Chapter 159: Ew. Ew. Ew.

Chapter 159: Ew. Ew. Ew.

Did you do it on purpose? Henrik asked as the carriage moved along.

Tori kept her eyes out the window. What if I did?

What did you tell her that made her lose her mind? Ilyana asked beside her. Tori pursed her lips. Was it about Instructor Ignatius?

Henrik raised a brow. Is she not over him? Isnt she the one who dumped him?

There are some people who will dump someone, but they still dont want that other person to be with someone else, Tori told them. Not that Instructor and I are in that sort of relationship. It just seems that Miss Moore is convinced that I had seduced Instructor Ignatius and refuses to believe that the man just loves crystals to a fanatical extent.

Ilyana made a face. Youre so much younger than he is.

Henrik rolled his eyes. Isnt he the same age as Lord Kasen?

Im not Lord Kasens student. Ilyana defended as her face reddened. And Im just admiring him.

Tori nodded and patted her shoulder. My brother is worthy of admiration. Ilyana looked at Henrik with an I-told-you-so look. Anyway, I wasnt going to stand for having my business affairs ruined. Miss Moore didnt need to accuse us of forging our permit. If she hadnt said anything, I wouldnt have mentioned the permit dates, but she was obviously targeting us. Aside from her connection to the Cowman and animosity towards me because of Instructor Ignatius, we dont have any real evidence she acted maliciously.

Who else couldve done it? Henrik frowned.

Anyone who was working there is suspect, but we have no proof. However, an investigation on misconduct may be a warning to others to stop them from trying anything like this in the future, Tori replied.

Im glad Prince Emil was there, Ilyana said. He was so angry and demanded that woman be fired.

She tried to destroy official documents in front of her boss boss. Even if she refused to admit she did anything to our permits, Mr. Devereux saw her try to destroy official documents. That should be grounds for dismissal. Tori rubbed her head. Henrik, what do you want to do about the break-in at your house?

Henriks face darkened and his lips pulled into a tight line. My room was locked when I left for Lyce.

Was it unlocked or broken? Ilyana asked.

Henrik furrowed his brows. My dad said that there was no sign of forced entry. My windows were also locked from the inside and werent broken, so whoever searched my room came in through the door.

Do you want a charm to keep people out? Tori asked.

Henrik thought for a moment and shook his head. There isnt a need. Nothing important is kept in my room.

Its a good thing you kept everything at Prince Piers house, Ilyana said. I thought you were paranoid, but it looks like your precaution paid off. Im sorry I doubted you, Henrik.

Henrik sighed.

Do your parents have any idea who mightve done it? Were there any witnesses? Did the neighbors see anyone? Tori asked. The Skuldsens lived on a busy street and had plenty of neighbors. Henrik shook his head.

Most of our neighbors work during the day and the maid had the day off. The butler also assists my father at the guild and the cook only comes to make dinner. My parents found the mess when they came home and no one else was there.

Were any doors going into the house open or unlocked? Tori asked.

Henrik was quiet for a moment. I didnt ask.... My parents said they looked to see if anything was stolen, but nothing of value was. Things were just tossed around. I have very few valuables...some rings and such, and my mother said that they werent taken.

Tori squinted. She opened her mouth, wanting to ask if Henrik was sure a thief did it. She slowly closed her mouth. Asking would shift the suspicion on the staff or a family member. The Skuldsens had a cook, a maid, and a butler, but they had no reason to tear around the Skuldsens home. Tori didnt want to dismiss the possibility, though felt it was unlikely.

Henriks parents certainly wouldnt break into their sons room, which left his sister, Annika, who worked at Adriens liquor store.

Are you just going to let this go? Ilyana asked with a frown. What if they come back? If they didnt find what they were looking for this time, they might return.

Then let them, Henrik said with a proud look. Let them waste their time. I dont want to waste my time dwelling on this, though I have told my parents to better secure their valuables. Perhaps look into getting a vault.

Tori nodded. If there is something we can do, let us know. This is a troubling event, and we have no idea who broke in.

Thanks, Tori.

They bypassed Lyce to get to Piers house. The knights greeted them and as they stepped down from the carriage, the door opened and a gray cat shot out, meowing as if hed been starved.

Alexander!

Nyaow! He leapt into Toris arms, and she brought him close and nuzzled his head.

What are you doing? Are you going out for a walk?

We saw your carriage from the window, Axton said as he stood at the doorway and leaned against it with crossed arms. How did it go?The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

I had to call for help, but everything is settled and properly filed.

Tori got Instructor Ignatius ex-girlfriend dismissed! Ilyana said as she bounced beside Tori and scratched Alexander under his chin.

I didnt get her dismissed. She got herself dismissed for poor conduct, Tori said in defense of herself. Although, I may have provoked her into lashing out in front of the chief officer of the commission.

May have? Henrik snorted as he passed her. He went inside to put their documents away while Ilyana and Tori remained by the front door, talking to Axton.

Axton chuckled and looked at them fondly. You wouldnt have provoked her if you werent angry.

She accused us of forging documents, Axton.

I believe you, he said. By the way, are you ready for the first chamber meeting of the year at the end of the week?

Tori nodded. Piers said that its long, but its mainly introductions of new members and a review of topics that are carrying over from last year. Mr. Sima and Mrs. Farkas are also prepared for a long and tedious meeting.

Well take you out to eat after, Ilyana said with a sympathetic pat.

Tori sighed and tilted her head, leaning against Ilyanas shoulder. Our Ilyana is the best.

A small cough came from behind them, and Alexander let out a meow of greeting. Tori turned around and saw Piers walking up the steps. We can go to the Three Queens afterwards.

The Three Queens is my restaurant-

Bring the others; they like the food there, Piers said, ignoring Axton. Axton squinted at him.

You have a post-meeting review with the Emperor after joint chamber sessions, Axton told him in a dull voice. You cant go. Piers narrowed his eyes slightly and Axton held up his hands. I cant do anything about it. Take it up with the Emperor.

If thats the case, we can go to a restaurant closer to the First District.... Tori wrinkled her nose and frowned. Im not very familiar with restaurants there, though.

Albert might know since he worked at the palace last summer, Ilyana told her.

Well call him, then.

All right, theyre filed away. Henrik walked out and bowed his head at Piers. Your Highness.

Piers gave him a small nod in return. Des Champs in the Second District is close. Its a favorite of Senior Kasen.

Axton raised a brow. Is it a favorite of his or is it because he ate there for free.

Why would my brother eat there for free? Tori asked, frowning.

Because his friend let him eat there for free. Axton said this while boring his accusing eyes at Piers. Its what friends do.

Piers didnt acknowledge Axtons complaint. He glanced at Tori. If you have difficulty getting a reservation, tell Senior Benedict.

Instructor Ignatius? Tori raised a brow. Does he have a connection at Des Champs?

Piers nodded. He owns it.

Tori pursed her lips. Sometimes, she forgot Instructor Ignatius, who often forgot to eat, was rich. She was starting to figure out why Miss Moore was so obsessed with him.

Are you all right? Axton looked at Tori as she stared blankly ahead of her. She was sitting up straight, looking attentive from afar, but the closer one got to her, the more they could see her dead eyes.

Its been...six hours, Tori said in a solemn voice. And theyve talked about nothing.

Axton drew his lips inward to keep from laughing. The first chamber session of the year is boring. The next one will be livelier and there will be more relevant topics to discuss.

Tori turned her head towards him and narrowed her eyes. No wonder nobles try to send representatives. She had been so determined to come and participate in the governing process of her empire, but instead she was bored out of her mind and contemplated leaving during both breaks. I cant believe Piers lives like this.

Axton held back a snort. Hes used to it. And I think he enjoys it. This sort of thing is interesting to him.

Its good for a ruler to have patience and willingness to understand and deal with complicated, but exceptionally boring matters of state, Tori said with a small nod. She gave Axton a curious look. Why are you out here? Arent you supposed to be in the room with Piers?

Tori looked towards the tinted room at the head of the chamber hall. All around them, the chamber members were leaving after the long session. Various small groups formed as they discussed relevant topics, but most were bidding each other good-bye and urging them to get in touch later.

Her eyes crinkled up and she retreated yet another half step. No, Im not.

Yes, you are. If I had known you were so savvy in business, I wouldve reached out to you earlier. I didnt mean to make an...an enemy, if you will, of you.

If he were any other person, Tori mightve believed him, but her guard was raised much too high against the Cowman.

Well, you have and Im afraid its too late to turn back, Tori replied with a frown.

Countess Guevera, I truly regret it, he said with a laugh. I lost business because of you.

So, you tried to hinder mine? She raised a brow, and he returned her look with a questioning one of his own.

Pardon me?

Mathilda Moore is an...acquaintance of yours, isnt she? She works, or should I say worked, at the Imperial Commerce Commission where my permits and documents mysteriously were replaced. My store, Duel, was reported for lacking proper permits and wouldve had to close. Luckily, we had copies. Tori paused and gave him a bitter smile. And it was lucky that they werent found when my friends familys home was ransacked. I bet you didnt expect not to find them.

Adrien blinked and looked a bit surprised. He quickly put on a smile once more. I think there is some misunderstanding, Countess Guevera. While I do know Miss Moore, I didnt ask her to do anything on my behalf.

But you couldve incited her.

Adrien smiled and shook his head. Countess Guevera, Ive done no such thing. And even if I did such a heinous thing, you would need to prove it before accusing someone. Its not fair for you to slander me without proof.

It doesnt matter. You didnt succeed anyway. It was a small annoyance at best. Like a fly bothering you as you eat, Tori replied with a dismissive look.

He smirked. Then, does this mean youre not interested in working together?

I am not interested.

He took a step closer, shrinking the gap between them as he blocked her path. Are you sure? Countess Guevera, please consider my proposal to work together. No one else in Soleil has as wide a network of business as me. It would be greatly beneficial for you. He smiled and she could smell an earthy musk mixed with a sharp floral scent.

Tori drew her head back. Please step back, Rosiek. Youre too close.

There isnt anyone here, Adrien said in a low voice. You can be honest.

Ill be honest, but will you? Tori raised a brow. Im not interested in any sort of business with you, Rosiek. I decline your proposal.

Then if not business, why not something more personal?

Red flag! Stranger danger! Tori felt her chest tighten as she tried to control the alarm spreading through her body. Her fingers twitched at her sides and her eyes darted around the aisle, taking in the bookshelves, the heavy books, side tables, and quickly ran through available blunt objects she could see. She swallowed and kept the defiant look on her face. I would rather be personal with a man-eating tiger than with you.

The glint of excitement in his eyes made her disgusted and her arms twitched to push back. However, the aisle was an awkward space, and they were in a store. She didnt want to cause trouble and attract attention. If she shoved him, hed fall back against the shelves and that could cause a domino effect. How would she explain that? She was a Countess.

As open as Soleil was, there was something suspicious about being this close and alone with an unrelated man in a semi-public place. And this was not a man she wanted to be close and alone with to begin with.

You really are very interesting, Countess. His voice lowered and sounded a bit raspy. I really regret making an enemy of you. We could have been such magnificent partners.

No, we would not.

He smirked as his eyes sparkled. He lowered his head. Do you not think wed be compatible? Your products and the way you...developed recently have shown me that wed work well together. We can do incredible things.

Tori gritted her teeth and drew her head back. There are no incredible things I can do with you, Rosiek. His hand rose and touched the soft material of her cravat. Toris eyes lowered and narrowed as his fingers played with the dark blue material resting around her neck and chest. Get your hand off of me.

Her own voice dropped and cut through the quiet of the bookstore aisle. Adriens eyes flickered up, almost teasing as he smiled. Are you sure? Your scarf is a bit uneven. Let me re-tie it. Im good with my hands.

Motherfucker, I am sixteen years old. She didnt know how she was able to stop her hand from flying out and backhanding him in the face. She lifted her chin. Im not going to tell you again. Get your hands off me and step back or else.

Perhaps he didnt hear the underlying threat in her voice or take her seriously. Then again, perhaps he ignored her on purpose. He leaned closer and brought his head close to hers.

Its all right, Countess. I know the owner of this shop.

She held back her furious trembling and let out a low breath. Her face darkened as she reached into her pocket. I gave you fair warning.

He raised his brows playfully as Tori leaned towards him and slid her arm beneath his. She placed a small piece of paper on his back. Her touch made his face light up and he opened his mouth.

No sound came out and a brief look of confusion crossed his face.

Tori smirked. I fucking told you to get your hands off of me. She grabbed his shoulders to both pull him lower and keep him in place as she moved closer and kneed him a rough, but efficient movement.

His eyes nearly bulged and filled with tears as his hands flew to his crotch. With his arms blocking her way, Tori stepped around him and watched as he fell to his knees, his body shaking as he hunched over into a near fetal position.

Tori! Ilyanas voice rang out as she skidded to a stop at the end of the aisle with Sonia nearly running into her. Henrik and JP stumbled behind them, and JP grabbed Henrik before he could rush forward. Their eyes went wide as they saw Tori looming over the man who almost looked as if he had difficulty breathing.

Tori, are you all right? JP asked in a firm voice. He held on to Henriks arm and seemed ready to move if her response was anything but nothing.

Sonia glared at the man on the floor What did he do to you?

Tori looked back at Adrien on the floor and could see the vein in his neck throb as he turned his head just enough to see the others standing at the entrance of the aisle. He opened his mouth, but the silence charm stuck on his back prevented him from making any noise.

He wouldnt let me pass, so I had to make him, Tori said as she lifted a hand and gently tugged at the cravat to loosen it.

Adrien looked at her with hate-filled, accusing eyes. Tori smirked. She walked to one of the side tables between two bookshelves that had a display on it and bumped the table with her hip. It made a low scratching sound against the wood floor and the display book on it shook. Tori brushed her hand over it and knocked it to the ground.

She tilted her head and stepped back to look at the scene, then reached forward and brought the side table out a little further, so it jutted out more.

Guevera.... A breathless male voice came from the hall and Tori turned her head. She didnt expect Fabian of all people to arrive.

Von Dorn, she greeted with a small nod of her head. She glanced at Adrien still on the floor, biting his lip and glaring at her. It seems that Mr. Rosiek ran into the side table and injured himself. She waved her hands over the mess shed set up, and Adriens eyes went wide. How clumsy of him.

Adrien opened his mouth to yell at her, but nothing could come out.

Fabian furrowed his brows and looked from Adrien to Tori and back. Whats wrong with him?

I dont know. Tori purposely sounded confused. She knelt and patted Adriens back. Are you all right, Mr. Rosiek?

This is your fault! Why did you kick me! Adriens voice filled the aisle and he let out a wheezing hiss.

Tori stood up straight, carefully tucking the silence charm in her sleeve. A cold smirk appeared on her lips. Mr. Rosiek, Ive done no such thing. Her melodic words were pleasant, as if she were making a small joke. And even if I did such a heinous thing, you would need to prove it before accusing someone.

What proof do I need? How else would I be like this? Adriens face turned even redder.

Clearly, you werent looking where you were going and ran into the table, Tori said in a knowing voice, motioning one hand to the side table.

Adrien had a vein pulsing on his neck. You moved that table!

Tori looked at him with an unflinching gaze and slowly turned her head towards her friends. Did I move that table?

What table? Henrik answered without missing a beat. His eyes were fixed on Adrien with disgust. The one that Mr. Rosiek ran into?

He should watch where hes going, JP said in a low voice.

She kicked me! Adrien hissed.

Tori sighed. Mr. Rosiek, where is your proof? Its not fair for you to slander me without proof. Tori shrugged and looked back at Adrien. Everyone saw you run into that table. Please be more careful next time. She cocked her head to the side. You dont want to get hurt further. She threw him a bright smile and turned around. Where are Ewan and Albert?

Headed back Des Champs to confirm that were coming right now, Ilyana said as she and Sonia linked arms with Tori and pulled her away from the aisles of books. Ilyana looked back at Adrien and sneered. Lets go. You dont want to lose your appetite.

Tori let out a hum and headed down the stairs. As they passed the counter, she called back to the old man seated there. Sir, a customer ran into one of the tables upstairs and seems to have injured himself and knocked over a display. We didnt want to move him in case it further injured him.

Hes an adult man, so he may be heavy. Well wave down a patrol to assist you, JP said with a kind smile.

The old man at the counters eyes widened. He gasped and looked upstairs. Thank you! Please hurry! The old man put down the book he was reading and went upstairs, passing Fabian who was walking downstairs with a numb look.

Tori looked over and raised a brow. Did you happen to see anything interesting, von Dorn?

He stiffened as he reached the bottom of the stairs and shook his head. No. I didnt see anything.

Tori tugged off her soiled cravat and nodded, satisfied. I didnt think you did. She flicked her wrist and brought the carnelian out on her left hand. She dangled the scarf against it and held Fabians gaze as she lit the scarf on fire. He sucked in a sharp breath as the scarf was engulfed in an instance, only to fizzle out into nothing in the blink of an eye. Tori gently brushed her hands together to get rid of any soot. Have a good night, von Dorn.

Her lip curled in a slight smirk as she turned and walked out the door with her friends.

Do you think hell talk? Sonia asked in a low voice as Tori walked ahead of him with her eyes fixed on the restaurant down the street.

He better not, Tori said.

I think he suspects something. Henrik quickened his step to match hers and leaned closer with a frown. Hes staring at you.

Let him. If he opens his mouth, Ill deal with him myself.