Chapter 59: We Won’t Be Doing That

Chapter 59: We Won’t Be Doing That

Goddammit, Piers, have you no regard for your safety? Tori wanted to scream at him. Piers knew Sebastian was coming. It wasnt a secret; shed told him herself. She ground her teeth together. Never mind that, Tori. Focus.

She needed to defuse the situation at once, and without showing any favoritism towards Piers. If she appeared to side with him over her brother, then it would only upset Sebastian further. Tori tried to remember all the various mandatory manager training she had where she learned to diffuse conflicts between employees.

She turned around to look at her brother and slipped between him and Piers. Sebby, what are you doing? The figurines I bought for JP and Sonia are in those bags. Her brothers eyes flickered back to her and as soon as she got his attention, she opened her stance to appear more welcoming. She gave him a soft smile. Piers surprised us, didnt he? I told him to come for an inspection of the delta, but I didnt expect him to arrive this soon.

Her brothers scowl didnt diminish in the least. Why is he in your tent?

Piers isnt a regular visitor here, like me, Nanny, or Axton, so he doesnt have a tent assigned to him, Tori told Sebastian. In fact, the last time he was here, it was still winter. The front area of my tent doubles as a meeting space, as well as my office. It makes sense that hed wait for us here, right?

She saw a flicker of recognition on Sebastian's face. She was being logical and pragmatic; things marquis children were raised to be. I suppose you are right. He looked past her, at Piers. You should put your work area in a different place.

Youre right, Tori said, never taking her eyes off her brother. I will do so when we have more room and available money. Right now, this is the easiest set up. I also study here when I come for my bi-weekly visits, so its convenient.

Sebastians expression eased, but he was still tense. Have a cot brought in. I will stay in your office while I am here.

Tori inwardly groaned, but didnt want to reject him yet. I will ask them to bring in a second cot. Her sleeping quarters were further back, behind another canvas wall and a flap door that separated the two spaces. If youre here, I can rest easy. Im sure I can learn from you, too. Youve had your share managing projects and hearing about your experiences will be beneficial to me and the delta.

Her brother looked back at her, and his scowl relaxed into a frown. He took a step around her and shot a glare at Piers. Dont just walk into a womans tent without telling her.

Where would I wait? Piers asked, solemn.

You can wait in the carriage! Sebastian scowled once more, and Tori reached forward to pat his arm in an effort to calm him.

He wont do it again, right, Piers? She didnt receive an answer and looked over her shoulder, at the first prince. She narrowed her eyes. You will be more conscientious next time. Right. Piers.

He looked away. I will be more conscientious next time.

That was the best shed get from him. Tori let out a low breath and walked around Sebastian to lift up the flap of her tent door. Sir DeCamp, please go find Mr. Sima and ask him to arrange to bring a cot and other chamber goods to my tent for my brother.

Yes, my lady.

Tori slipped back into her inside. Neither her brother nor Piers had moved from their spot. She took a deep breath. Sebby, can you help me bring my things to the back? My sleeping quarters are behind that wall.

Sebastian didnt take his eyes off of Piers as he bent down to pick up his sisters bags. Without a word, he stalked past Piers, glowering at him the entire time. As soon as his back was turned, Tori looked at Piers with a disapproving frown.

Youre early. It was the only thing she could say to admonish him for appearing unscheduled when her brother was within earshot. I thought you were coming later.

I finished, Piers said. He took a step forward and thrust out his hands. For you.

She knit her brows together, but still lifted her hands to accept the bouquet. Why did you bring them?

Father said I should bring you a welcome back bouquet, Piers told her, as if it were the most logical action. He always prepares one for Mother when she returns.

Tori clenched her jaw. Your parents are married, Piers. She looked down at the flowers. Now that she thought about it, shed seen this similar color scheme in a bouquet before. It mustve been popular in the capital. Thats very sweet of him.

Are you happy?

She looked up from the ranunculus and let out a small hum. Im happy to be back and to have had a smooth journey. She could almost see the disappointment in his eyes. Thank you for the flowers. Theyre just what I need to put some life into my tent. Ill put them on my nightstand.... Sebastian came out of the back room and Tori turned and marched towards her desk. On my desk.

Do you like them? Piers asked quietly.

Tori looked around her desk for something to put the flowers in. She didnt decorate her tent, so she didnt have any spare vases lying around. All she was able to find was the wooden bucket where she tossed her laundry and the square bin she used for trash. She squinted and pursed her lips. Neither really seemed to work.

Ill just put them on my desk as they are. Maybe I can borrow a vase later. She placed the flowers on the corner of her desk and tried to arrange them so it would look aesthetically pleasing. Yes, theyre lovely, Piers. Thank you. Its nice to have a warm welcome upon return.

The corners of Piers lips turned up just a bit, but his eyes crinkled up. He seemed satisfied.

Tori, why dont you take a rest. Youve been up since dawn, Sebastian said as he moved between them, as if to block Piers from her line of vision.

She almost nodded, but stopped herself. If she went to rest now, who knew what Sebastian would do to Piers. Piers would likely go with whatever Sebastian told him.

Im not tired, she said, smiling brightly. When the knights get here, lets see Anahata Island. I want to see what Master Ramos and Instructor Ignatius have been working on.

Sebastians eyes darted to Piers. Is he coming?

Piers, do you want to come? Tori asked. Piers gave her a singular nod. All right, then, while we wait, we can talk. I wanted to ask you about something.

Piers face seemed to brighten. Dancing?

Dancing? Sebastian repeated with a frown.

Piers, why are you doing this to me.... Tori stared at the young man with helplessness and disbelief. No, about farm land. An acquaintance I met at Moss Hill is coming to assess the surrounding area for farming. She has a lot of experience and when I asked around, shes one of the foremost authorities on agriculture development and research in the empire. She helped Kasey with the greenhouses in Nordur.

Piers seemed to think for a moment. His eyes moved to Sebastian. Masters ex-girlfriend.

Tori silently screamed once more. She snapped her head towards her brother, who stood stiffly to the side, jaw clenched and eyes narrowed. Piers, you should refer to her as Lady Idunn. Not as Sebbys...ex.... She grimaced as she said it, not wanting to upset her brother.

Piers gave her an obedient nod. Youre right. Father says that I should not refer to a young lady as someones.

What young lady...shes practically thirty, Sebastian muttered under his breath. Tori let out a low sigh.

Anyway, have a seat, Tori said as she rounded her desk to go to her little shelf. I have a good map of the delta for this somewhere.... She pulled out a half dozen maps and unrolled them partway to check the contents until she found the one she was looking for. She turned around, holding the map in her hands, and looked up. The Imperial family currently oversees....

Her voice trailed off as she saw her brother staring at Piers with a look that would wither a normal man. Sebastian looked almost ready to fight and Piers was avoiding his eyes, but standing firmly in place.

Piers. She slapped the map on the table in order to get their attention. Can you look at this map?

He turned around and stepped forward as she unraveled the map and used some books to hold down the corners. What are you looking for?

This is the section of the delta that belongs to the imperial family. This area is what has been allocated to us, Tori said, moving her hand over the edge of the river mouth and the islands. There isnt any space for farming, and I wanted to know if there is any possibility of renting the land further upriver for farming.

Piers was quiet as his hand lowered and traced some areas upriver. What area do you want?

Im not sure yet. I want to wait for Lady Idunn to come and take a look, and then discuss options. Tori glanced up. Is renting space possible? Once we have some income coming in, we may be able to afford it.

He stopped moving his hand as it brushed against hers. I will discuss it with my father.

Tori let out a low breath of relief, but before she could thank him, Sebastian let out a loud cough. She looked towards her brother and saw his eyes focused on the table and the map. Piers hand was next to hers. They werent touching, but he casually moved away to circle another area.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Great, I will ask Lady Idunn to look over this area first, she said. She let out a small, awkward laugh and looked past her brother, towards the entrance. Where are the knights? Did they get lost? Maybe I should go look for them.

I will send someone to go look, Piers said, already stepping away from the table. I will also ask for something for you to eat. Its almost time for your afternoon snack.

Tori could feel her brothers demanding gaze burning into her, silently asking her why Piers knew her snack schedule. In her defense, many people who were around her knew she liked to have snacks in the afternoon. She was sure even Constantine noticed it by now.

Thanks, Piers....

He looked proud of himself as he left the tent.

Dont tell me he knows what you like to eat, too, Sebastian said. Tori looked back at the map and returned to her seat.

Hes not the one making me the snack. But yes. He does know what I like to eat, but so do my friends. Ilyana even knows to alternate what lunch she gets me, so I dont get tired of the same thing. Tori lifted her hand and gave her brother a dismissive wave. Dont overthink it.

And earlier, what did you mean by dancing? Sebastian asked as he sat in the vacated seat and seemed to bore his eyes into his sister.

Tori raised a brow and gave him a shake of her head. I mean dancing in the literal sense. At the Empresss birthday banquet.

Her brother frowned. The one where youre escorting him? His voice was laced with displeasure at the reminder, but Tori ignored him.

Yes, my lord.

Sebastian stepped back inside, and Tori stood up. He lifted his hand to stop her before she could take a step. Let him have his space to think this through. Hes disappointed, but hell survive. He gave Tori a stern look. Hes not a child, either.

I know. Tori sat back down on her chair and slumped forward. He just really wanted to dance.

Tori arranged for Axtons tent to be prepared for Piers while Andy was given the tent next to hers, which was Nanny Reys. Piers would stay across the walkway from hers, much to Sebastians annoyance, but she reminded him that it made sense for when Axton was there, as he was tasked with guarding her and proximity was important.

When their snacks were finished, they had gone to Anahata Island and Tori couldnt help but glance around to try to catch sight of Piers. She didnt see him and was a bit worried. However, he was a grown man and Sebastian sent someone to shadow him, so she wasnt too concerned.

They got on one of the boats at the ferry dock to take them to Anahata Island. She had been informed that two additional docks were built. The original dock was the ferry dock, which brought people to and from the islands. It was extended out into a T shape to be able to accommodate more boats, as more people were going to the islands to work.

The second dock was built closer to the supply yard and used for transporting supplies. The third was just a few steps away from the ferry dock and was where the new fishermen were docking their boats.

As they approached the island, Sebastian sat up straight. He looked down at his arm and moved it towards her. Tori.

She looked over and saw the goosebumps on his skin. Her brows shot up. Whats wrong?

Nothings wrong, he said with a chuckle. The energy vein is...incredible. The closer we get the more I can feel this tingling sensation.

Will you be all right? she asked. He nodded.

Ive always been very sensitive to it. Im getting excited, he said with a smile. Tori nodded. She hadnt read of danger on an energy vein and neither Master Ramos nor Instructor Ignatius mentioned such a thing.

They reached the island and climbed up the hill to reach the tents. A wide work area had been created with a large tarp that covered several tables littered with crystals of various shapes and sizes, and tools.

Its about time you got here! Master Ramos rushed forward. Tori was pleased to see he was wearing the protective equipment shed prepared. She watched the old man drag his pupil into the tent and begin showing him everything they had been working on.

Tori took the chance to check in with Instructor Ignatius on the air-cooling units theyd discussed.

Its that expensive? Tori looked disappointed. She had hoped it would be affordable, as the summer months at the delta were humid and hot. It got to the point where she ordered workers to take two-hour breaks during the peak hours so as not to get heat stroke.

Both ice calcite and amber topaz are needed to cool and circulate the air. Even low-quality ones are costly, Instructor Ignatius said. I thought of using scrap crystals, but finding amber topaz scrap crystals has been difficult.

Tori nodded. Ill look into it. She reached into her pocket, expecting to find her comcry. She looked down and frowned. Shoot...left it in my tent.... Tori tilted her head back and groaned. Sebby! Im going back to my tent to get my comcry! Ill be right back!

Distracted with his master, her brother gave her a nod and told her to be careful as he knelt down to examine a black sphere placed inside a granite column. Tori jogged down the hill and got on to the same boat that took her to the island.

Tori looked around the islands they passed, pleased to see that construction was moving faster than she expected now that the pile drivers were all in use. She was also pleased to see that the birthday present from her parents; two large boats with a built-in pile driver on their specially designed bows, were in use securing areas around the islands and making docks.

As they moved between the islands, Tori looked towards the northeast, where a singular island was not yet developed. It didnt have a fancy name, just island NE12 according to their documents; however, she hoped to settle one day there herself. She squinted and leaned to the side.

Mr. Vargova, can you take me to that island? NE12. Tori pointed towards the island, which was about half the size of the test island, but had a nice grove of trees to one side, closest to the mainland.

Yes, my lady.

Without a dock, the boat got close to the shore and Mr. Vargova and his son jumped out to push it on to the banks so Tori wouldnt have to step into the water. She thanked them and climbed out, walking towards the grove of trees at the far end.

She tilted her head to the side as she watched Piers secure a rope on a wooden plank already hanging from the thick branch of a tree. He pushed down on the plank, making sure it was secure, then sat on it. He planted his feet on the ground and pushed back, until he was almost standing with the plank on his butt.

Tori smiled as he jumped a bit and the swing carried him forward, part way over the water that the trees hung over. She giggled and sped up her walk.

Can I try?

Piers nearly fell off the swing as he slammed his feet on the ground to stop himself. He shot up and turned around to look at her.

Youre here, he said. Tori nodded.

I was curious as to what you were doing out here, she said. She glanced at the swing. Having fun?

Piers shifted nervously. Its fun. He stepped to the side and motioned towards it. Sit.

Tori didnt hesitate. She sat down, backed up, and then swung her legs out. Her hair flew out of her face as she swung forward. She extended her legs as she went out over the water. A smile filled her face as she leaned forward and swung her legs back to get more motion.

Why did you bring a swing? she said loudly as she leaned back when she moved forward once more.

Piers shrugged. It looks enjoyable. I thought the children may like it.

Tori laughed. So why is it on this island and not on the mainland?

Im testing it.

So they aren't disappointed?

He looked away. Yes.

She looked over at him as she continued to swing. Well, Im not disappointed! We need to find a tree on the shore to use.

Piers nodded and watched her with a fond expression as she swung back and forth. Do you like it?

I love swings! You can control how fast you go, how high. Tori beamed. The swinging is relaxing! We should get a hammock.

Hammock?

Perhaps they arent popular yet. Tori slowed her swing. Ill have one made and well put it here. Youll like it. Its relaxing. Its like a big, net swing you can fit your whole body on. Piers nodded. Tori remained seated as the swing moved in a small circle. She looked at him as her hands held on to the rope on either side of her. Are you upset about not being able to dance?

Piers lowered his eyes. If I was better, you would have more fun.

What do you mean?

I dont like people and loud noises, Piers said. I stayed inside and didnt get involved. Axton always had to stay with me and he couldn't socialize more. He is a social person. You are, too. If I was better at socializing and being around people, then you two would be able to enjoy yourselves at gatherings.

We choose to be social with you over others at these gatherings, Tori said, as if it were obvious. Axton wouldnt stay with you if he didnt want to. Same with me, Piers.

His eyes scrunched up and he shook his head. But you cant dance if you have to stay with me.

Did he hear me in the tent? Tori knit her brows together and then shook it. I dont plan on dancing with anyone else. No one is going to force me.

Youre not disappointed?

I like to dance, but its not something I need to do whenever the opportunity arises, Tori said. Besides, its more fun to dance with people you know. My friends and I are considering going out to do that one day. It'll be more enjoyable than dancing with strangers.

Can I come?

If you want, but it will be crowded and loud, Tori said. She cracked a smile and leaned forward, her face softening as she looked up at him. Piers, if you want to dance with me, itll be better if its just the two of us.

Is this where your comcry is! A loud voice broke through their peaceful conversation, and she turned and saw Sebastian approaching them. She let out a tired breath and slumped forward. Because this doesnt look like your tent!

I saw him and stopped to chat. Tori stood up and walked towards her brother. Did you come to find me?

I was worried. Sebastian drew her under one arm and pulled her towards him, sending a glare at Piers over the top of her head.

Tori let out a small huff. Worried about what? Was it because no knights were escorting them out on the islands?

At first, him, Sebastian said in a low voice. He maneuvered Tori away. She opened her mouth to assure him that Piers was harmless. But now, you.

She jerked her head back and looked at him. Me?

Tori, her brother said as he gave her a serious look. You must be more conscious of your words and actions. Youre too young to be seducing people.