Chapter 24: We’re Mutual Enemies

Chapter 24: We’re Mutual Enemies

It has four legs! Its a farm animal! Mateo sat on the edge of the carriage bench; his eyes fixed on the paper card his brother held above his head. You can ride them!

Cow! Marco shouted across from him.

Tori squinted at her little cousin and the card that said horse. You...ride cows?

You can ride a cow! Marco defended himself.

Its pulling the carriage right now, Tori said in a deadpan voice.

Marco looked at her quizzically. Horse?

Next! Mateo flipped the small hourglass over and Marco tossed the card to the side and grabbed the next one. Its the animal on cousins store!

Lion!

Oh, thank goodness he at least got that one.... Mateo flipped the small hourglass again, but the larger one on Toris side was about to run out. She smiled. And...time!

No! Marco let out a pained cry and looked at the small stack of cards next to him. I only got four this round!

Lets total it up, Tori said as she opened a little notebook filled with small lines and notes. Okay...Mateos total score...25. Not bad. Now Marco...adding the four this round.... She looked up and saw the tense looks on the twins faces. 26. Sorry, Mateo. Marco wins.

Marco let out a cry of triumph as he raised his arms in the air. Mateo looked stunned. Wait...one more round!

We agreed on five rounds each, Tori said as she reached forward to gather the cards. It looks like half my dessert will go to Marco tonight.

Hehehe.... The older twin looked pleased as he gave his brother a smug look. Mateo crossed his arms over his chest and slumped back against the carriage.

I can win with one more round.

We dont have time for one more round, Tori said as she pushed aside the curtains of the carriage. Were already here.

As she gathered the cards and put them away, the twins scooted to the window to look outside. Just up the road were the main gates of Presidio; old, reinforced clay brick structures that led to the largest city in Sur, the southern region where their familys march was located.

At the top of the hill, overlooking the city, was the fortress Tori awoke in months ago. In the late afternoon sun, it looked particularly inviting. They had been traveling for a week and were in the carriages all day; just the thought of getting to stay in one place for a while and not have to smell like ginger to travel was welcoming.

Like the twins, she looked out the window closest to her to try to get a good look at the city. As large as it was, it was only a fraction of Horizon.

Soleil was a sprawling empire with 35 administrative regions and its heart in Horizon. It was surrounded by the Central Corridor and beyond that, the five duchies, which were mainly agrarian, but dotted with mines and forests that could be sourced. They were physically the closest high-ranking nobility to the center of politics and when people talked about local nobles in Horizon, they counted the duchies.

Because of their vast resources and territories all over the empire, they tended to also be the wealthiest nobles and were constantly competing with each other.

Then, there were the twelve marches, with the four largest made up of the original expansion territories of Soleil when it was still a kingdom vying for land. As the kingdom grew into an empire and stretched out its dominance, a patchwork of smaller marches was created to be buffer areas along the former borders.

Soleils military power was spread along the twelve marches, but the Eastern March of Schwert that oversaw most of Osten, the eastern region of Soleil, and the Southern March of Guevera, which oversaw Sur, controlled about a quarter of the empires military each as a result of their locations and history. All the smaller marches in their region also reported up to them. According to Kasen, they were the two marches that had the best quality militaries.

The Western March, controlling Anlar, was coastal and closest to some of the client states and annexed territories off the mainland. As a result, they held two-thirds of Soleils naval power. The remaining third was under the Gueveras, technically, but were split into three smaller portions amongst three smaller marches closer to the coast.

The Northern March, in Nordur penninsula, had a sparse population with little to defend in terms of resources. Their military was trained to be more like emergency service personnel. They trained jointly with the other three big marches, taking up logistic or medic roles within them.

All in all, the four main marches were deeply united from the empires early expansion to secure its borders. Unlike the duchies, the marches were on exceedingly good terms and nobles from one march often married into another. Her paternal grandmother was the daughter of the late and former Marquis OTuagh and her grandmother's nephew was the current Marquis OTuagh.

This made Marquis OTuaghs son, Admiral Andrew OTuagh of the Anlar Fleet, one of Toris cousins. He was a bit older than Sebastian, but the youngest of his siblings. Victorias memory recalls him trying to teach her how to swim when she went to visit as a child.

Tori leaned back against the carriage. In retrospect, it wasnt just the Gueveras whose power and influence backed her. She had distant relatives in high places. Unfortunately, she didnt retain any memories from Victoria about how said relatives saw her. Whether or not they had a good impression of Victoria was unknown. They werent mentioned in the wiki article, either.

Tori had to learn about these blood and political ties from Kasen. It would probably be a good idea to become closer to them, if only to have another layer of protection from whatever the game decided to throw at her. Also, in her original world, she had a massive extended family and she always liked that.

The carriage continued to move forward and they were waved through the fortress gates. Ahead of them was her aunt and uncles carriage. It wouldve been too cramped with five people in a single carriage, so Tori volunteered to essentially babysit her cousins and use them as market research for pictionary, charades, and heads-up. She didnt have time to make the bingo cards for traveling, so shed have to work on that while she was home.

They were led into the outer courtyard and, on the steps below the main entrance, three adults were waiting for them. Toris eyes crinkled up as she saw her parents and grandfather with expectant looks on their faces. She smiled. For people shed only known for a few months, shed had them in her heart securely.

The game may be against her, but it didnt leave her helpless. Her lips curled up. That was probably its mistake.

The carriage came to a stop and as soon as it did, the twins threw open the door and shot out.

Gramps! Their screams filled the courtyard as they jumped into the open arms of the Elder Marquis. He laughed and lifted them up, one in each arm, and squeezed them, happy to see his youngest grandchildren.

Tori stepped out of the carriage and before she could take a step towards her grandfather, her parents surrounded her.

Tori, welcome home! Her mothers tight embrace filled her with warmth as she was pulled forward. How was the journey? You must be tired. Its much longer in the winter.

It was just two days longer, Mama. Its fine, Tori said as her mother stepped back and held her at arms length to study her.

Your mother had the cooks prepare your favorites for dinner, her father said as he gave her a hug. Even your favorite dessert.

Half of it is mine! Marco cried out. Tori let out a little snort.

Yes, yes, that was the deal. She rolled her eyes and headed over to greet her grandfather. The door to the first carriage was now open and she watched her Auntie Lucia step down, wearing her down coat.

Oh, my! Its much colder here than I thought it would be. Its good that I brought my coat with me. She wore a smug expression as she looked directly at her older brother.

Toris father frowned as he saw his sister parading in front of them, shamelessly showing off the coat. Lucia, he said in a droll voice. Good to see you.

Gregorio, I cant believe you came outside in such thin clothing, Auntie Lucia let out a small, mock gasp. She gave the marquis a pitiful look. Its a shame you dont have a nice warm coat, like mine.

The corner of the marquis eye twitched. Yes....

Do you like it?

Its-Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Tori designed it, you know. Specifically, with me in mind. Its called the Biancci womens trench. She walked in a circle and the marquis scowled. A nervous Uncle Maurizo rushed to her side.

My love, perhaps we should go inside now. Its getting colder and the sun will set soon.

Maurizo. The marquis voice was low as his blue eyes glared at his brother-in-law. Are you also wearing a trench?

Uncle Maurizo froze for a moment before turning to face the marquis with a weak smile. Ah...yes....Tori made me and her aunt a matching pair.

She saw her parents turn their heads towards her and she quickly hugged her grandfather to avoid their eyes. Gramps, how are you? Have you been busy?

The old man snorted and let his grandsons down before embracing his only granddaughter. Im fine. Suffering from popularity, as always, he said with a lopsided grin. He looked over the top of her head and gave his children an annoyed look. Theyve been traveling all day. Everyone should go inside and relax. He stepped back and urged Tori up the steps. Dinner isnt for some time. Go and take a nap. I will send someone to wake you for dinner.

Thanks, Gramps. By the way, where are Kasey and Sebby? Tori looked around. She expected her brothers to be the first ones to rush up to her after her parents.

I sent them on some business to the garrison, her father said, casually. The Presidio garrison was a half days ride away and usually if someone went, theyd stay the night. Theyll be back for dinner.

Tori nodded and looked back at the carriage. The servants were starting to unload and she pulled away from her grandfather. Can you take that box to the family room? she asked as she pointed to a new trunk about half the size of the one she left with.

Whats inside, my dear? Her mother craned her neck and looked over the trunk.

Its my first time in Horizon, so I bought everyone commemorative gifts. Her parents eyes sparkled with excitement and Tori wondered if Victoria ever bought her poor parents gifts before. It was a minor detail she couldnt remember.

Her grandfather once more urged her to go to her room and rest after her long journey. She was more than happy to do so. She just wanted to rest and not think about the taxing carriage ride, the game, or that weird encounter with Constantine before she left.

Tori planned to just lay down for a moment and then unpack her bag of things before she was called to dinner, but as soon as she laid across her big bed, in her room already warmed by the fire in the hearth, she was out.

It wasnt until she heard knocking on the door and her name being called by a maid that she opened her eyes. The light crystals were glowing a dim yellow light, likely to let her sleep, and the curtains across her windows were pulled closed. There was no light coming from them, meaning it was already dark out.

Its me. Tori furrowed her brows and walked out, across her room, to open the door for Kasen. Her second brother was standing outside her door and he gave her a gentle smile. Youre worried about the balls this week.

She drew her head back and looked at him, wide-eyed. Howd you know? She stepped aside and opened the door wider to let him in.

After Sebastian told you, you became quiet, he said. He walked inside her brightly lit room and took a seat on one of the large, plush chairs in front of the fireplace. He looked up at her with a calm expression. You used to float in midair when you heard there was any sort of gathering to attend. What happened?

Tori had closed the door and walked after him. She sat on the matching chair across from him and let out a low breath. Her eyes rose and met his. I fell off a horse is what happened, she said. She was exhausted just thinking about it. I forgot a lot of things. I forgot a lot of people.

Kasen seemed to take a moment to let her words sink in. He nodded slowly. You can always re-learn them.

Tori shook her head. It isnt just that. I dont remember people, but I do remember how I acted. She gave her brother a wry smile. You cant tell me I was a good person to them.

His eyes narrowed a bit. Are you worried about how youll be treated?

I dont think its necessarily that. I dont remember the people involved, but I know I was rude and unsociable. I wouldnt put it past them to describe me as a bully. I acknowledge my past, but...I am not such a person anymore. After the accident.... She trailed off, unsure how to explain exactly what she was feeling. She didnt want to use Im a different person now. That sounded so shallow, no matter how truthful it was. I am regretful that I was such a horrible person to them, but I dont feel like begging for forgiveness and trying to explain myself.

Then dont. Kasens answer was simple. Even if you feel guilty for your past actions and want to make amends, there is no guarantee that begging for forgiveness or doing anything else will give you that forgiveness. Thats not something they owe you after an apology. It will likely give them a momentary feeling of satisfaction, but youve already hurt them and nothing will change that. What amends can you make for acting...as you did.

Tori nodded. Thats what I thought. If they want to be rude to me or exclude me or pretend I dont exist, I understand. I dont want to have to explain or excuse myself over and over. They know about my accident. Even if I try to explain that I got partial amnesia and have...I dont know, changed my outlook on life, it wont excuse my past actions in any way.

Since your accident last summer, there hasnt been much talk about you that you wouldnt expect. You didnt go out much after you woke and afterwards, you left for Lyce. Id expect them to be curious about how you fared at school. The corner of Kasens lip curled up in a bittersweet smile. Perhaps they hope that youre not doing well.

I did start off on a rather unpopular note, she said with a shake of her head. She looked at her brother and wrinkled her nose. Should I apologize and then leave it at that?

Do you want to?

For herself, no. Tori didnt know these people. However, she lived in this world and had to deal with them, so she needed to be proactive in changing or at least mediating others opinions of her. She didnt need more enemies.

I suppose I should. I did do them harm and nothing will change that, but I should at least apologize for my behavior. Whatever happens after that happens.

Kasen raised a brow as he crossed his legs. Do you think theyll accept your apology?

She let out a muffled snort and shook her head. A wry smile tugged at her lips. No, but that doesnt mean I shouldnt. Since I dont know who exactly I was rude to, if its brought up, Ill respond. I dont plan to engage much with them, anyway.

Her brother leaned over and gently patted her head. Despite what Id like, not everyone in the world will love you.

Tori laughed. I already knew that. Its good enough that I have you and the family and my friends at Lyce.

Kasens eyes filled with joy. Im glad you made friends, Tori. Axton and Benedict told me youre always with them and that you get along well.

She thought about her little circle of friends and smiled to herself. I got really lucky. She looked at her brother curiously. Did you get Instructor Ignatius to spy on me like Axton and Piers?

He gave her a vague shrug and smirked. I needed a set of eyes at Lyce. It was pure coincidence that he happened to be your electives instructor. Cry Baby Benny is more responsible than he looks.

I just heard something I shouldnt have.... Tori pursed her lips. Please dont put too much pressure on him. He really has helped me and he agreed to oversee my crystal experiments.

You make it sound as if Im bullying him. I wouldnt do such a thing. He smiled and Tori couldnt help but think that he would do such a thing. Sebastian on the other hand....

About Sebby, Tori said. She pulled up her legs on to the chair and tucked them to the side, so she could sit against them. Is it true that hes the reason they stopped doing those anniversary tournaments?

148 imperial knights, from newly recruited to veterans, downed in less than a week, without a scratch on him. Kasen confirmed. Theres a reason they call him a monster.

Can Sebby beat Axton?

Her brother scoffed and rolled his eyes. Axton cant even beat me.

Then only Sebby can beat you? Tori chuckled.

There are a few masters, obviously, Kasen told her. She didnt expect him to admit it. Uncle Lorenzo. Im on par with Auntie Lucia, at least when she was practicing. General von Schwert is still the best of the best. I think hes the best swordsman in the empire. Who else...oh. Piers.

Tori jerked her head back. She was doubtful. Piers? Ive never seen him touch a sword.

He started learning from his uncle, General von Schwert, at an early age. Then Axton joined him. When the two went off to the border the first time, Sebastian happened to be in Horizon and taught Piers in his place at the Generals request, Kasen said. This is also the reason why Axton doesnt need to always be around him as a personal guard. He can defend himself for the most part. I believe the second princes guard is almost always with him.

Tori smirked. Well...its not like hell be of any use right now.

Kasen raised a brow. I heard you had a slight tussle with Sir von Dorn and won.

I may have cracked a few ribs, but hes the one who challenged me to that ridiculous duel.

He has no practical experience. Kasen seemed to brush off Fabian completely. Hes fine in one-on-one childrens tournaments, but when it comes to battle...personally, I think they should assign the second prince a more experienced knight.

Im sure hell be fine.

Is he picking on you?

No. If anything, were mutual enemies. Tori narrowed her eyes and glared at the fire. She hadnt said much about it to Kasen; only that she and the second prince didnt get along, but it wasnt anything serious. Despite Gideon being a prince, Kasen didnt seem to have him in his eyes and seemed to regard their animosity as a sort of playground grudge.

I dont think he should be considered for crown prince. Hes not as intelligent or clever as Piers. Its because hes personable and the local nobles like him, Kasen said.

Tori furrowed her brows. Is Piers not well liked?

Youve met him, Kasen said with a knowing look. Hes distant. Hes quiet. Hes not good at dealing with people. Nobles dont feel they can trust him or find his silence unnerving. Theyd rather have someone with the second princes personality, who is more open and amiable. Hes still young, so there is still time for him to show his ability, if any.

While most of the nobility practiced absolute primogeniture, Soleils imperial family did not. As long as the emperor or empress was still in good health and power, they would carefully select the future ruler from their viable heirs. They took into consideration the heirs abilities, intelligence, accomplishments, how well they dealt with their subjects, as well as watched what factions backed them.

In a way, this was a good thing, as it would usually ensure the most suitable heir was then primed to rule. On the other hand, competition could get fierce between siblings and the factions that supported them.

Is there a legitimate chance that the second prince may become the crown prince? Tori asked with some hesitancy.

Kasen frowned. Hed still face formidable opposition. All twelve marches have agreed that Piers is best suited for emperor, even if he is awkward with people. In an empire this large, we cant risk incompetence. The marches would be the first to have to deal with any external problems and we dont need any more than we can handle.

Tori wracked her brain, trying to confirm if the wiki article mentioned Gideon becoming the crown prince. She was almost certain it did and considering her luck, it was going in that direction. How much support does the second prince have?

Many of Horizons local nobles, the wealthy elite of the city, a few counts, viscounts, and barons here and there. We marches try to move as a monolith to influence the court when were constantly distanced from it due to the nature of our positions, but we alone arent enough to secure the chambers favor for Piers. The representative chamber is even worse. Commoners want someone who understands them and is in touch with their needs. Piers...doesnt like dealing with anyone.

Ultimately, its still up to the emperor, but....

But if he chooses an heir to the throne that enough influential people are against, there will be significant backlash, Kasen said with an agreeing nod. Enough of that can de-stabilize the empire. For instance, if the duchies support the second prince and the marches support the first prince, there will be an issue. While we control the military, the duchies are wealthier and their lands supply the majority of food and raw materials to our military. An internal struggle is the last thing we want.

Then, Piers just has to win more influence on his side, Tori said, more to herself than to her brother.

The crown prince must have sizable support. It also plays into how much hell be able to influence his people and how well hell be able to use his power when he takes the throne.

I dont even have to choose a side. Of course, Im going to pick Piers. Like hell I want that douchebag Gideon, who cant separate himself from Alessa for one goddamn second to think straight, to be emperor. Tori scowled at the very idea. Then, Ill throw my support behind Piers.

Kasen grinned. Im sure hell appreciate it.

A small flash of light caught their attention and they looked at the small compact on the round table in front of them. Tori got up immediately.

Its Ilyana. Its time for our nightly call!

Kasen chuckled as he stood up. Then Ill leave you to chat. Don't stay up too late.

He saw himself out as Tori picked up her comcry and slid her finger across the crystal. Hello, did you go riding again today?

Yes! Sonia and I went around the grounds next to the stables. Dont worry, one of the bodyguards was with us, Ilyana said, dutifully reporting her day. What about you? Youve arrived at home, right? What are your plans for this week?

Tori let out a heavy sigh and glanced towards her closet. Apparently, confronting my terrible past.