Chapter 141: Potato - One. Alessa and Fabian - Zero.

Chapter 141: Potato - One. Alessa and Fabian - Zero.

Tori resisted the urge to creep out of the classroom and call Piers to ask him what exactly he and Axton had told Gideon that caused the scene that morning. She was certain that where the conversation had ended when she left the night before wasnt enough to cause such a change in Gideon.

Guevera. Agafonova. Gideon greeted them with a small nod of his head as he looked over his shoulder.

Ilyana sat in place with disbelief and horror all over her face. She looked at Tori and Tori let out a low breath. She shrugged her shoulders. She picked up her pencil and wrote in the corner of her notebook.

He broke up with his best friend. Perhaps he is grieving?

Ilyana read the little note and slumped forward. She looked at Tori and seemed to imagine being in Gideons position. Tori was her best friend, and from Ilyanas expression, the thought of such a breakup was devastating. Despite her usual distaste of the second prince, Ilyana looked at her bag of potato chips and pushed them towards him.

Good morning, Your Highness, she said in a strained voice. Would you like some potato chips? We sell them at the delta, and I brought some back yesterday.

Gideon sat up straight and looked over his shoulder once more. His eyes were wide, and he drew his head back, suspicious. Youre offering me food?

Ilyana didnt meet his eyes and simply shrugged her shoulders. If you dont want any, dont take them.

Tori could hear the hint of sympathy in her defensive voice. She lifted her hand and stroked Ilyanas back to soothe her. She turned her head to Gideon. If youre going to sit here from now on, lets make it clear. If you dont say or do anything hurtful to us, we wont say or do anything hurtful to you.

Peace offering, Ilyana said, noticing Toris words. She nudged the bag forward. You are His Highness Prince Piers brother, and he is very good to us.

Tori nodded in agreement and gave Ilyana a comforting stroke on the back. Our Ilyana is magnanimous.

Gideon looked at the peace offering on the edge of Ilyanas desk. He was quiet for a moment before he lifted his hand and reached for the bag.

Gideon! Fabians voice rang out and Gideon jerked his hand back. He snapped his head to the side as Fabian reached him and grabbed onto the edge of Gideons desk. A frantic look was on his face. What are you doing? You dont need to move seats!

Tori furrowed her brows. Since when did Fabian call Gideon by his name and not Your Highness? Did they call each other by their given names when they werent in school or a formal occasion? Her brows rose slightly. Or was Fabian panicked at the sudden distance Gideon was putting between them?

I dont mind, Gideon replied with a wry smile. Its quiet back here and I can focus a bit more. My ranking has dropped from where it was when I entered. Agafonova and Guevera are ranked first and third, respectively. Maybe sitting here will help me focus, as well.

Thats not why our ranking is so high, but sure, grasp at them straws. Tori wrinkled her face, but didnt speak out.

Fabian looked past Gideon and at Tori and Ilyana. The two of them quickly turned their heads away, as if they werent watching the two in front of them. Fabian scowled. He gritted his teeth and tried to calm himself before speaking again.

Gideon...I didnt mean to disappoint you, Fabian said as he lowered his voice. I dont want any harm to come to you by staying at your side.

Gideon swallowed hard and nodded. I know. I understand. He lifted his arm and patted Fabians arm reassuringly. You are no longer my knight, but we are still friends. It is important to me that the burden is lifted from your shoulders. This is all I can do for you. He offered Fabian a small, kind smile. My brother also has plans to release Axton from his duties. A duke cannot be a personal knight, but I have no doubt that they will remain close. Sometimes, this is the fate of a prince and his knight. They dont all end up like my father and Chamberlain Thorpson.

Fabians eyes fell and his hands clenched. Tori didnt know what he expected to happen. He was the one who decided this was for the best and requested a dismissal. He took a step back, his head down and a regretful look on his face.

Gideon, dont be upset with Fabian, Alessa said from her desk several rows ahead. She wore a distressed look and held her hand over her heart. He cares about you. We all do.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Gideon gave her a small smile and then reached back to take a potato chip from Ilyanas bag. He put it into his mouth and crunched into it. Tori almost thought it was an act of defiance.

Potato - one. Alessa and Fabian - zero.

Gideons eyes widened and looked at the remnants of sea salt and chip crumbs on his fingers.

Is this new? he asked as he looked towards Tori. What is this?

Potato chips, Tori said with a wave of her hand. Just a little something weve developed in the delta. She paused and glanced at him. Are you going to Axtons birthday? Gideon thought for a moment and then nodded. Tori wasnt sure if Axton invited him, but knowing Axton and the situation the night before, he had probably extended an invitation to Gideon. Then you can have more; weve gifted Axton some newly harvested vegetables from Cosora for his birthday. He also likes these.

Axton had been introduced to hash browns for breakfast by Ewan. When he had learned that an entire meal of potatoes had been prepared for Ilyanas birthday, he had bothered Tori for potatoes for his birthday, too. Ilyana had generously allocated some of the potatoes from the test farm that she personally funded with gift money from her parents for the sake of having access to her new favorite food.

Gideon nodded and took one more potato chip, giving Ilyana a nod. Thank you.

Ilyana lifted her head and gave him a small, civil nod in return. Youre welcome, Your Highness.

Gideon looked back at Fabian and then at Alessa and smiled once more. Dont worry yourselves. Fabian made a choice that I respect. Alessa, Im not upset at or blaming anyone.

Actions speak louder than words, Dimitri said as he passed by. He didnt look at them as he walked down the steps to get to his seat behind Alessa. His was just loud enough for them to hear.

Yes, you would know, wouldnt you? Her mocking words left Toris lips before she could stop herself. Dimitri stopped at once, just beside his desk. He snapped his head around, frowning as he met her smug face.

Do you have something to say to me, Lady Guevera?

Ive already said so many things to you, Guthry, Tori said, sounding exhausted. No need to repeat myself if youre unwilling to listen.

He grit his teeth and put his bag on the top of his desk. He looked at Gideon. You should choose your company more carefully, Your Highness. You dont want to be influenced by questionable individuals.

Ilyana lifted her hand to her mouth and barely held back a snort. She shook her head and Tori crossed her arms over her chest.

I would say the same to you, Guthry. Id hate to see you face more corruption charges. Your parents are good people. They really dont deserve it.

His face heated up as it twisted with humiliation and resentment. Alessa gasped and looked towards Dimitri with worry. Ilyana still had her hand over her mouth, covering her smirk, and Gideon looked taken aback that shed said such a thing aloud. Everyone knew what was happening with the Guthrys, and there were whispers about it amongst the students, but most tried to avoid speaking about it in front of Dimitri.

Dimitri seemed to struggle to contain himself, but he couldnt stop his face from reddening with fury. More students had arrived in the tense room, and no one spoke as they crept to their desks. Just as Dimitri appeared to give in and want to yell at Tori, Instructor Rosemund arrived to begin class. Dimitri had no choice but to smother his words and take his seat.

Fabian also returned to his seat, unable to look back at Gideon.

The rest of the class continued as usual. She didnt have any further contact with Gideon, as he seemed to simply focus on schoolwork. During the breaks, hed review his Lyce project notes. His lunch was a familiar wrapped sandwich that he had brought with him. Piers and Axton mustve taken him to Cafe Fortuna for breakfast before they brought him to Lyce.

Fabian had looked back numerous times, but didnt seem to dare get up and approach Gideon. Alessa approached Fabian and chatted with him. She also looked back at Gideon with some trepidation.

Once class was over, Tori and Ilyana packed their things and split up to their respective electives class. Everything was normal and Tori dropped her guard.

At least until Fabian entered the dance class. Tori felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise as she loosened her muscles in preparation for the class. She could feel him looking at her all through the stretches and the intense look burning into her back didnt leave when they were in the smaller adjacent room so she could practice.

The door to the room closed and Fabian grabbed her arm. He pulled her back against the wooden door and stood in front of her with a heated look. His hands went on either side of her head to keep her place.

If you hurt him, he said in a low voice. I will never forgive you.

For a moment, Tori was surprised. Piers and Axton were right: Fabian likely didnt ask for dismissal in an act of malice, but because he didnt want to risk hurting Gideon with his negligence. It really was a bit admirable.

Her chin rose. She lifted her hand and pushed one of his arms away. She turned her head to the side and took a step from him.

Aside from our arguments, when have I hurt him when he did not try to hurt me first? Tori asked with a raised brow. Dont worry, von Dorn. The second prince has nothing to fear from me. Besides, hes not my responsibility. At least not in the same sense as he was yours. Im not going to go out of my way to protect him, but Im not going to cause trouble, either.

She brushed Fabian off and proceeded with her practice. He continued to scowl. Tori readied herself for any aggression or snide remarks from Fabian, but he was more disciplined than she gave him credit for. At least when Gideon was involved. She didnt know where that discipline was when he was harassing Ewan.

The rest of the week flew by. Gideon continued to sit in front of her in their homeroom and Fabians words to her were limited to dance in elective.

Its really not as bad as I thought, Tori said as she walked with Ilyana to meet with the others at Cafe Fortuna to pick up their road trip snacks. Every now and then, he mentions the second princes habits. I think Axton and Piers were right; him asking for dismissal may have been done in the best interest of the second prince.

Ilyana nodded. I suppose even the worst of people have good points. Tori nodded.

They crossed the central courtyard and heard a voice calling out for Tori. They both turned their heads and saw Mr. Legaspi, the headmasters assistant, calling for them.

Tori and Ilyana exchanged looks. They both nodded and headed towards the administration building.

Good afternoon, Mr. Legaspi, they greeted.

Good afternoon, Miss Guevera and Miss Agafonova. Im glad I was able to catch you before you left.

Tori knit her brows and tilted her head to the side. Can you help you with something, Mr. Legaspi?

Miss Guevera. Mr. Legaspi handed her an envelope and bowed his head. You have been summoned.

You really shouldnt. I am humbled, Your Majesty.

I am very much aware of the amount of responsibility on your shoulders. And I admit that a good portion of that is due to my giving you a peerage. But this is my sons safety, and I can only humble myself to ask you.

Tori took a deep breath. I have never thought of myself as a knight, nor have I ever trained as such. I am severely lacking in experience and training. You cannot entrust your son to me, Your Majesty.

I have already entrusted my eldest to you, Countess Guevera. Piers trusts you with his life, the Emperor told her with a firm look. We would trust you with Gideons. If you accept this request of mine, I am confident that you will not betray your duty. Name your price, Countess.

She narrowed her eyes. If I asked you to repeal my title and land? Give me back my freedom, you silver-haired bastard.

The Emperors breath hitched, and he hesitated, as she thought he would. He stood stiffly on the other side of the desk. She watched his eyes glance towards a bookshelf on his right. Amongst several books and decorations was a crystal obelisk the size of her arm. If she wasnt mistaken, due to its violet color, it shouldve been blue zoisite.

He slowly moved his gaze back to her.

If you accept, I will arrange for the Cosora Delta to be made a temporary stewardship in your hands for a year and to be handed back on your next birthday. You may keep your title as a prestige title, and it cannot be inherited.

Tori raised a brow. This was unexpected. The Emperor was willing to play ball for his jerk son. He was desperate. Luckily for him, she had already come too far in settling her county and was mad with power.

But that didnt mean she wouldnt make him pay some other way.

Toris lips pulled into a smile. She motioned for the Emperor to take a seat as she stepped forward. I have a few hours until we are set to leave for Millers Row, Your Majesty. May I have a moment of your time to discuss what is expected, what can be done, and my possible remuneration?

If, and only if, Fabian insisted on his request for dismissal, then Tori would become Gideons temporary, Lyce-limited guard for the next two years. During winter and summer breaks, he would not be her problem, but as long as they were in school, she would have to keep him aware of his surroundings, prevent questionable individuals from troubling him, and report any possible threats and the like to the imperial family.

There were problems that arose, of course. The main one being that Tori was a girl and could not enter Gideons room. In fact, she couldnt even enter Gideons all-boys section of their dorm. There was no way for her to defend him if he was attacked in the dorm.

She also had a different elective and after school activities. All of this meant that her time with Gideon while in Lyce was limited to their homeroom class. Tori had explained this to the Emperor, but he had nodded and continued to insist. Aside from another set of eyes watching Gideon, the Emperor also wanted to make use of her charms and crystal skills.

Tori had said she would provide charms and crystals for a lower payment, but the Emperor had one more surprising request. At first, she was almost convinced that he wanted to exploit her once more for convenience, charms, and crystals, but when he told her to keep Gideon away from Baroness Alessa Hart, Tori understood why she was selected.

She had gone quiet and sat in the chair across from the Emperor for some time.

Keeping Gideon and Alessa away from each other had been the main goal for OG Victoria Guevera. While she was the villainess of the game whose existence was to be the antagonist to Alessa, Victorias ultimate goal had been to keep Alessa away from Gideon. The reason was so that she could marry Gideon instead, but the goal remained the same.

Her mind had wandered, and she wondered if the game was forcing her to get between the two somehow.

The Emperor had called out to her twice before she had stirred herself out of her thoughts.

Tori had wanted to reject the request once more, but the Emperor admitted that he was concerned that Alessa was a negative influence on Gideon. Both he and the Empress, and Piers, though the imperial couple likely didnt know, did not like Alessa due to her impulsiveness and her tendency to apologize and take blame just so others would exonerate her for comfort.

It seemed that the imperial couple had branded Alessa as a danger to their son in their minds, and Tori couldnt blame them.

Tori had been given an hour to consider. In that hour, she called her parents to ask for their opinion. She had such a good family that she felt that not seeking their thoughts on such a decision was reckless.

Papa had hesitated and Mama had cursed the Emperor. After explaining the requirement and assuring them that she would get something she wanted in return, they had ultimately told her that they would support her decision.

Papa had told her to talk to Auntie Lucia because when the Emperor was in Lyce, Chamberlain Thorpson had transferred to La Garda their last two years, and to watch over the then Prince Mathieu-Philippe, Auntie Lucia acted as his temporary guard in Lyce. At the time, Auntie Lucia had been a top ranked swordswoman and two years younger than the Emperor.

She was from a trusted marquis family, as well, which was the most important requirement to the position. This was likely the precedence that led to Tori being selected for the task. Tori had called Auntie Lucia and when the Emperor himself came to see if she had made her decision, she was still talking to her aunt.

Its an easy job, Auntie Lucia had said. Especially if hes boring like his father.

When the sun had set, Tori had agreed.

This was to be kept a secret from Gideon until the issue with Fabian was confirmed. Tori couldnt help but wonder what their reactions would be, and if knowing that she was in line to replace him, if Fabian would change his mind. Who would want to leave their friends life in the hands of an enemy, after all?

But it was too late to go back. At the very least, it wasnt permanent. Two years, and it wasnt even two full years.

Just think about the money. Think about the money and the benefits. Tori chanted in her head as she finished tying up her hair. Ilyana and Sonia, whom she was sharing her room with at Axtons inn, were still sleeping in. They had a long overnight ride and arrived before dawn. While they slept in the carriage well, it wasnt as comfortable as sleeping on an actual bed.

Nanny Rey had already gotten up, as her bed was vacant. She was likely up for her morning practice around dawn, as was her habit. With both princes at the inn, there were knights everywhere, so Toris safety was assured.

Tori got up early to check on the status of the kitchen and get some preparations made before she did a little sightseeing of the town once her friends woke up. She slipped out of the room with Alexander at her feet and headed to the restaurant for breakfast.

Unsurprisingly, this early in the morning, there were just a few knights, and they were all gathered around the window that looked down into the courtyard below. The staff at the restaurant gave her a seat by the window, as well, and she put in her order. They mustve been notified about her cat in advance, as the young man assured her that they would also bring out his meal.

Alexander hopped onto the chair and stood up on his hind legs to look out the window behind it. Tori was first served some iced coffee and as she took a sip, she craned her neck to see what the knights were watching and mumbling about.

She brought the coffee to her lips and stared down the courtyard, where a man was sparring with another. Three additional men were waiting to the side and Tori recognized them as some of Piers escort knights. She silently approved of their diligent practice, and watched one swordsman brutally disarm the other in what appeared to be a step and a half.

There were three matches and each one ended with the first swordsman's win. It was always a quick, clean win, too. Tori couldnt help but be impressed. Truly, a first-tier knight was worthy of their title.

Then the first swordsman removed his helmet. Thick, brown hair was pressed against his head, but even his terrible hair didnt take away from his face.

Goddamn, its unfair for someone to be that attractive after wearing a helmet. If it were her, her hair would be pasted to her head with sweat, and there would be little red indents where the helmet had pressed against. She always looked like a mess when she removed her helmet, no matter how careful she tied her hair. Not even a hot mess. Just a mess. Tori shook her head and sipped her drink as she watched Piers be saluted by his opponent and then take off his gloves as a sign that the match was over. She squinted; a bit embarrassed for the first-tier knights who were beaten so badly.

They continued to line up, but this time, they were facing a woman with two training daggers. Tori shook her head, almost pitying them. Nanny Rey would demolish them.

Piers handed his blunted sword, helmet, and gloves to one of his knights before peeling off his gambeson. His smooth, pale skin was slightly flushed and glistening, meaning he was sweaty. Another knight handed him a small towel and Piers wiped his neck and defined, bare chest. Suddenly, he froze. He snapped his head up in her direction and she met his eyes.

Tori did not look away. She purposely continued to stare as she took another sip of her coffee while lifting her free hand to wave at him. She almost didnt notice the knights who were crowded a few steps away, turning to look at her with surprise.

She wasnt sure if it was because they hadnt noticed her or because they saw her ogling their prince. She gave them a small nod and lifted her glass towards him. Good morning.

Good morning, my lady! They all chorused at once and gave her small bows. Good morning, Master Alexander!

Will everyone be in attendance tonight or will someone be at rest? Tori asked. If someone will be at rest for their guard rotation, let me know so I can have some cream puffs set aside. Ilyana and Axton will eat all the potatoes, too, if I dont save some.

They threw her a thankful look. We will all be in attendance tonight, my lady. Thank you for your consideration.

Naturally.

Tori, good morning! She looked towards the entrance of the restaurant and her eyes widened. Since they arrived so early, this was the first time Piers was seeing her since her arrival. His face was flushed and glowing from his practice, and an eager smile was on his lips.

Piers, put a shirt on. This is not appropriate breakfast attire here, Tori said with a frown. Its fine if its just your knights, but what if the other guests come for breakfast?

Piers looked a bit disappointed, as if she had scolded him. You said you like my-

Go put on a shirt! Tori slapped her hand on the table and Piers immediately turned around to go to his room. Tori felt the gazes of several men looking at her. She took another sip of her coffee and didnt meet their gaze.

She called over the young man who seated her and ordered for Piers. When he returned, she had received her dish and Piers was just coming out of the kitchen. She went with his usual breakfast, as noted from Mama J.

I put on a shirt.

Good. Why werent you wearing one under your gambeson?

It gets too hot, Piers said. He looked at his food and wore a tiny smile. Thank you for ordering breakfast. She hummed and began to spread some jam on her toast. You look happy.

I just got a large advance on a job I accepted, Tori said.

Piers frowned a bit. You took on another job?

Tori nodded. Temporary. Just two years and its only during school hours. She pretended she didnt see his face darkening. His hand squeezed the fork in one hand. His voice dropped.

Did my father summon you?