Chapter 55: Does Your Mom Know Your Plan?

Chapter 55: Does Your Mom Know Your Plan?

She couldnt wait to tell Ilyana that she spent her birthday on a boat, cruising Kings Harbor, and gorging on the freshest seafood on the western side of the empire. On the day they scheduled to celebrate her birthday, it was just the OTuaghs and Gueveras left at Moss Hill, allowing for a small, relaxed celebration.

The morning started with a full breakfast and gifts from the family, which were something Tori didnt expect as she wasnt at home in Presidio. She received a few dresses, some pearl jewelry, bags of dried goods to bring with her to the delta, and a small wooden carving of her dungeon crawl character, a warlock. It was accompanied by a drawing Ava made of their party.

Tori had carefully placed it in a spare leather folio and planned to have it framed and put on her desk at the dorm.

After breakfast, they took a carriage to Kings Harbor and got on the familys ship to lazily cruise the harbor. Kasen brought her watercolors and she and her little cousins made and then traded a few paintings. They had lunch on the ship and were headed back for dinner.

She was told that after dinner, she would get a massage and hot bath before bed. Being pampered was an excellent way to end the day. Tori was sure Ilyana wouldnt lecture her about taking a rest now.

How are you handling your motion sickness? Andy approached her as she sat by the railing on the bow of the OTuagh familys private schooner that ferried them around the harbor area.

Tori lifted her left hand to show the firmly tied ribbon around her wrist. A small, smooth crystal was pressed against her acupoint to help with her sea sickness. Its not a problem anymore! she said with satisfaction.

Andy chuckled and sat down next to her. He slid his legs between the railing and let them hang over the edge as he leaned forward and rested his arms on the rails.

Thats good, because we just found out that Sea Siren II will reach the Cosora Delta tomorrow. They didnt stop at any of the usual ports and went directly from Kings Harbor as soon as the weight capacity was almost reached. It took a large, weighted down, shipping vessel like that a week to get that far. How long do you think itll take one of our brigs to get there without that much cargo?

Tori wrinkled her nose and thought. I dont know? Maybe itll save a day?

Hmm...I dont know, either, Andy said with a nod. He looked down at her and smiled. Do you want to find out for yourself?

She sat up straight. What do you mean?

I mean I have another three weeks before I need to report back, and Deidres Ocean Queen is just sitting there at the dock, available for use at any moment, Andy said as his smile grew wider. Do you want to take Ocean Queen back to the Cosora Delta?

Shell let us take her ship? Tori looked at him with wide eyes. Deidre was a captain in the OTuagh navy and was thus an accomplished sailor. Tori didnt think shed lend out her personal ship, which was an engagement gift from Eili, so easily.

Andy nodded. I asked. She said its fine and had it checked. Kasen will come with us and well drop him off at Tres Arcos, which is the closest port to Presidio. From there, its about three days to Presidio by land, but its still several days faster than traveling by carriage from here.

Im not in any rush to get back, Tori said. I scheduled a little over two weeks for a journey back.

Well, you dont have to go back by ship. I just thought it would be a nice experience and you can see some of the larger port cities along the coast on the way to the delta. Mezzaluna is lovely and on a clear day, you can see the Temple Mountain from Karap.

Karap? The town brought to mind Constantine, though technically he was from Temple Mountain. He always spoke highly of the town below the mountain and encouraged her to see it. Tori chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully.

It would be fun to check out coastal towns. And if she traveled back by ship, it would not only save her time, but shed avoid Chetterswickshire and another possible run-in with Alessa. She knew Alessa left several days earlier, after the succession ceremony, by carriage. It was highly unlikely theyd cross paths at sea.

Of course, if we do stop at the coastal towns, well lose time and youll reach the delta at your scheduled time, Andy said.

Ive never been to the coastal towns in Sur.... Tori trailed off and Andy grinned.

Is that a yes? he asked, coaxing. Tori tried to hold back a smile and nodded.

If it can be arranged, lets go back that way.

Andy let out a hoot of approval before rubbing her head with his hand. You made an excellent choice! He pulled himself up and got to his feet. I told you shed say yes! You owe me a drink, Kasen! Andy shouted above her as he walked towards the center of the ship.

Tori snorted as she looked over her shoulder, but remained seated and continued kicking her feet over the edge. A week or so long journey would be a nice adventure before returning to the delta. She nodded to herself, satisfied with this turn of events.

When they returned to Moss Hill, Tori immediately went to find her parents to let them know of the change of plans. Her parents were on the terrace with her grandparents and the former Marquis OTuagh when she reached them.

Tori! How was the harbor cruise? Lawrence said as he looked up from where he was talking to her parents.

It was great! We did some watercolors on the boat.

Thats wonderful. Her mother smiled. Dinner is still another two hours or so away. Why dont you go up and rest until then?

I will, but first I wanted to tell you that Andy offered to take me back to the Cosora Delta by ship. Its faster and I can visit some other port towns on the way there, Tori said with some excitement.

Her mothers smile didnt falter, but her father frowned. But you were going to travel back part way with us.

Gregorio, why dont you and Antonia go with them by ship? Your carriages can return on their own, cant they? Lawrence said. Take some of the knights with you. The rest will go with Uncle back to Presidio by carriage.

Why do I have to go back by carriage while everyone else leaves by boat? Toris grandfather looked over at them and frowned.

Her grandmother chuckled and gently patted Gramps hand. My love, you get terribly seasick.

Tori drew in her lips and bit them as Gramps scowled at the reminder. Gramps, you can come, too.

No, no...your Grammie is right....Ill only suffer.

I can tie a crystal against your...uh...energy point on your wrist to try to relieve the sea sickness, Tori said, lifting up her wrist that still had the ribbon around it. It was working very well for her.

I appreciate the offer, my sweet girl, but someone does have to go and make sure all the carriages and whatnot return to Presidio, Gramps said, giving her a soft smile. We can try next time.

Tori nodded and looked at her parents. Mama, Papa, do you want to go with us? Ill talk to Cousin Andy about it. We were going to drop off Kasen at Tres Arcos and hed take a carriage back to Presidio from there.

Its only a few days away from Tres Arcos, Antonia said, looking at her husband, apparently approving of the suggestion. Even if we stopped at a few ports on the way so Tori can sightsee, its still faster than going over the mountains by land.

Gregorio rubbed his chin and nodded slowly. I suppose youre right. Well have to let Sebastian know to send a carriage to Tres Arcos, then.

Toris eyes widened. Oh, perhaps, he can meet us there! Can he leave Presidio if the rest of the family is away?

Her father nodded. Yes, as long as its not for too long.

Then, he can meet us at Tres Arcos and come with me to the delta from there. Tori beamed. She was sure Sebastian would be pleased with the plan.

From the table, her parents and grandfather appeared confused. Gregorio knit his brows together and leaned towards her.

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Tori nodded. Its faster by ship than by carriage. It would save him some time.

Her fathers eyes narrowed. Did he plan on visiting?

She nodded once more. Yes, hes going to observe some crystals being installed around one of the islands.... She trailed off and her smile fell. Did...did Sebby not tell you?

Her father frowned. What was he supposed to tell us?

Oops.... Tori pursed her lips. Hes going to come to the delta after you get back from the ceremony.

Her father froze and her mother narrowed her eyes. When did he say this? her mother asked with a hint of irritation in her voice.

I need to call Sebby as soon as this conversation is over. When we talked while I was still in the delta, just before Kasey and I left. Master Ramos is going to be there for a project and Sebby wanted to come.

Her father released the coffee cup he was holding and looked at her mother. Darling, you continue to talk. I have to make a call.

Tori winced and took a step back. Im going to go rest! She turned around and ran back inside, reaching into her pocket for her comcry. As she shot out into the hall, she slid her finger across the crystal and whispered. Call Sebastian de Guevera!

With some luck, she was able to get through to her brother before their father could.

Tori-

Sebby, why didnt you tell Mama and Papa youre going to come to the delta! Tori rushed out her words as she cowered in a corner to try to keep her conversation hidden.

Tori, we appreciate your hard work, but you dont have to focus on the delta or Lions Gate every day.

Im pacing myself.

You need to rest. You cant keep trying to do everything while youre supposed to be enjoying time with your family, Ilyanas voice came from the comcry, sounding both frustrated and tired.

I am resting, Tori said confidently as she laid on her bed, staring at the canopy. Just today, I didnt have any meetings or meals with people in regard to the delta or Lions Gate or for socio-political purposes. I just spent today indoors, taking naps, and reading.

Ilyana was quiet for a moment. What were you reading?

Toris eyes darted around the room and landed on a ledger and several stacks of leather file folders on her desk. She wasnt lying. She did spend the day taking naps and reading. Its just that she was reading notes, quotes, estimates, and invoices to finalize a budget for her project for the next three years.

Nonfiction.

You were working on your project! Ilyanas voice echoed in the room, filled with disapproval. I knew it!

I wanted to finalize the budget before school starts, Tori said, pouting. You dont understand; we just selected and signed all the suppliers for construction supplies. Coupled with the pay for hired workers and staff that has already been fixed, the quotes for artisan and fishing supplies, and the costs for day-to-day living for everyone on the delta, I have made a suitable budget!

You are supposed to be enjoying your time with your family.

I am enjoying my time! Ive been playing with the kids. I went out on a boat and got an introduction into sailing. I explored Kings Harbor and ate a bunch of good food; Ive been enjoying my time greatly!

All right, Ilyana still sounded suspicious. Perhaps I shouldnt say enjoy and say rest.

Tori cringed. I rest at night.

I bet you stay up late and then get up early.

The sun is already up by the time I get up.

The sunrise is earliest in the summer months, Tori. Have you been going to sleep after our calls? Ilyana always called at a specific time and would tell Tori to go to sleep after their call was finished. It was her way of trying to remind Tori to sleep, just like when they were in the dorm, Ilyana would make her turn off the light crystals to encourage Tori to rest.

But Ilyana wasnt there to stop her.

Sometimes, Tori said. There was that time I was playing with the kids and one night, we went out on the boat to stargaze from the water. But most of the time, Tori was working on something for her project or Lions Gate, and didnt want to admit it.

She heard Ilyana sigh heavily once more. How many more days do you have until you leave?

We leave the day after tomorrow. Im almost all packed, Tori told her. Well be on a boat for the next week or so.

At least I know youll spend time exploring those ports as opposed to shutting yourself in a cabin and looking over paperwork. There was a deep resignation in Ilyanas voice and Tori rolled her eyes.

The budget is pretty much done. After this, its just making sure that things go according to plans and following up when they dont, Tori said, confident. At most, Ill need to make a few calls just to check in with the project leads at the delta. The rest of the time, Ill be enjoying my trip back. Itll be relaxing.

Hmm....

Tori gave her comcry a deadpan expression. You dont believe me.

Your record makes it difficult to, in this case, Ilyana replied. Do your brothers know you overwork yourself?

Ilyana, Im not overworking myself, Tori stated one last time. Im taking breaks. Trust me.

Cousin Tori, you have to believe me. Ava looked absolutely serious as she looked up at Tori. I will come visit you next summer at the delta.

Tori looked at her with some concern. Does your mom know you plan to cross the empire to get to the Cosora Delta?

Ava was quiet for a moment and seemed to think as she bit her lower lip. She then looked back at her cousin and reached for Toris hand. She took it and gently patted it. I will figure it out.

Bridget raised a brow as her daughter clung to Tori as they stood on the familys Moss Hill dock, which was down a series of well-kept, but narrow set of stairs that almost zig-zagged across the cliff below the castle. They had to walk across the garden to get to a gate house and then down the stairs.

There was a wooden railing, but just beyond it was a drop over the cliff and jagged rocks. Tori had kept one hand on the stone face of the wall, trying to keep as far from the edge as possible. The children had happily bounced down the stairs without a care. Tori had stared at them in horror as Bridget tried to assure her that the children were fine and were used to the stairs.

The Moss Hill dock was a jetty that had a wooden dock jutting out into the harbor. A schooner was waiting to take them out to deeper water, where Deidres fully rigged, red and black ship with brilliant white sails, Ocean Queen, was waiting. Their things had already been brought on board and a full staff was waiting for them.

All that was left was for the Gueveras to board.

Ava, well discuss whether you can go to the Cosora Delta when we look over your studies this year, Avas father, Baldwin, said with a stern look. Ava slumped forward, as if already defeated by her academic performance.

Ava, if you cant come next summer, then come when I graduate Lyce, Tori said as she knelt down in front of the little girl. I am hoping to have a small home on the delta by then. You and your cousins can stay with me, all right?

The child tilted her head back and let out a groan. Thats too far! Ill be old by then!

Then you can stay, and Maeve and I will go, Aiden said as he smirked. Ava shot him a glare and pointed at him.

You dare!

All right. Tori bent down and plucked up the child into her arms. I have to go now, so give me a hug.

Ava threw her arms around Toris neck and buried her face against her shoulders. Call me to play dungeon crawl.

Once a month. Ive scheduled it with your mother.

Ava kept her face buried against Tori and her small shoulders began to shake. The other two children who were waiting their turn to hug Tori looked at each other and then towards Ava.

Ava, Maeve said in a careful voice. Are you cry-

Youre crying! Ava shouted in a broken voice. Tori stroked her back and kissed the side of her head.

Ill miss you, too, baby, Tori said softly. Ava sniffled as Bridget pried her off and held her against her hip. Tori hugged Aiden and Maeve, who said they would study hard to be able to visit. Then, I look forward to it.

She bid her cousins good-bye and hugged Grammie and Gramps tight before climbing on to the schooner. They untied the ship and Tori stood to the side, waving at the family she was leaving behind as she watched them get smaller and smaller.

Did you have fun? her brother asked behind her. Tori nodded as she lowered her arms. She remained watching the dock.

I did, Tori replied. I saw many things and learned a lot.

Good, Kasen said. You were working almost as much as me.

She let out a small scoff. As if anyone can work as much as you, she said as she gave her brother some side-eye. Kasen chuckled.

They reached the side of the Ocean Queen and carefully crossed over onto the other ship. Once they were all on board, the schooner headed back to the dock. Tori looked towards Moss Hill sitting firmly on the emerald hill just beyond the cliff.

As she watched the stone castle fade into the horizon the further away they sailed, Tori squinted. Sometimes, she didnt understand Victoria.

She had such an amazing family. She was loved so much.

And she threw it all away.

What was stranger was that Tori was certain that Victoria loved her family deeply. She could feel it in her bones.

She shook her head and bit her lips. This family was now also hers. She still wasnt sure if it was her own feelings or if it was lingering from the original Victoria, but the love and affection could not be denied.

Tori wanted to survive the game, of course, but priority number one was to protect her family. If she couldnt save herself, then shed try to save them.