Chương 148: I Will Wait

"I didn't do anything!" Tori shot Piers a glare. She'd throw her arms in the air if Instructor Ignatius' death grip didn't keep them pinned at her sides. She looked at Axton and cocked her head.

"A little help? He's skinny, but strong." Axton seemed to shake himself out of his stupor. He moved forward.

"What happened to him?"

"We ran into his ex-girlfriend when we arrived, and she was here with another man. Adrien Rosiek." Axton stopped where he was, about to pry the drunken man off her. His brows furrowed.

"What happened?"

"She accused me of seducing Instructor Ignatius, called me a whore, and then tried to get us removed from the premises," Tori told him. Axton narrowed his eyes.

"And what about Rosiek?"

"He didn't know that you owned the company that owns the Three Queens, so he tried to convince me to leave. Manager Sassure then had them escorted out." Tori let out a tired breath.

"I didn't know he came often."

"He does, we've been monitoring his conversations here," Axton said. He rubbed his chin.

"If he knows that I own it, he may be reluctant to return. Not that he'd discuss anything too sensitive here." Tori grimaced.

"I'm sorry. It didn't occur to me at the time that you were using the place to gather information." Axton shook his head and gave her a dismissive wave.

"We have other places. Don't worry about it."

"Just help me pry him off and bring him downstairs. I'm worried he'll throw up." Piers appeared beside her and tilted his head, looking at Instructor Ignatius curiously before frowning. He extended his hand and hesitantly picked up Instructor Ignatius' arm. He seemed to weigh it in his hand before he shifted his weight and moved forward, easily twisting the other man's arm behind his back.

"Ah!" Tori grit her teeth as Instructor Ignatius screamed.

"Piers!" Axton yelled as Instructor Ignatius's head shot up, his red eyes wide. He straightened up and his other arm fell from Tori's waist. She quickly stepped back.

"Piers, gently!" Tori grasped his arm and gave him a little shake to release Instructor Ignatius' arm from his grip.

"He's a frail man!" Master Ramos stood to the side, shaking his head slightly as he watched the three try to either wake Instructor Ignatius or keep him from injury. Axton helped keep Instructor Ignatius upright as Tori held Piers back with disapproval.

"He was holding you tight. What if you couldn't breathe?" Piers asked in a deadpan voice. Tori crinkled her eyes.

"We were about to pull him away." Piers turned his head away and didn't answer.

"Senior Benedict, are you all right?" Axton asked as the older man cradled the arm that Piers had twisted.

"What happened?" he asked, his eyes still red and filled with tears. Tori felt her heart clench as she looked at her pitiful instructor and then gave Piers a scolding glare.

"We were trying to wake you up. You've drunk a lot, Instructor. Axton will help you downstairs and into the carriage," she told him gently. Instructor Ignatius nodded and allowed Axton to help him to his feet.

"Put your weight against me if your legs are unsteady, Senior. Don't worry. I won't drop you." He moved Instructor Ignatius' unharmed arm around his shoulders and then held him towards the door. Master Ramos headed downstairs ahead of them.

"I will go make sure the payment has gone through," he told them.

"Duke Alvere, put him in the carriage and make sure he doesn't fall off the seat bench. I will join him in a bit to make sure he doesn't fall."

"We rode here, so I'll join you," Axton said.

"I'll make sure he doesn't fall." Tori lifted a hand and rubbed her forehead before following behind them. Piers trailed behind her and when they exited the street entrance of the restaurant, two carriages were waiting along with Blue River, Ice Queen, and a half dozen escort knights. Tori stood to the side as she made sure her instructor got into the carriage. He was stumbling and could barely keep himself up. A knight had to help Axton bring Instructor Ignatius in. The drunken man was in a bit of a daze.

Tori looked into the spare imperial carriage that had brought her masters to the restaurant.

"Axton, sit next to Instructor. If there are any sudden stops, make sure he doesn't fly off the seat." She looked over her shoulder and back at the entrance.

"Can you ask the host or Manager Sassure for some sort of bag? It should be thick, and we'll throw it away." One of the men at the doorway furrowed his brows, a bit confused, but nodded. He rushed in and quickly returned with a waxed canvas bag. Tori almost grimaced; it was too nice to use as a barf bag, but better in a bag than all over the inside of a moving carriage and possibly Axton. She gave Axton instructions on what to do if it looked like Instructor Ignatius would vomit.

Axton nodded and took a seat next to Instructor Ignatius. The drunk in question leaned heavily against the opposite side of the carriage, muttering something to himself in between sniffles. Before Tori could step away from the carriage, a pair of arms trapped her in place. Piers grasped the sides of the door frame and leaned over the top of her head.

"I will escort Tori to Lycée and then take SIG One back to the house. Two escorts will accompany us from behind."

"Understood," Axton said.

"Granger! Dobchek! Follow His Highness!"

"Yes, Your Grace!" Two men chorused from either side of the carriage before they rode their horses to the designated area behind SIG One.

"Let's go, Tori." Piers pushed himself off from the side of the carriage and headed towards hers parked in front of it.

"Wait, Master-""Master Ramos and the others will be escorted back safely," Piers said as a nervous footman held the carriage door open for him. He glanced at Tori and then lowered his head before motioning for her to enter.

"It's getting late. We should go." Tori sighed and grabbed hold of the hand railing on the side of the carriage before climbing inside. She took her seat, and the carriage shook a bit as Piers climbed in. Rather than taking the seat across from her as usual, he sat down beside her. Tori raised a brow. The footman closed the door and Piers leaned towards the window. He lifted his hand and tentatively touched the glass.

"Can they see inside?"

"No, I had the windows tinted the last time we went to the delta," Tori said.

"Are you interested? If you want, it can be arranged." She watched his head nod lightly.

"I'd like my main carriage tinted."

"Bring it to the delta with us next time." Piers nodded and lowered his hand as the carriage began to move. As Tori settled back against the soft cushions, Piers turned his body towards her.

"I haven't seen you for weeks." She turned her head towards him and saw his outstretched arms. She held back a smile and a chuckle. She raised her own arms and made a beckoning motion with her hands.

"I've called you."

"It's not the same." Piers slid his arms against hers and moved closer. When his arms were firmly around her, he pulled her against him and put his head on her shoulder.

"Is your experiment complete?"

"Yes and just in time," Tori said as her hand rose and stroked the back of his head. His hair was quite thick and had a slight wave to it, though it looked straight. A few strands wrapped around her fingers, and she narrowed her eyes.

"What shampoo do you use?"

"Goat milk bar Mother has imported from Nazaria." He nuzzled her shoulder.

"I will bring you some."

"Bring me two. Ilyana might like it."

"Tori?"

"Hmm?"

"I don't want to go to the meeting with Lady Modelli this week." Tori pursed her lips. No wonder he seemed a bit needy for comfort. His first 'introduction' to noble ladies was scheduled for this week. It was one of the reasons Tori rushed to get her experiment completed so she could have time. She took a deep breath and tilted her head, so it rested against his and stroked his back.

"I've already contacted Lady Modelli."

"I don't want to marry her."

"Then you don't have to marry her," Tori told him, confident.

"It'll be fine. I believe she'll want to talk business." In Lady Modelli's case, Tori hoped to discuss the planning for future medical needs of her county. Lady Modelli's professional title was Dr. Patricia Modelli. She was from a long line of doctors, with her father assisting in the plague that had swept through Constantine's village. Tori glanced out the window, able to make out the passing streetlights as the carriage moved along.

Piers' hot breath moved across her nape, and she struggled to keep from shoving him away as it tickled.

"Did he hurt you?"

"Who?"

"Senior Benedict. He held you tightly and you looked pale."

"He knocked the wind out of me," Tori said with a slight, annoyed snort.

"I didn't think he'd grab on... I guess seeing his ex-girlfriend really stunned him. Poor Instructor. He seemed to have really liked her."

"Senior Benedict has poor judgment with women," Piers said. Tori looked down at him and grinned.

"How long are you going to hold on to me?"

"Until Lycée." Tori chuckled and played with his hair.

"Are you comforting me for what that woman said?"

"You would not seduce someone already in a relationship," Piers said, his embrace tightening.

"There is no trust in doing so." Tori pursed her lips once more and nodded. Her arms wrapped around his back.

"You know me best." The carriage ride back to Lycée seemed shorter than usual. When they made the turn into the oval driveway, Piers slowly lifted his flushed face from her shoulder and looked out the window. His lips were drawn in a tight line as he kept her close, as if shielding her from the outside world. Tori yawned and rubbed her eyes. She would've fallen asleep if a human heater wasn't hugging her.

"You're sweating," Piers said. His hand hovered over her forehead as he frowned.

"We didn't turn on the cooling crystals and you wouldn't let me go," Tori replied with a dull look.

"I told you before, you're very hot."

"Is it uncomfortable?" Piers lowered his head, as if scolded.

"A bit, yes. Next time, you don't have to hug-""I will turn on the cooling crystals. Then you will not get too hot." She drew in her lips.

"You're getting very comfortable with hugging."

"Only you, Axton, and Alexander," Piers said. The carriage rolled to a stop in front of Lycée's gates. He moved back to his original position further away on the seat bench and looked down at his hands on top of his lap.

"Next time, you can kiss me." Tori jerked her head back. Before she could answer, the door opened. She shook her head out of her stupor and rose from her seat.

"I think it's still too early for that. Good night, Piers." She hopped out of the carriage and heard him whisper.

"I will wait." The door closed behind her as she reached the curb before she could look back at him. She turned around and the footman and driver gave her small bows of their heads. Tori gave them a nod in return and turned around once more, walking on to campus. Is this world sure that Piers isn't a love interest? It's bad enough that he looks like that, but then he breaks out with 'you can kiss me' and 'I will wait'. What the hell. Seduce the villainess, why don't you?

She made it back to her room and distracted herself with her awaiting laundry, finishing hanging the clothes to dry just as Ilyana returned, smiling proudly while holding her take out from the Three Queens.

"This is a packet of notes for you from homeroom covering last week's topics. I've also noted the pages of the texts in the margins for ease of reference. Please take note that I've separated the important terms on the last page with their definitions and examples." Ilyana dropped a packet of handwritten notes on her desk, causing a loud thump to echo through the homeroom. Several students who were arriving turned their heads and looked towards the back of the room.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Gideon's eyes were wide as he stared at the papers, stunned to see them. His voice was laced with disbelief.

"You're... you're giving this to me?"

"No." Ilyana looked him up and down from her seat as if he were crazy.

"You have until the end of the week to make a copy for yourself." Beside her, Tori shook her head.

"When does she have time to make another copy?" Ilyana nodded.

"While I don't have any after school activities, I still need to work on my Lycée project and Lions Gate. As you know, we are opening a new store soon. I don't have time to make another copy." Gideon narrowed his eyes and looked at them suspiciously.

"What do you mean 'another copy'?"

"I made one for Tori." Tori smirked.

"I'm loved." Gideon rolled his eyes, but accepted the packet.

"I'll return it in a few days. Thank you, Agafonova." Ilyana nodded once more, satisfied.

"You took a leave of absence so that Tori could concentrate on her experiment and not worry about saving your life-""You don't have to put it like that," Gideon muttered in a dull voice.

"So, I decided to share my notes with you as thanks. You help Tori, I help you. Solidarity."

"Our Ilyana is so generous." Tori gave her a warm smile and patted her head. She turned to Gideon and gave him a look of warning.

"Her notes are considered gold. Constantine, Ewan, Henrik, and Albert used them, and their ranks rose." Gideon's face reddened.

"I understand. I will make good use of them."

"Oh, and Ewan wanted me to tell you," Ilyana said, turning back to Tori.

"As of the midterm scores, he's ranked first in his class at La Garda."

"Really?" Tori's face lit up.

"He's working so hard! I'm so proud of him. I'll make his jambalaya this weekend. Did he tell the knights?" Ilyana nodded excitedly.

"They made him join him in their morning drills when we were at the delta."

"How'd he keep up?"

"Not bad, apparently."

"I'll call Sebby and tell him, too." Ewan thrived under encouragement.

"Are we still going to the delta this weekend?"

"Yes, I want to make some arrangements since we'll need to spend the next few weeks at Duel," Tori said. She sighed and leaned back against her chair.

"I can't wait until winter break. I have so much to do." Ilyana patted her shoulder in sympathy, but also gently chided her for overworking herself. Still, Tori couldn't ignore her plans. Halfway through the week, she shot out of her dance class and nearly dove into her awaiting carriage. Thanks to the tint on the windows, she changed from her dance practice clothing to her uniform as they went across town. Today was Piers' first introduction meeting.

The young lady he was meeting was a daughter of a noble family in the Central Corridor. She was pushed to go to the introduction by her maternal grandfather, as she was the only unwed daughter of the family remaining. From Axton's investigations, she wasn't interested, but had to attend due to familial obligation. Tori had sent her a letter stating that she hoped the young lady would attend the introduction meeting so they could meet.

She knew it sounded vaguely threatening considering her reputation with Piers, so Tori also praised the young lady's accomplishments, wrote about her interest in them, and hoped that they could discuss collaboration as the young lady's interests could improve her county. She didn't get a reply, though Tori didn't expect one. She only hoped that her letter was well taken. SIG One arrived at the Three Queens and a valet opened the door for her.

She climbed out, thanking them, and was met by Manager Sassure at the door. He led her directly to the rooftop dining room where the introduction meetings were scheduled to be held. The door opened and Tori walked in. Her eyes crinkled up at the cold silence in the room. On the long dining table, Piers sat at the head with his back to the door. A young black-haired lady was seated on the chair to his left and Axton was standing at Piers' left side. There was coffee prepared, but no one seemed to be talking.

Well, what did you expect? He's not exactly a conversationalist. Tori let out a heavy breath.

"Good afternoon, everyone!"

"Countess Guevera!" Lady Modelli turned around to look towards the door to the stairs and shot up from her seat, the former solemn look on her face replaced with joy. She stepped away from her chair to bow.

"Thank you for taking time to see me this afternoon!" Her enthusiasm was a good sign and Tori relaxed. It seemed her letter was taken well.

"No, I must thank you for your time," Tori said as she pinched the side of her uniform skirt and gave the other noblewoman a small curtsey.

"I know that this meeting is a bit unorthodox, but I am very grateful for your consideration."

"It's my honor to be invited by you, Countess Guevera." There were stars in her brown eyes, and as Tori motioned for her to take her seat, Tori saw Axton leaning towards Piers at the head of the table.

"And you were worried she was here for you." Piers didn't answer and drank the rest of his coffee. Tori hung her bag on the back of the chair and took out a folder.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Tori said as she gave them a sheepish look.

"I had to run an errand after class on my way over. Piers, I need to talk to you after this. Axton, did you already order the food?"

"I have. It will be here shortly," Axton said as Piers nodded beside him. Tori sat down and looked back at Lady Modelli.

"I reviewed your papers on medical centers and I'm deeply impressed by suggestions you've made to ensure that even the most remote citizens have access to medical care," Tori said as she put the folder on the table between them.

"While the Cosora Delta isn't far from Horizon, it is quite rural in terms of development, and while we have the opportunity, I'd like to prepare for a suitable system to care for my residents, both now and accommodating for future growth." Lady Modelli nodded, enthusiastic.

"My family helps run various clinics and hospitals in the Central Corridor, but we have faced some issues with uniformity in standards, as different local regions have different requirements." Tori nodded, listening carefully to the other woman as she spoke. Lady Modelli was three years older than Piers. She'd already graduated from medical school, though her interest was in the operations sector of hospitals.

According to Lady Modelli, while she was doing rounds around different hospitals in the Central Corridor her final year at medical school, she noticed there were inconsistencies. Staff who moved, either to fill in gaps or for additional support, should there be a local emergency, had to get used to different standards. The time wasted and mistakes made during the adjustment period could be avoided; however, due to the different ruling bodies, it was difficult to standardize across a region.

In addition to that, communication was stagnant, and, in some cases, there were pointless rivalries between medical centers.

"They should work together, especially when there is a regional concern. I last worked on disaster relief during the flooding, and it was a nightmare. We had egos clashing and supplies weren't responsibly managed. Families were broken up in the chaos and had no idea where other family members had been taken." Lady Modelli couldn't help scowling as she shook her head.

"I want to improve our system and I think I have some good ways to do so, but established facilities are not willing to change." Tori nodded, sympathetic.

"That is, unfortunately, often the case. It can be because of their own interests, lack of funding, or simply laziness to change the current system."

"That was why when I received your letter, I was very excited to come," Lady Modelli said, leaning closer as her look of interest intensified.

"I've heard that the Countess has started building the Cosora Delta and I think it would be a good opportunity to put a standard operation in place. I've prepared a detailed outline for you to review. May I present it to you, Countess?"

"Of course." Lady Modelli's smile widened, and she turned to the bag on the floor beside her.

"My grandfather was pushing me to be introduced to His Highness and I was hesitant at first, but your letter put me at ease. I've been dreaming of such an opportunity to show the benefits of standardization."

"I am sure there is much benefit, but we are a small village as of the moment and our funding is limited. For the time being, we can only do so much."

"Of course, my lady, I understand," Lady Modelli said.

"As long as I have an opportunity." She slid a folio across the table.

"I'm not asking you to provide a place to begin this practice without remuneration, either." Tori brought the folio towards her and opened it.

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I am offering you myself!" Axton nearly choked on the drink he was drinking behind Piers. Piers lowered his mug and looked over his shoulder, giving Axton an annoyed glare. Tori also looked up from the folio and gave Axton a questioning look.

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Axton said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve as he turned away.

"Absolutely fine." Lady Modelli gave him a confused look, but slid another sheet to Tori.

"This is my resume, including detailed information on my schooling, the facilities I worked in, and mentors that can be contacted as references. I heard that this is the kind of information you request when you are hiring." Tori blinked. She tentatively reached across the table and brought the resume closer.

"You're quite prepared today, Lady Modelli." The other woman puffed out her chest, proud.

"I cannot let this opportunity slip away! I asked around and found that you carefully interview your employees. I am hoping that you will consider me." Tori quietly reviewed the resume.

"To be transparent, Lady Modelli, we are in the stages of hospital plans. I'm working with a few individuals from Nord. As a daughter of a march, my main contacts are related to the marches, so I had reached out to the family of my soon-to-be sister-in-law for guidance. The Nordursins are considered the medics of the marches." Lady Modelli couldn't hide her disappointment, but nodded.

"I see...."

"However, I am always keeping my eyes open for prospective individuals to work with on such large-scale projects." Tori put the resume down and met Lady Modelli's eyes.

"Would you be interested in meeting with the Cosora Medical Planning Committee in Viclya as my guest?"

"Yes!" The meeting was only supposed to be half an hour. It was mainly for the two parties to become acquainted with each other to lay a foundation for a possible partnership later. Piers had checked his timepiece multiple times. He had tried to be subtle about it, but Tori noticed. He had started to become agitated twice and Tori had to snake her hand across to grasp his before signaling to Axton to take Piers out for some air. It was enough to calm him.

The light sandwiches they'd ordered were long finished after an unexpected three hours. Lady Modelli shrank back, her cheeks red as she realized she had long overstayed the designated time. Before they knew it, the sun was halfway down the horizon and the interior light crystals had turned on. Still, she didn't seem to have any regrets. Tori assured her she would send her a personal invitation to Viclya by the end of the week after confirming a date with the committee.

She stood up as she was seeing Lady Modelli out of the rooftop dining room.

"I hope our meeting won't cause you any trouble," Tori said as they slowly walked towards the stairs.

"I know that I usurped His Highness' introductions for my benefit." Lady Modelli shook her head.

"No, my lady. I would have been more troubled had you not been involved. I agreed to come, as my grandfather insisted. He cannot complain." Tori chuckled.

"Then, to a fortuitous partnership, Lady Modelli." She extended her hand and Lady Modelli grasped it.

"I look forward to working with you, Countess Guevera."

"Axton, can you escort Lady Modelli downstairs?" Tori asked as she looked over her shoulder. Bored out of his mind, Axton had taken a seat at the far end of the dining table and was writing a dungeon crawl game play. He put his things down and stood up.

"Of course," he said. He gave Lady Modelli a small bow of his head.

"My lady, if you'll follow me." They disappeared down the stairwell and Tori walked back to the table.

"It went well. What do you think?" she asked the man who had been silent for three hours. Piers had sat there, quietly eating and drinking most of the time, but didn't say a word as she and Lady Modelli discussed things and wandered off on tangents.

"Are all the introductions going to be like this?" he asked, looking at the table. Tori wrinkled her nose.

"I hope so, yes, but I'll try to keep them shorter. I did find out that the niece of Duke Sinan is legitimately interested in you and begged her uncle for the opportunity to meet. He contacted me directly." Tori rolled her eyes.

"As if I'm the one in charge of arranging these."

"Aren't you?"

"No, your father gave it to Chamberlain Thorpson to arrange, and Chamberlain Thorpson gave the list of young ladies to Axton to secure the Three Queens as a meeting place. Axton had them all investigated and then sent me the results," Tori said.

"It just so happens that Chamberlain Thorpson ended up choosing several very accomplished young women."

"They're not as accomplished as you."

"Maybe not in crystals," Tori said. She sat down on his right and picked up her bag. Her hand closed around a dark, velvet ring box and she tried to contain her excitement. Her heart slammed against her chest as she pulled it out of the bag.

"I got you something." Piers tilted his head and glanced at her.

"What is it?" Tori hid the box beneath her hands on her lap as she grinned.

"First, some background in order to give you an idea of how amazing this is." She caught the corners of his lips curling up in a slight smile.

"You know that for some time, I have been working on a crystal project. The culmination of which led me to my time at the vault in Université all last week." Piers nodded his head once.

"Yes, you said it was very important."

"It is. Do you remember Kasey's charm that we used at the cabin? The one that detected the poisonous air?" He nodded once more.

"While extremely useful, charms like that and the food testing charms are one time use. And they're not very discreet to use, either. It can be seen as insulting to a host if you use one. But, what if you had a piece of jewelry that you can use to detect poison and warn you when it was near, such as in your food or in the air?" Piers cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brows.

"Is such a thing possible?" Tori giggled almost diabolically.

"It is." She lifted her arms and placed the box on the table.

"This is for you." Piers stared at the small dark box for a moment. His pale hands reached forward and picked it up.

"Can I open it?"

"Uh-huh!" Tori almost stomped her feet in excitement. Her chest was tight with anticipation.

"I was late today because I went to pick it up." Piers lifted the lid. Tori kept her eyes on his face, watching his expression. His violet eyes dilated, and she could see the shining reflection of the black crystal set in a thick silver ring edged with gold. Two narrow sunset crystals were on either side of the sturdy, emerald-cut-like black tourmaline, all mounted with gold. Tori chewed on her lower lip as she leaned closer, an expectant look on her face. Piers took the large ring from the box and inspected it.

He held it beside his fingers and frowned.

"It's too big." She let out a laugh.

"Put it on your thumb! Didn't you say you'd like a thumb ring?" She grinned as she reached forward. She took the ring from him and grasped his right hand. She slipped it on to his thumb and beamed.

"See? Perfect!" Piers lifted his hand, almost staring at the ring in awe.

"You made this?"

"Well, I programmed the crystals," Tori said, embarrassed. She didn't make the actual ring.

"I can't take credit for the mount. Master Monde set the crystals."

"The crystal detects poison?" Piers asked. Tori nodded. She scooted closer, eager to explain.

"Yes, the black crystal is the crystal programmed to sense poisons within arm's length. When it detects poison, it will start to glow. Since it's such a dark crystal, the glow might not be visible, so the two sunset crystals on the sides will also glow as a warning. I picked them because they change color, and it won't look out of the ordinary to those who don't know. Of course, a glowing crystal can't be too obvious and in some cases, they might not be noticed in bright light.

That's why the black crystal also heats up. You'll notice that the crystal touches your skin inside. It's not enough to burn you, but you'll know."

"I see," Piers said.

"This can be used over and over." Tori nodded.

"Yes, and if you have it, you can use it. It draws energy from the wearer, but the amount of energy is miniscule. Or you can put it on a charging plate, and it will fill it with energy. The energy it stores will need to be used up before drawing from the wearer." Piers ran his fingertips over the ring.

"How long did it take you to make this?"

"I had the idea for a while and there were many tests. I had to get help from Kasey, Master Ramos, and Instructor Ignatius to get the Old Sulfae right. We started testing with seafood a month ago and it worked perfectly. The problem was I needed to get access to poisons to register them in the crystal." Tori slumped back on the chair and let out a tired sigh.

"I honestly thought I wouldn't get it done until I went back to Presidio to go through the poison collection at the Fortress. Even then, the collection there isn't as large as the one at Université. That's why I had your father give an imperial order to let me into Université to do the experiment as part of guarding your brother." Piers' head snapped up.

"That was your favor?" Tori nodded.

"Yes, the sooner I could have this done, the sooner I could give it to you." He swallowed hard and touched the ring.

"You made this for me...."

"The crystal part. You're the first person to have something like this." She chuckled.

"Oh, but I did pick the ring shape and details. I even had it engraved." Piers' eyes flickered towards her and then back at the ring.

"Engraved?" He turned his hand around, inspecting the ring.

"I don't see an engraving."

"It's inside the ring," Tori said with a small snort.

"You don't put a personalized engraving outside." Piers pulled the ring from his thumb and tilted it to the side. He squinted and could make out the letters. He furrowed his brows.

"I do not know what it says." Tori chuckled once more. That's because it's in Latin. My Latin's kind of rusty, but I think this is good enough. Who's going to judge me here?

"It's from an obscure book I found. Ego servabo te means I will protect or save you. Semper means always.

'I will protect you, always.' It's a protection ring!" Take that, Henrik – I am good at naming things! She sat up straight, filled with pride and excitement seeing that the project she'd worked on for months was working. She'd even tested it out at Master Monde's with some old pieces that had traces of mild toxins in them. It filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

"Tori...." She refocused on Piers and saw him standing with his arms open. She let out a laugh and stood up to hug him.

"Do you like it?" He wrapped his arms around her once more and squeezed her tight. She found herself as a 'stuffed animal' again. His face was buried in her shoulder.

"Thank you, Tori." His muffled voice was a bit breathless, and Tori felt some warm wetness against her neck. Her brows knit together. Was he crying? Her heart swelled; she positively affected a life.

"You must wear it all the time, okay? It can't do its job if you're not wearing it." He nodded against her, his arms tightening around her waist. Her free arm rose and stroked his arm comfortingly.

"I'll wear it," he said against her.

"I'll never take it off." She chuckled and smiled.

"I don't know how else I can help protect you," she said in a helpless voice.

"This is the best I can do." Piers pulled his head off her shoulder and met her eyes.

"You are here. That is enough."