Chapter 140: Oh, Crap This is My Fault

Chapter 140: Oh, Crap This is My Fault

Tori gritted her teeth and let out a small hiss. She knew she had a part in this. She had prodded Fabian about choosing between Alessa and his duty, and then quietly criticized him the night she stopped Dimitri from punching Gideon. She had hoped it would force him to reassess what was important to him considering he had devoted his life thus far to being Gideons knight, and then reaffirm his duty.

She didnt think he would do the opposite.

What does he mean by requested dismissal? She heard Axtons low voice beside her. She looked up at him and saw his lips tightened into a thin line as his eyes narrowed. Such a thing is unheard of.

Oh, crap this is my fault.... Tori looked away.

Gideon, Piers said as his arms pulled back. He took a step back, but Gideons arms were still around him. Thats enough.

She heard a choked breath come from the second prince as he reluctantly lowered his arms. His head was down as Piers took another step back to distance himself from his brother.

We should go inside, Axton said, moving past them to get to the door. Its inappropriate to stand out here to talk about this.

Gideon nodded his head slightly as he wiped at his eyes. Tori put Alexander on the floor.

Then, I should get going-

No! Gideon shouted and Tori jerked her head back. His red eyes were glaring at her. This is your fault! Dont act as if you had nothing to do with this!

Gideon. Piers voice dropped as his lips tugged into a frown. His eyes narrowed and he took a step to the side to shield Tori from Gideons view.

This is her fault, Piers! She cant run away!

Piers pursed his lips and hesitated. Tori, stay.

Lets take this inside, Axton said as he held the door open.

Let me tell the knights to tell Mr. Novak to wait for me, Tori said. She heard Gideon snort with distaste as she turned around and headed down the stairs. After telling the knight guarding the door to inform her driver, she climbed back up the stairs and found Axton waiting for her by the door to their flat.

For a moment, Tori hesitated. Shed never actually been inside Piers and Axtons flat before. Shed come to the door to drop off Alexander, but made a point not to enter. Soleil wasnt strict about what men and women could do. If anything, it was quite lax and men and women interact freely, especially in a group or gathering.

Shed also been alone with Piers in a bedroom before, so being a lone, single woman entering his apartment shouldnt have made her hesitant. However, she still couldnt help but think about Kasens insistence that there was no need for her to ever come, even after he told them to take care of her when she first arrived in Horizon.

In fact, she hadnt told Kasen that shed been to Piers building at all. All Kasen knew was that Piers was housing Alexander while she was on campus and would bring him to her.

Nyaow! Alexander beckoned her from within and Tori took a deep breath and stepped inside.

She didnt know what to expect from the interior. Perhaps a relatively bare flat with just the necessities? Piers and Axton were essentially two single guys going to school, and the outside of the building was very plain. It was a large, multi-storied house, but there werent any extravagant decorations. The stairwell had plain wooden steps with black iron balusters and wood railings. The hallways werent adorned, aside from the exposed wooden beams and columns. It was also bare and rather dark.

Appearances were deceiving. Piers was the first prince of Soleil and Axton was Duke Alvere. She was naive to think their actual home wouldnt reflect that.

She entered into a rotunda-like foyer, and it was almost as if light flooded out of the flat compared to the hallway. The foyer floor had a tile mosaic of a map of Soleil. The rest of the floor was a pale marble tile and led into a large sitting room. An expensive looking narrow rug was laid over the floor. The ceiling was surprisingly high and crystal fixtures illuminated the white walls with pale gray stone trim. The windows were framed with dark gray and gold brocade drapes and sheer curtains. An elegant hearth was across the room with busts of Piers and Axton on the mantle.

A brass figure of a fluffy cat was placed in the center. Tori cocked her head. When did they get a figurine of Alexander done? And why didnt they give her one?

The rest of the furniture waslacquered wood and gilded, in a French Louis style that seemed out of place from the exterior of the building, but fit in perfectly inside. They were no doubt taken from the imperial palace to furnish the first princes flat. The paintings were scenic oil landscapes in thick frames and well-placed mirrors seemed to enlarge the room further.

Amongst the elegant brocade sofas and chairs was a large, purple velvet cushion covered with gray fur, various cat toys on the floor, including a crocheted fish stuffed with dried catnip, and not one, but three different cat trees. Two were connected across the room by a narrow, carpeted bridge.

Near the dining area, she could make out a gilded tray that was raised off the ground with two ceramic bowls, one of which had an aquamarine crystal cycling water. The sign above the bowls said Alexander.

Tori crinkled her eyes and slowly turned her head towards Piers. And you said I spoil him?

These were brought over from the palace. Theyre used, Piers said, offhandedly.

His name over his food bowl is gold-plated, Piers.

Mother had it made. It was part of his reward for the hunt.

Tori looked down at her cat who had walked to his food bowls and patted the gilded tray proudly, as if to show off. Youre living the life in your little bachelor pad, arent you? Better than when youre with me....

Nyaow!? He shot forward and started rubbing his head against her leg, as if to reassure her that she was number one.

Axton let out a small cough as he walked out of the foyer. He motioned his head towards the sitting area, where Gideon had sat on the largest sofa and was hunched over despondently. Tori took a deep breath. She picked up Alexander and carried him to the smaller sofa, where the fur-covered pillow was, and placed him on it before she sat next to him.

Axton sat on a chair to one side and Piers sat across from Gideon, next to Tori. She looked at Piers. He seemed hesitant to start.

What happened?

Gideon lifted his head. Instead of answering his brother immediately, he gave Tori a hateful glare. Why dont you ask her?

Tori? Axton asked as he knit his brows. What does Fabian requesting dismissal from his post have anything to do with her?

Shes the one who told him to!

Both Piers and Axton seemed taken aback by Gideons exclamation, but Tori didnt shrink back.

I didnt tell him to quit, I told him to figure out what was more important: his duty to you or Hart.

Gideon scoffed, a vicious sneer still on his lips. You questioned his loyalty to me?

I did, Tori said, sitting up straight. Because there were two things he knew that night you left Horizon for Viclya. The first was that you were supposed to report travel outside the city to the palace, and that not doing so would break protocol and cause problems. The second was that Hart needed you to go with her to Viclya. He could either report your travel plans, which are for your own safety, but would likely prohibit you from leaving the city, or do nothing in order to sneak out at Harts request, thus knowingly putting you in danger because the imperial family would not know where you are. He had a choice: your safety or Harts request.

Gideons face reddened and he looked flustered. Youre oversimplifying it-

He picked Harts request, Piers said with a frown. He knew it would get you in trouble and put you in danger, but he still decided to help Baroness Hart.

Axton was leaning back against the chair and let out a heavy sigh as he closed his eyes. Does he not understand that your safety is paramount?

Gideon scooted to the edge of the sofa. But Alessa is his friend, too!

What does that matter? Axton asked sharply as his head snapped to Gideon. He is your personal knight. Your safety is paramount.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

He is not simply your friend, Gideon, Piers said. He is your personal knight. He has been so for many years. He should know what he should and should not do at this point.

Tori nodded in agreement.

Axton uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, looking at Gideon critically. Tell me, what did he say? Did he tell your father?

Gideon swallowed hard and his head dropped once more. He nodded, telling them exactly what happened. He told father first.

Axton took a deep breath and tilted his head back, as if restraining himself.

Has Father agreed to his dismissal? Piers asked.

Gideon shook his head. He wants to give Fabian more time to reconsider it, but Fabian told me he isnt fit to be my knight. He believes hes failed me and is undeserving of the position.

Tori bit her lips to keep from agreeing out loud. She lowered her eyes and petted Alexander beside her.

Is this because of his master? Axton asked with a frown. He has already refused to go to La Garda and was making strides to strengthen his position by going with you to the naval academy. Why would he suddenly request dismissal? Is it because of what happened recently?

Gideon shut his eyes. His hands clasped each other in front of him and they turned white with how hard he gripped them.

Fabian says he doesnt deserve his position if he cannot put his duty first. He opened his eyes and shot a venomous look at Tori. He said she told him that.

My intention was for him to reassess his priorities, not to quit.

Gideon sneered. And what makes you think that his duty is in question?

Are you really asking me that? Toris brows shot up and she leaned forward. After what happened in Viclya and that night in the courtyard?

Axton sat up straight. Piers turned his head towards her. What night in the courtyard?

Nothing, Gideon said, drawing his head back. Nothing happened.

Tori. Piers gave her a firm look.

She gritted her teeth and inhaled deeply. Guthry called him out one night and all but accused him not only of avoiding Hart, but insisted that her punishment for her part in instigating their trip to Viclya was revenge driven. The argument escalated and Guthry tried to punch him.

He what? Axton was now sitting at the edge of his seat, his eyes wide. The Prime Ministers son hit the second prince-

He didnt hit me! Gideon shouted.

Only because I stopped him! Tori glared. She looked at Piers and Axton. Ilyana and I saw them and heard the noise. I saw Guthry start to lift his arm with a clenched fist and move forward, so I ran out and shoved him before he could throw the punch.

Piers eyes narrowed. His face darkened. Where was von Dorn?

He was there, Tori replied, cold. A few steps away, closer to them than we were.

Then why didnt he intercept and stop the punch? Axton asked in a dangerous voice. He was closer, and he didnt do anything?

Are you all right?

What does my brother think Im doing with Piers?

Oh.... No wonder he asked me to make sure you were all right and to help you buy tea, if necessary, when we saw him outside, Ilyana said with a knowing nod.

I am doing nothing of the sort. Victorias body was too young by her standards to begin with.

Ilyana put Toris box of food on Toris desk. I know, but its nice to have people who care about you. If you do need me to buy you tea in the future, I will.

Same to you, Tori said as she rolled out of bed.

So, did you take some time because of Lord Kasen?

Tori shook her head. She didnt expect to see her brother at all. Kasen had to stop at the capital for some reports. He was still technically working. While her carriage ride with her brother felt like a long time, it wasnt, and Tori told Ilyana about Fabian and Gideon.

She didnt blame Ilyana for looking so surprised. Ilyanas eyes were wide, and she shook her head. Is he sure that von Dorn asked to be dismissed?

Tori nodded. He was called into the Emperors study, and they discussed this. Von Dorn has a week to decide if this is what he really wants. After that was made clear, the second prince took a carriage to Piers flat.

Ilyana leaned back against her chair as she munched on her sandwich. Do you think itll be awkward? Theyre roommates and sit next to each other in homeroom.

I dont know about their seating arrangements, but they will no longer be roommates. Axton said it was a precaution because they simply cant have an unaffiliated person share the same quarters. She sat at her desk to eat. Dont tell anyone. Lets just wait and see.

Both she and Ilyana were hyper vigilant the next morning. They arrived at their homeroom class well before it started and spent the morning discussing the Lions Gate release party. Two additional students entered the classroom after them, followed by Gideon. While his uniform was pressed, his hair was a bit more unkempt than usual. His eyes had bags and he looked a little pale, but he greeted the other two classmates like normal.

Tori and Ilyana pretended they didnt notice, though noted that Gideon didnt come with Fabian. Except for the time Fabian was recovering after his first duel with Tori and didnt come to class, Gideon and Fabian always came together. Today, Gideon arrived by himself and quietly sat in his usual seat.

The two students who had arrived before him left the room to get something to eat and bring back before class started. They werent gone long when the door swung open with a loud bang and a shadow fell over the walkway.

Tori and Ilyana looked over their shoulders. Their eyes went wide. Tori wasnt sure if they were more surprised or excited at the turn of events.

Fabian rushed into the classroom. He didnt seem to notice them as he went straight to Gideon with a flustered expression. Anyone could hear him coming, but Gideon didnt turn around. He continued to look over some papers even as Fabian loomed behind him.

Where were you last night? Fabian said in a low, slightly out of breath voice. You didnt come back to the palace, and you werent in the dorm room this morning.

Ilyana gently pushed a small paper bag of potato chips shed brought with her from the delta towards Tori. Tori reached in and took a piece, silently bringing it to her mouth as they watched from the back of the room.

I went to my brothers and stayed there overnight, Gideon said. He sounded very calm about it. When he didnt explain further, Fabian rounded the desk and stood in front of him.

Why didnt you tell me? I waited for you all night.

Gideon paused in the middle of turning a page over. He lifted his head to look up at Fabian. I told the other knights where I was going. You couldve asked them.

Fabians brows furrowed and his face twisted with frustration. You shouldve told me! I was worried about you!

Tori couldve sworn Gideons hand trembled for just a moment. He seemed to force a smile. Im sorry. I was in a rush. I needed to talk to my brother. You slipped my mind...besides, didnt you have training with the cadets-oh. He drew his head back and his shoulders relaxed. You no longer need to train with them.

Fabian frowned. I have not yet been dismissed.

You will be, Gideon said, his eyes looking over a sheet of paper. Fabian, if you want to be dismissed, I understand. I dont want to make it difficult for you. If you feel you are unable to do your duty, as you said, I respect your decision to leave.

Is he going to say we can still be friends?

We can still be friends, cant we? Gideon offered Fabian a bright smile.

Fabian remained where he stood, appearing stunned. He lowered his eyes and seemed to think for a moment. I...yes, of course.

Gideon nodded. He returned to his work, immediately ignoring Fabian. The black-haired knight stood in place with a dazed expression. He looked down at Gideon and seemed almost at a loss of what to do now. When he didnt move, Gideon glanced back up.

Arent you going to take your seat? Class will start in several minutes.

Fabian nodded. Yes.... He took a step to the side, but stopped. Are you upset?

Gideon froze once more. No. He lifted his head and smiled. I thought it over and you have valid reasons. Im disappointed, but this is your decision.

I see...thank-

So, when will you move out? Gideon asked as he lifted his pen. Do you need any assistance moving?

Fabian stiffened. Moving out? Of the palace?

And my dorm room. Axton said that you can no longer be my roommate as an unrelated person is a possible threat. Its nothing personal. Gideon lifted his hand to silence Fabian before he could interject. This is standard procedure if an imperial family member is without a knight. Piers had his own room when Axton went to La Garda.

That was true, but he certainly didnt seem to phrase it as if it wasnt personal.

What about your safety? Fabian asked with a frown. You cant stay in a room alone.

Gideon shook his head. Fabian, you dont need to worry about this. You are no longer my knight. My family will take care of my security.

Fabians hands clenched into fists. You said we were friends. Am I not allowed to be concerned as a friend?

I am also trying to be considerate of your decision, Gideon said with a slight frown. Once you are dismissed, you should no longer have to be burdened with the responsibility of protecting me.

What about when youre not in Lyce? Who will escort you?

The imperial knight escorts. Piers said he will have Father assign two more knights to me at once.

Fabian grit his teeth. You have already made plans....

Gideon lowered his head and wore a bitter smile. Piers said that a knight who feels they are unfit for the position should not have it. I thought a lot about it, and I agree. You are my friend, and I shouldnt force you to stay for my sake. That is unfair to the both of us. Axton and Piers explained things to me clearly and believe in preparing.

Fabians chest rose and fell heavily. He looked away from Gideon. Im sorry I disappointed you.

Gideon shook his head lightly. Dont be.

The door creaked open and light footsteps came down the walkway. Tori raised a brow as Alessa came down the stairs with a satchel slung around her shoulder. She threw Fabian and Gideon a brilliant smile as she reached them. They hadnt changed their classroom seating since the first year, so she was still seated across the aisle from Gideon.

Good morning!

Good morning! Gideon replied with a smile, but returned to his work.

Alessas smile faltered a bit as she put her bag down. Are your parents still telling you to limit contact with me? she said with a slight pout.

Gideon smiled weakly. They are not only my parents, but the Emperor and Empress.

You should still be able to talk to her like normal in class, Fabian said in a solemn voice.

Gideon kept a smile on his face. But I am?

Alessa lowered her eyes and touched the top of her desk. I just feel it is unfair that they would order you to do such a thing. We are friends. Theyre doing too much.

Gideon paused. Even if they didnt order such a thing, which I agree is a bit extreme, with how busy we are it is difficult to socialize as before.

Dimitri is still able to make time. He came with me to the orphanage. Perhaps we can come see your hospital when you go for a check?

When it opens, I will be sure to invite you all.

Alessas face fell. That was not the answer she seemed to want. Her other hand grasped the strap of her bag and curled her fingers into it. I know you said that you dont blame me, but I think you do.

Gideon closed his eyes and seemed to take a deep breath. I have already told you that I dont.

Then why are you allowing your parents to restrict our communication and avoiding me?

Gideon opened his eyes, but didnt look at Alessa. He looked directly ahead of him. I have already broken the rules once. I dont want to disappoint my parents and my brother again.

Alessas lower lip trembled. I dont believe that you dont blame me. If you didnt blame me, you wouldnt allow them to keep us from being friends.

I dont know how I can explain to you further that I dont blame you. My parents gave me orders. Im not a regular teenager, I cant rebel against them and disregard their orders with little consequence. I am a prince and have responsibilities to my family. Gideon glanced at Fabian and then looked at Alessa. And if I had to choose between my family and you, I will choose my family.

Alessas eyes went wide as she inhaled a sharp breath. Gideon gathered the things on his desk and put them in his bag. When everything was collected, he stood up.

Where are you going? Fabian asked, almost running around the desk to stop him.

Gideon slung the bag over his shoulder and took a deep breath. Sitting here will only make it awkward. Im going to change seats.

Tori felt her stomach sink. There were plenty of open desks in the classroom, but she had a bad premonition. Gideon climbed up the steps.

No...no.... Ilyana whispered beside Tori as she shook her head. Tori sat up straight at her desk and also shook her head. This was their spot! The spot they had been ostracized to when class first began.

Gideon turned into the empty row in front of them and sat down in front of Tori.