Chapter 183: Disturbance in the Force

Chapter 183: Disturbance in the Force

Why are you crying? JP asked his sister with crinkled eyes.

Sonia sucked in a breath and shook her head as her eyes watched Tori trot around the corral on a pure black horse.

Im just so happy for her, Sonia said. Shes such a beautiful horse.

Henrik squinted and gave her a questioning look. Are you happy for Tori or are you happy for her horse?

Both.

Tori listened to the conversations around the corral praising the beauty of Layla and how lucky Tori was to get her. She didnt usually like to listen to such ridiculous praise, but she would make an exception.

She had been riding Layla for some time; as soon as Lady Bettencourt brought out a saddle for her. Unfortunately, Toris heavenly ride had to come to an end. Not because she wanted to or because they had to go, but because she wasnt used to riding on a horse and was getting saddle sore.

She led Layla to the side of the corral and Sebastian pushed forward some boxy wooden steps. Do you want to use the mounting block?

No! I want to get down by myself. She was well aware she sounded like a child, but she wanted to get used to getting on and off by herself. She handed the reins to a stable hand and carefully grabbed on to the saddle.

Her movements to dismount were slow and awkward, and she could hear Sonia and JP snickering because for a while she dangled above the ground due to her height and inexperienced assessment of how far she was from the ground. She landed neatly on the ground, though Sebastian was hovering behind her in case she fell, and stretched.

No bad! JP shouted. Take your time walking. You were sitting on her for so long and arent used to it!

I know!

Theres no shame in waddling!

Shut up! Knowing that she would just waddle off if she went too fast, Tori took her time taking one small step after another to get towards them.

I cant believe that Alexander picked out your horse, Albert said, looking at the fluffy gray cat sitting on the fence post and wearing a little black hat with a wide brim. And where did he get that hat?

Fifi had Nanny Rey make it for him, Ilyana said. I think it looks good on him.

Alexander is fastable! Fiona said as she threw her arms up.

Fashionable, Tori said as she reached them.

Fashionable. Yes. Fiona beamed.

Can we bring Layla to the villa? Tori asked Sebastian. He and Idunn werent going, as they were still playing hosts to various guests, but they had helped arrange it.

I dont see why not, Idunn replied. The villa has proper stables.

Great! I can do some more riding when we get there.

Finally, Sonia said. We can go around some trails with you and you can experience the joy of being an equestrian.

I hardly think with my level of ability, I can qualify.

You qualify. Dont diminish your passion due to inexperience, JP told her as Sonia nodded in agreement.

Thats a very profound statement, Henrik said as he passed them on the way back to the main building. Its surprising it came from you.

JP shot him a glare as the others laughed.

As Tori entered the back gates, they rounded the area past the main entrance courtyard. There were usually a few horses, as someone was almost always coming or going, but she didnt expect to see a carriage already parked in front of the steps. They didnt leave for another few hours and the carriages usually had the majority of their preparation and stocking done before they were brought to the courtyard.

It was likely a visitor. Tori craned her neck to see if she could make out any symbols or words on the carriage doors that gave away the owner. There was nothing telling, no heraldry, no crest, no family seal or motto.

It was unusual considering how gaudy the carriage was. As the thought occurred to her she felt a slight weight on her shoulders. She narrowed her eyes and craned her neck. Such a flamboyant carriage would usually belong to wealthy lower nobility or new money aristocracy to show off their wealth as opposed to the subdued symbols from the powerful and settled families.

And there was only one woman Tori could think of at the moment who would parade into the Fortress and fit as the carriage owner.

Something wrong? Ilyana asked as she saw Toris scrunched face.

Disturbance in the force.

What?

I said I think my aunt is here.

The group followed her gaze towards the carriage. Considering that Auntie Lucia was staying at the Fortress and Auntie Maria was a nun who didnt have a private carriage, they had an idea which of Toris aunts had appeared.

If your aunt is here...does that mean Hart is here? Albert asked as his lips turned down.

Tori clenched her jaw. Fifi, why dont you take the others to check on your chickens. Alexander hasnt gone to see his friends yet. I have to go and greet some people, so I will meet you there later.

Idunn put Fiona down and the little girl nodded. She took Ilyanas hand and pulled her forward. Come with me. Nugget is starting to grow big chicken feathers. Hes ugly now, but I still love him.

Toris friends followed her niece without question. No one wanted to deal with her aunt or Hart. Sebastian held Idunns hand as they walked with a neutral look on his face. Those who had to went to the dining hall. Knowing that it was likely that Gideon had woken up late and went to eat, Tori had a sense of urgency to intercept Alessa. There was also a good chance Fabian had finished his forced morning training with the knights and went to eat breakfast with Gideon, as well.

She was trying to wean the two love interests from her and Alessa appearing over their planned Alessa-free summer threatened to derail her plans. Since Alessa appeared, Toris mind had been coming up with all sorts of countermeasures.

Shed written down a few while she was preparing for the wedding yesterday morning and wished she had a chance to review her countermeasures more. Unfortunately, Alessa and her aunt appeared sooner than she expected.

Still, some countermeasures were better than no countermeasures.

Tori followed behind her brother and sister-in-law with Piers beside her. Are you sure you dont want to go see Fifis chickens?

I am the first prince of Soleil, Piers said, as if reminding her that it was more proper for him to greet people than check on Nugget.

You dont like my aunt.

I dont like many people.

Fair enough. They reached the dining hall and Tori put on a pleasant smile as she walked in.

Auntie Fabiana, good morning! Sebastian greeted them with an upbeat smile and Idunn gave their aunt a small nod of her head along with her smile.

I see you brought Baroness Hart, Idunn said. We missed you at the reception here last night.

Tori turned her head away and held back a laugh. Shed only found out when they were spending time together on the battlements, but Piers had prohibited Fabiana, her husband, and Alessa from coming. He allowed for Fabianas two children and their families, as he felt they had a sense of shame and decency.

It was strange that our invitations were rejected, Fabiana said with a huff. She looked at her sister with a haughty look. Antonia, you must see your knights and find out whats wrong. To refuse entry to the heirs aunt? Theyre crossing a line!

Antonia didnt answer. She only took a deep breath and remained seated next to her husband. Closer to the far end of the table, Gideon and Fabian seemed focused on their meals, cutting through the ham with concentration or carefully measuring out sugar to put in coffee. They were quiet and neither said anything about inviting Alessa to join them.

Either they knew to wait for the hosts to do so or they didnt want to offer for fear of indirectly inviting her aunt to sit.

At least you were able to come this morning, Sebastian said before motioning towards the table. Have you eaten yet?

It was well past mid-morning. If they were there, they shouldve already eaten breakfast.

He is, but he said it is a slow and gradual process. He also wants to work on improving business opportunities in Chetteswickshire. Alessa frowned. Its just that the Viscount is very strict and refuses to make concessions.

Then, what else can Mr. Rosiek do?

Alessa perked up once more. My mother left me some property that used to belong to her father. My mother was the only heir and so it came down to me. Father was having the land rented before I came of age, but now, since farming isnt bringing in my income, weve decided to develop it as an inn and marketplace to cater to the caravan traffic from the lakes to Anlar.

Tori tilted her head to the side. An inn and a marketplace? Will he be able to hire people from Chetterswickshire?

Yes. There will be a dorm, as its a few days' travel from the barony, Alessa said. When its ready, I will invite you to see it. Alessas face reddened a bit, and she looked almost shy. I trust the Countess opinions on the like.

Tori gave her a small nod of her head. Then when its ready, let me know. Id love to see it.

Piers sat stiffly beneath the shade of the portico as yells came from the lake just down the path from the back of the villa. His eyes were narrowed, and his hand tightened around the glass of chilled sangria.

That falls in line with the reports of movements on property of the late Baroness, he said. Our people were told it was being developed by Neill, but it seems that the real developer is Rosiek.

It makes sense. He mustve been doing something since he left Horizon, Tori replied. She poured herself another glass of chilled wine as she sat on the other side of a small, round table. Developing farmland that isnt yielding enough to support itself into an inn and marketplace for caravans to rest and do business isnt a bad idea.

Such caravan stops were quite popular, and cities had grown from watering holes. Depending on where the land was on the route, it could prove successful.

Tori, Piers said as he frowned. We do not know much about her mother.

Tori sipped her drink and looked over. Harts mother?

Piers nodded his head. Our information is limited: the late baroness came from a landowning family based in Chetterswickshire and she was able to go to Horizon to study. No doubt some of her familys wealth had gone to the barony when she married.

Tori shook her head. How bad is Baron Harts business acumen that all his investments have failed?

Perhaps he shouldve been the one blessed with the god of luck.

Piers, be serious.

I am.

She gave him a look and Piers brought the sangria to his lips innocently. Can we find out more about Harts mothers side?

I will let our people know, Piers said. There were several well-off families in Chetterswickshire before the drought and subsequent decline of the barony. The Stackhouses included. If they are similar to Madam Voss family, they either struggled to survive up until now or have left.

Tori pursed her lips. Leaving for better opportunities is fairly common, though mostly for those who arent tied to the land.

Piers looked out towards the lake. Eili was on Toris crystal powered water hammock. She, Deidre, Andy, and Kasen had been pouring over it since it was brought out. It was Deidre who wanted to do some tests with slightly larger vessels, just to see how much power was needed for particular sizes.

Andy was fascinated that crystals could be used instead of sails and paddles. He was convinced that with the right crystal technology, their ships could be revolutionized.

Unfortunately, Tori felt her aide was limited. She knew nothing about ships, motors, and sailing. She could figure out the theory and implement it on a tiny test device, but as far as expanding it to a larger scale and making it revolutionary, it would have to be left up to people who knew what they were doing.

There were a few crystal masters in Anlar, and Master Ramos had agreed to go speak to them about crystal technology for shipbuilding, should the OTuagh be interested. Considering that Tori knew she wasnt going to get her water hammock back, it seemed that shed have to inform the old man that he was going to go to Kings Harbor instead of back to Viclya with the rest of them.

If the OTuagh can develop crystal technology with ships to a satisfactory level, I will propose a budget to supplement building and additional research, Piers said. We cannot become complacent with technology.

Tori nodded with agreement. I will provide all I can to help with the crystal research.

No matter what, this advancement came from Anahata Island. It is the product of your crystal research facility, Piers told her. You should ask for funding.

Tori perked up and put her glass back on the table. I can ask for money for research? She briefly imagined her shiny wizard-no, crystal researcher tower. I could do a lot of things if I had more money.

Father is expecting you to ask eventually after several of the devices developed on the island have been released for commercial use. He said that eventually, you would turn your attention to technology to advance both the empires living standards and military.

She had to give the Emperor credit. Tori did hope that the research on the island could advance the empires lives. How much money can be allotted?

It depends on what the research is on.

How does he feel about water management? Tori asked. It wasnt her usual focus, but after the flooding that Piers had seen and the occasional droughts elsewhere, having a system to manage water would be beneficial to the empires agricultural industry. The construction of such a system could provide jobs and they could alleviate stress from areas prone to drought or flooding.

Theyd still be at the mercy of nature, but some preparation could go a long way to lessen collateral damage.

Piers raised a brow and glanced at her. You are interested in this?

I have people interested in it.

What are you interested in?

Tori thought for a moment. Immediate wants and needs aside, she did have an ultimate goal, but telling Piers to do what I want was vague. Id like to get my delta running as smoothly as possible with enough food, shelter, and economic development to give my people a safe and comfortable lifestyle. Then I can be free to travel around and explore.

The corner of Piers lips curled up. It would be good if they can develop crystal technology to increase the speed of ships.

Yes, then I can go to more places-

And come home faster.

Tori chuckled and nodded. That, too. She reached for her glass again and saw that the comcry on the table next to the glass pitcher was lighting up. Tori picked it up and flipped it open. Its Mama.

Piers gave her a nod and Tori stood up to take the call. I will ask for more snacks. He lifted a hand to summon an imperial knight stationed a few paces away. Tori moved to the far side of the portico to answer.

Mama?

I cant get a hold of Axton. Is he with you? Her mothers normally calm and steady voice was higher than normal. Tori tilted her head to the side and knitted her brows. She looked towards the lake.

Axton yelled as he used a rope swing to launch himself over the water and released it just before he would swing back. He plopped into the water, making the others already in it yell.

Hes in the lake. Do you want to talk to him?

Yes, its rather urgent. Her mother would not ask for such a thing normally.

Tori felt a knot in her stomach as she walked out from beneath the portico of the villa and headed to the lakes edge. Axton was trudging up shore, grinning from ear to ear.

Finally coming to join us? he asked.

Her chest tightened. He looked so happy right now. Tori opened her mouth and took a moment to gather herself. She lifted up her comcry. Mama wants to talk to you. She says its urgent.

The bright smile on Axtons happy, handsome face faded. His brows furrowed and he quickened his step to reach her. They stood on the banks of the lake.

Auntie Toni? he asked.

Axton, your father is missing.

Tori drew her head back, briefly wondering why that would be Axtons problem, as the two were pretty much estranged. Axton let out a small, bitter laugh. Auntie, I havent seen him in months-

No, Axton, the authorities in Alvere and Imperial Knights are looking for him, Toris mother said in a low, but steady voice. She took a deep breath. Rebecca Walter was found dead in Sun Garden this morning. There are bruises around her neck and they suspect your father may have killed her.