Chapter 28: Due to an Old Wrist Injury

Chapter 28: Due to an Old Wrist Injury

Do you know how much work that is? Tori sat on a cushioned stool in front of an ornate vanity table. The reflection on the mirror in front of her showed her pretty face with an exasperated expression.

Of course, I know how much work that is. Henriks voice came from the open comcry somewhere amongst the various make-up brushes, hair accessories, and palettes on the table. But no one has had that sort of food before and its delicious. Not to mention that the burritos are easy to eat with no utensils or plates.

The ingredients were imported, Henrik. Theyre too difficult to source; itll be expensive.

Then open an expensive restaurant.

Where patrons dine with their bare hands? Tori asked, raising her brow, and giving the glowing comcry a dubious look. Do you really think that will be popular with the wealthy and the aristocracy?

Henrik was silent for a moment. What if you put the burritos on a plate and then have them cut it with utensils?

Tori opened her mouth to dismiss the idea, but stopped. She often did that when a burrito was too big for her to fit into her mouth or was spilling over or dripping with salsa. She squinted. Thats a valid idea. There were bougie burrito joints in her original world, anyway. She could also expand on the fillings to include local flavors. Food that was brought over from another place often evolved to fit the tastes of the local populace.

She learned that firsthand when trying Chifa.

I can check with the guild to see what information we have on those beans and maize, Henrik said, ready to jump on the idea as soon as Tori gave the approval.

She still let out a heavy sigh and the woman behind her chuckled as she gently wove another blue babys breath into her thick, curly half-braid.

Lets not start so soon. We dont know if we have the time right now. We get our Lyce projects this semester and theyre going to take up much of our time, Tori reminded him.

Lyce projects take into consideration the students background, rank, and abilities. Its obvious that you, Ilyana, and I will be assigned a project based on opening a business of some sort, Henrik replied. If its just opening a business, then opening a restaurant would take care of it and we can make money selling your food.

Tori rolled her eyes. Theyre not going to let three students work together on one project.

If its a large enough project, the school has been known to allow a pair of students to work together, Henrik said. He suddenly paused. Never mind, Ilyana will kill me.

Tori laughed. Lets see what the projects are before we commit to opening a restaurant. Also, we can use grain flour for the tortillas, so if we cant get maize, regular flour is fine. It was much more common and would be much cheaper, though not her preference.

Im going to look into that.

Tori, stop moving your head, the woman behind her said. Tori sat up straight and froze so she could finish decorating her hair.

Henrik, I have to go. I need to finish getting ready for the Prime Ministers party.

Do you have the business cards to give out?

Of course, Im not an animal. Keeping her head steady, she reached over and ended the call. Are we almost done?

The woman behind her was Armandos wife, Csilla. Sebastian had asked for her help to do Toris hair for the evening party, as he seemed to know Tori had just planned to put it in another bun. The couple arrived an hour and a half ago with Istvan, Sebastians godson.

Csilla smiled and made a few small touches to Toris hair before stepping back and letting out a pleased sigh. Its good to have such thick hair.

Its aesthetically pleasing, but a bother to deal with on a daily basis. There was a point where Tori considered cutting it shoulder length, but women generally had long hair in this world and Tori wasnt sure that shed look good with short, curly hair. She decided not to risk it. I always have it in a braid or a bun.

Csilla chuckled. Thats fine for everyday use, but for occasions like this, you must show it off.

Tori didnt know what Csilla did for a living, but she certainly had a way with long, curly hair. Tori turned her head from side to side, admiring the curly, but somehow contained, mass of black hair that cascaded down her back with twisted braids and small flowers woven into it.

This is some wedding day hair. And she did it without hairspray, how the hell.... Tori couldnt help but be impressed.

What do you think? Csilla asked.

I dont know what magic you used to do this, but I need to learn it, Tori said. She turned around and smiled. Thank you, Csilla.

The woman smiled happily and helped adjust Toris dress as she rose from the stool. Tonights dress was another that her mother bought her. It was silver, with a high neckline suitable for the slightly colder weather of Horizon. The hems and collar all had embroidered white flowers with blue crystals embedded in their centers. The sleeves were long and flared out a bit at her wrists. Sewn cleverly into the skirt of the evening gown was a pocket with business cards.

Tori wore the same sapphire jewelry she wore to Count Ferreros ball. Her mother insisted she bring more jewelry with her and Tori agreed to bring one expensive set, then made sure all the dresses she brought with her would go with it.

They walked downstairs with Csilla behind her, holding the sapphire-colored mohair coat that flared at the waist and would nearly reach Toris ankles. It was a new design shed sent to Madam Midstrom sometime during the break. It was a prototype, but Tori thought it matched well with her dress, so she decided to wear it.

Well, what do we have here? Armando and Sebastian were in the parlor with Istvan when Tori reached the foyer. They had a clear view of her and both men rose from the sofas, with Istvan held in one of Sebastians arms. Armando laughed as his eyes crinkled up. I always see her dressed so casually; I sometimes forget shes a noble daughter. Sebastian, with a smile on his face, punched Armando's shoulder with his free arm. Armando winced and shot him a glare. I was complimenting her!

You look beautiful, Tori. Truly, my little sister, Sebastian said, glowing with pride. I almost wish I could come with you to keep any unsightly admirers away.

Tori laughed as Csilla handed her the coat. There arent going to be any admirers.

Do you at least have your dagger? Armando asked. This time, his wife smacked his arm and he rubbed it. Its a safety precaution!

Still, Tori patted the area over her right thigh. Its here. Dont worry, she said with a chuckle as she put her arms through the coat. Besides, Piers will be there.

Sebastians smile seemed to grow a bit colder. Even more reason to worry.

She rolled her eyes. Piers wasnt as incompetent as Sebastian thought. The three adults walked her outside, to where the carriage was waiting for her. Sebastian lifted Istvans chubby baby arm to wave. Say bye-bye to Auntie, Istvan.

The baby gurgled and drooled, but Tori reached forward and gently squeezed his plump, red cheek before getting into the carriage. The door closed behind her and she was off. Two sets of guards were escorting her and Tori looked out the window, watching her brothers flat getting smaller.

They turned and suddenly came to a stop. Tori looked forward and frowned. Was there a problem on the road?

My lady, weve arrived, she heard the driver say.

Tori narrowed her eyes. What?

The door opened and the footman stood to the side, waiting to help her out. Confused, Tori gathered her dress and carefully stepped outside. She looked up and saw the brightly lit facade of a large brick home. She could hear music from within and saw people lining up to enter through a set of large, wooden double doors.

Are we at the right place?

Yes, my lady. This is Prime Minister Guthrys city home, where tonights party is being held.

Without a word, she turned around and looked towards the direction from which she came.

Sebastian was still outside his flat, four houses down the street, waving with Istvan.

Her eyes narrowed. What the fuck, I couldve walked.

My lady, this way, someone called. Tori slowly shook her head at her brother before turning back to the house.

She lined up by herself, feeling a bit out of place as a fourteen-year-old, forty-year-old soul notwithstanding, surrounded by a bunch of older people. She had to remind herself that she wasnt just a regular fourteen-year-old; she was still Marquis Gueveras daughter and having any sort of high ranking noble at a party was welcomed.

As she reached the threshold to the foyer, Tori handed a servant her invitation card. They smiled and welcomed her, telling her that she could leave her coat to the servant on her left. Tori thanked him and walked in.

The inside of the house was spacious, with a high ceiling and bright crystals illuminating the area upon entering. A set of curved stairs was off to the side, but ahead of her were two open double doors leading to the large room where the party was being held. Tori unbuttoned her coat and gave it to the awaiting servant.

She adjusted her cuffs and then took a deep breath. She put on her professional business smile and walked inside with her shoulders back and head up. Toris eyes swept across the room. As expected, the majority of the guests were middle-aged people or older and from the way they were dressed, they came from significant backgrounds.

She responded with a small smile and a polite nod of her head to anyone who made eye contact with her, but quietly circled the perimeter of the room looking for a familiar face.

She mainly needed to find the woman who invited her and thank her for the invitation. Then, Madam Guthry would know she attended. Afterwards, Tori needed to find Piers. Not counting Dimitri, hed probably be the attendee closest to her age. He was quiet and awkward, but she was sure they could find something to talk about, like his Universit project that kept him busy.

Lady Tori! She heard her name and looked around to see who was calling her. A large man with a beaming smile was coming towards her and she smiled warmly.

Guild master! How are you? Tori immediately extended her hand to greet him. Henriks father shook her hand and gave it a familiar squeeze.

Im well! Henrik said you returned. I trust your time with your family was good?

Tori nodded. Yes, it was very good to be home.

He chuckled and gave her a knowing look. And it seems you brought back some recipes.

Tori broke out into a wide smile and laughed. I take it he shared his burritos with you?

The guild master let out a resentful scoff. What share? The boy put a sign that read do not eat on them. It was by chance that I wasnt paying attention when I went to get a snack and ate them. His ruddy cheeks flushed a bit. Henrik still isnt talking to me.

Tori laughed once more, her eyes narrow crescents as she imagined Henriks horror at finding that his precious burritos were gone. No wonder he was pushing for a restaurant so desperately. Did Madam Skuldsen get a chance to try them? Is she here? Tori craned her neck to look past him.

I would first like to test it with a few selected allied nations on a minor stage. Once I tailor the policy, I will bring it to my father to be presented, Piers said. His eyes flickered around and Tori wondered if he was growing anxious with the sudden crowd of people.

My brother was right about you, Tori said, cutting in and trying to lighten the mood. Its no surprise that you entered Universit ranked first. Several people around them nodded and Tori searched past the crowd for a familiar face that she could use as an excuse to get them away from the large crowd. Her eyes settled on an old lady and a smile of relief filled her face. Your Highness, its Madam Martin. We havent greeted her yet.

Oh? Piers followed her gaze. As he did, Tori looked back at the group.

I apologize for cutting this short. I know he can go on and on about policy, Tori said with a small laugh. When Lions Gate has its spring and summer rollout in three months, Ill make sure to make him come. He may have an update by then.

It was a subtle end to the conversation and a few people even stopped to not only receive a business card from Tori, as theyd seen others getting one, but also to praise Piers on his hard work.

Its what I should do, was Piers go-to response, but it was taken very well, as if a sign of both his duty and humility.

Your Highness, I know that you are quite busy, but if you have time, Id like to invite you to a gathering in the spring. Would you be available?

Piers seemed to look at Tori, who was hoping he could read the accept look on her face. If I am able to secure the date early, I will be able to work it into my schedule and attend. Thank you.

Huh, hes not disagreeing, but leaving himself room for a way out if he decides later he doesnt want to go. You really are more capable than I gave you credit for, Piers. Tori nodded in approval and a few more invitations came Piers way, to which he gave similar answers.

As soon as a small path was open for them, Tori began to move forward and Piers, still holding his untouched wine glass, followed closely behind her.

Madam Martin! Tori raised a hand to call the womans attention. The old woman turned around and her face lit up.

Lady Tori! She quickly excused herself from her previous conversation and seemed to walk quickly towards them. Welcome back to Horizon. Albert tells me you had quite a trip.

Yes, I had a lovely time in Presidio.

And you took up cooking imported foods! Madam Martin looked surprised by this. Albert brought home that burrito you made. It was delicious! Oh, but that...the rice...with the bits of meat?

Jambalaya.

Yes! Madam Martins eyes went wide before she closed them and seemed to reminisce about the food. That was absolutely delicious! The entire family was vying for a taste. If I got home any later, I wouldnt have been able to get a bite!

The two chatted and, due to Madam Martins status and reputation, numerous people came to greet her. Madam Martin happily introduced them to Tori, as well as Piers, who she was familiar with as Piers often came to have lunch with Prince Emil.

The cheerful old woman made her rounds around the Prime Ministers party with ten times more skill and experience than Tori had. I have much to learn....

Somehow, she found herself in a group of older men and women not chatting about Lions Gate or Piers Universit project, but retelling some stories from the excursion.

You have to keep in mind, its already getting late and its been dark for some time, Tori said, looking around at the attentive faces. Were resting and our guard is down. Then we hear it. A faint help coming from the pitch darkness of the woods. Of course, we all know that there are over a hundred and fifty other students in the forest with us, along with the instructors and volunteers, but what does Ewan say when he heard it? Tori sighed and shook her head. He thought it was a monster.

The elders laughed and Tori chuckled along with them. Even Piers had a slight smile on his face. She turned her head and caught sight of two narrowed violet eyes glaring at her from across the room. It seemed Gideon saw her. Beside him, Dimitri looked suspicious, but neither made a move to approach her.

She resisted the urge to sneer at them. They had no room to act out in such a setting, even as the second prince and the son of the Prime Minister. She turned her attention back to the older people.

It turned out to be poor Albert, Madam Martins grandson, Tori concluded.

Madam Martin nodded, thoughtfully. I dont know what wouldve happened if they didnt run into Lady Tori and her group. She bound his leg, they gave the boys dry clothes and blankets, not to mention fed them. Which, by the way, was apparently delicious.

It was just dry pasta with cheese and pepper, Tori said, shaking her head.

And you made it, Lady Tori?

Yes, sir, I did.

Thats quite surprising. There arent many noble daughters who can cook, a woman said, curious.

Its not so much about cooking, but about tasting, Tori said. If I had to depend on someone my whole life to cook for me, Id be very limited to that persons experience. We now have access to imported fruits and vegetables; who wouldnt want to see what we could make with them?

Guild master Skuldsen took that moment to jump back into the conversation and steer the groups attention towards Toris recent dishes and how she should open a restaurant. Everyone seemed interested and at the end of the night, Tori was seriously considering the restaurant.

I think he got me, Tori said as she and Piers looked for Madam Guthry in order to take their leave. Now I really want to open a restaurant.

Ill be your customer.

Id have to return the favor and let you eat for free.

Good, you eating so much at Cafe Fortuna is paying off. Tori shot him a glare. She was about to take back the offer when she caught sight of Madam Guthry.

She quickened her pace to reach them and began to say her good-byes.

Already? Madam Guthry looked surprised and the Prime Minister gave her a look.

Lady Tori is still a student and tomorrow, they are moving back to the dorms. He reminded his wife.

Oh, thats right....

Your Highness, are you leaving, too? The Prime Minister asked. He furrowed his brow. Shall I ask for someone to call your brother?

My brother has already left, Prime Minister. For the same reason as Lady Tori; he is also returning to the dorms tomorrow and tends to procrastinate, Piers said in a calm voice.

The Prime Minister chuckled and raised his hand to Piers. In that case, it was a pleasure having you, Your Highness. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Toris heart froze as she watched Piers stand there, not moving to take his hand. She inwardly screamed. The Prime Minister had a favorable impression. She swallowed hard. She wasnt going to let that go to waste.

Prime Minister Guthry, Im afraid His Highness is unable to shake hands due to an old wrist injury. Its difficult enough with his writing and wrist cramping up every so often, Tori said.

Oh! The Prime Minister looked a bit embarrassed and withdrew his hand. He looked back at Piers and gave him a nod. My apologies, Your Highness. I completely understand. All those forms and papers...it doesnt cease.

No need for an apology. Thank you for your hospitality tonight, Prime Minister, Madam Guthry. He looked at the older woman and gave her a small smile. I hope you are able to attend Lady Toris spring event, Madam. Tori drew her lips inward. Stoic Piers was handsome, but standoffish. Smiling Piers was handsome and charming.

Madam Guthry was taken for a moment and blinked. I...yes! Yes, I will be there! She grabbed on to her husbands arm and squeezed. Wont we, Anton?

Her husband patted her hand and chuckled. Yes, of course.

Madam Guthry, dont forget to leave your measurements at the store, Tori said as she stepped forward and slyly slipped a card into her hand. She leaned closer to whisper. When I get the prototypes for the outerwear designs, I will have to call on you for your opinion.

The woman looked very happy with this and grasped Toris hand, squeezing it affectionately and nodded. I would love to come give it! Thank you, Lady Tori. I look forward to it.

The Prime Minister and his wife walked them outside the door and called for the carriages before returning. As the two waited at the front steps, Tori contemplated just walking down the street.

How did you do it? Piers suddenly asked behind her.

Do what? Tori asked, eying her brothers flat a few houses down.

Everyone was talking to you, he said. If they didnt know your name before, they know now.

Tori barely held back a smile. Friendly greeting and introduction, compliment to put them at ease, share a bit about yourself, then ask them to speak about themselves and their interests, and theyll naturally open up.

Piers raised a brow. Youre good at this.

Hahaha...yeah.... Im the daughter of a marquis. I should know this much, right? Her brothers carriage stopped in front of her and Piers stepped forward to open the door before the footman could step down. Tori prepared to grab the handle on the side to pull herself up, but Piers held his hand out.

She stared at it for a moment, as if unsure what it was doing in front of her. He didnt seem to lower it and so, she put her hand in it and quickly stepped into the carriage. It bounced as she took her seat inside. The door closed.

Will you come with me next time? Piers voice reached her and she leaned forward. He stood outside and looked through the window, up at her.

Next time?

To the parties Im invited to.

She blinked and drew her head back. If he was thinking of going to more parties, that meant more exposure and an increase in his reputation with various parties. She nodded and smiled. Let me know when.

A small smile appeared on Piers lips and he lowered his head in a small bow. He stepped back as the carriage jerked forward.

Tori settled back into the seat. Tonight wasnt bad at all. Not only did the Prime Minister and his wife seem to have a very favorable impression of her, but they also had a favorable impression of Piers. If he could get more support like this in the future, then Gideon would have quite the competition for crown prince.

Tori smirked. Not a bad game plan, Tori. Good hustle.