Tori Transmigrated

Her brother’s green eyes went from Piers to her. All at once, Sebastian’s concerns regarding her closeness to Piers flooded into her head. The scene now before him was something he didn’t want to see. Tori remembered Sebastian’s trembling, terrified face at the thought of her marrying Piers and being made a target for assassins.

She began to feel guilty even though she wasn’t doing anything wrong.

Tori’s eyes crinkled up.

“Sebby,” she began carefully. “This isn’t what it looks like.”

Sebastian’s face darkened. “Do I look blind to you?” he snapped back as he shot them both a glare.

“Tori is giving me a greeting hug,” Piers told him. “For practice.”

“Practice?” Her brother’s incredulous voice seemed to raise as he shook in his spot. “Do you think I’ll believe that!”

“Sebby, it really is for practice,” Tori said. “Piers is working towards hugging the Empress, and Axton and I have been trying to get him used to embracing others.”

“Call Axton. He will confirm it.” Piers was serious and Tori wondered if her brother would start yelling.

“It doesn’t matter if he’ll confirm it!” Sebastian threw his arms down beside him and sneered. “Why haven’t you let my sister go?”

Piers seemed to think for a moment and then frowned. “I lost count. One...two....”

“Just let her go!”

Piers stepped back obediently, and Tori lowered her arms. “You need to pay attention to how long you are embracing another person. It will get uncomfortable if it’s too long under these circumstances.”

“Is a month of absence too little for the one-armed hug?” Piers furrowed his brows and frowned.

“No, a one-armed hug will suffice, but you and I have both had some stressful situations recently, so a normal two-armed embrace is-”

“Do you really not understand how to embrace other people?” Sebastian asked, both frustrated and exhausted by this exchange.

Tori frowned and stood in front of Piers. “Sebby, you know he doesn’t feel comfortable being touched. He hasn’t hugged anyone since he was a little boy. This takes time to get used to. Don’t yell at him; he’s trying his best.” Her disapproving tone was both admonishing and defensive.

Piers nodded and looked over the top of her head. “Master, I can hug you, too.”

Sebastian stared at the two of them and Piers stepped around Tori. He raised his arms and approached Sebastian cautiously. When Sebastian didn’t react, Piers moved closer. He seemed to measure his steps before reaching out with stiff arms and putting them around Sebastian’s.

“What is happening....” Sebastian muttered under his breath as he looked at them.

Tori watched as her brother’s face went from frustration to confusion to disgust. Piers went with patting Sebastian on the back thrice and when it was over, he stepped back quickly and then looked towards him, as if awaiting a critique.

“It was too stiff, wasn’t it?” Piers frowned and lowered his eyes. “I need to be more relaxed, but Master didn’t reciprocate.”

“It’s fine. For some people, a firm handshake will do,” Tori said with an assertive nod. She looked back at her brother. “Sebby, what are you doing here?”

Kasen was away from Presidio, still doing assigned work. She didn’t expect her other brother to also leave the march. Didn’t he have work to do? Her father wouldn't let him wander off so easily.

As if knowing what she was thinking, Sebastian frowned and waved his arm dismissively. “I’m not staying the whole summer, just a few weeks. Papa has given me permission.”

Tori stared at her brother in silence before speaking. “You missed Lady Idunn that much, huh?”

Sebastian stood up straight and frowned. “I didn’t just come here for Idunn!” Tori’s eyes narrowed, and Sebastian looked affronted. “How do you see me?”

Tori’s eyes slowly looked to the side. “As someone who hasn’t seen his girlfriend in months and is desperate to see her again.”

“Tori, Idunn and I are busy people, and we know this. Despite being unable to make time in recent months to see each other, we talk nightly,” Sebastian told her, as if explaining to a child. He had a bit of an arrogant air. “When you are older, you will understand that you don’t need to be with your partner every moment to be in a strong relationship.”

Tori narrowed her eyes. “I already know that. Gramps and Grammie live apart so Grammie can do research, remember?”

Sebastian let out a small cough. “Then...if you understand that, you can understand that while I do hope to see and spend time with Idunn while I’m here, I also came to see you.”

Tori drew her head back, suspicious. “Sebby, I told you and Mama and Papa that I was going to be busy working this summer for both Lions Gate and my Lycée project. I don’t have time to play like last summer.”

Sebastian almost appeared to pout. “You can’t spare a little time for me?”

Tori faltered. “Well...I can, of course, but it’s not the same amount as last summer. It seems a waste of your journey to come for just a few weekends. You have so much work to do back in Presidio.”

“I finished what needed to be done and the rest can be done through calls,” he told her, once more regaining his confidence.

“I didn’t know you had so much free time, Master,” Piers said.

Sebastian shot him a glare. “If you must know, I’m also here for Ewan. One of his references should be present and since Axton is at the border, I came for the interview.”

Tori relaxed her shoulders. That was a legitimate, responsible reason. In fact, she was a bit happy that her brother had come all that way to support Ewan so close to the exams. Still, she couldn’t help but prod at her brother.

“Then does this mean you’ll have Ewan stay in Horizon until his entrance exams and then wait here for him?” she asked with a raised brow.

Sebastian immediately let out a scoff. “Why would I do that? He can review in Viclya.” She knew he’d say that.

“Then you’ll wait in Viclya until his exams are over?” Tori continued on. Sebastian opened his mouth and she cut him off. “That’s great. I’m glad there will be someone there waiting for him when his exams are over to follow up. I have to go to the Tetri Duchy with Instructor Ignatius and Lady Idunn to discuss purchasing crystals and take a look at their irrigation research.”

Sebastian’s mouth snapped shut. He looked at his sister with wide eyes. “I planned to go, too.”

Tori frowned. Lady Idunn didn’t tell her Sebastian planned on joining them. They were planning the trip in detail and had to let Duchess Tetri know how many people were coming with them. From her experience with Lady Idunn, she would’ve told her if her brother was coming so they could inform Duchess Tetri in a timely manner.

“Sebby, did you tell Lady Idunn you were coming?”

Sebastian’s face reddened a little. “I wanted to surprise her.”

Piers shook his head behind Tori. “Master, you are aware that Lady Idunn is very busy. This is very rude.”

Sebastian’s glare only hardened. “No one asked you! And I’ll call her right now!” Flustered, Sebastian patted down his clothes until he found his comcry in his pants pocket. He walked to the corner and slid his finger across the crystal. “Call Idunn Nordursin.”

Tori looked back at Piers and let out a heavy sigh. “Don’t overwork Albert this summer. Ease him into the position.”

Piers nodded. “I will properly discuss the duties required of him, of course. He will only start to accompany me to Chamber meetings after he has suitable experience.”

“He’ll want to come to Viclya to see us. You can join him if you’re not busy.”

“I will make time to come for the twins' and Mr. Skuldsen’s birthday, as well as the celebration for Ewan when he is accepted into La Garda,” Piers told her. “Do not forget that you still owe me steak and said you will attend Mother’s birthday festivities.”

“I know. And your mother reminded me when we were at the delta last,” Tori said with a tired sigh. “Will you be able to attend the smaller gatherings on your own?”

“Mr. Martin will be present,” Piers said. “I am confident.”

Tori gave him a nod and lifted her arm to stroke his shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t overwork yourself, either.” She saw the corner of his lip curl up as his eyes lowered.

“I won’t.”

“Will your brother be able to help you?” she asked. “He was useful at the new year party.”

Piers glanced up and shook his head. “No, he will be leaving for the Naval Academy at the end of the week.”

Tori’s head snapped up. The last she heard; the Empress seemed reluctant. “Your parents agreed?” He nodded.

“Mother called Marquess O’Tuagh directly to help find Gideon an open position for this year’s summer training. He won’t be back until the eighth month, before Lycée starts.”

Tori let out a low breath and knit her brows. “I didn’t expect him to actually go.”

“It will be good for him. He has very little self-defense training and his discipline is lacking,” Piers said with a frown. “The Naval Academy will not only train him, but discipline him and force him to work with others. He understands this well. I approved of his decision to attend.”

Tori bit her lips and held back her laugh. She could only imagine how excited Gideon was to have his brother’s approval.

“If you’re going, of course I’m going.” Sebastian’s firm voice came from the corner and the two looked towards him. “Yes, there’s time. The interviews won’t be for another month. It takes a week to get to the Tetri Duchy from Viclya. How long are you planning to stay?” There was a pause, and they could hear Lady Idunn’s muffled voice. “Then, I’ll accompany you three to the Tetri Duchy.”

Tori wrinkled her nose and frowned. If Sebastian left with them, then he couldn’t see Ewan off and the week before the exam would be wasted. At least discuss this with Ewan first....Oh my God, you’re so clingy. Last summer, after Sebastian and Lady Idunn made up, he would seek out Lady Idunn when he was free.

“Of course, my sister will agree,” Sebastian said, full of confidence. He looked over his shoulder. “Tori, you don’t mind if I go with you to the Tetri Duchy, do you?”

“I mind.”

“See, she doesn’t....” He trailed off and looked at Tori, stunned. “Why do you mind?”

“Aren’t you also here for Ewan? We’re leaving a week before his exams.”

“Then you three go ahead first and I’ll follow after seeing Ewan off,” Sebastian said. He didn’t seem to think there was any problem. “I’ll catch up on horseback.”

Tori had a dull look on her face and turned away. “Fine. Do whatever you want.”

Sebastian seemed a bit hesitant to continue after seeing his sister’s disapproval. “Honey, I’ll call you back later. Let me discuss this with Tori and Ewan first.” He ended the call and looked at Tori beseechingly. “Tori-”

“We are going to the Tetri Duchy for research and procurement purposes. It’s work,” Tori said in a firm voice. “This is not a vacation, Sebby. We have a limited time to get things done.”

“I know that-”

“And I know you haven’t seen her in months and want to spend time with her, but you get very clingy, and I’m worried you’ll distract Lady Idunn.”

“I’m not clingy!” Sebastian looked affronted once more. He looked at Piers, as if waiting to be defended.

Piers avoided his eyes and neither agreed nor disagreed.

“If you come with us, please don’t try to monopolize her time,” Tori said, crossing her arms and giving him an expectant look.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “I have some self-restraint, Tori.”

“Good, then let’s get going. Everyone is downstairs and the knights have gone to get their horses,” Tori said, walking towards the door. “By the way, did you come here alone?”

“No, Rodriguez, Alvarez, Aguilar, and Iturralde are with me. They’re out in the plaza,” Sebastian told her. “When you go to the Tetri Duchy, bring Aguilar and Iturralde.”

Tori sighed. The two female knights were part of her mother’s usual escort. They also accompanied her mother last summer to Siobhan’s succession ceremony. “Is that necessary? I have imperial knights guarding me.”

“Aguilar and Iturralde were sent by Mama to escort you this summer, since Nanny Rey went back,” Sebastian said.

If her mother sent them, Tori couldn’t bring herself to reject them. “All right, fine.” She walked down the hall and headed down the stairs. As she reached the ground floor, her friends, who were snacking around the hearth, turned towards her.

“Master!” Ewan gasped as his eyes went wide. He grabbed the bread roll he was eating and stuffed the rest of it into his mouth in panic.

Henrik squinted at him. “That was unnecessary.”

“Lord Sebastian, what are you doing here?” JP asked as he and the others rose to greet him.

“I wanted to visit my sister and see Idunn.” Sebastian looked towards Ewan knowingly. “And he has two more weeks until his entrance exams to La Garda. I felt that it would be beneficial to come for review. In addition, in a month, there will be interviews and I must be present.”

Ewan let out a heavy breath and looked relieved. “Thank you, Master.”

Sebastian laughed and walked forward. He slapped Ewan’s back and smiled. “Why are you so nervous? You’ll do well, Ewan.”

Ewan nodded, but continued to have a concerned look. “It’s difficult to calm down the closer the exam date comes. There are only so many spots in La Garda and I’ll be competing for one against the best young swordsmen in the empire.”

Sebastian seemed to think for a moment. “Are you worried that if you are unable to get one of those spots all your hard work will be for nothing?”

A wry smile tugged at Ewan’s lips. He looked apologetic. “A bit, yes. I know that the experience and knowledge I’ve gained while preparing will be beneficial, even if I am not accepted into La Garda. There are also other imperial knight positions I can apply for later, just not those that are as highly ranked as the ones La Garda students are suitable for. However....”

“You worked very hard; you want proof that your hard work paid off,” Tori said in between sips of the coffee Ilyana gave her.

Ewan’s face reddened and he nodded. “I know there is no guarantee that it will.”

“And yet you tried,” Sebastian said, thoughtful. “Ewan, there are other knight positions outside of the imperial knights. You can always apply for private knightages of one of the duchies or marches.”

Ewan scratched the back of his head and Piers spoke up.

“The knights of the duchies aren’t the most prestigious,” he said. “Ewan would do better as a knight for the marches.”

Ewan seemed bothered and shook his head. “Your Highness, the knights for the marches are....”

Piers raised a brow. “Held to a higher standard due to the nature of their liege. I am aware.”

Tori nodded and knew that Ewan knew this. He’d spent time with the Guevera knights in Presidio and the imperial knights at the delta. He knew the difference in their training and abilities. Imperial knights were focused on protecting the imperial family directly, their property, and their interests, which included someone like her who was investing heavily in the delta. There were different ranks of imperial knights, but only those who protected the imperial family daily were the ones who could stand toe-to-toe with the knights of the marches in terms of ability.

Those imperial knights all went to La Garda.

“Ewan, you’re sixteen,” Sebastian told him as he gave him a reaffirming shake of his shoulder. “La Garda isn’t the end of your career should you not be accepted.”

“Lord Sebastian is right,” Constantine said, hoping to encourage their friend. “You can still be a knight.”

But Tori knew Ewan wanted to be a top ranked imperial knight. Ewan seemed to force a smile. “I know.”

“Good.” Sebastian stepped back and patted his shoulder once more. “Because if La Garda doesn’t want you, we do.”

Tori held back a smile as she watched Ewan nod, as if accepting the comfort, but then freeze when he realized what her brother told him. Ewan stared at Sebastian with disbelief.

“Who wants me, Master?” he asked.

All around him, his friends smiled as they collected their bags of food. Sebastian went to pick up the bag that had been prepared for him on the counter. He looked over his shoulder, casually.

“We want you,” Sebastian said. “If La Garda doesn’t make the right decision to take you, then Guevera will.”

He admired Alessa for wanting to return to her hometown despite knowing that her father was intent on marrying a woman who was trying to use him. The more Montan thought about it, the more he wondered if Alessa was returning to try to stop it.

From what she told him, her father was unwilling to listen to reason and determined to marry the brick woman. Alessa’s friend had been unable to uncover anything damning the woman. Aside from the already well-known financial problems that plagued her family, the brick woman had no prior problems.

However, Montan knew firsthand that a person didn’t need to be guilty of something terrible to be stopped from marrying.

“Mr. Alvere!” Dimitri Guthry was standing on the curb, just outside of the inn in the fifth district where Alessa said to meet her. He had a wide smile on his face and waved an arm. Everyone knew who he was; he had given the welcoming speech their first year, and was quite popular.

His father was the Prime Minister, and he came from a common background, albeit a political dynasty. Montan considered that different from landed nobility with its inherited wealth and titles. At the very least, if Guthry wanted to become Prime Minister in the future, he would have to work for it.

“Mr. Alvere is going as well, that’s good!” Another popular face was standing alongside them and Montan tried not to scowl.

Prince Gideon was highly sociable and a proud representative of his family. Everything came easy to him and Montan remembered that his parents, the Emperor and Empress, had sneaked into their school during the Spring Festival just to see him. Montan’s hand clenched at his side, behind the bag slung over his body.

How nice it was to have parents who loved you.

Surprisingly, Prince Gideon wasn’t with his knight; rather there were four imperial knights a few steps away, watching carefully, but allowing the prince to have time with his peers. Montan heard that the prince’s knight was studying for a test to get into La Garda. That was likely why he wasn’t there.

“Your Highness,” Montan said, giving him a respectful bow of his head. Regardless of how he felt about nobles, this was protocol. If his father found that he was rude to the prince, especially after Prince Gideon extended an invitation to his coming-of-age ball, Montan could never go back to Sun Garden even if he wanted to. He turned to Guthry. “Mr. Guthry. Good afternoon.”

Dimitri gave him a nod and motioned to the carriage that was parked beside them. “Give your things to the driver. He will pack them away in the back.”

Montan didn’t make a motion to hand over his belongings. All he had was a large rucksack with the best of his clothes for the journey. Contrary to what everyone thought, he only had a little money. Even that was limited now when his Lycée project was eating away at whatever meager savings he had. Like everyone else, the financial complexity of his project was based on his family’s background.

Though his father was in debt, the Alvere Duchy had a significant amount of land and resources. However, all the resources that were viable were controlled by his half-brother. Their inter-family politics were not taken into consideration when the Lycée project was given. As a result, he was tasked with re-paving and fixing the drainage of the main road leading from Horizon to the Alvere Duchy.

It was not cheap and in order to complete the length of road assigned, he went the cheapest route he could find, which meant the labor and materials were sub-par. He could have gone to the headmaster and appealed for a different project, but then the entire school would find out about his family.

His father and mother already caused others to look down on him. If it was discovered that he was disliked by his father and was treated as a parasite, Montan didn’t think he could handle the shame.

“I wanted to pack light. It’s less trouble,” Montan said, calm. Packing light also meant he could move faster and attract less attention. If his mother was looking for him, she’d have a difficult time. “I can bring it in the carriage with me.”

Guthry didn’t question him and gave him a nod.

“Good afternoon! I hope I’m not late!” A bright, airy voice filled the area and the three young men turned around.

Alessa’s friend, Mr. Rosiek, was holding open the door to the inn as Alessa lifted her hand and waved at them energetically. Her vibrant smile eased Montan at once.

“Alessa-”

“Alessa, what do you think of the carriage?” Guthry asked. “Gideon and I went through a better rental agency this time. It should be much more comfortable.”

Alessa reached them and looked at the carriage with wide, amber eyes. Sparks of excitement seemed to come from them as she circled the carriage. “It’s wonderful! So large!”

“We have Mr. Rosiek to thank,” Guthry said, looking towards the older man. “It was the agency he recommended.”

Mr. Rosiek laughed and waved his hand sheepishly. “The agency is my store’s next-door neighbor. I only wanted to support them, as well.” He looked towards the carriage and the two horses pulling it and lifted his hand. He patted one of the horse’s thick necks. “The Bowers just invested so much in replacing all their old carriages. If I can direct some business their way, I will.”

He gave the prince and Guthry a grateful look.

Alessa looked at them with an even more grateful expression. She stepped back to do a small curtsy. “Thank you for your help this summer.”

Montan watched the other two young men blush a bit as they shook their heads and assured her it was nothing. Montan disagreed. From what Alessa told him, the prince was paying the rental fee for the carriage for a trip to Chetterswickshire and back. Considering that it would also act as their mode of transportation while in Chetterswickshire, it was not inexpensive.

Guthry was paying for his and Alessa’s rooms at inns, knowing that Alessa had financial concerns. As for private guards, a half dozen of Mr. Rosiek’s men were with them. They were used to guarding goods transported through the Central Corridor. They knew the routes and where it was safe to stay the night.

All of this was for Alessa’s sake, but it also helped Montan. He only needed to pay for his lodgings and food. It was a small price to avoid returning to Sun Garden. His mother had already called him twice before final exams, pleading with him to send her more charms because his father had become increasingly agitated due to his half-brother’s claim for the duchy.

As she had lost her ability to ground and charge her own charms years ago, she had to rely on him to do it for her. That was how he learned; with his mother gripping his hand and forcing him to write out characters he couldn’t read over and over. He didn’t understand what she was using them for until he was older.

His private tutors told him he had a talent for charms and as much as he hated having to make them, he needed them. Charms kept him safe. They blocked out the noise of his parents. They allowed him to remain quiet so he wouldn’t be noticed. He used them for quick bursts of energy so he could study. He had even sold some for money.

Even now, he had a small stack of charms on his person. Though, none were the energy-draining charms his mother made him make. He hated those.

Those charms helped make his father dependent on his mother. Those charms were now used to control his father when he had one of his fits of rage. They were tools his mother used to help ruin the life of Duchess Alvere.

If his mother didn’t give birth to him and occasionally protect him from his father, then Montan would’ve denied her those charms that she begged for.

“Is everyone ready to go?” Alessa’s gentle voice reached him, drawing him out of his gloom.

“I am.”

“I had some food prepared for your journey,” Mr. Rosiek said. He waved his hand and a man who was seated by the driver on another carriage jumped down and rushed over with a large canvas wrapped box. “Just some dried meats, cheeses, and bread, in case you are hungry on the road.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rosiek,” Guthry said as he accepted the package. “We appreciate this.”

“I am happy to be of assistance,” Mr. Rosiek replied. He cast an affectionate look at Alessa. “Her friends are my friends. She saved me, after all.”

Alessa lowered her eyes and flushed. “I only did what I could. I will help others where I can.”

Montan’s own expression softened. Unpretentious and generous. She tried to offer comfort even when she herself was experiencing difficulty. He smiled a bit and looked away to hide it.

She reminded him so much of Duchess Alvere.

His eyes narrowed. He had to be sure to protect her.

“Montan, take a seat next to me,” Guthry said as he climbed into the carriage. Montan nodded and followed him up. Alessa was seated across from them, and she scooted close to the window to say good-bye to the prince and Mr. Rosiek.

“Remember to stay together,” Mr. Rosiek said as he approached the window. “Don’t go out at night in unfamiliar towns. If you do, make sure to have at least two of the guards with you.” He craned his neck and looked into the carriage. “Mr. Guthry, Mr. Alvere, this goes for you two, as well.”

“Thank you for your concern, Mr. Rosiek.” Guthry gave him another appreciative nod.

“Alessa,” Mr. Rosiek looked up at her in the carriage. “If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to call me.”

“Adrien,” Alessa said with a warm smile. She reached out of the open window and the merchant raised his arm so she could grasp his hand. “If you finish your business here, please come to Chetterswickshire.”

He returned her hopeful look with a brilliant smile. “If I am able to finish here, then I will come. I have been meaning to look over our workshops there.”

Alessa nodded and released his arm. She looked past him, at Prince Gideon.

“Please tell Fabian good luck for me!” she said. “I wish I could see him off for his exam, but I need to return home.”

“We understand, Alessa,” Prince Gideon replied with a gentle smile. He gave her a small nod of his head. “I will be sure to tell Fabian. He will be thankful for your kind words and thoughts.”

Alessa told them good-bye, and Mr. Rosiek stepped away from the carriage. He looked at the driver and gave a nod. “Drive safe. My friends are in your care.”

“Yes, Mr. Rosiek!” A small crack was heard, and the carriage jerked forward. Alessa remained seated by the window, extending her hand and waving as her friends grew smaller and smaller.

“Well, we won’t stop to rest for a few hours,” Guthry said as he leaned back against the plush carriage seat.

“When will we reach our first stop?” Montan asked. He’d never gone past the Alvere Duchy. When his father traveled, he traveled alone. Montan had never even properly visited the other duchies.

“We left a bit earlier than this time last summer,” Guthry replied, thinking a bit. “We had reached our first stop shortly before sunset. This time, we may reach there a bit later.”

“Four or so hours.” Alessa perked up in her seat. “We will be well out of Horizon’s borders and in the Central Corridor.”

“We’ll stop every few hours to rest,” Guthry told him. “The journey can be a bit long, but it won’t take a week.”

“Adrien has instructed the driver to take us directly to Chetterswickshire. We won’t be taking round-about roads to sightsee.”

Montan nodded. “I’m surprised His Highness didn’t come.” As much as he didn’t want to think about it, the second prince seemed very close to Alessa.

Alessa invited all of them to come join her in Chetterswickshire for the summer and Montan was certain that the second prince would want to come, as he had gone last summer.

“Gideon said that he had responsibilities to the imperial family now that he is an adult member. As such, he had something he needed to do for his position,” Alessa said as she tapped her chin and looked up. “I had hoped he could go. My father would be more likely to listen to him.”

“Alessa, I almost forgot to ask,” Guthry said as he leaned forward and knit his brows. “Does your father know that we are accompanying you this summer?”

Alessa nodded. “Yes, I let him know that you and Montan will be coming. He said he will prepare well. He hopes to apologize for the awkwardness from last summer.”

“What about the brick woman?” Montan frowned. “Will she be there?”

Alessa’s lips immediately tightened into a line, and she looked down. “I don’t know,” she said in a strained voice. “I think...I think she is still working at her family’s factory.”

“If they are proceeding with the marriage, I don’t think we’ll be able to avoid them,” Guthry said, cautious.

Alessa sat up straight and seemed to put on a look of determination. “Don’t worry! I won’t let her cause us trouble. I will speak to my father again regarding this matter.”

Montan wanted to warn her that men who were entangled with such women were stubborn and wouldn’t listen, but he held his tongue.

Guthry shook his head, frowning. “I don’t understand why he would marry a woman his daughter dislikes. Surely there are others.”

“It’s that woman!” Alessa bristled. “She bewitched my father! I don’t know what she did, but if she were as kind and understanding as my father insisted, then she wouldn’t continue on with the marriage knowing that I disagree. How can she force a man to wrong his daughter?”

Montan asked himself a similar question. How can a man wrong his son? He wondered if Baron Hart was like his own father, but shook the thought out of his head. A man like his father would never have been able to raise someone like Alessa.

“Is there anything we can do to help you?” Guthry asked.

“If you think that she may have bewitched him, I can use a charm to see if there is any questionable energy on his body that is affecting him.” Montan offered. Guthry looked at him with surprise.

“That’s possible?”

Montan nodded, but kept his eyes on Alessa. “Though they’re not as permanent or strong as crystals, charms are much more flexible and can be tailored for a specific use. If I can find the right characters and arrangement to use, many things are possible.”

Alessa clapped her hands together and nodded. She looked at Guthry. “Montan provided me with those charms to help me focus before exams.”

“Can you make cooling and heating charms, as well?” Guthry asked, interested.

Montan tilted his head to the side. “Cooling and heating?” His focus had always been on defense and strengthening the body. “The body?”

“Things like food or drink,” Guthry said.

Montan frowned. Why would that be necessary? Isn’t that just a waste of time, supplies, and energy? “No....why do you ask?”

Guthry looked a bit disappointed. “My mother uses these charms to chill drinks into a sort of slush. When used with fruit juice or sweetened coffee, it’s very refreshing on a hot day.”

Montan knit his brows together once more. What characters and arrangements would be needed to make such a charm? “Where did she get the charms?”

At this, Guthry’s face fell. He frowned and looked out the window. “Lady Guevera,” he said, almost reluctant to admit it. His next sentence made Montan frown even further. “Lady Guevera also appears quite proficient in charms.”