tori knew a devoted brother when she saw one. She looked up at Piers.

“I don’t mind.” Piers and Gideon both seemed somewhat surprised. Tori smiled encouragingly at Piers. “It’s a good chance to see if there is something your mother will like.”

Piers relaxed a bit. “All right.” His answer was directed more at her than at Gideon.

Tori loosened her hold on Piers and put some space between them. She looked at Gideon and gave him a nod. “Lead the way, Your Highness.”

He gave her a cold look, but smiled hopefully at his brother. “I saw a garnet necklace further up. Do you think Mother would like it?”

Piers seemed to hesitate, but Tori poked his arm. “Let’s take a look. Have you considered if she wears red often?”

Tori purposely fell back a step as she let Piers follow Gideon. Sorry, Axton. Change of plans.

Instead of watching Gideon to see who approached him and appeared exceedingly encouraging of the mediocre prince, why not put Gideon’s admiration of his brother on display and see what happens?

Tori could think of two possible reactions from those with self-serving intent, who wished Gideon to become the crown prince. The first was caution. There would be some hesitancy to try to turn Gideon against Piers if it was clear Gideon held his brother in high esteem. If it were her and someone tried to turn her against Sebastian or Kasen, she’d automatically label them as an enemy trying to sow discord.

Whether or not Gideon would realize it in time was unknown.

The second reaction was to try to use Piers to control Gideon. If it were Tori, that’s the route she’d go. It was a bit more work, but much more subtle.

Tori narrowed her eyes. Wait a second, am I doing that right now? Oh my God, I am doing that right now. Admittedly, she had some issues with that, but her intention wasn’t to harm either brother. Yes, Gideon was an annoying little prick and if he picked a fight with her, Piers’ brother or not, she would gladly throw hands.

But that was personal and didn’t have the fate of an empire hanging on it.

At any rate, she could observe Gideon better if he was close by. She followed behind the two brothers, occasionally standing beside Piers and touching his arm to silently ask how he was doing. She didn’t stray far. She’d only gone ahead a few times when an item caught her eye, but nothing called to her to be bid on.

Unsurprisingly, more people came to greet them when Gideon was with them. Tori had to admit, Gideon knew proper etiquette and was very responsive to whoever greeted him. No wonder he was so popular. In contrast, Piers was stoic and answered in short, clear sentences to people he was just meeting.

Whenever more than two people approached, Tori automatically stepped forward and put her hand in Piers’ arm once more. She would immediately feel him relax and when he relaxed, he spoke more.

He also seemed rather comfortable with, or at least used to, Gideon constantly asking him questions and looking at him with eyes desperate for approval. And Piers would, surprisingly, give it when due. His responses to Gideon were always short and concise, but never in a negative tone. He almost sounded encouraging.

This was very insightful into their relationship and Tori took note. She found that, despite her own conflicts and problems with Gideon, she was relieved his relationship with Piers wasn’t antagonistic.

She also found that Gideon was a good shield to keep the romantically inclined social climbers distracted. Gideon could laugh and chat with them while Piers and Tori casually stepped back and pretended to look at an item. When Gideon realized they had stepped away, he’d apologize to whoever he was talking to and run after them.

In this way, Tori and Piers didn’t need to deal with as many admirers, though there were a few who wanted to bypass Gideon to get to the older, more attractive brother.

I honestly can’t blame them. Tori sighed after Piers rejected yet another offer to walk around with another party.

“Are you tired?” Piers asked as he leaned closer. She looked up and shook her head, despite wanting to take off her shoes and sit down.

“No, I’m fine. How are you doing? Are you okay? Do you want to rest somewhere quiet?” Tori asked. “You’ve done very well today. It’s more than enough.”

Piers looked towards the rows of items to be auctioned. “I haven’t bid on anything.”

Tori chuckled. “Is that required?” He shook his head. “Then, you don’t have to.” She stroked his arm comfortingly. “Do you want to go back?” He hesitated. Tori furrowed her brows and thought for a moment. “Do you want steak?” She saw a flicker of recognition in his eyes and smiled. “Let’s go back and I’ll make you a steak.”

“All right.” Piers smiled softly. “Let’s go.”

“Piers, are you leaving already?” Gideon took a step closer, having been standing behind them.

“I have had enough interactions for today,” Piers told him, appearing serious. Gideon’s eyes widened and Tori could almost hear him wanting to go with Piers. “I will drop off Tori at her aunt’s before returning to the palace.”

Gideon’s face dropped and Tori turned her head away to avoid laughing at him. “I see.” He looked disappointed. “Then, I will see you at the palace.”

Piers gave him a nod. Tori gave Gideon a small bow of her head. “Have a good afternoon, Your Highness.”

“Lady Guevera,” Gideon said, causing her to stop and look over her shoulder. She gave him a quizzical expression. He seemed torn, as if he were fighting with himself. His hands clenched at his sides and he stiffened, awkwardly avoiding her eyes. “Tha...thank you.”

Before she could ask what he was thankful for, he turned around and marched off in the opposite direction.

“I didn’t do anything for him,” Tori said in a low voice. That was the most pleasant thing Gideon had ever said to her. Was it because Piers was there? “What is he talking about?”

“Don’t worry about him,” Piers said as they watched Gideon be intercepted by a few older attendees. Tori narrowed her eyes and Piers patted her hand. “He can be a bit strange, but he’s not all bad.”