Chapter 86: Do You Want to Come or Not

Chapter 86: Do You Want to Come or Not

Tori silently acknowledged her pettiness as they split up into small groups in front of the carriages that were taking them to the delta. The knights and footmen accompanying them were putting their belongings into the back of the carriages, except for the last one.

She was still irritated that Piers had colluded with his parents to sneak out of the palace, endangering them. She didnt know what the imperial couple said or did to convince him, or if they even had to, but she couldnt help but blame part of her recent increased stress on Piers, the enabler.

He stood with his lips in a tight line in front of the smallest of the carriages. As soon as they arrived, Tori stepped in to assign the seating. Her friends all agreed previously, so no one protested and started piling into the carriages.

Master, youre also welcome to sit with us! Ewan said, assisting her.

Axton glanced at the first carriage, where the boys were going to be, and then at the last carriage, which was now clearly meant for the imperial brothers. He glanced towards Piers, who had a slight frown at this realization.

You know what, Ive been meaning to try being the dungeon master, Axton said as he whirled around and headed towards the first carriage.

Axton. Piers narrowed his eyes.

Thanks, Axton! Id feel more comfortable if a ranked swordsman were going with them, Tori said, louder than normal. We have Nanny in our carriage.

Axton grinned and the rest of her friends tried to avoid looking at Piers, who they all left to deal with Gideon.

The second prince approached his older brother with an earnest expression. He had been dutifully waiting a few steps away from the gate when they arrived and kept his distance from the group until the carriages appeared.

Piers, Lady Guevera told me that it would be a long journey, so I brought snacks, Gideon said, lifting a small bag and smiling widely. Ive already tested them!

Piers looked down at his younger brother. Why are you coming? he asked. You dont like Ewan or Tori.

Gideon blinked and lowered his bag of snacks. I dont...Im not coming for them. Im coming because its your birthday.

My birthday was last week. This weekend is Ewans birthday, Piers said. Tori munched on a cookie as she watched them from the entrance of the carriage she was riding in.

Mother said we could celebrate it there, too.... Gideon's shoulders sank. Everyone is going.

Tori tried to hold back her smirk. Yeah, Piers. Everyone is going, so you should go with your annoying brother, you enabler.

Piers had an unreadable expression on his face. Get in the carriage, he told Gideon. His brothers face lit up, and Gideon climbed into the carriage.

Hehe.... Tori smirked and turned around.

Tori, may I speak to you for a moment? Piers stepped to the side and turned away from the door to the four-seater carriage.

Tori handed her snack bag to Ilyana, who was already in the middle carriage, and walked over. She brushed her hands together to rid herself of cookie crumbs. Yes?

I didnt know my brother was coming, Piers said in a lowered voice as they stood far enough away from the carriages that the others wouldnt hear.

Yes, I didnt know either. Toris reply was a bit sharper than she intended. It seems everyone in your family has a flair for going out when they are not expected to.

I will not help them next time, Piers said with some distress. He glanced at the carriage. May I sit with you?

Carriage is full.

What about with Ewan-

You make them nervous. Piers looked distraught and Tori turned her eyes away to avoid succumbing to the handsome face. Youll be fine. Its only for a few hours and you can pretend to sleep.

Should Axton not stay with us? Piers asked.

You are also an excellent swordsman. Tori would not relent. And, as your mother stressed, there is a full entourage of knights with you. The entire road to Viclya was almost lined with hidden knights stationed along its entirety. After all, it wasnt just the imperial couple, but their heirs.

Piers looked at the small carriage once more and then looked down, defeated. I learned my lesson. I will not help them anymore.

Your repentance comes too late. You must accept your punishment.

He took a deep, resigned breath. I will pretend to sleep.

Tori tried not to smirk. Shall I comfort you? He seemed to freeze before slowly nodding his head. Tori lifted her hand and patted the side of his head thrice. Youll be fine. Her voice was less than enthusiastic, and Piers frowned.

You were more comforting to Lady Agafonova, Piers said, with a hint of annoyance. Special treatment.

She had a harder time with her review session than you do just sitting with your brother. Tori raised a brow, but Piers was still disappointed. She let out a heavy sigh and reached for his arm. She slid hers against his and put her hand on the crook of his arm before standing beside him, so their arms touched. Just bear with it for a few hours.

He will follow me around in Viclya, too, Piers said, still frowning.

I have planned many activities since there are more people, including Sir Navarro and some other acquaintances of Ewan from La Garda. Your brother will join in, Tori said. Piers nodded and she squeezed his hand. Do you trust me?

Piers didnt hesitate. Yes.

All right, Tori said. She pulled him forward and brought him back to his carriage. She waited until Piers climbed in and sat across from his brother, who was so happy to be seated with him that he didnt pay any attention to Tori. Tori reached into her satchel and took out a small folder about half the size of a sheet of paper. This is the schedule for this weekend, which includes numerous activities. Please look it over and when we arrive, give your selection sheet to Nanny Rey. I will arrange the groups for the activities tomorrow.

Rather than handing it to Piers, she held it out to Gideon. Gideon looked at it and then at her, and gave her a suspicious look. Youre giving this to me?

You are a guest, she said behind gritted teeth. Do you want to come or not?

Gideon quickly reached out and took the folder.

Tori stepped away and gave the footman a nod. Once the door was closed, she went through her satchel to take out a small stack of papers about the size of business cards in her world. They were folded over and she handed one to each knight, driver, footman, and valet who was with her.

Tori, what are you giving them? Axton asked as he stood outside his carriage.

These are disposable charms with the same features as your obsidian talisman, she told him as she handed one to the driver. It will keep them alert and will last all weekend.

Axtons brows rose. You can make disposable ones?

Tori nodded. I practiced a lot of charms with Kasey over the break. My focus was on protection charms.

Axtons face softened and he gently patted the top of her head. Dont be so nervous. Everything will be fine.

Tori grumbled and headed back to her carriage. Once their things were secure, the convoy moved forward to head out of the city. JP and Sonia had fallen asleep quickly, having spent some time checking on their horses just before they rushed back to meet everyone at the gate to leave.

Ilyana and Tori quietly went over the schedule for the next day

The weekend was divided into half day segments with meals. As Tori was working on them, she had flashbacks of all the company picnics and team building events she was forced to help with.

Each carriage was given a small folder like Gideons that broke down the activities by duration and time. Toris goal was to offer activities for a variety of interests and to separate the groups to avoid having to deal with one large group. Large groups were a headache to deal with and would break up into smaller groups, anyway.

I want to sign up for the paddling competition on the outriggers, Ilyana said.

Are you sure? Tori asked, raising a brow. Ilyana nodded. Its two people per boat. You need a partner, and you know Im not participating since Im overseeing it.

Ilyana thought for a moment and looked at JP and Sonia, then wrinkled her nose. The twins wanted to limit any chance at injury before the Spring Three-Day Competition, and while paddling was rather safe, the excitement of a race could cause someone to make a mistake and possibly hit someone with their paddle.

Maybe Ewan?

Ewan already signed up and is going with his sparring partner from La Garda, Tori said. So, youd be paddling against him.

Henrik...no.... Ilyana shook her head. Henrik was the least athletic out of all of them. Theyd be lucky if he stayed to watch. What about Albert?

Albert may have to accompany his grandparents.

Oh, boo.... Ilyana pouted a bit. Sir Nassaun?

Watching Piers.

Mr. Zisos!

Well need to ask him first, Tori said. We have whale watching in the morning, lunch on Isle du Roi, then the paddling boat race in the afternoon, the birthday dinner, special event, and bingo.

Breakfast will happen before whale watching, Ilyana said. What boat will they be taking? What if a lot of people want to go whale watching?

The Ocean Queen, Tori said. They will be taken out and escorted by Cousin Deidre and her crew.

Ilyana let out a breath of relief. What if people dont want to go whale watching?

Relaxing river and coastal tour with charcuterie brunch, Tori said. Whale watching and the river tour are led by Miss Sima and her brother. Im paying them extra, and Mr. Sima jumped at the chance.

Most of the elderly remained with Ilyana as hostess at the beach while those with children, Ewan, his friends from La Garda, and several others opted to go whale watching. Gideon appeared torn, wanting to stay with his brother who was accompanying their parents, but at the same time, he hadnt been whale watching yet.

His parents urged him to go, feeling that he would be safe with OTuagh knights and Anlar sailors.

The Viclya tour was made up of their parents, Tori, and Piers.

How soon do you estimate that this will be done? the Emperor asked Tori as they sat on a boat, cruising the shoreline.

I will continue to work on it at our current pace until I graduate from Lyce, Your Maj...Uncle Matt. Tori really hated having to call him that. It was strange.

What about afterwards? he asked.

I am hoping that by the time I graduate, Viclya will have a solid foundation. Not just literally, but in terms of leadership. Many of the village leaders are quite young and weve been working together for over a year now to get them comfortable with their responsibilities, which will carry over after I leave, Tori said.

The Emperor looked satisfied with this and Tori held back her breath of relief. I have reviewed many of your project plans that you submitted for approval, Lady Guevera. I am impressed with the amount of development of both the land and the people that you have done so far.

I am not alone in that achievement, Tori said in a solemn voice. There have been dozens of people guiding me and hundreds more supporting me with their time and labor. Universit has been heavily involved, the Church of Belcoy has given immense support, and of course, I have such amazing friends and family.

What are your plans after you graduate from Lyce, Lady Guevera? the Emperor asked. From the corner of her eye, she saw Piers, who was standing with his mother and being told about the plant and animal life of the river, turn around, as if having heard his father.

I hope to apply to Universit and be accepted to study crystals, Tori said.

The Emperor looked a bit confused. Crystals? Not business or civics?

Perhaps a little business, but crystals are my main interest, Tori replied. She wondered if he was disappointed, as he had just seen what she had managed to accomplish, and business and civics would be a logical area of study for her. I am currently in the process of developing crystal devices with my instructor.

The Emperor nodded. His eyes narrowed a bit. Yes, Ive heard. Though someone with your leadership potential can do so much more.

Tori is not interested and wants to focus on crystals. Piers seemed to appear beside her and looked at his father with disapproval.

Tori nodded and tried to look enthusiastic. I think there is a promising future in crystal technology. From the tour, Im sure youve noticed the devices for food storage, cooking, heating and cooling. Very recently, we developed a device for tilling land. I also believe that we can improve comcry technology.

The Emperor raised a brow. He looked at Piers and then back at her. If your work will be of benefit to the empire, then I support your decision.

Tori smiled and bowed her head. Thank you, Uncle Matt.

Will you settle in Horizon to study crystals after Universit? the Emperor asked, sounding casual.

Ideally, if I do not return to Presidio, I would like to settle in Viclya, Tori said. Piers nodded in agreement.

Tori would like to buy some islands.

Tori took a sharp breath and shot him a glare. She wasnt ready to ask for them yet. She still had to write up a proposal and inquire on whether she even could buy the islands. Not to mention she was too young.

Which ones?

Tori whipped her head back to the Emperor. She stared at him. The...the one furthest away, Anahata Island, where weve been doing our experiments.

And? he asked.

Tori shifted uncomfortably. A small island in the northeast quadrant. We call it NE12. She readied herself for rejection.

What else?

She blinked. What else? This conversation was not going where she thought it would. I...I havent considered other islands.

The Emperor lifted his chin and thought. You are only fifteen, Lady Guevera. You are not yet old enough to purchase property.

I know. She shot Piers another glare.

We will consider it once you reach adulthood, the Emperor said. Having an area to do crystal experiments safely is important.

Tori took a deep breath and nodded. Consideration was better than immediate rejection. Thank you, Your...Uncle Matt.

He gave her a nod and then looked at his son. Well discuss your timing later.

Tori adjusted the cork woven canvas life vest around her upper body. The front closure was laced up and had to be pulled to tighten then tied.

Grab the strings, she showed her little cousins. And then pull. She watched them grab and pull, only to not have enough strength to pull them tight enough. They were still loose.

Ill help them, Eili said as she knelt. She was going to be on one of the boats that followed the paddlers.

The paddlers would sit in simple two-person outrigger canoes with one paddle each. The challenge would take them from the shore, where the waters were most calm to a point at the furthest edge of Isle du Roi, where they would be required to turn themselves around and paddle back to shore.

Along the way were buoys with flags to keep them within a certain path. There were also sailors on fishing boats there to assist if someone fell in or if a boat capsized.

Tori looked at Marco and Mateo, who were determined to race. Theyd played on the canoes during their stay over the summer, as Tori had been working on various activities for tourism. The two could get quite far, but theyd never been timed. If they had no experience, Tori wouldnt have let them.

Tori walked around the shore checking on teams. Several lounge chairs with umbrellas for shade and tables with drinks were lined just before the deck. The umbrellas had both heating and cooling crystals to regulate the temperature beneath and no matter how cool the wind blew; it was very comfortable beneath the umbrellas. A few people had settled in as spectators under them.

Piers Great Uncle and Aunt didnt seem to want to move from their spot and had been there all morning.

Grandma, are you sure you want to do this? Albert looked at his grandmother as she finished tying her life vest on.

Albert, Im not as old as I look, Madam Martin said with a proud look. Just dont slow us down. I want that Three Queens dinner.

Youve been there before.

Not on the rooftop dining hall!

Tori chuckled as she passed them. They would be going up against the twins and, according to Henrik, they were expected to win.

Ilyana and Constantine would row after them. The two werent doing this for the dinner.

Mr. Zisos, I dont want to put too much pressure on you, but we need to beat His Highness, Ilyana said.

Constantine nodded. Do we know who his partner is yet?

I dont know-

This is so exciting! Ive never been in a boat race like this! The Empress had changed from her light spring dress and coat to a pair of pants and a chambray shirt. Her hair was pulled back and she looked as excited as she sounded. Where do I get my paddle?

Dont tell me shes his partner.... Constantines shoulders shrunk. He looked at Ilyana and whispered. We cant beat the Empress....

Ilyana also looked defeated. But I want to beat the second prince....

Several pairs suddenly seemed hesitant to race the empress and Tori frowned. She didnt expect her to want to join.

Auntie, I got your paddle! Gideon rushed towards his mother with a paddle. He seemed to have been having fun the entire day. Margo had reported that he was absolutely enthralled by the whales and then sat on the quarterdeck to listen to Deidres stories of the sea.

Tori knew hed planned on paddling, but he hadnt written down the name of his partner.

The appearance of the Empress in the race unsettled several pairs who had someone who knew who she was. Ewan looked disappointed. Tori knew there wasnt a rule that said they had to lose to an imperial family member, but she supposed no one wanted to upset the Empress.

Tori had been hoping Ilyana and Constantine would beat Gideon. In fact, she was hoping that everyone beat Gideon. This new player entering the game was dampening her enjoyment.

My angel, a voice said behind Tori. She turned around and saw Nanny Rey smiling warmly at her. I think you should do a demonstration for everyone first. Come, I will help. I used to paddle before.

Toris eyes immediately narrowed with determination. She turned around. Your Highness Prince Emil! Will you do the honor of calling the start when we begin a demonstration?

Prince Emil looked a bit surprised but chuckled and nodded. Id be happy to, Lady Tori. Youve come to the right person!

Tori, I thought you werent going to participate, Ewan said, confused.

Tori held out her hand and Piers handed her a paddle. I thought I could do a demo for everyone first. What do you say to a practice round, Auntie Nika?

The Empress eyes lit up. Oh? A challenge? She walked closer to Tori and her smile widened. Marquis versus marquis? Are you sure?

Tori didnt back down. Well, I am a Guevera, am I not? I do not yield.