Chapter 75: This is Unbefitting For a Prince

Chapter 75: This is Unbefitting For a Prince

Every time Tori saw her rank was above a love interest, she was filled with a sense of accomplishment. When the midterm ranks were released, Ilyana, who unsurprisingly retained her number one spot, was lauded as a hero by many. Even if their rank had not increased, their individual scores had improved.

Tori fell back to her third rank, but Dimitri was dropped once more. One more spot and he was out of the top ten. She thought this would fill her with glee, but she wasnt as satisfied as she thought. It was akin to having a rival and beating them, but not because you got better, but because they got significantly worse.

This was a shallow victory, at best, but Tori still took it.

I understand that I am discriminating against them, she heard Ilyana say from outside the headmasters office. Tori doodled in her notebook while waiting for Ilyana to come out. When a staff member met them when they were walking to get dinner, Tori asked what she had done this time.

Surprisingly, it wasnt her being summoned. It was Ilyana.

Ilyana had been confused and somewhat nervous, but when they found out what it was about, she was filled with a sort of righteous indignation.

Why are you banning them, Miss Agafonova? One of the second-year homeroom instructors asked her, sounding confused as to why an ideal student like Ilyana would purposely ban several students from her review sessions.

It is a personal issue, Ilyana said. And as this is not an official school function, I am not obligated to accept everyone.

Miss Agafonova, if you do not open your review sessions to the entire second year class, then I am afraid we can no longer allow you to use a lecture hall, another instructor said.

Then I will simply no longer have review sessions, Ilyana said with a hint of defiance in her voice. I am doing them not as an obligation, but as a sign of goodwill to most of my peers. Not having review sessions would not negatively affect me, but rather give me more time to focus on my own studies and assist the studies of my close friends.

Tori was leaning closer, happy that Mr. Legaspi didnt close the door to the headmasters office all the way so she could listen in.

But where would you have a place to study?

Tori shook her head as she heard an instructor try to bargain with Ilyana.

Dont try to make a deal when you dont know your opponents cards.

We do have a place to study. Its been where weve been studying when I wasnt holding review sessions. Its quiet and off campus; no one bothers us, and we get free food, Ilyana said. She might as well have also told them to top that. You also cannot prohibit us from leaving campus outside of mandatory class hours and to try to put a policy in place that will prohibit us will require an adjustment period where the students can make complaints, and have it revoked before it is made official policy.

Tori lifted her hand to her lips and tried to stifle her amused laughter.

If that is the case, then I am afraid we will not be able to accommodate your review sessions next week, Miss Agafonova, someones firm voice told her.

I understand, Ilyana said. I will announce to the class that my review sessions have now been prohibited because someone complained that I wasnt allowing particular people, whose names I will mention, to join the reviews.

Tori closed her eyes and shook her head. Across from her, Mr. Legaspi was also shaking his head.

Everyone who heard knew what Ilyana meant to do by mentioning names. It would turn their entire second year class against those people.

Ilyana never announced that Alessa and her love interests were banned. She personally informed them as she felt it was more dignified and there was no reason to embarrass them publicly. When Dimitri came to ask her when her next review was for midterms, Ilyana told him he was not allowed to come. Then named off Gideon, Fabian, Montan, and Alessa who were also banned.

Dimitri had looked absolutely stunned by this and Tori knew he was silently blaming her, but she didnt care. It was Ilyanas decision, and she wasnt going to try to talk her out of it.

By the way, I think it is fair to ask who complained about my review sessions, Ilyana said.

A flurry of voices began speaking at once. Some were trying to stop her from mentioning those people; two of whom came from very influential families. Some were trying to change her mind and accept them. Others were asking her what she wanted.

I can either hold the review sessions as I do now and prohibit those with whom I have a personal issue or I stop them completely, Ilyana said. Those are the only two choices. Please remember that as they are not school-sponsored events, I am not required to accept everyone. This should not trouble Lyce.

Tori waited a while longer and then finally heard the defeated voices of the instructors. A moment later, Ilyana strutted out and beamed at Tori.

Did you find out who complained? Tori asked as she rose to her feet and extended her arm to loop around Ilyanas.

Ilyana shook her head. They would not say, but I have some guesses. We can find out.

JP?

JP.

Tori wrinkled her nose. I can understand why theyd want to complain, but youre the one having the reviews. They should just come to you.

I wouldnt accept them even if they begged, Ilyana said with narrowed eyes. Tori sighed and patted her arm.

Well, they may be doing that soon. Mr. Guthry is likely going to fall out of the top ten by the next exam. If not, then by final exams, Tori said.

Since I know you like Madam Guthry and the Prime Minister, I may consider it, Ilyana said benevolently. If he begs.

Tori chuckled. They reached Cafe Fortuna and, as the bell rang and they stepped through, a man at the counter turned around. Tori narrowed her eyes.

Tori. Axton looked at her, distressed. She merely gave him a nod of her head, if only to be polite, and walked towards the other end of the counter to put in her order. The last time she saw him, they were at Mama Myras and shed avoided him despite his attempts to talk to her. Eventually, Constantine and Ewan stepped in to stop him and he left with some food for Piers. Every time he tried to call her, she wouldnt answer. Tori, are you not going to talk to me for the rest of your life?

She didnt answer. Ilyana looked away. This was not her battle, and she knew it. Roasted chicken with carrots and pilaf, she said instead.

Tori, Axton took a step closer, and Tori stepped away. He stopped before he could get any closer. He closed his eyes and let out a low breath. I apologized. I meant it. Im sorry I insulted you.

Ill have the pork loin with rosemary and cauliflower. Tori looked towards the youngest of Mama Js sons, who was taking their order.

You know why Im worried. Hes my best friend. Hes the closest person I have to a brother, Axton said. If you were in my position and you saw someone Miss Agafonova-

I dont want to be part of this, Ilyana said swiftly.

He sighed. Just theoretically. If someone Miss Agafonova was very attached to appeared to not want to have her in their life long term, wouldnt you be worried?

I certainly wouldnt accuse the other party of hurting her if they stated their intentions from the beginning.

I didnt mean to say that-

But you believe Id hurt Piers. Tori turned to look at him with large, spiteful eyes. And that tells me everything I need to know about how you see me.

No, thats not it-

I dont want to talk about this anymore, Tori said in a firm voice. If you want to talk about accompanying Piers, fine. If you want to discuss business, sure. Ewan? Okay. But I dont have friends who see me as someone who would hurt my other friends.

The cafe was quiet except for the sound of food bubbling and clanging of pots and pans in the back. Ilyana kept her eyes fixed on the counter.

Axton swallowed hard. I was worried.

She looked at him with a belittling gaze and then turned away. I dont know if Piers told you yet, but youve been reassigned and will no longer come with us to the delta unless he comes with you. Other knights will be assigned when its just us. Ewan will remain in Horizon to continue training.

Axton drew his head back and looked as if he took a heavy blow. Tori, I didnt mean to upset you.

Axton, a deep voice said behind him. He turned around and Tori looked towards the stairs. Piers reached the ground floor. Thats enough.

Tori closed her eyes and shook her head. Are you here for dinner, too? she asked before looking towards him. He nodded to her and then gave a polite nod to Ilyana.

Yes. There was a department meeting, and I did not have much to eat. Piers looked towards Axton and then back at her.

Tori looked away. She didnt want to put Piers in an uncomfortable position between them, but it was inevitable that he would find out that she was angry at Axton. Hed noticed her silence towards his knight a few days earlier, and when he asked, Tori blurted out how Axton thought shed be so ignorant as to hurt Piers. Her ranting lasted for some time before ending with: but this is between me and him. Dont get involved.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

To his credit, Piers didnt, though Tori knew it was an awkward situation and it bothered him.

Im sorry hes bothering you, he said. He looked towards the counter and saw that their boxes of food were ready. Axton, lets go. Axton lowered his head and took the canvas bags with their meals from the counter. He looked at Tori once more and she turned her head away. She felt Piers hand on her head in an attempt to comfort her. Dont hate him. He loves you, too.

Ewan, you reached your food quota already. Henriks voice was heard. Tori paused as she was about to walk outside the room.

Is Ewan with you?

Hes coming tonight.

Tori frowned. Hes supposed to stay and train with Axton.

Master said he was coming this weekend! Ewan seemed to shout his answer from further away.

Tori narrowed her eyes. All right, Ill meet you all at the front of the school. Also, no raisins.

Understood! Ilyana ended the call and Tori slid her finger across the crystal as soon as the crystal dimmed.

Call Piers du Soleil. She leaned against the side of the door and waited for Piers to answer.

Hes coming today. Piers answered quickly and Tori jerked her head back.

Whos coming today?

Gideon. We are getting him right now.

Tori inhaled deeply. She almost forgot that Gideon was being forced to come. Since he didnt come the last time they went to the delta, he was coming now. No wonder Axton was coming.

I see.

I have to go. I see him now. The call ended abruptly, and Tori stared at the comcry for a moment. She furrowed her brows, but figured that they didnt tell Gideon ahead of time in order to avoid him notifying unwanted parties, and were likely just telling him now.

At least they were prepared for it.

It was strange to come home without Fabian, but Gideon respected his determination to improve. He knew that Fabians summer training in the Amber Fortress did not go as well as Fabian expected. It wasnt that he was terrible; he simply did not meet the standards expected. Since they returned to Lyce, Gideon rarely saw Fabian outside of their classes and in the dorm room.

Fabian also tended to come back late from training some nights. Gideon wanted to tell him not to push himself, but knew that Fabian was doing so for his sake. His parents and uncles assessment of Fabian lingered in their heads: if Fabian didnt improve, they would replace him as Gideons personal knight.

That wasnt something he wanted. Fabian had been his friend since they were six. The von Dorns were a small, formerly aristocratic family who served in the eastern army. By the time Fabian was born, the family had fallen from their former glory. Much of their ancestral land had been sold and all they had was a manor house.

No one lived there. Fabians family consisted of him and his aging grandfather, who moved with him to Horizon for work. Fabians father had a heart attack when he was a child and his mother, a soldier, was killed on the border. Fabians only stroke of luck was being at the right place at the right time.

When the Emperor and Empress began looking for a personal knight for Gideon, Fabians grandfathers colleague recommended him. Fabian learned quickly and they got along. Gideon believed that Fabian would always remain as his knight. He didnt think it was possible for Fabians status to be questioned.

He and Alessa tried to find suitable instructors for him. Gideon put up the money and Alessa received assistance from one of her friends to scour the empire to find a sword instructor who had combat experience. He was worried it would be difficult, but Alessas friend was able to find someone suitable.

Fabian told him the instructor was strict, but rigorous. He had private lessons a few days a week and would always come back tired, but more determined to enter La Garda on his own merit than ever. Gideon supposed he would have to soon get used to not having Fabian around every day once Fabian started in La Garda.

Gideon stepped out of the carriage as it stopped in the gate house. There was an entourage of imperial knights waiting. Ahead of his carriage was another one and he wondered who was leaving. The door was open and from where he had disembarked, he couldnt see if anyone was inside. As he took a step closer to see if there was anyone leaving, there was the sound of rustling behind him.

Before he could turn around, something went over his head and covered his mouth. His eyes widened as his hands shot to the cloth around his mouth, just before everything went dark around him. His heart slammed against his chest, and he began to try to lift his arms, only to have someone grab him tightly, pinning his arms to his body. A moment later, a rope was tied around his wrists and brought together behind him.

His muffled cries seemed to be getting no attention as his legs gave way beneath him.

Was the cloth sack necessary? Gideon tensed at the sound of the voice.

Father!?

I was worried he would struggle, but perhaps it wasnt....

Mohhha? Gideon tried to call out to his mother. He was suddenly lifted off his feet and as he tried to kick his legs something went around his ankles and his feet were pulled together. He tried to wiggle, but someone above him sighed.

Your Highness, please calm down. It was a familiar voice.

Make sure you take his comcry, his mother said. Gideon didnt know what was happening. Someone patted down his body until they found his comcry in his pants pocket and took it. He was lifted up and he let out a grunt as someones sharp shoulder hit his gut.

This is unbefitting of a prince.... Gideon prayed that no one would ever see him like this. Who was carrying him like a sack of grain over their shoulder?

Do you want me to put him there?

On the other bench. Lay him down.

Peeer! Gideon knew his brothers voice in an instant. Hearing Piers voice was reassuring. He was dropped onto a cushioned bench. Did they bring him into the other carriage? He heard a door close and suddenly, they moved and settled into the familiar smooth rhythm of an imperial carriage.

I still dont think the sack was necessary. That was likely Axtons voice. Should we take it off?

No.

Nnnn? Gideon wiggled on the bench.

Dont move or youll fall off the bench. He stopped moving. Do you know why you are here?

Nnn. Gideon shook his head beneath the cloth sack.

Can we just take off the sack? You cant see him shaking his head or nodding, Sir Nassaun sounded exasperated.

Take off the sack.

Stay still, Your Highness. Gideon froze and felt the coarse fabric of the sack drag across his skin before it was finally pulled to the side. The bright light after being in the dark made him shut his eyes and turn his head away from the windows. Should we take off the gag, too?

No.

Gideon blinked a few times before looking across from him. His brother was seated on the opposite bench with Axton next to him, folding a cloth sack.

Peeer? He looked at his brother. Knowing that Piers was there, the panic he felt earlier was greatly diminished. His brother may have been disappointed in him, but Piers would never hurt him. Although, he didnt understand why they had grabbed him, thrown a sack over his head, and tossed him in a carriage.

Do you remember when Mother told you that you would be forced to face the damage you nearly caused after instigating a policy change that affected Tori? Piers asked. His face was calm, and he didnt seem bothered.

Still, Gideon felt his stomach sink. His brothers disappointment was still fresh in his mind. He lowered his eyes and nodded.

Today is the day, Axton said. Gideon looked over at him and knit his brows together.

We are taking you to the Cosora Delta, Piers told him. Gideons eyes widened and he struggled to sit up straight. He looked out the window.

They were still going through the city along with several knights on horseback. He could still see the imperial palace out the window. Gideon looked back at his brother and then looked at his lap. Was it necessary to take his comcry?

It was the Empress decision to take you and confiscate your comcry so you are not able to call for assistance, Axton said. He drew his head back.

Ah-hi-stas?

We know that you instigated the policy because of Lady Hart, Piers said. Gideon choked back a breath and looked at his brother. Piers had his arms crossed over his chest and looked out the window. Mother did not want you to bring her to the Cosora Delta, as you had brought her to Marquess OTuaghs succession ceremony and the Empress Banquet. She did not want this to cause trouble for Tori.

Gideon bristled and glared at the floor. His mother unfairly favored Lady Guevera. He knew it was because Lady Guevera was his mothers friends daughter and because of Piers, but she didnt need to make her favoritism of Tori so obvious.

You will not cause trouble for Tori or the others while you are at the delta, either, Piers said, his voice firm. If you do anything to negatively affect this project, Mother and Father will send you to the Naval Academy every break until you graduate Lyce.