Chapter 172: I'm Sorry I'm Late

Chapter 172: I'm Sorry I'm Late

He couldnt remember when he started to hate his half-brother. Was it when his mother died? Or was it when he figured out what severely weakened her to the point that she could not recover from her disease?

Axton had been sent to the palace to befriend and accompany Piers, who was an unsociable child, but when he was older, he realized it was to keep him away from his father. Axtons godmother, the Empress, had tried her best to answer his questions and as he grew older, she told him more when he asked. Coupled with what he saw firsthand and what his mother told him, he knew why his father was sick.

Cillian Alvere had an addiction to charms that would drain his energy and then give him a high, resulting in violent mood swings when he was denied. In fact, this started well before Montan was born.

And while Montans birth mother had a heavy hand in making Cillian sick, ultimately, it was Cillian who insisted on seeing her, even despite the late Duchess protests. Cillian was childhood friends with Rebecca Walter. Her grandmother used to babysit Cillian, whose mother died early and was left to his busy merchant father. His busy merchant father saved the life of Duke Elliot Alvere du Nassaun, Axtons maternal grandfather.

The two men agreed to betroth their children to strengthen their bond. This was, unfortunately, common amongst the Central Corridors nobility and aristocracy, though it often was dissolved when the two parties were of age. However, Genevieve Alvere was a very filial and dutiful daughter. Going through with a betrothal was in line with her role and responsibility.

It was both lucky and unlucky for her that Cillian wanted to marry her. She had considered breaking off the engagement while in Lyce, supposedly after having met Lord Oliver von Schwert, but Cillian begged her to marry him, insisting that he loved her. Axton didnt want to believe it, but despite everything, there was a part of him that knew that, at least at one point, Cillian had a real, healthy love for Genevieve.

Once upon a time, the Duchess and the commoner merchant did love each other. Otherwise, how could they have married so easily?

If Axton had been there, he wouldve tried his best to forbid it, especially when his mother had discovered that Cillian was being cared for while injured in his home village by Rebecca when they were still engaged teenagers. What was worse was that the entire village had seemed to think that Cillian and Rebecca were together.

When Marquess Guevera had spent the last summer in Viclya, Axton had a chance to speak to her and asked about this. Before speaking to Toris mother, Axton didnt think anyone could hate his father more than him, but the Marquess had a look of hatred in her eyes when talking about Cillian that made Axton uncomfortable.

We tried to convince her. That woman clearly saw that bastard as more than just an innocent childhood friend, as he claimed, and he would never leave her alone. Her grandmother made him swear to take care of her and he was straddled with the burden of that treacherous whore. Marquess Guevera had a few more choice words and Axton hadnt been able to rid himself of the feeling that if Cillian had been present, the Marquess wouldve killed him herself.

The Marquess had told Axton that just before their last year of Lyce, his mother brought up dissolving the engagement, but Cillian refused and broke down in front of her. His mother said that Rebecca Walter made her uncomfortable and she could not marry a man who prioritized another woman over her.

Surprisingly, he agreed and broke contact with Rebecca. The Marquess had not been convinced and she was right not to be. The engagement had been formally announced immediately after they graduated, and not a few days after Genevieve and Cillian were married after Universit, Rebeccas grandmother died.

The childhood friends were brought back together. Rebeccas grandmother, on her deathbed, had begged Cillian to take care of her granddaughter, who had no other family in the world. What else could Cillian do but to agree to the dying old woman who had raised him.

Genevieve had been hurt by this, but understood that he felt he owed the old woman. For a few years, Cillian had kept his distance from Rebecca, though periodically sent people to check on her and make sure she had enough money to live on her own. Genevieve had agreed to this. The Empress had described it as Genevieve thinking of it as her husband dealing with a somewhat estranged relative. For several years, this had worked out well.

The Alveres were happy. Axton was born during this time.

Then Rebeccas cottage was robbed, and she was injured trying to flee. Cillian had moved her closer to their home village, where he felt she would be safer. He began to visit her more as her mental state was shaken. She had become more needy and was afraid.

Both the Empress and Marquess Guevera had estimated that this was when the charms addiction started. The Empress had recounted that Axton was about two when his father started staying away from home for periods at a time under the guise of his business. Axton, of course, had been too young to know what was going on. All he vaguely remembered was that his father was attentive and loving to both him and his mother.

He had been overcompensating.

And Genevieve had known. When Axton was almost four, his mother had confronted his father about an adulterous affair, of which Cillian had denied, insisting that he was checking on his old friend. They had gotten into row after row, with Cillian storming out of Sun Garden. It was also at this time that Genevieve had begun to get sick.

At first, it was just some weakness and unsteadily, but it would eventually become a terminal illness that would eat away at her body and leave her to perish in bed.

The Empress had said it was around that time she began to try to convince Marquess Guevera to contact Genevieve again, as well. Genevieve needed the support she had claimed.

Then, one raining knight, Rebecca Walter had shown up drenched at Sun Garden with an infant in her arms and told Genevieve that it was Cillians and her son. Genevieves heart had broken completely, and the Empress believed that was when whatever love and patience Genevieve had for Cillian ended.

Cillian had lost his mind that night. He had known about the baby, but he didnt want him and his infidelity to be revealed to Genevieve, for fear that hed lose her. The Empress detested Cillian, but knew he was obsessed with Genevieve. She was a goddess in his mind, and he had insisted that he had been tricked; that he had never wanted to sleep with another woman, but his addiction to charms had made him vulnerable and he strayed.

All of this had fallen on Genevieves deaf ears.

Axton could remember being sent to his room that night to get away from the screaming and his fathers rage. It wasnt until he was an adult that his godmother told him that his father tried to kill Montan in hopes that it would somehow please Genevieve and prove his love and devotion to her. That rainy night, Cillian had grabbed the bundle in Rebeccas arms and tried to throw the baby down the dozen stone steps of Sun Garden.

It was one of his mothers knights who had caught him.

Genevieve was a duchess through and through, and no matter how hurt and angry and sad she was, she could not bring herself to watch an infant die. She also could not let her sons father become a murderer. She had known she was dying, and feared that Montan would be killed by Cillian. Genevieve had saved Montan and brought him to Axton.

She was right to be afraid.

Of course, Axton didnt consider all of this when he had found out his father betrayed his mother, and with that woman. He didnt care that his father was sick and addicted to charms to the point that hed lose his sanity and become violent. He couldnt bring himself to look at the child that represented the culmination of the breakdown of his own family.

He grew to resent Montans existence even when logically, he knew that it wasnt Montans fault. Deep down, he knew Montan was a victim.

Perhaps in a way that was why he didnt want to look at Montan. He didnt want to acknowledge that he was also a victim or that he could be suffering more.

After all, Axton had his godmother, Piers, and Marquis von Schwert who loved him like his own son because he loved his mother. Axton had emotional and financial support.

Montan was left to be tortured by a father who tried to kill him and a woman who used him as a tool.

And Axton was guilty.

His guilt, rage, and hatred for their father made him yell and act out before he could consider the situation they were in. Who cares who heard him or saw him?

A red mark appeared on Montans cheek as soon as their fathers hand made an impact, but Axtons own fist left an even worse mark on Cillians face in return.

The sting through his knuckles as his arm swung and sent Cillian stumbling back, splattering blood across Axtons shirt, was ignored as Axton grabbed Cillians collar to hold him in place so he could pound his face further.

Axton! He vaguely heard Piers voice.

Step away from him and put your hands up where I can see them! Higher! Toris voice was shrill and demanding - no, threatening. He saw a shorter figure that had been obstructed by his father step back and lift their arms up, keeping their withered hands above their make-up caked face.

A strong hand clamped on his shoulder and pulled him away from his father, who was on the ground with blood streaming out of his nostrils. Axton didnt even feel the hot, wetness of fresh blood on his hands.

Axton, thats enough, Piers said in a firm voice. Check on your brother.

Something in his head snapped to focus. Axton turned around and saw Montan against the wooden wall of a snack shop, almost crumpled to the ground as wide, panicked eyes darted around. Both arms were raised, trying to shield his head. On the ground beside him was an overturned paper plate and a toppled funnel cake with splattered cream and fruit.

Standing between him and that woman was Tori with her legs bent and hips facing her. Her right arm was out, blocking the way to Montan while her left arm was up with the blade of her dagger resting against her forearm in a defensive stance.

Axton moved between Montan and their father, then knelt beside the boy. His quick movements made Montan twitch and raise his arms up once more to cover himself.

Montan, its me. Its me - Axton, he said, trying to steady his voice. Its all right. Its all right. Youre safe. I wont let anyone hurt you. Montans eyes matched his. They flickered past his raised arms and looked at him unsurely. Axton lowered his head and pain filled his face. His voice softened. Its me, Montan...Its me...I wont hurt you.

Why did Montan look so afraid?

Relax, Alvere, Toris firm, but reassuring voice came from behind him. Your big brother is here now. Hes going to protect you.

There was recognition in Montans gray eyes. His trembling lips seemed to want to speak, but no words came out. His arms lowered just a bit.

Dobchek, send four knights to the end of the snack shop row on the Promenade. Piers was talking into his comcry. To the alley between Funnel Cakes and Frosted Fruit.

Tell them to contact Viclya Community Patrol to prepare the prison wagon at Fishmonger Plaza to expel two trespassers from the delta, Tori said. Her eyes narrowed and she didnt falter from her position. It seems that I was too lax in opening my county. Im sorry about this, Axton...Alvere.

Axton.... Cillian lifted his hand to his bloody face and touched the liquid streaming over his lips in a thin line. His eyes flickered up and he looked confused and in a daze. Axton...why did you hit me? I am your father. I was punishing him for you!

Punishing him? Axton whirled around and barely restrained himself from attacking the middle-aged man. There is no reason to punish him!

This is your investment! You had a hand in building this place...why should that waste who hurt you be allowed here! Cillian choked out, as if he didnt understand. He shouldnt be allowed here to taint your sight!

Axtons eyes crinkled up and he shook his head. He knew his birth father wasnt right in the head, but it seemed that it was worse than he thought.

He didnt hurt me. Axtons steady voice surprised himself. It was strange how looking at this man he hated so much suddenly made him feel nothing. He didnt do anything.

Yes, he did! Because of him, your mother was always upset! She couldnt take care of her body-

So, that is why he wasnt with him, Piers said from the doorway.

You sent him to show Montan what to eat, not to act as his guard, Axton said without looking away from his half-brother. Montan, eat a little of this and then well go to the restaurant. You can get a more filling meal there.

He began to cut up the funnel cake with the side of a wooden fork. When a small, bite-sized piece had been separated from the funnel cake, he stabbed it and held it out for Montan to eat.

Montans face reddened. Your Grace...I can eat it on my own. Just before he lowered his embarrassed face, Axton caught the reassuring, though faint look of joy in his matching gray eyes.

No, you put the piece here and itll hook on to these pieces and.... Tori lifted her hands off and the two water hammocks were joined with a metal s shaped hook that went around two small metal pieces hammered into one of the corners of the cedar frame.

Were chained together! llyana looked pleased and clapped her hands. They were waist-deep in a shallow beach area further down from the beach and deck where they raced. There was an outcropping of rocks that broke any harsh waves, making it an ideal spot to float in lazily. Ilyana climbed into the water hammock; it was rather awkward, but once she was in, she leaned back and pulled up the sunshade. Her arms rested on the wood frame as she crossed her legs and let her feet rest on the frame. She leaned back and let out a content sigh. Tori....

Yes? Tori asked as she held one water hammock steady so that Henrik could climb on after his fifth attempt sent him face first into the salt water.

I love you.

I love you, too, Ilyana, she replied with a chuckle.

We love you, too, Cousin Tori! Marco and Mateo were near-by and had masterfully climbed onto the water hammocks.

I love you all, as well, Tori replied.

In front of her, Henrik finally managed to plop himself into the hammock. Water splashed up and he scowled as he tried to get himself comfortable. Everyone else didnt seem to have an issue pushing one side down and sort of falling back into the hammock and rolling on, but Henrik had no luck and couldnt seem to balance himself correctly. The first few times it was funny. Then it was just pitiful.

He looked out towards the rocky break. Are you sure this wont take me out to sea?

We will stop you before it even takes you to the break, Tori said with a roll of her eyes. The hammocks had long ropes tethering them to trees on the shore, so they could drift with peace of mind and then use the ropes to pull themselves closer to shore. Henrik had tugged to make sure they were secure multiple times. And even if your tether breaks, you can hook on to another water hammock-

Ewan! Henrik shouted and Ewan rolled to his side and casually hooked the S-hook on one of the rings on Henriks water hammock. Thank you.

When he was secured, Tori pushed him further away and waded closer to shore to see who else needed help. Kasen had carried Robert from the wheelchair, into the water, and to his water hammock to place him inside. The cloth could be adjusted for different lengths, so the childrens hammocks didnt dip too deep. As soon as Robert was in, Marco grabbed on and hooked another S-hook to connect them.

Whos next? Tori asked.

Me! Fiona jumped up. She was in a little chick-yellow swim dress and impatiently waiting on the shore. I want to float with Auntie Tori!

Kasey, can you carry her over? Tori asked as she grabbed on to hers. She had personally carved her own initials into it, and it had a special head cushion she made that none of the others had, but complained about wanting. There were also a few more crystal features she installed that werent exactly cost effective and so, only her water hammock had it.

She climbed on and once she was settled, Kasen carried Fiona over. The child was gently placed on Toris stomach. Both Fiona and Robert wore cork life vests fitted for them.

Fiona giggled as she nestled herself against her aunt. Kasen lifted the sunshade over them. Daddy, push us out further!

Kasen moved to push them, but Tori stopped him. Its fine, Ive got it, Tori said. She moved her hands over two smooth, protruding pieces of quartz seemingly embedded on the top of the wood frame. They looked like normal embellishments. Fiona, are you ready?

The child clearly didnt know what she was supposed to be ready for, but nodded with enthusiasm. Ready!

Tori placed her fingertips on the quartz on either side of her. Rippling water began to come up behind her and suddenly, their little hammock was moving on its own. Fiona gasped and shouts of unfairness filled the air.

Youre using crystals! Gideon yelled with an accusing wave of his arm. Why dont ours have crystals? Thats not fair, Guevara!

Its my delta. I do what I want, Tori said as she passed him and Fabian with Fiona giggling with glee on top of her. The speed wasnt too fast; if someone tried to race them with a canoe or swimming, the small water hammock would be left behind, but to the others who were trying to catch up using their hands to paddle, it was fast enough. Due to the nature of the crystal unable to ground through water, Tori was using her own energy to trigger what were basically crystal battery packs already in the cedar frame.

So far, they could last a couple of hours of non-stop use, then theyd have to be removed to recharge or replaced if one wanted to continue using the water hammock as a tiny boat.

Piers, who had drifted further away from the group and declined to be tethered to anyone, reached out and hooked his S-hook on Toris as she began to pass him. She frowned.

Its not strong enough to drag two.

Fiona frowned as well. Uncle Piers, youre too heavy.

I am stopping you.

Fiona gasped. Why? You cant have this one. This one is Aunties! She sounded both suspicious and defensive.

Piers glanced at the child with a bit of amusement. What if I give you mine and I ride with your auntie.

No! Youre too big! Youre going to squish her! Fiona twisted her body and flung herself against her aunt, burying her face in Toris chest. Only I can ride with Auntie! Me and Alexander, but he doesnt like water!

Yes, yes, Tori said as one hand stroked her back reassuringly while the other removed the S-hook. Uncle Piers is too big-heavy. Heavy.

Piers chuckled. What if I give you a real, live chicken?

Piers! Tori shot him a glare. You are not bartering a chicken for me.

Fiona nodded with narrowed eyes, also appearing insulted. Auntie is worth at least.... She held up her hands to show her fingers. Ten chickens!

Okay, the value of chickens in Fionas mind is very high. Ten chickens arent bad. I should be flattered. Tori tried to rationalize it.

Oh, your auntie is worth ten chickens? Kasens voice rang out. He had swum towards them and casually bobbed in the water next to them. What about Daddy?

Daddy is worth hundreds of chickens! Fiona threw her arms out and shouted without hesitation. Kasen looked very pleased, and Tori squinted.

Wow...my heart is broken. I see Im less valued. I guess you would rather swim with your dad than float around with me.... Tori pretended to wipe a tear from her eye and Fiona gasped. Her eyes widened with panic, and she flung herself against Tori once more.

I love you, Auntie! More than chickens! She clung to Toris clothes and carefully peeked up. Please let me stay here.

Tori snorted a laugh. Okay, lets keep going in circles. She put her hands back on the crystals and the two began to make rounds in the space.

As they circled around to the shallows, Axton had come on to shore to lure Montan. The swelling on his face from his fathers hit had subsided a bit and it wasnt as obvious anymore. Montan was rather thin compared to his knight brother, but every time he looked at Axton, there was awe.

But not in the obsessed idolizing way that Gideon had when he looked at Piers. Tori pursed her lips. At least, not yet. Montan yearned for familial warmth and Axton would definitely be an amazing brother.

Its only a matter of time.... Tori whispered to herself as they circled towards the deeper end where Piers was left alone to drink, unbothered by rowdy teenagers.

After some begging from them, Tori finally let her twin cousins use her water hammock. She set the crystals to repeat and follow the circles shed done, but if anyone got in their way, they couldnt stop. Mateo and Marco did not care and even seemed to look forward to a collision.

Kasen picked up Fiona, who partway back on the last round had fallen asleep on Tori. Ill take her back to my tent for a nap, he said as they waded out of the water. Are her chicken nuggets ready?

Wake her up in an hour and theyll be out on the deck, Tori told him. Kasen nodded.

They passed Montan and Axton, and Tori could see Montans eyes follow Kasen.

Do you want me to ask him? Axton asked his brother. Montan looked down and shook his head. Are you sure?

Hes busy, Montan said. And he has children.

Tori pretended to look for another water hammock close to the shore after her brother carried Fiona away. She listened to Montan and Axton with the memory of a red-eyed Montan still in her mind.

She heard Axton let out a heavy sigh. But if you want a charms master, Senior Kasen will be the best.