Chapter 184: Did Marquis Guevera Approve of This

Chapter 184: Did Marquis Guevera Approve of This

Confusion filled Axtons face as he seemed to weigh the comcry in his hand. The corner of his lip twitched, and he shook his head. I...I dont think I heard you correctly....

Tori heard her mother take a deep breath and slow her voice. Axton, Rebecca Walter, your fathers mistress, was found dead this morning on Sun Gardens grounds. It looks like she was strangled to death and there was dark hair and some blood on her hands. Mr. Merced called me when he couldnt reach you. They suspect Cillian of killing her.

Axton let out a shallow, trembling breath and Tori reached forward to try to steady him in case he fell. Axton-

Take the comcry. Axton, come sit down. Piers was at Axtons side and had grabbed his forearm to keep him from stumbling. Tori pried her comcry from his hand.

Mama, hold on. Were going to take Axton to sit down.

Im fine. Im just...I didnt expect to hear.... Axton looked at a loss for words. His eyes crinkled up as he shook his head with disbelief. Shes dead?

Piers frowned and looked towards the knights standing a few steps away. They quickly came forward and stood on either side of Axton. They almost dragged him back to the villa and put him on the nearest seat.

Mama, has Mr. Merced reported it to the Alvere knights? Tori asked. Sun Garden was outside of the nearest town and surrounded by fields and forest. There were no local patrols; just the Alvere knights, of which were limited in number. Most were split between guarding the Alvere properties in the duchy and protecting Montan in Horizon.

He has and they have notified Monica. She is sending imperial knights to assist in the search, Antonia told her. I said I would try to contact Axton.

Where...where did they find her...her body? Axton stuttered as his hands tightened into fists. Piers headed into the villa as Tori sat beside Axton and grabbed one hand to offer support.

The Western Rose Gardens gardening house. She was found between the building and the low wall separating the rose garden from the rest of the garden. She was hidden. She wouldnt have been found if they hadnt started collecting some of the roses to move to Nassaun House. Mr. Merced said the knights noticed a trail. She was dragged there.

Axton shut his eyes and Tori felt his grip on her hand tighten. Has anyone contacted Montan?

No, no one has his comcry registered. Antonia hesitated. Im afraid you will have to tell him, Axton.

But what about my fa...Cillian? Axton asked. He looked at the comcry still in Toris hand as she held it up.

Monica is sending imperial knights to do a sweep of Alvere to try to find him. Ive dispatched Guevera knights located on the border to secure that place.

Tori heard Axtons voice shake. He doesnt know where my mother is buried.

Axton, Antonia said in a steady voice. We dont know what he knows.

Then, I will keep my comcry with me and await news. Wait, call Tori. I need to call my brother, Axton said. Just as he said it, Piers walked out of the villa with a comcry in each hand. Tori recognized one was his and the other was Axtons.

Of course. I will let you know if anything is heard on my end. Tori. Her mother called to her, and Tori turned her attention to the comcry.

Yes, Mama?

I will leave Axton to you.

Of course, Mama. The call ended and Piers handed Axtons comcry to him.

Call your brother first. I will contact my men in Horizon to strengthen security around Duel. Tori, contact-

Mr. Somerset? I need you to proceed with Operation Orange Charm, Tori was already speaking to her comcry.

I will inform the staff at once, my lady. The manager of Duel was more than just respectful. He sounded as if he were accepting a mission from the Marquis himself.

Orange Charm has not yet been notified. Green Knight will notify him momentarily. Please ensure he has a place to listen privately, but do not leave him alone.

Understood, my lady.

Tori slid her finger across her comcry and looked at the two men staring at her. She lifted her chin. Do you think youre the only ones who can protect him? Dont forget, hes my employee.

Axtons eyes reddened. He pulled her close and pressed his face against the top of her head. Thank you, Tori.

She let out a hum and squeezed his hand. Call your brother.

Axton nodded and released her. He took a deep breath and opened his comcry. Tori gave him a moment and stood up. She took a few steps away. Piers was giving an order to someone on his comcry and a moment later, he put down the device and walked towards her.

What is Operation Orange Charm?

Heightened security due to a threat to Montan. The staff is to remain vigilant, and all former knights are to do patrols around Duel every quarter of an hour. Any guests need to show their identification at the door to the main building and the cafe. The guards will remain outside as per usual for two hours past closing and then retreat inside. Mr. Somerset will arrange escorts home for employees that dont board at Duel. Montan will also be put under watch and not allowed to leave the building at all, until further notice that his safety is confirmed by either myself, Henrik, or Ilyana, Tori said. It was planned under the concern that his father may try to force his way in or use some sort of violent means to kidnap or assault him. We didnt know where his parents went, so I wanted to be cautious.

Piers eyes softened and he reached out to touch her head, only to hear the yell come from Axtons comcry.

Then where is he? Montan cried out.

I dont know. The Empress has sent imperial knights to search for him in Horizon and through the duchy. Marquess Guevera has also sent knights to aid in the search, Axton said as his head hung low. Montan, stay in Duel. Dont go out. If he finds you....

I wont! Ill stay here, Axton. Dont worry! Im boarding here and my meals are provided. I dont need to leave! Montan sounded more earnest to calm his brother than sad about his mother or frightened about his missing father.

Then again, considering what Tori had seen that day in Viclya, she couldnt blame him. The delusional couple mustve abused him for years.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Tori has called Mr. Somerset and theyre going to take care of you, Axton told him in as reassuring a voice as he could. Im going to head back to Presidio and see if I can join the search-

No! Montan cried out once more. No, hes crazy! What if he attacks you?

Axtons lips trembled, but he let out a wry laugh. That lunatic can try. Axton stared at the comcry and narrowed his eyes. Montan, I know this is a shock to you. Ill...I will take care of your mothers burial.

Tori sat beside him and leaned against his shoulder. She lifted her arm and rubbed his back. She was sure that if Rebecca werent Montans mother, Axton would have no issue with dumping her corpse in a mass grave with nothing but the clothes she had on.

Tori heard the faint, shallow breathing on the other side of the comcry. Do what you want, Montan said with a tight voice. I dont care.

Axton looked worried. He looked up at Piers, as if asking what to do as the older brother. Assure him youll take care of it and will see him soon, Piers said in a quiet voice.

Axton nodded his head once. All right. Ill take care of it. Ill see you soon. Remember to stay in Duel. If you need anything, tell Mr. Somerset.

Okay.

Then, Ill call you later if there are any updates-

Axton, Montans voice trembled. He didnt say anything else, and Axton shut his eyes tight once more.

Im right here, Montan. I wont end the call yet.

Tori heard Montan sniffle. Thank you.

Piers took a seat on Axtons other side and motioned towards the lake. Ewan and Kasen had come up from the shore with concerned looks. Tori took a deep breath and stood up to tell them.

Two Guevera knights and six imperial knights escorted Axton and Piers back to Presidio. While the children didnt know what was going on at first, Axton and Piers absences were noticed at dinner and Tori was forced to tell them that Axton was having a family emergency, so he had to leave.

Is he going to be all right? Robert asked as he lowered his fork. Fiona looked around the table just outside the villa doors where they were eating, confused as to why the grown-ups were quiet and serious.

Kasen smiled softly and rubbed Roberts head. He will be. Your Uncle Piers went with him to help.

It was Piers who arranged for Axton to go back and the most natural thing for him to do was to go with Axton. He told Tori that hed entrust her with his belongings to bring back; they would ride to Presidio.

My brother is a good friend, Gideon told Robert. He will make sure that Axton has support.

Is something wrong at his home? Ava asked. Hes a duke now, so he has territory to manage, right?

There is something wrong in the Alvere Duchy, yes, Tori said, smiling weakly. Ava nodded with sympathy.

I understand. He has a lot to do.

Tori drew her lips inward and bit them. Yeah, baby, he has a lot to do.

They wouldnt leave until the next morning, but Tori was determined to let the children have a fun time. She set up a bonfire and roasted some small sausages to make miniature hotdogs with. Marco and Mateo had brought the three pitch tents Tori and the others used for their first-year excursion in hopes of using them while in Sur.

The excursion equipment was stored at the Bianccis, as Uncle Maurizo used some of the items to make his research trips into the forest more comfortable. With plenty of knights guarding them, Marco and Mateo were able to share a tent with Robert while Maeve, Ava, and Fiona shared a tent. Kasen and Andy stayed outside with them in the third tent as the adult supervision.

Cousin Eili, Ill give you a tent when we get to Viclya, Tori said as she sat beneath the portico with her cousin glaring at Andy and Kasen with envy. If you want, you can go to my island and do a mock set up there.

Cousin, that sounds interesting, Aiden said. He had wanted to stay in the tent, too, but there wasnt enough room. The tents from the excursion could only comfortably fit two full grown adults, so Aiden decided to stay in the villa.

Fifi, are you scared? he asked his sister softly. Fiona shook her head.

Theyre dead. What can they do to me?

Fiona is truly my brothers daughter. Tori nodded with satisfaction at her nieces answer. She took a sip of juice and looked around the table. Gideon was pale and JP and Sonia were looking at Fiona, as if wondering what was going through that childs head.

Did some Gueveras remain in Horizon during the conquest? Henrik asked. I recall that Daybreak Garden is built on Guevera land.

It is, Auntie Lucia confirmed. The Gueveras were a warrior class of lords loyal to the Soleil clan, our chiefs. During the start of the Period of Conquest, family members ineligible to fight, such as the young, weak, and elderly, remained in Horizon on our ancestral land. Our family still owns the land, thats why Daybreak Garden is technically owned by our family.

Gideon nearly dropped the churro he was holding. Daybreak Garden belongs to the Gueveras?

Youre just finding this out? Ilyana asked with narrowed eyes.

Fabian, did you know? Gideon asked as he turned to his friend.

Fabian nodded his head slowly. Many knights prefer to get their weapons made and serviced at Daybreak Garden, as the quality is peerless. One must be part of a guild associated with Daybreak Garden to be allowed in, and if not, have a relation to the Guevera March.

I thought you had some sort of contract with them! Gideon said accusingly as he looked across the table at Tori.

She raised a brow. I do. I also just happen to be a Guevera. Thats why when Piers and Axton go, they have to bring me with them or have a letter of intent from me to give them access.

Tori was able to get us letters of intent so we can do business, Henrik said, motioning around the table where the teens were seated.

JP and I have also started buying our riding gear there. The leather workers at Daybreak Garden do an amazing job, Sonia said. And Ewan gets his equipment there.

Ewan beamed. They know me by name now.

You get a discount as well, right? Auntie Lucia asked. The group nodded.

Gideon shouldnt have looked as disappointed as he was to not have an in into Daybreak Garden. After all, he didnt have much to purchase there and if he did, he had the means to get it done with just as high a quality workmanship elsewhere.

Guevera, Fabian said as his hands clenched the edge of the table. When we return to Horizon in the fall, may I trouble you to take me?

Youre looking for a sword, von Dorn? Tori asked.

I have little experience with a single-handed sword, which is used by the navy, he said.

Hey! Youre interested in joining the navy? Eilis entire being seemed to perk up as her eyes filled with a predatory glint. When do you want to join? Have you participated in our summer naval camps?

Fabian cringed a bit. Training Commander OTuagh, you were our training commander for the naval camps last summer.

Eili seemed to stare at him for a while. She pursed her lips. Yeah, I dont remember you.

Diedre let out a heavy breath and rubbed her forehead. Eili, he is the second princes former personal knight.

Eilis eyes widened, and she gasped. The second prince was there?

Cousin, he has silver hair, Tori said with an exasperated motion of her hands towards Gideon. How many naval cadets had silver hair last summer?

Eili paused. Her cheeks reddened a bit. I didnt pay attention...I thought he was an old man. I didnt want to judge.

Tori looked at Gideon who sat as if his soul had left him. His silver hair was supposed to be iconic and Eili mistook him for an old man. Ewan leaned towards Fabian and nudged him with the edge of his comcry. Register my comcry. Just call me if you want to go if Toris busy. I can take you as my guest.

Fabians eyes widened. Thank you, Conner...you dont mind?

Ewan grinned. I take classmates from La Garda all the time. They say the instructors would ask me if it wasnt appropriate to use a student as a contact, he said with a laugh. He held out his comcry again and Fabian dug through his pocket to take his out.

Are you registering comcry? Fiona asked, slurring the word registering. She looked excited and took out one from the little satchel she wore across her body. It was too big for her to properly hold in her hand, as comcry generally came in only one size. The compact was simple and round, plain metal with embossing of birds with red gemstone eyes. It was probably the closest they could get to chickens. The crystal inside was chick yellow. Register mine!

When did you get a comcry? Tori asked with furrowed brows. Fiona was three. Ava barely got hers that summer.

After Count Benicias grandson picked on Fiona, Dad got one for each of us. He said to call if we are in trouble, Robert said as he also lifted his up. His was similar in shape and color, but the embossing had an enameled lion. His crystal was light blue. Auntie Tori, can you register mine, too?

Of course, Robi. Robert got up and went around with his sister to register their comcrys with the entire table of teenagers, even Gideon and Fabian, who didnt seem to realize what they were doing.

Fiona giggled. Now, I can call all my aunties and uncles.

Dad said dont call unless its important, Robert reminded her.

I wont! Tori knew she was going to receive a call later with a giggling little girl on the other end.

Cousin Tori... Ava held up her comcry. You forgot me!

After breakfast, they walked out of the restaurant to go souvenir shopping and Ilyana looked at her comcry. I didnt think Id see the day where Id have the second prince and von Dorns comcry.

You think thats strange? Tori held hers up. I have Guthrys and Alveres, too.

Do you have Harts?

...I should get Harts. Tori froze in her mid-step and whirled around, her eyes scanning the surrounding area expecting to catch sight of the blonde-haired classmate.

Tori?

I just mentioned her name and expected shed appear; that's usually my luck, Tori said as she relaxed her stance when she didnt see Alessa. Anyway, the next time I see her, Ill register her comcry. She may need help with her project or something.

Youre really going to help her? Ilyana asked as her brows shot up.

Sometimes, when you want something done right, you must do it yourself. Or at least have some sort of influence in it. Tori shrugged. Id rather she calls me than somehow find me and corner me to talk.

Do you have time to help her? Arent you helping Guthry already? Ilyana frowned. What did we talk about doing too much for annoying people?

Ilyana, with where am I right now, I can do their projects with my eyes closed. After Cosora, do you think educational access for an orphanage and a craftsman school will be anywhere near as challenging? Tori asked her knowingly.

I suppose youre right....

Besides, most plans are already in effect for both the delta and Lions Gate. Its just a matter of making sure the plans stay on track. We have quite a few outside investments for Viclya, Axton is dealing with most of the Lunar Pavilion, Lions Gate is becoming increasingly popular, and as fourth-year students, we will have less exams, Tori said. Until the fall, I can put most of my effort on the escape room and hiring people.

Is Prince Piers going to help you?

No, Senior Southard already did. Tori grinned from ear to ear. I suspected that I and Lions Gate would attract the attention of graduating students who were looking for jobs after last years break off, but I didnt expect that it was not only from Lyce, but Universit and some other professional schools in Horizon. The applications were sent to Mr. Somerset at Duel. Tori let out a devious giggle as she lifted her hands like little claws. The amount of talent that has come to my hands....

She didnt bother to hide her somewhat diabolical look from Ilyana, but Ilyana furrowed her brows. Can we afford them?

Not all of them, no, Tori said with a deflated grimace. But we should be able to hire several people for administrative and staff positions in Lions Gate for both the company overall and Duel, and a few for the delta. Senior Southard is getting a small, fixed income for three years and land to do research on. She gets a substantial amount from her meat pies.

Our revenue from the party game rentals and hosting is much more than Henrik and I expected, Ilyana said with wide eyes. I can only imagine when the escape rooms open. The city is starved for new entertainment. Do you have an idea on how youre going to set up the rooms?

Im still working on it.

The first day of food crawling and souvenir shopping went well and Tori was still energetic enough to sit down at her desk and work on the escape room stories, clues, and outlines.

Just as she finished drawing an outline of three connected rooms, a knock came from her door. Tori looked up and waited for the knights guarding her door to inform her of who had come, but no one spoke up.

She tilted her head to the side and rose to her feet, walking across the room in her slippers to open the door herself.

Tori jerked her head back as she saw her mother standing there with a pale face and shadowed eyes. Antonia was still dressed in that days clothes and looked at a loss. At her side, she was holding her comcry.

Tori raised her hands and took hold of Antonias free arm. Mama? Whats wrong?

Antonia shut her eyes and swallowed hard. The knights on the border...they called.

Tori's shoulders sank. The knights on the border she was referring to were the knights on the Sur-Alvere border; a mountainous, forested area left unsettled and as a natural boundary between the march and the duchy.

It was also where her mother had hidden the burial place of the late duchess.

Tori felt her chest clench. He found Auntie Genevieve?

Antonias voice trembled as she dropped her comcry and grasped Toris hand. He found her...and now hes dead.