Chapter 74: Go, Or I'll Stab You

Chapter 74: Go, Or I'll Stab You

What the hell is going on?

The person in front of her, telling Dimitri to release her was one of the last people shed expect to be doing so.

Your Highness? Dimitri appeared taken aback. He didnt seem to expect Gideon to appear, and get between them, either.

Tori looked at Gideon. If she was reading him right, he also didnt seem to expect to get between them.

This is something you need to take up with the guild masters. Gideon looked pained to admit it. Lady Guevera might have been there, but it doesnt seem as if she had anything to do with it. We can go to the guilds and confirm.

Toris mouth was agape. Was the world ending? When did Gideon become so reasonable when it involved her?

Dimitri shut his eyes and seemed to try to refocus. It isnt just that. Didnt you hear what she said? He lifted his head and glared at Tori, past Gideons shoulder. She accused Alessa of spreading rumors.

Tori shot him a glare of her own. I also asked the baking club to repeat what she said. If she was not clear in her words, then they can be interpreted differently from what she intended.

If she intended otherwise, Ilyana added in a low voice. She gripped Toris arm tightly before looking towards Alessa. Are you blaming Tori because youre not able to hire carpenters and masons? Thats not her fault.

I...I didnt blame her, but it has become more difficult to find suitable people.

Tori drew her head back and scoffed. Thats not what your friend said. He said that he could easily find carpenters and masons for you. And for much cheaper than through the guild.

Someone let out a low hiss. No wonder the guild masters got angry....

Lady Guevera, the last time I spoke to the guild masters by myself, they were unable to help me. They wouldnt even spare time to recommend suitable workers! Alessa almost cried out.

How is that my fault? Tori demanded.

You have taken up most of the skilled labor in the city to build on the delta, Dimitri said. What does that leave the rest of us?

Do you know how many actual skilled laborers and craftsmen from Horizon I have hired? Tori asked. Twenty-eight, with another thirty or so coming from surrounding villages who are also registered with the guild, and the rest are from outside the area. Do you know how many carpenters are registered with the guild? Almost three hundred!

She had pored through numerous lists when she was looking to hire carpenters. She knew how many were registered, how many were available at that time, and how many were available for semi-long-term positions in the delta.

Not everyone is willing to move to the delta to work, Ilyana said. There are plenty who wish to work locally and would forgo a job at the delta in order to remain in the city.

Maybe she didnt offer enough? someone else whispered. Alessas face reddened.

Tori bit her lips to keep from shouting that it was likely the case. However, it wasnt Alessas fault she couldnt afford to offer more competitive salaries. It was her fault her father lost a lot of money because she took a risk gambling, but in general, her familys financial situation wasnt because of her.

Miss Hart, if I recall properly, isnt your project to arrange for the education of orphans at a Saphira Abbey outside the city gates? Another voice cut in, and Tori looked over her shoulder and relaxed. Constantine, as well as the rest of their friends who lived in the west dorm, had arrived. Constantine looked at Alessa strangely. Are many carpenters and masons necessary?

The facilities of the abbey are not suitable for a learning environment, Alessa said in a weak voice. I wanted to build them an actual classroom. We received a large donation of bricks and materials, but we need the manpower to use them and build a classroom.

What about instructors for the children? Ilyana asked.

Alessas eyes crinkled up. Finding suitable instructors has been difficult. Ive asked around with various institutions, but very few are willing to come and teach and those who are, dont have enough experience.

I fail to see how this is Toris problem, Sonia said as she stood beside her and crossed her arms.

Didnt Lady Guevera hire instructors for the children of the delta, as well? Gideon asked, turning towards them.

She hired five. Seven, if you count the swim instructors, who are seasonal, Ilyana said with a proud look.

Sonia snorted and looked at Alessa coldly. Are there only five instructors in this entire city? There were absolutely no other instructors you could find?

Alessas red face looked down and stepped back. She bumped into someone and Tori narrowed her eyes. Montan was glaring at them as he put his hands on Alessas shoulders to steady her.

Its too much of a coincidence that the instructors Miss Hart wanted were taken by Lady Guevera, Montan said.

Or, Sonia replied in a sharp voice. Its too much of a coincidence that Miss Hart wants Toris instructors.

And carpenters and masons, Ilyana added with a hint of defiance.

Im still curious as to what the baking club said. JP stepped forward and looked around. Lets see who we can find...ah! Miss Fremont. Youre in the baking club. His eyes narrowed and had a predatory glint as he singled out a young woman a few steps back. She seemed to cringe and tense up. May I ask what Miss Hart said? Does she really blame Tori for a labor shortage?

The young woman looked around. She paled as dozens of eyes were on her, waiting for an answer. She seemed to throw a glance at Alessa before lowering her eyes.

Miss Hart did mention that because Lady Guevera hired so many people, other projects were having a difficult time finding people to hire for theirs.

Thats not true. Albert stood up straight and looked around. Ive been able to secure suitable workers for my project. Has anyone else here faced problems hiring workers for their projects, if applicable?

They all seemed to look around, waiting for someone to reply. No one lifted their hand. No one spoke out. A few people shook their heads.

Gideon looked down at the ground and squinted. My brother said that there was a policy to hire workers from outside of Horizon so as not to create a shortage in the city. He signed off on the temporary residence documents for many of the deltas workers....

Tori stared at the back of his head. Her look of shock at Gideons words was mirrored by her friends. It almost sounded as if he were defending her.

A quiet sniffle was heard and Toris eyes immediately flew back to Alessa. As expected, the pretty blonde had lowered her head and was lifting her slender hands to her eyes. She wore a wounded expression, as if she were the one who was wronged.

I didnt mean to blame you, Lady Guevera. I was...I was just frustrated! She choked back a sob as she turned around. Im sorry!

Alessa! Dimitri ran after her with Montan, looking worried. The would-be Dukes son threw Tori a withering glare before walking in the direction Alessa ran.

Ilyana let out a heavy breath. They know that class is going to start soon, dont they? We have midterm exams.

Sonia shook her head. Well, they can do whatever they want, but I have to go to class. She looked at Tori and put her hand on her shoulder. Are you all right?

Was I too much? Tori asked. Sonia shook her head.

You couldve pulled her hair and brought her to the ground, and I still wouldnt think you were doing too much, Sonia said with a grin.

Tori stretched her arms out and wrapped them around Sonias shoulders. Thank you all for coming to my rescue.

Her friends chuckled and cracked a few smiles. Sonia tilted her head and rested it on Toris for a moment before reassuringly rubbing her back with one hand.

All right, lets get to class, Henrik said, glancing towards their classrooms in the distance. We still have to get ready to go to the delta tonight.

Dinner from the cafe! Ewans face lit up. Tori chuckled and patted their shoulders as they headed towards their classes.

She took a few steps and noticed Gideon still standing there, appearing in somewhat of a loss. Tori took a deep breath.

Your Highness. She stepped forward and Gideon lifted his head. He saw her and immediately frowned. He raised his arms to his chest, as if prepared to defend himself.

What?

She took another deep breath and tried not to grit her teeth as she spoke. Thank you for intervening.

Gideon looked away and moved uncomfortably from one foot to the other. It was unlike Dimitri to get physical. If it came down to it, Im certain you wouldve broken his arm or worse.

The corner of her lip curled up. So, you were trying to protect your friend?

Ive seen what youre capable of, he said with narrowed eyes.

The smirk remained on her lips. No, she said as she took a step back. You havent. She chuckled and gave him a small bow of her head. No matter the reason, thank you. I didnt expect you to step in as you did.

Gideon swallowed hard. My brother wants me to think about things critically. He stood up straight and lifted his chin as his eyes met hers. If anything, I only intervened for my brother! As he said that, his voice trembled.

He must still be gutted by Piers telling him hes disappointed in him. Tori bit her lips and nodded. I see. I think he would be pleased to hear that you spoke and acted rationally this time.

A glimmer of hope flickered through Gideons eyes. He gave her an unsteady nod and turned around. Tori stared at the spot where he had been standing and smiled a bit.

I should tell Piers about this.

What did you say? Her voice had dropped, her hand clawed into the ifana stone.

Axton seemed taken aback at her sudden change of demeanor. It took him a moment to reply, as he seemed to be choosing his words. Hes very dependent on you and I worry that one day you may not...be on the same, uh, understanding as Piers. He may not be able to accept it and it willnegatively affect him.

She grit her teeth. It was this conversation again. It was one thing for Sebastian to fear she was recklessly seducing other people, but it was another for Axton to suggest that she was going to hurt Piers. The same Piers she was doing her best to support and that Axton had seen her do so many times.

Her eyes narrowed. You think Im going to hurt him.

Axton raised his arms as he took in a sharp breath. I didnt say-

I dont expect everyone to understand my situation, but I do expect people I consider my friends to respect it, she said in a sharp voice as her face darkened. Piers knows exactly why I treat him as I do and is fully aware of my intentions towards him! He knows I wouldnt hurt him.

Axton shook his head. I didnt mean to imply that youd hurt him on purpose. You dont understand. Piers is different. Hes special. He may misread your signals-

No. Everyone else is misreading my actions. Piers is the only one who listens when Im explaining them. You dont understand and to insinuate that Id hurt him after everything is so...! Her hands were shaking and a small crack was heard.

Axtons hand shot to his chest and seemed to feel around. He blinked, appearing confused. I-

Leave me alone. Get off of my stone pile! Tori turned her head away sharply and glared out into the horizon, refusing to look at him.

Another crack was heard, and Axton looked pained. Tori-

Go, or Ill stab you!

He hesitated for another second before dropping his eyes. He pushed himself up and began to climb down. Tori bit her lips and closed her eyes.

She always put in an effort to be clear to those close to her. She made sure she was especially clear with Piers because he didnt always pick up social cues and could easily misunderstand more so than most. Because of that, she was the most cautious about him.

To be accused of hurting someone she cared about, especially by another friend, told her much about what they thought of her. It was as if they told her that despite all her efforts to show them she cared, her feelings were not good enough for them.

This wasnt the first time it happened to her in two lifetimes, and if Axton let his own preconceptions form such an opinion of her, then she didnt think their relationship would be the same.

Antonia de Guevera wasnt the only one who held grudges.

Tori did not speak to him the rest of the time at the delta. She didnt greet him, approach him to discuss anything, or bid him good-bye when she stepped off the carriage and headed straight through Lyces gates without looking back. Everyone with them knew something happened and, judging from Miss Agafonovas glare, they may have known what.

Axton wanted to ask, but even Ewan avoided eye contact and tried to steer the conversation towards his training instead. Training Commander Rey seemed to ignore the whole thing, but had shaken her head at him. When he tried to talk to Tori, she would just walk away and simply not respond. Hed never faced such treatment, not even from Piers.

To say it was uncomfortable was an understatement. In the year or so that hed known Tori, hed grown attached to her. First, as his seniors ambitious little sister, then as a partner in supporting Piers, and to what felt like to have his own little sister who he could joke and hang around with. He was an only child as far as he was concerned. The closest he felt to having a sibling was Piers.

Then, when he returned from training and met them in the palace garden, she had grabbed her dress and shuffled to him with a bright, smiling face to welcome him back. He hadnt felt that rush of warmth he got seeing her rush over to welcome him home since his mother was alive.

After Axton saw off the carriage back to the imperial palace, he rode back to his and Piers building in the Academic Quarter.

He handed Blue River off to one of the stable hands in the nearby courtyard near their building before heading over.

As he climbed the stairs to their flat, he reached beneath his shirt and pulled out the leather cord. The obsidian Tori gave him was cracked into three pieces. Hed felt the first one when he was in the supply yard. He knew obsidian was volcanic glass and could shatter easily, but Tori had wrapped it securely in copper wire. Even when he was in a fight, it came out unharmed.

For all his initial reluctance in wearing it, it did what Tori said it would. His fatigue was greatly lessened and there were times where hed suddenly feel a rush of energy and focus that hed never felt before after being on patrol for so long. He hadnt told her it worked yet.

Axton couldnt help but feel a heavy wave of disappointment and guilt as he looked at the cracked obsidian. Tori had been so excited to give it to him and insisted he wear it. She was hoping it would keep him safe. Aside from his mother, hed never gotten a piece of jewelry from anyone. And Toris crude pendant was filled with hope for his protection.

Now, there was no longer any energy coming from it. His fingers wrapped around it and slid it back beneath his shirt. He didnt think seeing it broken would unsettle him so much.

Dont worry so much. He heard Piers voice through the small gap between his door and the frame. Just rest. Its good you got back safely. Axton heard a womans voice reply, but couldn't hear what was said. Goodnight.

Axton drew in his lips and bit them. He took a deep breath and knocked on Piers door. Its late. Who are you talking to? He already knew. Piers only talked to one person like that.

Tori.

Oh. He felt the weight on his body grow heavier. About what?

Farmland allocations. Piers didnt turn around to look at him and just continued working.

Axton nodded. He looked at his friend carefully. Are you all right with just talking to her? I thought she said that she wanted to spend time apart.

Piers, who had been moving some papers around his desk, slowed to a stop. Axton watched his head lower as his pale hands gripped some notebooks. Im fine.

Axton frowned. Are you really? Piers nodded quietly. Axton took a deep breath. Piers...what will you do in the future, when Tori cant spend much time with you?

Ill call her.

His answer was quick, as if hed already considered such a possibility. Axton blinked and drew his head back. It was a stunningly simple answer. He furrowed his brows. Perhaps Piers didnt understand what he meant.

What if Tori cant talk to you?

Piers froze in his seat. He turned around with a confused look. She will have her comcry. As long as she is on land, we can talk.

His childhood friend was really making this talk difficult, but Axton needed to know where Piers stood. He didnt want Piers to continue to get too attached to Tori, who in light of not wanting to be seen as a prospective bride, likely did not want to go down a route with Piers in the future.

One day, Tori might not be here anymore.

Piers paled. His eyes widened and he held his breath. His voice shook. Dead?

No! Axton stood up straight. He ran a hand down his face. I mean, what if one day, Tori isnt around you and cant talk to you anymore for whatever reason?

Piers shrank down in his seat and his eyes lowered. I will miss her when shes gone.

Axton felt his heart ache. Piers finally found someone he was attached to, other than him, and there was a large chance it was fleeting. He wanted to offer Piers some solace; to tell him there will be other girls, but he wasnt sure there would be and if Piers would accept such words.

I will have to wait for her to come home. I can see her then.

What? Axton was jarred once more. How much did Piers depend on Tori? What do you mean?

Tori likes to travel. Piers smiled all of a sudden. After she finishes school, I will gift her the latest ship so she can travel, and come back swiftly and safely. He paused and gave Axton a serious look. That is a surprise. Ive just put in the order. Dont tell her.

Axton stared at Piers. Youre going to give her a ship? Weve been friends since we were toddlers and you wont even buy me a meal. No, focus Axton. Thats not whats important right now.

Piers nodded once more and returned to his papers. Tori says she will come home and work on her projects in the delta. I can see her when she is home.

Axton's eyes were narrowed with uncertainty. What makes you think this is what Tori wants?

Piers looked at him with confusion once more. Tori told me. She said that as long as nothing bad happens, she wants to explore the world, but still come home, do crystal experiments, and see everyone. She says she will get homesick if she is gone for too long.

You two have talked about this? Axton asked. He recalled Toris scathing voice telling him that Piers was the only one who listened and knew what was going on.

We are friends. We talk about our plans for the future, Piers said, as if it were obvious.

Axtons jaw dropped. You dont talk to me about my plans.

I already know your plans. Piers seemed to give him a dismissive wave. Become Duke Alvere, move closer to Horizon, bring Auntie Genevieve closer, too. Then a political marriage-

Wait, wait! Axton held up his hands and glared. What do you mean by a political marriage?

Piers stared at him. Youre alone.

I dont like where this conversation is going.

Piers only gave him a small nod. I support your decision. I know you will treat your spouse well. If you are looking for a godparent for your child, I accept. I will treat your child as my mother treats you.

Stop. Axton closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. This isnt about me. What about you and Tori?

Tori and I are friends.

Axton ground his teeth together. I cant deal with you right now. Im going to bed. He turned on his heel and marched out the door, slamming his own bedroom door behind him.