Chapter 61: This is Some Fairy Tale Sh*t

Chapter 61: This is Some Fairy Tale Sh*t

So, he did. Piers didnt sound surprised. It was more as if he were agreeing with her observation.

Tori narrowed her eyes. She didnt expect Alessa to be there. Most students who werent locals arrived one or two weeks before school started. In addition, for Alessa to be there now, she mustve either only remained in Chetterswickshire for a few days or came directly to Horizon from Kings Harbor.

But there were about two months before school started; where would Alessa stay? Was the Baron there, as well? And with what money would they pay for the stay in Horizon?

Tori lowered her eyes and shut them. This wasnt the time to worry about Alessa. She was there for Piers.

We should wait until your mother is finished talking, so as not to crowd her, Tori said as she opened her eyes. Her fingers subconsciously squeezed Piers arm and a moment later, a warm hand covered them.

She looked up and Piers nodded. We can wait.

As Tori observed the Empress, she smiled a bit. You know, you look like your mother.

Just in hair color, Piers said. Mother says I look like a von Schwert. She is very proud of it.

They lingered along the side of the ballroom, waiting for his brother to finish what looked like introducing Alessa to the Emperor. Tori couldnt hear what Gideon was saying, but from the empty smile on the Empress face, it wasnt anything engaging. Her lips were curled up and the corners of her brown eyes were crinkled, but her smile didnt reach them.

Alessa seemed to stand there and nod, agreeing with whatever Gideon was rambling about. Her dress was quite beautiful: warm colors that went well with her skin tone and set off a nice rosy glow. There were bits that seemed to sparkle under the light of the light crystals when she moved. Her wavy blonde hair was pinned up to reveal her slender neck and sloping shoulders. There were even crystal ornamental hair pins in her updo.

Her gold tone jewelry had yellow gemstones and looked expensive. Tori chalked it up to a family heirloom.

Despite Alessas finery, she seemed a bit distracted. Her eyes kept darting around and she was clinging to Gideons arm more than she had at Siobhans succession ceremony celebration. Perhaps she was nervous being in the imperial palace. It was an intimidating place.

When Tori arrived, she had tried her best not to gawk at the gate house. Each step inside, she was slapped in the face with signs of wealth. That was saying something considering Victoria also came from money and privilege. Such a show shouldnt have been so stunning, but Tori found herself unsure of what to admire first.

She only managed to reign in her awe when she reached the room she was assigned and was faced with a small army of servants to get her ready for the banquet.

Tori looked back at the Empress. She was giving Gideon a small nod and seemed much more restrained than Tori remembered seeing her, both in Moss Hill and at the tournament. She kept her hands in front of her and didnt seem to talk much. Tori only saw her nod at Alessa. The topic couldnt have been dry; Gideon looked energetic and almost proud.

As Tori scrutinized the meeting in front of her, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and a wide smile filled her face. She released Piers arm and reached up.

Sebby! Congratulations on winning! She shut her eyes as she squeezed her brother in a tight embrace, hoping to relay her pride in him through it. Sebastians arms wrapped around her shoulders and he squeezed her back.

Thank you, Tori. Didnt I say Id win it? She giggled and looked up.

I didnt doubt you!

Master, Piers said, taking a small step towards them. Congratulations.

Instead of the warm smile he showered on Tori, Sebastians eyes narrowed and he gave Piers a cold glare.

I know you were cheering for your brother.

I wasnt.

Sebby, he was a neutral party. Tori vouched for Piers as she stepped back and released her brother. It doesnt matter, anyway. You pretty much dominated the match.

The corner of his lip curled into a slight smirk. I did...but, Im still annoyed that Armando dedicated the championship to Istvan.

Tori resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Its Armandos team.

But I was the one who won the match for them. I decimated the central district.

Tori puffed up her chest and looked at Piers. Didnt I tell you my brother can do anything?

Piers didnt appear impressed at all. He turned his head back towards his parents. Mother is calling, he said instead.

Tori and Sebastian turned towards the Empress, who seemed to have stepped around her second son and his escort, in order to greet them. She had on a bright, welcoming smile as she raised her arms, as if beckoning them to come.

Before Tori could take a step forward, a bent arm appeared on either side of her. On her left, her brother. On the right, Piers. Sebastian shot Piers another glare and Piers avoided his eyes, but didnt lower his arm.

Tori took a deep breath. She raised both hands and put them around the crooks of their arms before she walked forward. She caught Piers' slight smile as her brother let out a small snort, but didnt shake off her hand. The trio approached the Empress and Emperor, who seemed to turn his attention towards them as well.

Beside him, Gideon looked over his shoulder and, upon seeing his brother again, stepped back to give his parents space to greet them. He kept looking at Piers, but didnt open his mouth, likely because of Tori and Sebastian. When Tori was just two steps away, she released her brother and Piers, and pinched the sides of her dress to give the imperial couple a greeting.

Sebastian stopped beside her and moved his arm over his torso as he bent his knee and bowed.

Good evening, Your Majesty, Emperor Matthieu-Philippe, and Your Majesty, Empress Monica. I, Sebastian de Guevera, and my sister, Victoria de Guevera, greet you and wish the Empress a joyful birthday. Sebastians voice was low and polite. It was a formal greeting and it sounded foreign in Toris ears.

Im just used to him being a giant dork most of the time. Tori thought to herself. Axton was the same. Whenever he addressed Tori and Piers, he was always informal, if not playful. It was only when he was speaking to strangers that his voice, tone, and overall bearing changed to fit the formality of the event.

Lord Sebastian, Lady Tori, thank you, the Empress said with an affectionate expression. Im happy you both were able to make it.

Lord Sebastian, its good to see you again, the Emperor said with a curt nod. He motioned a hand towards Gideon. Hed been quiet since they arrived and seemed to be pretending they werent there. She supposed that was better than glaring at her. I trust you remember my youngest, Gideon.

Tori tried to hold back a shudder. The air on her left suddenly felt a bit cold. She glanced towards her brother and found him smiling, but his green eyes were anything but.

Yes, I remember.

And this is his escort for tonight: Lady Alessa Hart. Lady Hart, this is Lord Sebastian de Guevera; you are already familiar with his sister, Lady Tori, and I believe this is the first time youve met my eldest son, Piers.

Her left side felt even colder and Tori reached up to loop her arm around Sebastians to try to calm him. Her entire family now knew what had happened between her, Alessa, and her love interests, though she didnt call them that at the time. Obviously, Sebastian now knew as well.

Lady Alessa Hart. He said her name with a slight edge. He tilted his head and gave her an icy smile. Ive heard of you.

Tori almost didnt catch Piers eyes narrow just a bit. He didnt say anything in greeting.

Alessa lowered her head to give him a bow, but she didnt look back up. Gideon seemed to gently pull her closer to his side and also greeted Sebastian.

Its good to see you again, Lord Sebastian. There was some hesitancy in his voice and Tori wondered if Gideon was intimidated by her brother.

As he should be.

Your Majesty, how did you find the match this morning? The look on her brothers face warmed up as he looked back towards the Emperor.

Ah, I suppose congratulations are in order, the Emperor let out a low chuckle. Congratulations on winning the match, Lord Sebastian. I had hope that our central district would come out on top again, but we didnt expect you to play and control the match.

Sebastian gave him a small, amused nod. I had assured my friend, Captain St. John, and promised my sister that I would win.

The Empress nodded in agreement. As expected of Tonis eldest.

Sebastian gave her a thankful nod in return. He then looked back at Gideon. Good game, Your Highness.

Yes...good game, Lord Sebastian. Gideon almost seemed pained to say it. I didnt know you were such a talented player.

I learned from my mother.

Hmm...Toni was the best player when we were in Horizon. I remember one summer, your father caught a cold and couldnt play in the tournament. He asked Toni to take his place, the Empress said, thoughtfully.

The Emperor let out a defeated sigh. That was the first time in three decades that the central districts polo team won a championship....

The Empress looked back at Tori and lifted her hand to take Toris free one. Lady Tori, I havent complimented you yet on your dress. You look beautiful. Her eyes flickered over to Piers and her smile deepened. By any chance, did my son get his suit to match?

Piers nodded once. Tori said we should match for such an event.

The Empress let out a small, pleased laugh and squeezed Toris hand approvingly. And were the stylists and maids I sent to your taste?

Ah, yes! Tori almost winced at her own rudeness. She almost forgot to thank the Empress. They did an amazing job! For them to come on such short notice and do such an elaborate job...Im very grateful.

Think nothing of it, my dear, the Empress said fondly. You are Tonis little girl, after all.

Mother, Piers said across from her.

Ill be back soon, Sebastian said as he stepped away. As he disappeared through the crowds, Tori looked back at Piers.

How are you holding up?

They were a bit further back from the rest of the crowd and almost hiding behind a pillar. Im fine. No one has come to talk to me here. He furrowed his brows. I need to greet more people.

Do you want to go to the garden to take a break for a moment before continuing? Tori asked. It was stuffy when we were eating and there were a lot of people.

Piers nodded wordlessly and Tori led him back to the door they had entered from. A knight opened it for them and they stepped out. The hallway was cooler than the ballroom and when they walked out into the garden, it was even cooler.

Tori took a deep breath, welcoming the fresh air.

That particular ballroom tends to overheat, but its the largest one, Piers said. He pointed to windows high above the building that were all open. The windows have been opened to let in the breeze.

Tori wrinkled her nose. They dont seem to be doing much. You can tell its much cooler out here. She narrowed her eyes. I wonder if Instructor Ignatius and I could sell our air cooler to the palace...?

Do you want to swing? She turned her head towards Piers, who had stepped away and walked deeper into the garden. She walked towards him and he turned around, pointing to a large tree with a swing similar to the one hed set up in the delta.

Tori looked at the small wooden plank and then at her dress.

I dont think I can fit right now. She wouldnt mind swinging, but there was no way she was going to be able to fit on that seat. Piers looked just as disappointed as she was.

Tori patted his shoulder and walked around him, exploring the garden as the faint sound of music wafted through.

Wait a second.... She came to a stop and looked around. Moonlit night, fancy white marble fountain, perfectly manicured English garden...just enough trees around for some privacy, and we can hear the music.

Tori? Piers looked at her, as if asking what was wrong.

This is some fairy tale shit. We should dance! Tori whirled around and beamed at Piers. She brought one arm behind her and extended the other. Your Highness, it has come to my attention that we can still hear the music. There is no one around who will bump into you and its just light enough that we can see where were going, she said as her eyes rose to meet his. She extended her hand towards him again. May I have this dance?

Her would-be partner appeared stunned. Piers nodded and shakily took her hand. Tori giggled to herself as she shortened the distance between them and put her other hand on his upper arm and aligned herself with him. His large, warm hand rested on her hip and as Tori looked up at his face, his eyes dropped.

Piers began to move and Tori matched his careful steps. His eyes were fixed on their feet. He seemed to focus on making sure he was doing the right steps. Tori smiled softly. Youre doing very well.

I practiced with Axton.

She muffled her chuckle. Well, you both did a good job. Youre very fluid. She watched his pale cheeks redden.

Thank you. She almost didnt hear him whisper. The dance itself was very simple, the most basic of waltzes. Piers didnt make a mistake, but she felt a bit helpless that he was so focused on the right steps that he wasnt exactly enjoying the dance itself.

At least, thats what she thought. The music ended and they could hear the faint sound of applause coming from within the ballroom. Tori released her hold on him so she could clap as well. She looked towards her partner and found Piers smiling as if the world had been handed to him on a platter.

He looked happy and she was happy for him.

The applause died down as another song began. Are we going to dance again? Piers asked with a hopeful voice.

Tori gave him a nod. She put her hand back on his and placed the other on his arm before taking a step back to begin. Once more, Piers looked down at their feet, but he was smiling. When youre more comfortable in small crowds, you can try folk dances. Youve probably seen them in plazas during festivals.

Piers smile faltered a bit. I dont go out during festivals. There are too many people.

She forgot about that. Tori nodded. What if its just a small group, like at Henriks birthday party?

Piers thought for a moment before nodding. I can do that.

Tori gave him a sympathetic look. You dont have to force yourself and it is not an urgent matter. We are here if you want to try.

He smiled once more and there was a glint of joy in his eyes. Thank you for coming.

She patted his arm. Im happy to come. They circled the garden, moving a bit more smoothly than their first dance. The song came to an end and before Tori could step away, Piers squeezed her hand. She turned to look at him.

Can we have another dance?

He looked so eager and hopeful, she almost winced. We need to go back inside. Sebby might be looking for us. In fact, knowing her brother, she was sure of it.

His face filled with disappointment and he lowered his eyes once more. His hand dangled in hers. His voice was quiet. I like dancing with you.

For a moment, Tori could almost hear her mothers voice telling her not to be lured in by sweet words and a handsome face.

Mama, youre right. Im sorry I disregarded your warning. I was arrogant.

Everyone likes dancing with Tori; shes an excellent dancer! An irritated voice cut through the peace and quiet of the garden and Tori turned her head in the direction of the ballroom to find her brother walking towards them with an annoyed frown.

Is Sebby a bloodhound? How does he always find me?

I dont recall you telling me that you were going to the garden, Sebastian said, looking directly at her.

She sighed as her shoulders slumped forward. It was getting hot and stuffy, so we came out for some fresh air. We were just about to go back inside.

Sebastian nodded approvingly. Good. We were, too.

Tori furrowed her brows. Her brother came out alone. We?

Sebastian looked past her and glared at some trimmed bushes on the other side of the fountain. After a moment of silence, a heavy, defeated breath was heard and a figure in a military uniform stepped out.

Axton! Tori smiled and threw out her arms. Welcome back! What are you doing here? I thought you were coming back in a few weeks? She grabbed the sides of her skirt and shuffled towards him.

He cracked a smile and raised his hand, carefully patting her hair as she stopped beside him. I came with the General. He came to see his sister for his birthday before he returned to the front. We got to the delta this morning from a port in Osten. I had called Instructor Ignatius to let him know. It takes a few days off the trip when we dont have to go through the mountains.

Sebastian and Piers spoke at the same time.

Master is here?

Uncle has arrived?

Tori ignored both of them. I havent met the General before.

Youve met him, Sebastian said. But you were a baby the last time you met.

Tori rolled her eyes. It doesnt count if I was a baby.

Lets go back inside. We should greet Master, Sebastian said. He offered his arm to Tori, who took it without thinking. They marched towards the ballroom and Tori looked over her shoulder. Piers almost appeared to sulk as he followed behind them. Axton was right beside him, chatting away, but he didnt pay attention.

The four sneaked back into the ballroom just as a song came to an end. As the crowd began to clap once more, the trumpets blared to make an announcement. Curious to see the General, Tori released her brothers arm and wormed her way closer to the thrones, where shed have a good view.

The double doors at the other end of the ballroom were open and the chamberlain appeared beside them.

Announcing General Marquis Oliver von Schwert!

Tori heard someone gasp and looked towards the thrones. The Empress had shot out of her seat and took a step forward. The Emperor smiled as a tall man with broad shoulders walked through the ballroom to kneel before them.

Greetings to His Majesty Emperor Matthieu-Philippe and happy birthday to my sister, Monica. He lifted his head up and Tori sucked in her breath.

The mans thick, short hair was brown and starting to pepper with gray, matching the neatly trimmed beard around his angular jaw. Light brown eyes were shining as he rose to his feet to welcome his sisters embrace.

Tori felt her mouth open as she stared at the most gorgeous middle-aged man shed seen since she woke up in Presidio.

It is Uncle.... She snapped her head to the side and found Piers standing beside her. Toris eyes swept over his face critically before looking back at the General.

She thought Piers looked like his mother, with his brown hair, as opposed to the Emperor and Gideons silver hair, but she took that back. Except for his violet eyes, which seemed to be a trait of the imperial family, Piers resembled his uncle, just like her mother told her.

His height, his broad shoulders, the angles of his face that would only grow sharper with time.

Oh my God...Piers is going to get even hotter.... Toris shoulders slumped down and she let out a defeated breath. Life isnt fair.