Chapter 148: I Will Wait

Chapter 148: I Will Wait

I didnt do anything! Tori shot Piers a glare. Shed throw her arms in the air if Instructor Ignatius death grip didnt keep them pinned at her sides. She looked at Axton and cocked her head. A little help? Hes skinny, but strong.

Axton seemed to shake himself out of his stupor. He moved forward. What happened to him?

We ran into his ex-girlfriend when we arrived, and she was here with another man. Adrien Rosiek.

Axton stopped where he was, about to pry the drunken man off her. His brows furrowed. What happened?

She accused me of seducing Instructor Ignatius, called me a whore, and then tried to get us removed from the premises, Tori told him.

Axton narrowed his eyes. And what about Rosiek?

He didnt know that you owned the company that owns the Three Queens, so he tried to convince me to leave. Manager Sassure then had them escorted out. Tori let out a tired breath. I didnt know he came often.

He does, weve been monitoring his conversations here, Axton said. He rubbed his chin. If he knows that I own it, he may be reluctant to return. Not that hed discuss anything too sensitive here.

Tori grimaced. Im sorry. It didnt occur to me at the time that you were using the place to gather information.

Axton shook his head and gave her a dismissive wave. We have other places. Dont worry about it.

Just help me pry him off and bring him downstairs. Im worried hell throw up.

Piers appeared beside her and tilted his head, looking at Instructor Ignatius curiously before frowning. He extended his hand and hesitantly picked up Instructor Ignatius arm. He seemed to weigh it in his hand before he shifted his weight and moved forward, easily twisting the other mans arm behind his back.

Ah!

Tori grit her teeth as Instructor Ignatius screamed.

Piers! Axton yelled as Instructor Ignatiuss head shot up, his red eyes wide. He straightened up and his other arm fell from Toris waist. She quickly stepped back.

Piers, gently! Tori grasped his arm and gave him a little shake to release Instructor Ignatius arm from his grip. Hes a frail man!

Master Ramos stood to the side, shaking his head slightly as he watched the three try to either wake Instructor Ignatius or keep him from injury. Axton helped keep Instructor Ignatius upright as Tori held Piers back with disapproval.

He was holding you tight. What if you couldnt breathe? Piers asked in a deadpan voice. Tori crinkled her eyes.

We were about to pull him away.

Piers turned his head away and didnt answer.

Senior Benedict, are you all right? Axton asked as the older man cradled the arm that Piers had twisted.

What happened? he asked, his eyes still red and filled with tears. Tori felt her heart clench as she looked at her pitiful instructor and then gave Piers a scolding glare.

We were trying to wake you up. Youve drunk a lot, Instructor. Axton will help you downstairs and into the carriage, she told him gently.

Instructor Ignatius nodded and allowed Axton to help him to his feet. Put your weight against me if your legs are unsteady, Senior. Dont worry. I wont drop you. He moved Instructor Ignatius unharmed arm around his shoulders and then held him towards the door. Master Ramos headed downstairs ahead of them.

I will go make sure the payment has gone through, he told them. Duke Alvere, put him in the carriage and make sure he doesnt fall off the seat bench. I will join him in a bit to make sure he doesnt fall.

We rode here, so Ill join you, Axton said. Ill make sure he doesnt fall.

Tori lifted a hand and rubbed her forehead before following behind them. Piers trailed behind her and when they exited the street entrance of the restaurant, two carriages were waiting along with Blue River, Ice Queen, and a half dozen escort knights.

Tori stood to the side as she made sure her instructor got into the carriage. He was stumbling and could barely keep himself up. A knight had to help Axton bring Instructor Ignatius in. The drunken man was in a bit of a daze. Tori looked into the spare imperial carriage that had brought her masters to the restaurant.

Axton, sit next to Instructor. If there are any sudden stops, make sure he doesnt fly off the seat. She looked over her shoulder and back at the entrance. Can you ask the host or Manager Sassure for some sort of bag? It should be thick, and well throw it away.

One of the men at the doorway furrowed his brows, a bit confused, but nodded. He rushed in and quickly returned with a waxed canvas bag. Tori almost grimaced; it was too nice to use as a barf bag, but better in a bag than all over the inside of a moving carriage and possibly Axton. She gave Axton instructions on what to do if it looked like Instructor Ignatius would vomit.

Axton nodded and took a seat next to Instructor Ignatius. The drunk in question leaned heavily against the opposite side of the carriage, muttering something to himself in between sniffles. Before Tori could step away from the carriage, a pair of arms trapped her in place.

Piers grasped the sides of the door frame and leaned over the top of her head. I will escort Tori to Lyce and then take SIG One back to the house. Two escorts will accompany us from behind.

Understood, Axton said. Granger! Dobchek! Follow His Highness!

Yes, Your Grace! Two men chorused from either side of the carriage before they rode their horses to the designated area behind SIG One.

Lets go, Tori. Piers pushed himself off from the side of the carriage and headed towards hers parked in front of it.

Wait, Master-

Master Ramos and the others will be escorted back safely, Piers said as a nervous footman held the carriage door open for him. He glanced at Tori and then lowered his head before motioning for her to enter. Its getting late. We should go.

Tori sighed and grabbed hold of the hand railing on the side of the carriage before climbing inside. She took her seat, and the carriage shook a bit as Piers climbed in. Rather than taking the seat across from her as usual, he sat down beside her. Tori raised a brow.

The footman closed the door and Piers leaned towards the window. He lifted his hand and tentatively touched the glass. Can they see inside?

No, I had the windows tinted the last time we went to the delta, Tori said. Are you interested? If you want, it can be arranged.

She watched his head nod lightly. Id like my main carriage tinted.

Bring it to the delta with us next time.

Piers nodded and lowered his hand as the carriage began to move. As Tori settled back against the soft cushions, Piers turned his body towards her. I havent seen you for weeks.

She turned her head towards him and saw his outstretched arms. She held back a smile and a chuckle. She raised her own arms and made a beckoning motion with her hands. Ive called you.

Its not the same. Piers slid his arms against hers and moved closer. When his arms were firmly around her, he pulled her against him and put his head on her shoulder. Is your experiment complete?

Yes and just in time, Tori said as her hand rose and stroked the back of his head. His hair was quite thick and had a slight wave to it, though it looked straight. A few strands wrapped around her fingers, and she narrowed her eyes. What shampoo do you use?

Goat milk bar Mother has imported from Nazaria. He nuzzled her shoulder. I will bring you some.

Bring me two. Ilyana might like it.

Tori?

Hmm?

I dont want to go to the meeting with Lady Modelli this week.

Tori pursed her lips. No wonder he seemed a bit needy for comfort. His first introduction to noble ladies was scheduled for this week. It was one of the reasons Tori rushed to get her experiment completed so she could have time. She took a deep breath and tilted her head, so it rested against his and stroked his back. Ive already contacted Lady Modelli.

I dont want to marry her.

Then you dont have to marry her, Tori told him, confident. Itll be fine. I believe shell want to talk business. In Lady Modellis case, Tori hoped to discuss the planning for future medical needs of her county. Lady Modellis professional title was Dr. Patricia Modelli. She was from a long line of doctors, with her father assisting in the plague that had swept through Constantines village.

Tori glanced out the window, able to make out the passing streetlights as the carriage moved along. Piers hot breath moved across her nape, and she struggled to keep from shoving him away as it tickled.

Did he hurt you?

Who?

Senior Benedict. He held you tightly and you looked pale.

He knocked the wind out of me, Tori said with a slight, annoyed snort. I didnt think hed grab on...I guess seeing his ex-girlfriend really stunned him. Poor Instructor. He seemed to have really liked her.

Senior Benedict has poor judgment with women, Piers said.

Tori looked down at him and grinned. How long are you going to hold on to me?Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Until Lyce.

Tori chuckled and played with his hair. Are you comforting me for what that woman said?

You would not seduce someone already in a relationship, Piers said, his embrace tightening. There is no trust in doing so.

Tori pursed her lips once more and nodded. Her arms wrapped around his back. You know me best.

The carriage ride back to Lyce seemed shorter than usual. When they made the turn into the oval driveway, Piers slowly lifted his flushed face from her shoulder and looked out the window. His lips were drawn in a tight line as he kept her close, as if shielding her from the outside world.

Of course, my lady, I understand, Lady Modelli said. As long as I have an opportunity. She slid a folio across the table. Im not asking you to provide a place to begin this practice without remuneration, either.

Tori brought the folio towards her and opened it. Is that so?

Yes. I am offering you myself!

Axton nearly choked on the drink he was drinking behind Piers. Piers lowered his mug and looked over his shoulder, giving Axton an annoyed glare. Tori also looked up from the folio and gave Axton a questioning look.

Are you all right?

Im fine, Axton said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve as he turned away. Absolutely fine.

Lady Modelli gave him a confused look, but slid another sheet to Tori. This is my resume, including detailed information on my schooling, the facilities I worked in, and mentors that can be contacted as references. I heard that this is the kind of information you request when you are hiring.

Tori blinked. She tentatively reached across the table and brought the resume closer. Youre quite prepared today, Lady Modelli.

The other woman puffed out her chest, proud. I cannot let this opportunity slip away! I asked around and found that you carefully interview your employees. I am hoping that you will consider me.

Tori quietly reviewed the resume. To be transparent, Lady Modelli, we are in the stages of hospital plans. Im working with a few individuals from Nord. As a daughter of a march, my main contacts are related to the marches, so I had reached out to the family of my soon-to-be sister-in-law for guidance. The Nordursins are considered the medics of the marches.

Lady Modelli couldnt hide her disappointment, but nodded. I see....

However, I am always keeping my eyes open for prospective individuals to work with on such large-scale projects. Tori put the resume down and met Lady Modellis eyes. Would you be interested in meeting with the Cosora Medical Planning Committee in Viclya as my guest?

Yes!

The meeting was only supposed to be half an hour. It was mainly for the two parties to become acquainted with each other to lay a foundation for a possible partnership later. Piers had checked his timepiece multiple times. He had tried to be subtle about it, but Tori noticed. He had started to become agitated twice and Tori had to snake her hand across to grasp his before signaling to Axton to take Piers out for some air. It was enough to calm him.

The light sandwiches theyd ordered were long finished after an unexpected three hours. Lady Modelli shrank back, her cheeks red as she realized she had long overstayed the designated time. Before they knew it, the sun was halfway down the horizon and the interior light crystals had turned on. Still, she didnt seem to have any regrets.

Tori assured her she would send her a personal invitation to Viclya by the end of the week after confirming a date with the committee. She stood up as she was seeing Lady Modelli out of the rooftop dining room.

I hope our meeting wont cause you any trouble, Tori said as they slowly walked towards the stairs. I know that I usurped His Highness introductions for my benefit.

Lady Modelli shook her head. No, my lady. I would have been more troubled had you not been involved. I agreed to come, as my grandfather insisted. He cannot complain.

Tori chuckled. Then, to a fortuitous partnership, Lady Modelli. She extended her hand and Lady Modelli grasped it.

I look forward to working with you, Countess Guevera.

Axton, can you escort Lady Modelli downstairs? Tori asked as she looked over her shoulder.

Bored out of his mind, Axton had taken a seat at the far end of the dining table and was writing a dungeon crawl game play. He put his things down and stood up.

Of course, he said. He gave Lady Modelli a small bow of his head. My lady, if youll follow me.

They disappeared down the stairwell and Tori walked back to the table. It went well. What do you think? she asked the man who had been silent for three hours.

Piers had sat there, quietly eating and drinking most of the time, but didnt say a word as she and Lady Modelli discussed things and wandered off on tangents.

Are all the introductions going to be like this? he asked, looking at the table.

Tori wrinkled her nose. I hope so, yes, but Ill try to keep them shorter. I did find out that the niece of Duke Sinan is legitimately interested in you and begged her uncle for the opportunity to meet. He contacted me directly. Tori rolled her eyes. As if Im the one in charge of arranging these.

Arent you?

No, your father gave it to Chamberlain Thorpson to arrange, and Chamberlain Thorpson gave the list of young ladies to Axton to secure the Three Queens as a meeting place. Axton had them all investigated and then sent me the results, Tori said. It just so happens that Chamberlain Thorpson ended up choosing several very accomplished young women.

Theyre not as accomplished as you.

Maybe not in crystals, Tori said. She sat down on his right and picked up her bag. Her hand closed around a dark, velvet ring box and she tried to contain her excitement. Her heart slammed against her chest as she pulled it out of the bag. I got you something.

Piers tilted his head and glanced at her. What is it?

Tori hid the box beneath her hands on her lap as she grinned. First, some background in order to give you an idea of how amazing this is. She caught the corners of his lips curling up in a slight smile. You know that for some time, I have been working on a crystal project. The culmination of which led me to my time at the vault in Universit all last week.

Piers nodded his head once. Yes, you said it was very important.

It is. Do you remember Kaseys charm that we used at the cabin? The one that detected the poisonous air? He nodded once more. While extremely useful, charms like that and the food testing charms are one time use. And theyre not very discreet to use, either. It can be seen as insulting to a host if you use one. But, what if you had a piece of jewelry that you can use to detect poison and warn you when it was near, such as in your food or in the air?

Piers cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brows. Is such a thing possible?

Tori giggled almost diabolically. It is. She lifted her arms and placed the box on the table. This is for you.

Piers stared at the small dark box for a moment. His pale hands reached forward and picked it up. Can I open it?

Uh-huh! Tori almost stomped her feet in excitement. Her chest was tight with anticipation. I was late today because I went to pick it up.

Piers lifted the lid. Tori kept her eyes on his face, watching his expression. His violet eyes dilated, and she could see the shining reflection of the black crystal set in a thick silver ring edged with gold. Two narrow sunset crystals were on either side of the sturdy, emerald-cut-like black tourmaline, all mounted with gold.

Tori chewed on her lower lip as she leaned closer, an expectant look on her face. Piers took the large ring from the box and inspected it. He held it beside his fingers and frowned. Its too big.

She let out a laugh. Put it on your thumb! Didnt you say youd like a thumb ring? She grinned as she reached forward. She took the ring from him and grasped his right hand. She slipped it on to his thumb and beamed. See? Perfect!

Piers lifted his hand, almost staring at the ring in awe. You made this?

Well, I programmed the crystals, Tori said, embarrassed. She didnt make the actual ring. I cant take credit for the mount. Master Monde set the crystals.

The crystal detects poison? Piers asked. Tori nodded. She scooted closer, eager to explain.

Yes, the black crystal is the crystal programmed to sense poisons within arms length. When it detects poison, it will start to glow. Since its such a dark crystal, the glow might not be visible, so the two sunset crystals on the sides will also glow as a warning. I picked them because they change color, and it wont look out of the ordinary to those who dont know. Of course, a glowing crystal cant be too obvious and in some cases, they might not be noticed in bright light. Thats why the black crystal also heats up. Youll notice that the crystal touches your skin inside. Its not enough to burn you, but youll know.

I see, Piers said. This can be used over and over.

Tori nodded. Yes, and if you have it, you can use it. It draws energy from the wearer, but the amount of energy is miniscule. Or you can put it on a charging plate, and it will fill it with energy. The energy it stores will need to be used up before drawing from the wearer.

Piers ran his fingertips over the ring. How long did it take you to make this?

I had the idea for a while and there were many tests. I had to get help from Kasey, Master Ramos, and Instructor Ignatius to get the Old Sulfae right. We started testing with seafood a month ago and it worked perfectly. The problem was I needed to get access to poisons to register them in the crystal. Tori slumped back on the chair and let out a tired sigh. I honestly thought I wouldnt get it done until I went back to Presidio to go through the poison collection at the Fortress. Even then, the collection there isnt as large as the one at Universit. Thats why I had your father give an imperial order to let me into Universit to do the experiment as part of guarding your brother.

Piers head snapped up. That was your favor?

Tori nodded. Yes, the sooner I could have this done, the sooner I could give it to you.

He swallowed hard and touched the ring. You made this for me....

The crystal part. Youre the first person to have something like this. She chuckled. Oh, but I did pick the ring shape and details. I even had it engraved.

Piers eyes flickered towards her and then back at the ring. Engraved? He turned his hand around, inspecting the ring. I dont see an engraving.

Its inside the ring, Tori said with a small snort. You dont put a personalized engraving outside.

Piers pulled the ring from his thumb and tilted it to the side. He squinted and could make out the letters. He furrowed his brows. I do not know what it says.

Tori chuckled once more. Thats because its in Latin. My Latins kind of rusty, but I think this is good enough. Whos going to judge me here? Its from an obscure book I found. Ego servabo te means I will protect or save you. Semper means always. I will protect you, always. Its a protection ring! Take that, Henrik I am good at naming things!

She sat up straight, filled with pride and excitement seeing that the project shed worked on for months was working. Shed even tested it out at Master Mondes with some old pieces that had traces of mild toxins in them. It filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

Tori.... She refocused on Piers and saw him standing with his arms open.

She let out a laugh and stood up to hug him. Do you like it? He wrapped his arms around her once more and squeezed her tight. She found herself as a stuffed animal again.

His face was buried in her shoulder. Thank you, Tori. His muffled voice was a bit breathless, and Tori felt some warm wetness against her neck. Her brows knit together. Was he crying? Her heart swelled; she positively affected a life.

You must wear it all the time, okay? It cant do its job if youre not wearing it. He nodded against her, his arms tightening around her waist. Her free arm rose and stroked his arm comfortingly.

Ill wear it, he said against her. Ill never take it off. She chuckled and smiled.

I dont know how else I can help protect you, she said in a helpless voice. This is the best I can do.

Piers pulled his head off her shoulder and met her eyes. You are here. That is enough.