Chương 142: You Should Go and Comfort Him

Tori drew her head back. She felt a bit guilty for some reason.

"You knew?" Piers clenched his jaw and didn't seem to want to speak. Tori dug around in her pocket for one of her spare silence charms and put it on the table. She gave him an encouraging look.

"Your name was on a prospective list of students to be secondary guards to Gideon in Lycée should Fabian have transferred to La Garda. My father is aware of your swordsmanship and other abilities for defense. It is common practice to request a skilled student to take on the duty should the personal knight be unable."

"But you and your father said you didn't get a replacement for Axton when he went to La Garda."

"I did not need one." Piers poked at his breakfast.

"Your aunt guarded my father."

"I know. I talked to my parents and Auntie Lucia. Auntie said that since it is only during Lycée and on Lycée grounds, it shouldn't be a problem as long as the second prince maintains a regular schedule."

"I will speak to my father about this." Tori lifted her head and furrowed her brows.

"You don't want me to be the replacement guard?" Piers shook his head, still frowning.

"You are not suitable. You already have too many responsibilities. He is asking too much."

"The Emperor said that your brother's schedule is strict. If he is not in Lycée, he will be under double the amount of escort knights. I wouldn't be responsible for him then. Only when we are on campus. I'm also providing charms and crystal work for added security." Piers' frown deepened.

"What did he ask you to do?"

"Well, it's not that he asked me. We had to discuss what will be expected of me and what I could do, and my remuneration. I didn't think personal knights were paid so much, but I suppose your father was desperate for another set of eyes on your brother."

"What is he paying you?" His hands clenched and Tori placed her partially eaten toast on her plate. She wiped her hand and reached forward to cup his.

"A lot. I was not restrained in asking for payment." Piers still looked upset.

"I will give you double if you refuse." Tori let out a small chuckle and shook her head. Piers would likely be able to pay the monetary amount, but not the favor. What she really wanted was the favor.

"I've already agreed and accepted the payment." Piers' head snapped up. His panicked eyes met hers for a moment before dropping. His hand shook beneath hers.

"Why? It's not worth it." Tori pursed her lips. He knew she was going to guard his brother, didn't he?

"Piers, it's fine. I thought about this, and it is within my capabilities. I tried to talk your father out of it, but when he was willing to retake the Cosora Delta-""No, you worked too hard!" Piers protested at once. He snatched his hand from beneath hers and then grasped her hand.

"You have already put too much effort into the delta. It is a waste to return it."

"I didn't." Tori laughed once more.

"You're right; I already invested too much. I asked for something else. I watched as he made the calls to ensure his part of the deal was assured." Piers was not satisfied with this.

"What did you ask for?"

"Don't worry about it," Tori said with a bright smile "Anyway, this entire agreement is still dependent on von Dorn's dismissal. If he isn't dismissed, then I don't have to take on the responsibility." According to the agreement that had been drawn up, she would return 80% of the payment if Fabian remained as Gideon's knight. While the Emperor had paid her in advance to secure her as a backup, should that not be the case, the remaining 20% was for her in exchange for her charms and crystals. Piers shook his head.

"I will make him stay."

"You can't force him."

"Father forced you."

"More like bribed, but I understand why he chose me," Tori said.

"His reasoning, while massively inconvenient, is relatively sound. He is also willing to work with me to ensure your brother's safety. I am not so much a personal knight as an extension of His Majesty's eyes and hands. Much of what I'm providing are charms and crystal technology Anahata Island has worked on." After Gideon and Alessa's excursion to Viclya, the Empress had been even more strict about Gideon's outings than before. All his travels, even within Horizon, were now to be reported to her.

Tori felt that the Empress may have lost too much trust in her son due to the incident. Or at least, didn't trust Alessa being close to him. Tori laid out a bit of a sales pitch to the Emperor. After Alexander's stowaway hunting adventure, Tori and Master Ramos had worked on a tracking crystal and replaced one of the crystals on Alexander's tag with a small crystal that resonated with a carved crystal plate turned tablet.

When activated, the crystal tablet would light up to show the direction of the crystal on Alexander's tag in relation to the tablet in her hands. Tori and Sonia had gone out to track Alexander twice and her little crystal radar worked perfectly. Tori planned to essentially put a crystal tracker on Gideon, his carriage, and his knights, as if they were savannah animals she was tracking the migration of. She would also prepare a safety medallion and provide safety charms to his knights.

Perhaps it was their negligence, but despite Gideon's escort knights also being first-tier, Tori couldn't help but see them as less skilled than Piers' escort knights. She could've also been influenced by overhearing the occasional criticisms Piers' escort knights had about Gideon's. The Emperor had been stunned to hear about the tracking device.

He had some reservations on putting one on his son in secret, but as an imperial family member in an empire that was never truly secure, not to mention Gideon's record, he thought it would be necessary. Tori had other ideas, as well. Her experience dealing with the security of the imperial family when they went to Viclya last spring gave her good insight. Where there were holes in her experience, she had a family to go to for guidance. Piers still looked displeased regardless of her decision.

He kept his eyes down and frowned. His fingers wove between hers.

"You have to be safe, too." Tori smiled and squeezed his hand in reassurance.

"I see you're both up early this morning." Tori tensed as soon as she heard the voice looming behind her. She gently pulled her hand back from Piers, removed the silence charm, and put on a wide smile.

"Morning, Kasey." Her brother's hands rested on her shoulders, and he glared at Piers.

"Is he bothering you?" Tori rolled her eyes.

"No. Have a seat and join us." She motioned for the seat across from her and Kasen sat down. She raised her hand to call the server. Kasen gave the server his order.

"I thought you were still working."

"I'm taking a break as I'm waiting for a response for some work I submitted. It should be ready by tomorrow," Kasen said as he was served some coffee.

"What are you talking about?"

"Secrets." Piers took a sip of coffee and Kasen shot him an annoyed look.

"I took a small job," Tori said.

"Sebastian already called and told me." Tori stiffened.

"The entire family knows?"

"The entire family knows." She pursed her lips.

"Senior, I did not approve of this," Piers said with a frown.

"I will speak to my father about this." Kasen waved his hand.

"Don't bother. I'm sure by now he's already received several calls. Tori is a Guevera and despite what we'd like, she is fitting for the position." He sighed and reached out to stroke the top of his sister's head affectionately.

"Sometimes, it isn't advantageous to show all your strengths so early, Tori." She sighed, resigned.

"I know...." At least she knew that if the Emperor backed her on this, Alessa and Gideon couldn't do much to retaliate with imperial power or influence. The Emperor was as big a backer as she could get.

"It's not finalized yet. It depends on what von Dorn does tomorrow. The second prince doesn't know about this arrangement, either." Kasen's food arrived and they ate breakfast, changing the topic to what Tori's plans were for the day. Ilyana and the others came down in pairs to eat. They were going to visit the central plaza of town before Tori returned to the inn to start preparing some potatoes and cream puffs. It didn't surprise her to see Gideon at the inn before they left to wander around.

It did surprise her to see that Fabian was not. To her knowledge, Fabian hasn't been dismissed yet.

"My brother relieved him of his duties for the weekend in order to properly consider his dismissal request," Piers told her.

"He doesn't have much faith in von Dorn, does he?" Tori said. She glanced at Gideon who was standing awkwardly in the lobby. Piers looked at his brother, who seemed at a loss as to what to do as everyone around him prepared to leave and look around the town.

"My brother is sad. I would be sad if Axton left me." Tori smiled slightly and stroked his arm to comfort him.

"Do you want to spend more time with him? Whatever you said to him last week seemed to have helped him focus and reassess the situation." Piers curled his lip up, unwilling.

"Older brothers have their own duties to their younger siblings," Kasen said as appeared beside her.

"You should go and comfort him." Tori let out a small snort and grinned as Kasen gently led her towards the door and away from Piers. Tori happily followed her brother and called for the others to leave. When asked what he was doing there, Kasen told the group that he was working nearby and had a break. Despite his clear reservations, Piers told Gideon he could come if he wanted. Gideon's face lit up and followed his brother.

Eight teenagers, Kasen, and Piers strolled up the street in the direction of the main plaza with several knights escorting them. They didn't get far when Tori did a double take. It had been some time, but she could've sworn she recognized the woman carrying a bag into a modest carriage. She pursed her lips. It is about time for them to reach this area. I was told they left several days ago.... As she wondered if the person was who she thought, the woman turned around. Her eyes widened and she seemed excited.

She abandoned the carriage at once.

"Countess Guevera!" A familiar woman rushed forward and immediately bowed her head. Tori tilted her head to the side.

"I thought it was you," Tori said thoughtfully before she smiled.

"How has your journey been so far, Madam Voss?" The middle-aged woman smiled wide with a glint of joy in her eyes.

"It has been going well, my lady. Thank you for the escort you've sent." Madam Voss motioned her hand to the ox cart filled with their belongings and the carriage lined up in front of a small, modest inn, and the four guards from Daybreak Garden.

"The journey has been smooth. Landon will meet us at Horizon this evening and we will set out for Viclya tomorrow morning." Tori nodded.

"That's good to hear. We've just allocated a suitable location, but I'm afraid there is no permanent structure for a home yet. Right now, there is only a shared family tent." Madam Voss shook her head.

"That is more than what my late husband and I had when we started. I'm no stranger to clearing land and hard work."

"Mr. Voss has all the necessary contacts for building," Tori told her.

"And will take you to finalize your residence registration in Viclya. Settlement makes time, Madam Voss. Do not hurry yourself."

"I understand. Thank you, my lady." Madam Voss looked back across the street. She lifted her arm.

"Hadley! Tristan! Come and greet the Countess!" Two boys, a blond and a redhead, put the bags they were carrying into the ox cart and hurried over. They stopped on either side of their mother and dropped their heads to bow.

"Good morning, my lady!"

"Good morning," Tori continued to smile pleasantly.

"Thank you for coming all this way. Ah, you remember my older brother, Kasen de Guevera. Kasey!"

"So, it was Madam Voss," Kasen stepped away from the store front they were standing in front of. He gave the small family a smile and an acknowledging nod of his head.

"I look forward to your contributions to my sister's county."

"It is an honor to do so, my lord," Hadley, the red-haired middle-child, replied.

"While you're all here, let me introduce you to the others," Tori said. She craned her neck and gave Ilyana a small beckoning motion of her head. Ilyana and Henrik were particularly important as they did a lot of work in the delta with her. Madam Voss was happy to meet them, though there was a clear nervousness on her and her sons' faces when Piers and Gideon were introduced. Tori bid the small family a safe trip and assured them she would come to check their settlement within a month.

"Did she leave Chetterswickshire?" Gideon asked from the back of the group. Several eyes turned to him with judging expressions.

"Didn't she have a family business there?"

"Her younger brother is running the brick business there and remains in Chetterswickshire," Tori said as they continued down the street.

"Her eldest son wanted to move to the delta, so they're going to open another brick making business there."

"Does Baron Hart know?"

"Baron Hart is irrelevant. They have nothing to do with each other," Tori said. She looked over her shoulder.

"I've told you why." The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Gideon lowered his eyes. He continued to follow the group of teenagers and his brother and Kasen as they weaved through the three streets crossing the main plaza of the town. Henrik stopped them every so often to point out a popular store he'd researched. They entered several to buy some pastries to try.

The main plaza of the town was larger than Tori thought it would be for the town's size, however, it was on one of the main routes to Horizon, so it was expected that there would be a lot of traffic coming through, so a population had to be large enough to deal with travelers. There was a large fountain, many small restaurants and cafes along the side, and some small shops.

As they found a spot on the steps of the fountain to stop and try out their acquired pastries, Kasen pointed out a narrow building facing the plaza.

"That's Miller's Row Inn," Kasen said before moving his hand two shops to the left.

"And that's the Golden Cow General Store owned by Rosiek. Nicole Neil owns Miller's Row Inn."

"She really has been trying to buy property near his stores," Tori said as she crossed her legs and narrowed her eyes.

"I have to admit that their location is excellent," Henrik said as he sat next to her. Ewan was beside him, digging through the wicker basket for the cookies he'd purchased.

"In the center of town, facing the plaza, with immediate access to all these shops and restaurants." Tori nodded.

"Convenient." She bit into a small tart.

"But restricting."

"How so?" Gideon piped up and once more, the group of teenagers turned to look at him. He shrank his head back and lowered his eyes.

"They have no room to grow," JP said, turning his head away.

"Unless they buy out the surrounding properties. Property in town centers is always expensive and usually owned by local nobles or aristocracy. It's unlikely they'd sell."

"If they renovate the interior, they are limited to the existing building size," Ilyana added.

"They also have no room for carriages and carts. They need to be parked on the street," Henrik said, motioning to the various carts and carriages along the street. Half of them didn't have animals.

"Horses, oxen, donkeys, and the like need to be taken elsewhere to be fed and rested. It's an additional expense to board them for the night. Time is wasted to go board them and retrieve them." Tori pointed down the way they came.

"If you go straight down the main street, Axton's inn is on the edge of town, directly on the main road. It has room to grow. The town itself is not very big and the main plaza is clearly visible and within walking distance from the entrance of Axton's inn. From there, guests can still walk to the plaza and back. If they don't want to for reasons such as being too tired from their journey, they don't have to leave Lunar Inn at all. It has everything they could need.

It saves time and for many merchants, time is extremely valuable." Gideon sat up straight. Ewan had handed him a cookie and Gideon held it in his hand as he looked back towards Lunar Inn.

"They have a good idea," Kasen said as Tori held up a puff pastry for him to take. He smiled and took it from her.

"The two businesses are close enough to each other that they can work together. If someone from the inn needs something, it would be most convenient to buy from the Golden Cow." There were a series of murmurs of agreement.

"There are a few other inns and homestays in and around town," Henrik said.

"But Duke Alvere's inn and that inn are the most prominent. One for its ideal location here on the plaza and the other because it's the first inn you see when entering town from Horizon."

"Kasey, are the other locations similar?" Her brother gave her a small nod as he ate the puff pastry in his hand.

"Axton has more inns, but they're spread out in all directions, not just the main trade route to Anlar. On that route, Axton only has six inns, a day apart each. The Golden Cow has almost a dozen stores on the same route." He narrowed his eyes, lapsing into his thoughts. Tori didn't want to pry out in the open in case he was considering the mission he was on in connection to the Golden Cow and those inns. When she finished her tart, she clapped her hands together and stood up.

"I have to get back to start preparing for dinner."

"Already?" Ilyana pouted.

"Aside from the cream puffs, I also have potatoes to work with. The kitchen staff is unfamiliar with it, so I must be there to oversee the work," Tori said with a wry smile.

"You all continue to look around. Henrik, you continue to compile notes. See if you can find out anything about the competition." Her friends nodded and Piers stood up to follow her. Tori paused after two steps and looked back at her brother. The one person she thought would surely follow her didn't move from his spot, leaning casually against a light post.

"Kasey, you're not coming?"

"I am meeting a friend here, so I'll see you this evening. Don't overwork yourself for Axton's party." Tori raised a brow. It wasn't that she didn't believe her brother had friends, but she'd bet money that he was meeting with one of the people who worked with him. On a break, huh? She should've known he wouldn't have come if he didn't have a serious purpose. Her brother worked just as much as she did. She headed back to Lunar Inn following the main street. Along with Piers, Gideon followed them.

Considering their past interactions, it was likely that Gideon felt uncomfortable with Ilyana and the others. From what Tori observed in the last few hours, Ilyana and Ewan were the most willing to interact with Gideon. Ilyana was distantly polite because Gideon had been sitting in front of them for the last week, and Ewan because it was simply Ewan's nature. He was fiercely loyal, but wasn't one to hold grudges. Still, they weren't exactly friendly or welcoming.

Henrik, JP, and Albert were somewhat neutral and didn't speak to Gideon unless there was something important. They kept their distance and preferred not to interact. Tori didn't think they knew how to act around the sudden appearance of a young man who had been antagonistic towards her since they started at Lycée. Sonia was the most resentful of Gideon's presence. Tori could almost feel the irritation coming from Sonia when Sonia saw Gideon.

She glared at him when he spoke and refused to interact except to say something snarky. While they were all unwelcoming of Gideon, Sonia was the one who outrightly showed it. She didn't care that Piers was there or that Gideon had picked his family over Hart. As far as Sonia was concerned, Gideon had caused too many problems and was unforgivable. However, Tori never said she forgave him. She pitied him.

She was sympathetic to the broken relationship he had with his personal knight, but her pity and sympathy didn't negate their past animosity. She didn't even want to be his guard and was only doing it for money and benefits. The Emperor didn't say she had to befriend him. When they got to the inn, Axton was welcoming duchy guests who'd come and were taking them on a tour of the renovated parts of the inn.

Tori greeted them with wide smiles, confirming that she was going to prepare a dessert for the evening herself, then slipped into the kitchen to work. She was given an assistant to help her with the mundane preparations and was allotted a corner of the kitchen. The sacks of potatoes had been delivered the day before. The two sacks weren't large. Slumped up against the counter, they only reached her mid-thigh, and she was short.

By her estimates, it would be enough for the sixty or so people who would be present, which included all two dozen of Piers' escort knights and half of Gideon's. They could eat a lot when given the chance and since this was a party for Axton, she intended to give them such a chance. The assistant was assigned to washing, peeling, and then cutting the potatoes while Tori focused on the cream puffs. As they were baking and cooling, Tori would take the chance to ready the other ingredients.

She had to show the assistant how to place the sliced potatoes to make au gratin, how to cut whole pieces to make them spiral and then deep fry them, and then make gravy for the piped and baked mash. She thought they looked fancy. She was in the middle of building the cream puff tower when Kasen entered with a harried, apologetic look.

"Tori," he said as he stood to the side, careful to stay out of her way so as not to be a bother.

"Are you hungry, Kasey?" Tori asked, looking over her shoulder.

"Do you want to grab a cream puff or a spiral potato as a snack? Eat it here, because if the others see you, they will come and spoil their dinner." Her brother cracked a smile and shook his head.

"No, I came to say good-bye." Tori's hand froze as she placed a creampuff halfway up the tower. She snapped her head around and frowned, confused for a split second.

"Good-bye?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Already? But what about Axton's party?" Tori took a step back and looked up at her brother with furrowed brows and a frown. Kasen shook his head and gave her a disappointed smile.

"I have to go. I'm needed for my... job. I'm afraid it's a bit urgent." Tori jutted out her lower lip. She turned around and grabbed a small stack of parchment paper.

"Then, take something to eat with you!" Before Kasen could voice his protest, she snatched a handful of cream puffs from the platter. She heard him chuckle lightly behind her.

"You don't need to, Tori. There are many guests tonight."

"If I can't even feed my brother, what's the point?" Tori grumbled and skillfully wrapped up the cream puffs before reaching for some potato spirals on a stick.

"Mr. Knapp! Pack three small meat pies for my brother."

"Yes, my lady!" one of the assistants in the kitchen said.

"You'll like the meat pies, Kasey. They're really good," Tori said as her deft fingers tucked the edges of the parchment paper into itself to completely envelop the food.

"They were very deserving of first place at the bake off." She gathered all the food into a paper bag and turned around. Kasen was looking at her thoughtfully.

"Okay, if you say they're good, I believe you." She smiled widely and handed the bag to her brother. She reached back to untie her apron.

"I'll walk you out." Tori reached out to turn him around and push him out the door so he couldn't stop her. He chuckled and allowed her to usher him out of the kitchen and into the lobby. When they reached the inn lobby, Piers, Axton, and two other men were standing with them, all with solemn looks on their faces. Tori felt her stomach churn. She thought she was used to Kasen going on 'jobs', but it was the first time she'd seen others with him. The situation felt far more serious now.

She subconsciously looked towards her brother as her hand rose and pinched his sleeve. She felt his hand on top of her head.

"Don't worry," Kasen told her softly.

"This is all part of my job. Your big brother isn't unprepared." Gueveras had a duty, as did all marquis families. For all their wealth and power, their lives were used for the empire. It was something Tori had long accepted, though didn't dwell on. She didn't resent the family's duty. If she personally felt restricted by it, they wouldn't force her, after all. However, knowing her brother was doing some questionable and dangerous work for the empire still worried her.

She slowed her steps as she reached the entrance. The two men with Piers and Axton carried themselves like soldiers and when they saw Kasen, then lowered their heads in subtle bows. If she didn't know any better, she'd think it was a usual greeting nod. Tori tugged Kasen's sleeve quietly.

"Kasey...." As he turned to her, she extended her arms.

"Be careful." Her brother smiled and held her tight, kissing the top of her head as her family tended to do.

"Remember not to overwork yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, do not hesitate to stop, and rest. Your health is important and without it, you cannot do what you need or want to do. Many people depend on you, so you must take care of yourself. And if your new job does go through, the family is there if you need assistance in any way. Do you understand?" Tori nodded at his nagging.

"I understand." Kasen stroked her hair back and met her eyes.

"I will see you the next time I'm in the city." He released her reluctantly and met Piers and Axton's eyes.

"My orders still stand." His voice changed from the gentle affectionate one he spoke to her with and became cold and authoritative in an instant. Tori jerked her head back and looked at Piers and Axton. They showed no discomfort at her brother's tone. Even if they were a prince and duke respectively, her brother must've been formidable in their hearts and minds, and they were unable to refute him. Piers reached out and took Tori's hand in his. He lifted it up, affirmatively.

"I will keep her safe, Senior Kasen." For a moment, Kasen's face twisted with disgust as he looked Piers up and down. He gave Tori one last reassuring look and left the inn with the two other men.

"Don't worry about your brother," Axton said as he gave her a bright smile.

"I've worked with Senior Kasen and he's incredibly good at his job. His ability is why he was given the task."

"You must do what Senior says and take care of yourself," Piers said in a quieter voice.

"He is right: you must not overwork yourself."

"You should be telling him that," Tori said as she shrugged off Piers' hand and turned around to return to the kitchen. She pointed at Axton as she walked.

"He's the one who asked for potatoes when his cooks don't know how to make them." She heard Axton suck in a sharp breath before she went through the hall to get back to the kitchen. Tori took a deep breath to try to collect herself before returning to her task. She had confidence in her brothers, but no one liked to see their loved ones walking into danger. She shook her head. No wonder her brothers were always so worried about her and fussing. They'd lost her once, she supposed.

If they lost her again, who knew what they'd do? Tori paused over the rows of stuffed cream puffs. She was wrong. She knew exactly what they would do if they lost her. Sebastian would steal her body and try to resurrect her using his monstrous crystal abilities. Instead, he'd subsequently summon the dead, and in pain and anger, he'd send his undead army to wreak havoc on the people who took her from them.

Kasen would go full evil wizard and torture Horizon with a foggy maze that made the population slowly lose their minds as they were separated from their loved ones. It was revenge for her torture and death. Tori's hands gripped the side of the prep table as a heavy weight seemed to squeeze her head, making it ache badly enough that she had to grit her teeth. A dull, droning noise filled her senses and she shut her eyes.

"My lady, are you all right?" Mr. Knapp's voice called out to her, and Tori snapped her head up. The headache and droning noise disappeared in an instant. Tori looked around and nothing seemed amiss from the hustle and bustle of a kitchen working swiftly to cater a large meal. She swallowed hard and nodded.

"I'm fine, Mr. Knapp," she said.

"Just a bit tired. I didn't sleep well on the carriage last night." The man gave her a sympathetic nod.

"Yes, many of our guests say the same thing. Nothing beats a warm, comfortable bed after a long journey." Tori smiled and nodded, then continued making her puff tower. As she created a net of melted sugar around it, she instructed the potatoes au gratin to be taken out of the ovens and placed on carnelian warming trays. The duchess potatoes were to be served with the meat dishes and a small side of gravy. The spiral potatoes were offered as appetizers as guests arrived.

As soon as she finished her puff tower, she skewered long, thin candles around it to be lit when the puff tower was presented, and then fled the kitchen to change. She didn't have time to properly bathe, so she knew she smelled like sugar and 'something tasty', as described by Ilyana. When she reached her room, Ilyana and Sonia were there along with two maids Duchess Fekete sent to assist her in changing. The birthday was, as Axton told them, casual.

She didn't need a floor length ball gown, but she needed to be presentable and not covered with powdered sugar. Her hair was quickly twisted into an updo and put in place with pins and hair clips. Her leather booties were switched out for heels. She'd selected her off the shoulder dress to highlight the Alvere Duchy's signature green color. Her dress was emerald and a bit brighter than hunter green that the duchy used, but she thought it counted.

She, Ilyana, and Sonia walked along the carpeted ramp along one side of the building. It was a recent addition meant to help staff push luggage carts to the upper floors. It would've also been useful when Tori had a wheelchair. While there were dumbwaiters and some pulley lifts in Soleil, there wasn't anything built for humans like an elevator. Currently, developing a crystal operated system for an elevator was in the hands of Instructor Ignatius' two underclassmen.

"Are you sure there are enough cream puffs in the tower?" Sonia said with a glint of worry.

"They're only so big and most of us eat more than one."

"A few members of the Sword Association didn't get any as they were too late," Ilyana said.

"They're really popular."

"I made the same size tower, but I had plenty of extra puffs," Tori said with some confidence.

"I didn't want to make it any bigger, as I was worried it would collapse if it was too big. The extra puffs are set aside, though. If the tower runs out, I'll have them bring out the trays."

"Wait, wait," Ilyana said, holding out her arm.

"Don't take them out. Wait until after the party and we can go and eat them in the kitchen." Sonia nodded.

"We can eat them after the party as a snack."

"What's a snack?" Ewan asked from the second-floor entrance to the restaurant.

"Nothing!" Ilyana and Sonia chorused to valiantly defend their cream puffs. Tori turned her head and let out a muffled laugh. Ewan cast them a suspicious look, but quickly brightened up.

"We're setting up the tables to play some dungeon crawl after the party. Want to join us?"

"I only play Sun Tiles," Sonia said, lifting a hand to stop him.

"And for money."

"Duchess Fekete said she brought her set, but the duchesses don't play with small amounts," Tori said with a look of warning.

"A gold coin per round is the lowest I've seen them play with." Sonia let out a low, pained hiss.

"All right, maybe not." They entered the restaurant and Tori looked around. She'd been stuck in the kitchen all afternoon and had no part in decorating. The restaurant itself was already quite nice, but with some fancy centerpieces, streamers, and flower garlands, the overall atmosphere was elevated. A small band was playing music in one corner as servants from Sun Garden were offering small spiral potatoes.

"We're going to eat soon; did you have to take so many?" Sonia asked as Ilyana had three in one hand.

"The potatoes aren't very large," Ilyana said. They were taken to their seats, not far from the main table where Axton would host the two princes and the duchies. Tori opted to sit with her friends one table over. JP, Albert, and Henrik were already seated and had hoarded their own spiral potatoes.

"Look at these." Albert motioned to several small plates in front of them.

"You can roll your potato in the seasoning of your choice."

"These should've just been fried," Tori said, motioning to the dozen on a plate.

"I told them to bring these out especially for us. Help yourselves. I snacked on a few while I was working." Her friends weren't shy and began snatching pieces for themselves. Ezvan came to join them and partake as his parents stood with Axton and chatted. The restaurant could seat a hundred and fifty guests, so there was plenty of room. As Tori sipped on her wine and leaned back on her chair, listening to Albert and Ewan rate the seasonings as if they were experts, her eyes scanned the room.

All the guests she thought were coming seemed to have arrived. Except Piers and Gideon. Her lips tugged into a small frown.

"My lady. A message from His Highness." Sir Dobchek's movements were smooth and almost unnoticed as he made his way to her side and knelt. Tori instinctively craned her neck towards him as he whispered. Tori braced herself and was careful not to reveal her reaction. She gave him a small nod and glanced at her friends with a cheerful smile.

"I'll be back in a bit. You can eat my share of the spiral potatoes, but don't take my au gratin when it comes out." They laughed and assured her they wouldn't steal her food. She kept a smile on her face as she swiftly made her way past the guests, following Sir Dobcheck. As soon as she was out in the hall, away from any other eyes, her smile fell.

"When did the message arrive?" she asked in a low voice as she grabbed her skirt and pulled it up to keep from tripping as she climbed the stairs to the third floor.

"A few minutes ago, my lady."

"And the decision is final?" Sir Dobchek paused for just a second.

"Yes, my lady. Sir von Dorn has been dismissed."