Chapter 44: That’s a Stupid Reason to Get Drunk

Chapter 44: That’s a Stupid Reason to Get Drunk

You can pack. I can go without you.

Senior Kasen told me to watch you.

Are you Senior Kasens knight or mine?

Yours, but you wont kill me. They will.

Gideon heard the voices of his brother and Sir Nassaun around the corner and quickened his speed. He came for a family dinner with his parents the night before, but his brother and his godbrother, Sir Axton Nassaun, werent at the table.

His mother distractedly told him that they had a prior engagement and couldnt make it. Gideon had been disappointed. Though they went to school near each other, he hardly saw his esteemed older brother. Piers only came to the big family dinners once a month and when he did, hed usually sit at the other end of the table with their Great Uncle.

Gideon rarely had a chance to speak to him. Since he was leaving that afternoon, he thought hed miss his brother yet again, but it seems he was lucky.

He rounded the corner and saw the broad shoulders of his brother and Sir Nassaun walking towards the gatehouse. Gideons eyes widened. Piers! His brother paused and looked over his shoulder. Their eyes met and his brother gave him a small nod before turning forward and continuing on his way. Gideon began to run. Wait! Where are you going?

Piers continued walking without looking back. I have an appointment today.

Is it by Lyce? I need to go back.

No, its not, Piers said. Axton stepped a bit to the side, as if to allow a space between him and Piers so Gideon could squeeze between them.

Is it far from here? Gideon continued earnestly. He didnt hide that he was interested in spending time with his brother. Piers was aloof and always busy. If Gideon didnt put in an effort, hed never get to say a word to him.

In the twelfth district. Im getting a suit made for Mothers birthday banquet. Piers paused for a second and glanced down at him. Youre at the age where youre growing quickly. You should get re-measured and order another.

A wide smile filled Gideons face. His brother had noticed he had gotten taller! He nodded energetically. Yes, Ill do that!

Piers gave him a subtle nod of approval. Gideon lived for those. No one else in the empire had a more outstanding brother than him. A top student his entire life, a talented swordsman, and a kind, but firm person. If only his brother wasnt so averse to being around other people, he wouldve made an excellent crown prince and emperor.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

However, Piers hated doing anything remotely social. His only friend was Axton and unless he was talking about policies, trade, or had thoughts on diplomatic relations, Piers answered in short, clipped sentences. The fact that he told Gideon to get re-measured for a suit elated him.

I think you should also get additional suits for the lunches and dinners this summer, Axton said, suddenly, from his right. Gideon furrowed his brows and looked at his godbrother.

Lunches and dinners? His notoriously unsociable brother wouldnt attend such things. If it wasnt an important imperial function that required his presence, Piers wouldnt set foot in a ballroom.

The corner of Axtons lip curled into a small smirk. He has been attending more functions lately. Havent you noticed?

Gideon narrowed his eyes. He remembered his surprise at seeing his brother at the Prime Ministers evening party months ago. Had Piers attended others since then? His lips fell into a frown. Was it because of Lady Guevera?

That selfish girl didnt seem to have any restraint. It was one thing to lead around her little commoner friends in Lyce, but to take advantage of his brother because of Piers connection to her brothers? She was going too far. Piers was not there for her to use as a prop to help her advertise and sell her ridiculous coats to the aristocracy.

His face was dark as he looked back at his brother. You dont have to go if you dont want to.

His brothers expression didnt change. Who said I dont want to?

Gideon tilted his head to the side. He didnt expect that from Piers. His brother had turned nineteen in the second month and for all those years, Gideon knew his brother didnt like going to social events.

Piers hated being around too many people.

He disliked loud atmospheres.

He didnt like to be touched and if someone got too close, hed involuntarily step away. If he didnt and was uncomfortable for too long, hed start to get very anxious and lash out if he couldnt leave the situation quickly. Why would Piers put himself in such a stressful position?

The only reason Gideon could think of that would change his brothers mind was that Lady Guevera was putting pressure on him and making him go. Many people, including himself, knew that his brothers famous Lyce project restoring aqueducts received a lot of help from Lord Kasen Guevera and that his brothers skill with a sword was sharpened by Lord Sebastian Guevera.

It was clear that their younger sister was using them as leverage to control his brother.

Is it because of Lady Guevera? he asked, but he already knew the truth. He didnt seem to notice Axton raising a brow at him. He kept his eyes on his brothers stoic face.

They walked in silence for a few more steps before Piers answered. It is.

I knew it! Gideons face reddened. He clenched his hands at his side. A girl like Lady Guevera was remorseless in using other people. Her circle of friends included the city guild masters son, who he heard managed all the paperwork for her store. It also included Agafonova, one of the richest girls in the school, who was always sent to fetch Lady Guevera's lunch.

Not to mention Agafonova was the likely reason Lady Gueveras rank had risen so dramatically. It was obvious that she was using her so-called friends and was now using his brother for clout.

They reached the open doorway to the gatehouse and as they stepped out, Axton went to tell one of the servants to fetch a carriage instead of Snow Queen.

As they stood there, waiting, Gideon stepped in front of his brother.

You dont have to listen to her, he said in a firm voice. His brothers indifferent, violet eyes lowered and met his, but he said nothing. Gideon swallowed hard and continued on. I know you feel you owe her brothers for how much theyve helped you in the past, but that doesnt mean you owe her.

Piers head tilted ever so slightly. His eyes narrowed just a bit. You think I owe her?

No! Thats what Im saying! You dont owe her. Gideon tried to explain. He lifted a hand and ran it through his short silver hair. She has no right to ask anything of you!

I am aware.

Then dont force yourself to go to those lunches and dinners, Gideon said as he lowered his arms helplessly at his sides. I know you dont like being around a lot of people. It makes you anxious. He looked down, wishing he could keep Lady Guevera away from his benevolent older brother.

It is something I need to learn to do, Piers said in a slow, measured voice. There is nothing for you to worry about.

How can I not worry about you? Gideon said, his eyes reddening. Youre my brother!

Since he was a child, his parents had told him that Piers was sensitive and shouldnt be bothered. He complained that he wanted to play with his brother, whom he always heard was brilliant, but his parents and the other adults around him told him that Piers didnt like being around other people for too long.

He was only six the first time he saw Piers become overwhelmed at a function and run out, yelling. Axton had run after him. Gideon was both worried and curious, so he followed them. He found his brother curled up on sofa in the library, eyes closed and counting slowly with Axton.

Until that moment, Gideon always saw his brother as composed, disciplined, and elegant. Piers was quiet and didn't speak much. When he did, people stopped to listen. He was the very picture of a young prince that Gideon aspired to be. Seeing his brother breaking under pressure he couldnt control was an image that lingered with Gideon.

He had decided that he could no longer be so insistent on forcing his whims on Piers. He didnt want to upset his brother. He didnt want his esteemed brother to dislike him.

Gideon accepted that Piers was different and would go through his life doing what he wanted. No one in the family made Piers do otherwise, though his brother still tried to do the duties expected of him. The most Gideon could do was hope that one day his brother would overcome the anxiety he felt.

Having Axton around did seem to help Piers, but Gideon would never really know for sure, as Piers declined all social invitations. When he had to make an appearance at an imperial function, Piers stayed rooted in his seat, went off to find a dark, secluded corner, or simply left the venue as soon as he could and avoided talking to others.

That was why it was such a big shock to see his brother at the evening party, which had fifty to sixty guests.

Gideon, his brothers low, smooth voice spoke up. I will make my own choices. You should worry about your own.

One of the white imperial carriages was brought to the gatehouse and slowed to a stop in front of them. The footman jumped down to open the door and Piers stepped inside.

Where are we heading to, Sir Nassaun? the driver asked. Gideon looked over towards Axton.

Take him to the flat of Training Commander Reystrom in the Academic Quarter, Axton said. Then take them to the twelfth district. Daybreak Garden.

Yes, sir.

Axton stepped back and looked towards the carriage. The curtains were pulled open, and Axton walked towards one of the windows and knocked on it. Piers gave him a questioning look from inside and then opened the window.

With a serious look on his face, Axton spoke up. Dont do anything questionable that will give me trouble.

Gideon squinted. He couldve sworn his brother almost smirked. Even if I did, its not as if you can stop me. He looked towards the front of the carriage. Go!

Tori always felt she made really good friends and that extended to this world, as well.

No...you take it. Ilyana pushed the dark metallic gray, palm-sized crystal forward. Youre going out today.

You drank more than me. Tori pushed the hematite back at her. Just use it. She thought she was past her days of getting drunk at house parties. She was forty inside and knew better, at least she hoped.

Yet, she had drunk that sparkling sweet wine at Henriks birthday party the night before as if it was water without realizing it. Maybe it was the relief of final exams being over, coupled with her completed end-of-term Lyce project report that made her indulge more than usual. Or maybe it was because she felt so comfortable around the group that gathered that she didnt restrain herself.

Whatever the reason, she and the others had gotten drunk, and it was up to Axton and Piers to be the responsible adults.

Last night started normally. She had arrived before dinner at Henriks house with the new coffee-infused frozen custard shed worked on at Cafe Fortuna. Mama Js youngest son, who was a pastry chef student, helped her. Shed also brought her favorite strawberry gelato and plain frozen custard in coolers, which were wooden boxes with slabs of ice calcite to keep the items cold, though not freeze them over. She asked Instructor Ignatius for his help, and he was more than happy to aid her.

Henriks parents happily welcomed her into their house. Of her local friends, Henrik was the most well-off and it showed. His house was similar to her Auntie Lucias: multi-storied with a yard and on a relatively major street in the eleventh district. It was kept up well and had plenty of rooms.

Tori also discovered that Henrik had a younger sister who looked similar to him: straight, thin blonde hair, brown eyes, and an air of disinterest. When she asked why no one told her about Henriks sister, Sonia said that the two werent very close. She, JP, and Ewan hardly had any contact with Henriks sister.

Henrik and Annika, who was a year younger, didnt seem to have any interest in each other. She was present at the party, but didnt hang around them despite being so close in age. She only said two things to Tori: Its an honor to meet you, my lady and thank you for the frozen custard; its delicious, which was said before she left to go to her friends house down the street.

After they had a nice, formal meal at the dining table, Henrik took them to the parlor to play some games. That was when Axton and Piers arrived. Henrik forgot to tell his parents that they were coming after dinner, and when the first prince and his knight showed up, Tori could almost see the guild masters soul leaving him.

Henriks parents scrambled to prepare snacks and beverages fitting enough to serve to a member of the imperial family despite Axtons protests. That was how the expensive sparkling wine appeared before them.

Axton nursed a glass the rest of the evening, as he was on Toris team with Ewan and Albert, and seemed to want to win. Piers, who once more was keeping score and calling time, didnt drink at all.

Ilyana had also seemed to like the wine and kept refilling Toris glass. Tori had continuously drank, not thinking much about it.

Tori narrowed her eyes as she replayed last nights memories in her head. Now that she thought about it, the wine was good, but not good enough for her to drink it like water. She drank it like water because they were yelling and screaming over the games and her throat was parched. She was too distracted to ask for water.

Well, thats a stupid reason to get drunk, Tori.

Piers had called for the end of the games when Ilyana had fallen asleep against Sonia, who was wedged between Ilyana and JP, who had also fallen asleep. Albert had looked ready to pass out at any moment and Henrik was drunkenly arguing with Ewan about whether or not a particular writer was a source of a quote. Ewan was correct.

Guild master Skuldsen and his wife had prepared rooms for them, but Tori had shaken her head and refused to be a burden. Their house only had so many beds. Tori had insisted that she could take Ilyana and herself back.

Sure, her motor skills were impaired and there was no way she could carry Ilyana back to Lyce by herself, but she didnt want to trouble the couple. Shed have to use a rental carriage. Then she needed to get Ilyana from the carriage to their dorm. That posed another possible problem.

Concerned that they could get in trouble for returning to Lyce drunk, her clouded mind had tried to come up with another solution. They could go to a nearby inn, but Tori didnt want to do that after what almost happened with Ilyana during winter break. Tori's second choice was to call her aunt, but then, she worried about what her aunt would say. It was already late and stumbling home drunk wouldnt make for a good impression on Marco and Mateo.

In the end, Tori called Nanny Rey. She remembered blubbering to Piers and Axton with drunken confidence that Nanny wont sell me out. Tori cringed at the memory. They wouldnt know what that meant, but she was drunk, so she hoped theyd ignore it.

Axton and Piers had taken her and Ilyana to Nanny Reys flat in a rental carriage. Axton had to carry Ilyana in. Tori vaguely remembered moving away from Piers when he tried to steady her and telling him no, you dont like touchy. She had trouble getting into the carriage by herself and finally, Axton lifted her up and put her on the bench next to Ilyana with orders not to move.

He and Piers then escorted the carriage on horseback. Nanny Rey had been waiting outside for them, looking worried. She had rushed forward and nearly threw open the door when the carriage stopped.

Tori remembered her nanny telling Axton and Piers that shed take care of the two and for them to go home after Axton heaved Ilyana over one shoulder and half dragged Tori inside.

He had helped them into the parlor before leaving. Nanny Rey then brought Ilyana to the spare bedroom with Toris help. At least, Tori thought she was helping. They had managed to get Ilyana on the spare bed, but before she could make it to Nanny Reys bed, Tori had fallen asleep on the floor and somehow robbed Ilyana of a blanket.

When Tori woke up, she was on Nanny Reys bed, wrapped in a blanket with a dry mouth and a throbbing headache. It was well past mid-morning when Nanny Rey finally came to wake them and usher them to the kitchen to eat something. The two now sat there in a daze as they tried to deal with their hangovers.

Ilyana tried to shake her head to refuse the crystal, but winced. Tori took the crystal and leaned over, placing it on Ilyanas forehead, just between her brows. Ilyanas tense shoulders eased. Thank you, Tori.

Hold it against your head, Tori said. Ilyana did as she was told, and Tori sat back down.

What time is His Highness coming to get you? Ilyana asked. Her eyes were still closed as she leaned back against the chair. They were seated at a small kitchen table in Nanny Reys flat and the warm scent of beef stew wafted from the stove.

After lunch, Tori said, gently rubbing her temples. Do you want us to drop you off at Lyce?

No! I cant intrude!

Tori narrowed her eyes and looked over at her. Intrude on what?

On your outing with His Highness!

Were going to get measured and order clothes for his mothers birthday banquet. Lyce is on the way. Well drop you off.

Ilyana shifted beside her and drew in her lips. Actually, I dont plan on leaving yet. My headache hurts and my eyes...hurt. Im going to stay here a little longer.

She knew what Ilyana was doing, but didnt want to argue.

My angels, drink this. Nanny Rey placed two bowls of thick stew in front of them. It will help.

They didnt refuse and reached for the spoons. Slurping sounds filled the kitchen as Nanny Rey lectured them on the hazards of drinking. Every now and then, the two would mutter an apology or a reassurance that it wouldnt happen again.

Nanny, can I have another bowl? Ilyana asked. Tori was about to ask as well, when a knock came from the door.

Nanny Rey went to answer it and Tori let out a heavy breath, knowing who it was. Good afternoon, Your Highness.

Training Commander. Piers said.

My angel, His Highness is here for you! Nanny Rey walked back into the kitchen and Tori could see Piers peering inside.

Okay, Im going to go, Tori said. She looked at Ilyana. Rest here until you feel better. Ilyana gave her a small, tired nod.

I will make sure she rests, Nanny Rey said as she put Toris spring cloak around her shoulders. And I will see her off to Lyce myself.

Thank you, Nanny. Tori hugged the old woman before walking to the door. Piers greeted her with a small nod.

Your Highness, she heard Nanny Rey say behind her. She didnt say anything else, and Tori looked over her shoulder just in time to see a cold, dangerous look on the old womans face. She furrowed her brows, but before she could ask questions, Piers ushered her out and to the carriage.

She climbed inside and immediately reclined on the seat bench. Piers followed and sat across, on the opposite bench. The footman closed the door and Piers ordered them to go.

You didnt get much sleep? There was a slight smile on Piers lips and Tori shot him a glare.

I got plenty of sleep, Tori said in a sharp voice. Sleeping was not a problem. She paused and shut her eyes tight as she leaned against the back of the carriage. Drinking too much was the problem.

She heard a muffled laugh in front of her and, if her head didnt throb, she would've sat up and glared at him. Why didnt you use a crystal to ease your headache? Hematite works, doesnt it?

I gave it to Ilyana. Shes also hungover.

I told you not to drink too much last night.

I didnt think I did! She grimaced as she sat up quickly and lifted her hand to rub her head. I was thirsty, so I kept drinking.

Now you are hungover.

Im surprised you know what that is.

Axton has been hungover.

But not you?

I am sensible. Despite herself, she shot him a glare. Piers looked pleased with himself. He reached into his pocket and took out two smooth, thumb-sized pieces of hematite. He leaned forward, with one in each hand, and held them out. Come here, he said. Ill make you feel better.