Chapter 182: I Took Matters Into My Own Hands

Chapter 182: I Took Matters Into My Own Hands

The top of the southern battlements had been an original part of the Fortress, but in the past centuries, it had been renovated and expanded to become less a defensive position to observe territory and fire arrows from, and more a rooftop garden. When Grammie was the ruling Marchioness, that was what she used it for: growing plants.

On one side, it overlooked an inner courtyard of the original Fortress structure and on the other, the more recent outer courtyards before the newer outer walls. It was still high enough to peer over the outer walls and down into the city, which was currently lit up and celebrating her brothers wedding.

There were flowerpots and elevated planters with some plants Idunn was growing, but that night, it also had daybeds with cushions, several comfortable chairs, a large hammock, and numerous tables filled with food and drink beneath a large pergola.

Light crystals had been strung across the space and music from the inner courtyard, where the majority of the reception was happening, drifted up to the battlement that Tori personally had decorated to give the relaxed feeling of a summer night bar-be-que with friends. A few crystals to circulate cooled air also hung around the pergola, as Presidios summer nights were still quite warm.

Knights were stationed just outside the entrance to the stairwell that led up to the battlement and one could only come up if someone already there came down to personally escort them up. Even then, there was a strict guest list.

Somehow, Fiona still ended up on the southern battlement with red eyes and sniffling as she held Avas hand. Avas curly hair, while usually wild, had been carefully braided in a lovely Anlar style that morning, but now, it was tousled once again. Her clothes were a bit dirty and loose, and her face was frowning.

What happened? Tori carried both of them on to the large daybed with the pillows where she, Ilyana, and Sonia were seated. Sonia wiped their faces with a handkerchief she took from her brother while Ilyana got up to get them some water.

Some kid downstairs said that Fifi isnt a real daughter of the family because shes adopted! Ava raged at once and one of her fists pounded a pillow.

Auntie.... Fifi held up her arms and Tori gathered her against her. They said...they said Im not Daddys real daughter....

The entire party on the battlement seemed to freeze as they heard the childs complaints. Toris face darkened at once and her voice dropped. Who said this?

I dont know. Some boy! Ava scowled.

Did you tell your Dad? Ilyana asked as she knelt down on the side of the day bed and handed Ava a cup before bringing another to Fiona.

Fiona shook her head. I cant find Daddy....

Aiden went to find him, Ava said as she patted Fionas head. Dont worry. We dont let outsiders pick on the family.

Tori smiled a bit and stroked Avas disheveled hair back. Did you find Aiden to tell him?

Aiden found me, Ava said. If he hadnt stopped me, I wouldve hit that kid more!

Tori stopped in the middle of stroking her hair. ...You hit another child?

He picked on my little cousin! Ava defended herself. I cant let him get away with that!

Fiona nodded. She looked at Tori and tugged at her arm. Its okay. Cousin Ava won. Tori stared at the two little girls. Ava looked proud of this fact.

Youre going to allow them to beat up another child? Gideon sounded as if he couldnt believe it.

Ava, Fiona, are you sure you dont know who that child was? It wasnt that Tori was afraid they would insult another family, but she wanted to know who exactly said such a hurtful thing to a three-year-old child and then deal with it properly.

Fiona shook her head and Ava snorted and crossed her arms over her chest, turning her head away. She didnt seem to care who the other child was, as long as they learned a lesson.

You will find out soon, Piers said from the hammock. He shifted to the edge and swung his legs down. If you are upset, sit on the hammock. You can eat here.

The two little girls climbed off the daybed and Tori helped them get on the hammock as Piers stood to the side and held it steady. They were given some sweets as they swung back and forth.

You know, Auntie Tori, Cousin Ava is my hero. She stopped the bad kids from making fun of me, Fiona said.

Ava was looking away, but her face was red. I didnt do anything special. I just wanted to remind them that youre my cousin.

Fiona giggled and rubbed her face against Avas arm. Cousin Ava is strong!

Ava seemed to pretend not to care. Naturally.... Tori sighed and gave them a small bowl of potato chips to eat before calling her brother.

Are they with you? Kasen sounded annoyed.

I take it Aiden found you?

Ive spoken to Count Benicia about his grandsons actions, and he has sent his grandson and sons family out, Kasen told her. Keep them there, Ill be upstairs in a moment.

All right. Tori ended the call and looked at the two little girls. Ava was now feeding Fiona chips. At least theyre getting along....

Children can be cruel, Henrik said as he shook his head. But they mustve learned it from somewhere.

Agreed, Albert said. Noble and aristocratic children are often exposed to their parents prejudices and jealousies. They place a lot of importance on lineage legitimacy. I had hoped that it wouldnt affect Fifi and Robi, but it looks like the odds were against them.

I heard that Lord Kasen is a sought-after bachelor, JP said from one of the chairs. Im sure there are families who didnt like the idea of him adopting two children.

Doesnt it happen all the time in marches? Ewan asked as he looked around. He was standing by the side of the battlement and admiring the citys night view while sipping on a sparkling wine infused fruit slush. The knights here told me that sometimes soldiers and knights in marches will adopt the orphans of their fallen compatriots.

They do, but its still fairly rare when a high noble does it, Axton said from the opposite daybed where he was stretched out with his arms behind his head and his eyes closed. And Fifi and Robi arent war orphans of a fallen comrade, but orphans from Horizon.

It shouldnt matter, Tori said in a firm voice as she fixed Avas hair with her fingers. If we say they are Gueveras, then they are Gueveras.

Theyre jealous, Ava said with cheeks stuffed with chips. My mom said that a lot of people are jealous of us. It is a burden of our station.

Toris eyes crinkled up. That wasnt what shed call it, but she let the child rant. Soon, Kasen arrived, and Fiona called for him to hug her. Kasen picked her up and held her against him, asking if they were hurt and reassuring them that Count Benicias grandson would no longer be welcomed in the Fortress.

Has Robi encountered any unpleasantness? Tori asked.

Kasen shook his head. Hes in his room with Maeve and the twins discussing their plans for Viclya for next month. Tori was relieved. As he was older, Robert had a better understanding of his position and was sensitive to it. She didnt want someones bitter words to put a shadow over him.

Cousin Kasen, did the boys family get mad because I beat him up? Ava asked as she moved to the edge of the hammock. He seemed weak, so I didnt hit him too hard.

No, they were very embarrassed and apologetic, Kasen replied. He paused. But, Ava, next time if a child says something of the sort to hurt you or your cousins, you should tell an adult.

But there were no adults there. Ava frowned. She clenched her hands. I took matters into my own hands.

Tori ran a hand down her face. You can find out who they are, then seek someone with more power to stop them with a more severe punishment than you can give. Their retribution doesnt need to be physical. There are other ways to make people regret what theyve done. Other, more effective ways and you wont be hurt if they try to fight back.

Ava nodded and furrowed her brows. I shouldve thought of that. Uncle Andy says its important to wear down the enemys head. When their minds are weak, they are easier to destroy.

Ava is a smart girl. Piers gave her a nod of approval before Kasen took the two little girls away.

The battlement was quiet, and several eyes were on Piers and Tori. Henrik squinted. Did you just tell your cousin and niece to break an enemys concentration so they can beat them in battle?

Tori nodded. A confused, disoriented, and emotionally and mentally unstable opponent is a weakened opponent.

Less manpower is wasted, and collateral damage can be minimized greatly if their lack of focus is leveraged, Piers added.

Work smarter, not harder. Tori saw that the only ones who seemed to nod in agreement were Axton, Ewan, and Fabian.

It is important to get to know your enemies, Ilyana said after rubbing her chin.

Sonia sat up straight and glanced at her brother, who seemed to understand her thoughts and nodded. By the way, did you know that Hart was your aunts goddaughter?

Tori deflated on the daybed. If I had known, I wouldnt have been so surprised. If she had known, she would've been more wary and even expected such a convoluted event. Mama didnt know. She doesnt pay much attention to Auntie Fabiana. I had to ask Auntie Maria. Apparently, Harts mother went to the same secondary school in Horizon as Auntie Fabiana.

Did they go to a private institution? Gideon asked. Toris aunt was from Presidio and the Harts, including Alessas mother, were from Chetterswickshire. That meant that they could not have attended one of the district schools, which were only for locals.

Lyce du Soleil is not the only secondary school in Horizon that accepts students from other parts of the empire after a test, Axton said. Acadmie dHorizon is in the Second District.

Albert furrowed his brows. Isnt that the school that also instructs students from other countries? The children of longer-term visiting diplomats and such?

It also accepts students who didnt make it to Lyce du Soleil, Axton said as he rolled over on his side. Though, its not something they brag about. There are a lot of students who score well, but dont score high enough to become an academic student at Lyce, but for many, coming to Horizon could offer opportunities, so they apply to Acadmie.

Its also the secondary school Auntie Fabiana attended, Tori said. She applied for Lyce, but she didnt get in. It was just one of the many resentments her aunt seemed to have against her mother, as if her aunts failure to enter was somehow her mothers fault.

Then, Alessas mother was classmates with your aunt? Gideon asked.

Tori let out a heavy breath. It seems like it. Auntie Maria didnt ask for many details.

But if your aunt is Harts godmother, why are we only finding out about this now? Ilyana asked. A godparent in Horizon could be priceless for guidance and protection for a non-local student. If it were me, I wouldve reached out to my goddaughter immediately to help her get used to the city.

Axton doesnt want to suffer alone, Tori said with a grin. Fifi, did Ava stay with you last night? She wasnt in my room the last two nights. The night before the wedding, Ava was forced to stay with Maeve so they could get ready together for the wedding in the morning.

Yes! Cousin Ava is my hero, so I had snacks brought to my room and she showed me how to play with dungeon crawl with my toy farm set.

...Have I made them like this? Toris face scrunched up as the thought crossed her mind. She shook her head. No, its the children who are weird.

Good, youre already awake! The figure of her eldest brother looking utterly refreshed, if not far too happy, appeared at the door. Idunn was behind him, yawning a bit, but looking rosy and almost glowing.

Tori smiled and pretended she didnt know how they likely spent the night before. Good morning!

Sebastian and Idunn went around the table greeting others, including Marquess Nordursin, who happily put her hand over Idunns belly as she talked. Idunn laughed and turned red, but said she hoped they would have a baby soon, as well.

When the couple got to Tori, Sebastian hugged her tight and nuzzled her head. My baby sister did such a good job yesterday! We felt the blessing!

Tori, who was trying to eat, winced. Im glad.

We have a surprise for you, Idunn said. It took a long time for Seb to agree to it, but I think youll be pleased.

Toris eyes widened and grew a bit excited. What is it?

Idunn chuckled knowingly, but held a finger to her lips.

After breakfast, she and Sebastian took Tori, Fiona, Alexander, and Piers, who followed without being asked, towards one of the plateaus behind the Fortress. It was right next to the stables and as they approached, Tori could feel her heart starting to beat quickly in her chest.

If it took time to convince her brother, then it was likely riding lessons.

She didnt want to say it for fear of being wrong. They were led out to one of the three corrals on the property. There were about a dozen horses in each corral and Fiona gasped.

Is Auntie going to get riding lessons? Fiona gasped. How lucky! Daddy says I have to wait until Im bigger! She puffed out her cheeks and looked at Tori with envy all over her cute little face.

Its a bit more than that, Idunn told her as she stroked Fionas hair back. Your Uncle and I want to give her a horse.

Tori sucked in a sharp breath. Her hands slammed on the wooden fence, and she looked at her brother and sister-in-law with wide, disbelieving eyes. If this is a joke, its not funny.

Sebastian shook his head and crossed his arms over his chest. Its not. Idunn says it is extremely useful. Besides, you are much more patient now and I should have confidence that you will take time to learn safely.

We also selected the most tame and obedient of the horses we could find. Uncle Rom brought over many from his familys farm, Idunn said as she held her arm out towards the corral. You can have your pick.

Tori was almost shaking with excitement. A horse of her own...she finally got a horse of her own after the accident. That particular horse had been given away. Uncle Roms family, who bred some of the best war horses in Sur, took her. Tori had no strong feelings considering what happened, but she never lost her desire to ride a horse.

It was something she always wanted to do in her original world, as well. And now, not only did this mean shed get lessons, but she could pick out her own horse.

I can pick any of them? she asked. She looked across the corrals. There were many different horses in all colors and patterns. It was a bit overwhelming. I dont know who to choose....

Go with your intuition, Sebastian said as he lazily leaned against the fence. Idunn had picked up Fiona and helped Fiona call over a horse to feed a carrot one of the stable hands carried with them. The stable hand gave her a carrot to help her lure over a horse.

Tori drew in her lips. A meow sounded behind her, and she looked down. Alexander lifted his paw and smacked her leg lightly. What is it?

Nyaow! He turned around and then took a few steps forward. He paused and looked back over his shoulder, meowing even louder. It was his sign to follow him.

Piers tilted his head to the side. Perhaps Alexander has already chosen a sibling.

Tori nodded. He has been all over the Fortress. I wouldnt be surprised if he found a horse he likes.

He is particularly fond of horses, Piers said. Tori ignored her brothers quizzical look as she followed Alexander to the furthest corral.

Tori, Sebastian called out as he went after them. These horses are a bit-

Yaowl! Alexanders low, haunting meow suddenly filled the area. Tori wouldnt even call it a meow. It was like her cat was summoning something from the depths of the ocean. Alexander sat on top of a fence post, all four of his feet on it as he leaned his head forward and let out another long, loud yowl.

The horses in the last corral seemed to stay clear. Piers frowned a bit. Alexander, are you scaring them away?

Tori, these horses arent the friendliest. Their temperaments arent as easy as the horses in the other pens.

Where are these horses from? Tori asked her brother as Alexander yowled once more behind them.

They were brought in by Uncle Roms older sister. Shes been training them to be war horses, but they were collected two years ago from the escaped horse herds in the southwest. Shes using this pen, as theyre short on space, Sebastian told her. I suggest-

Tori. Piers spoke up next to her and Tori turned her head towards the corral. As Alexander yowled and the group of horses in the pen seemed to gather on the other side, a lone horse made a circle around the herd, dropping her head and snorting before stomping her feathered hooves.

Toris eyes dilated as she leaned forward and watched the shiny, black horse trot towards them. Glossy, silky black hair; smooth black coat, shiny black eyes.

The black horse came to a stop in front of the fence post where Alexander was and lowered her head down so that Alexander could bump his head against hers. He let out a quiet meow and then jumped on to the fence to walk to Tori. He looked at the horse and meowed once more with his paw on Toris arm.

The black horse chuffed and stood in place for a moment, then took a step forward. With each measured step, the horse seemed to judge Tori from the other side of the fence. Entranced, Tori slowly held out her hand and offered the carrot.

The horse hesitated, sniffed, and then took the carrot from Toris hand. Tori was frozen in place, her eyes wide with awe as her heart raced. She thought that horse her brothers got her several years ago was beautiful, but this horse...her intuition called for this horse.

The horses hot breath hit her hand and then her nose moved beneath Toris hand and lifted it up. The horse then turned to the side and walked so that Toris hand was against her neck. She then stood still, waiting. Tori swallowed hard and gently ran her fingers over the thick, muscular neck of the black horse.

Shes quite young, one of the stable hands said behind Tori. Lady Bettencourt captured this one when she was a year or so old.

How old is she now? Piers asked.

She should be three years old, Your Highness.

Three years old..., Tori said. Her lips pulled into a slight smile. Ive also been here in this world for three years.

Nyaow? Alexander nudged her arm and looked at her with golden eyes.

Tori grinned and moved her hand towards him to pet his head. Yes, good job, Alexander. The horse chuffed and moved closer to the fence, turning her head towards Tori, and nudging her arm. Right, I will pet you, too.

Is it possible for Tori to have this one? Piers asked the stable hand. The man winced and rubbed the back of his neck.

This horse was not one of those originally selected for my lady.... he said. He looked at Sebastian, whose lips were in a tight line.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. Ask Lady Bettencourt.

If she has been chosen, then what can I do? a womans voice said behind them. Tori saw a woman with rich olive skin and some gray at her dark temples approach them in riding gear.

Tori can choose another one-

No, young lord, it is the Countess who has been chosen, Lady Bettencourt told them. Her warm smile turned to Tori. What do you think of her, my lady?

I think shes the most beautiful horse Ive ever seen, Tori said. And shes friendly.

Lady Bettencourt held back a laugh. This one is young, but controls the herd. She has excellent agility and speed. She is highly intelligent and wont buck a strange rider. Dont let her temperament with the other horses scare you.

Tori shook her head. Whats her name?

Weve been calling her Boss.

As soon as she heard the name, the black horse pulled away from Tori and snorted. She trotted a few steps away and stomped the ground, as if in protest.

I dont think she likes that name, Fiona said as she and Idunn caught up to them. Can Auntie name her something else?

Lady Bettencourt nodded. If she wishes.

Tori tilted her head to the side. She held out her hand and called out the only name that popped into her mind. Layla! The black horses ears twitched. She took a few steps forward and stopped. Layla! Tori called her again and the horse moved forward. Layla, come here!

The horse stopped by the side of the fence and Tori reached out and stroked the side of her neck.

Auntie, I think she likes her name, Fiona said with wide eyes. Tori beamed.

Yeah, Fifi, I think so, too.