Chapter 186: You're Not Supposed to Be Here

Chapter 186: You're Not Supposed to Be Here

She wasnt surprised that everyone understood her decision. Ewan even offered to come, giving up all the snacks he had allotted to go and support his master.

When I called them last night, Axton said for you to return on the ship as planned, Tori told him as she stood beside him on the steps of the Fortress. Axton says that hes not sure how he'll take it when the time comes and doesnt want you to see him in such a state.

Ewan furrowed his brows and his face saddened. I will respect Master regardless of his state.

I know, but this is also for the Dukes sake, Henrik said as he patted Ewans shoulder and gave him a comforting squeeze. He doesnt want his pupil to see him so upset.

Sebastian nodded. You must respect his wishes as a pupil, Ewan. I would request the same.

Disappointed, Ewan nodded his head. I understand.

Uncle Duke Axton is going to be sad? Fiona asked as she hopped down the stairs holding Avas hand. She had her stuffed chicken under one arm and waddled towards Tori. Auntie, you can let him borrow Ewan the chicken if hes sad.

Stuffed animals did have a way of comforting children, so Fionas thoughts werent wrong. Tori was moved by her nieces thoughtful words and knelt down to stroke Fionas hair back.

I will tell him what you said, but Axton wouldnt want to take Ewan the chicken from you. Besides, Ewan the chicken always accompanies you on your travels. He should be with you, Tori said in a reasonable voice.

Fiona looked at the plush chicken she was holding out and then brought it back towards her small body. Give Uncle a hug for me.

I will.

Nanny Rey helped usher the small children into one of the carriages bound for Tres Arcos. The teens, including Gideon and Fabian, who would return by ship since Piers took his imperial carriage, had another carriage. There were several carriages going with them, but only two going to the Alvere Duchy.

Tori, Mama is usually very collected, but when she gets caught up with emotions, she can be a wreck, Sebastian told her.

Tori nodded. Her mother had been uncharacteristically clingy and distraught the night before. While it was surprising to Tori, shed had plenty of experience calming down others, both in this world and her original one.

Ill keep an eye on her, Tori said. The Empress is going to be there, as well.

That may just be two crying women youll have to deal with, Sebastian said. He bit his lips and furrowed his brows. He leaned a bit closer and whispered. Dont tell them, as hes not supposed to leave his station at the moment, but I told Master, and he may come.

Tori stood up straight and looked at her brother with wide eyes. Sebastians master was the Marquis General. Is it for certain?

Sebastian shook his head. No, but knowing him, he may come...both for the Duchess and for Axton.

Tori took a deep breath. All right. Ill do what I can.

Sebastian patted her head gently. Do not overwhelm yourself, either.

They watched the caravan headed to Tres Arcos file in a line and then begin the procession out of the Fortress surrounded by knights. As they emptied the courtyard, the two carriages and knights heading to Alvere arrived.

Tori hugged her family. Her father held her mother for a long time, whispering comforting words in her ears before allowing her to push him away so they could leave. Tori waited in the carriage for her mother to climb in and once she was inside, Tori assured her father shed take care of her mother.

Her father chuckled and patted her head through the open window. It is too early for you to have to take care of us, but thank you.

The carriages set off and Tori sat across from her mother. Antonia was in a bit of a daze, looking out the window as Tori set up the table inside and continued working on the escape room plans.

Little was said during the trip. At times, Antonia would speak of her days in Lyce with the late Duchess and the Empress. Sometimes, she would rant about Cillian and Rebecca or expressed worry for Axton and even uncertainty for Montan. Other times, Antonia was silent and staring out the window, but not seeing the scenery.

Tori listened intently when her mother spoke, commenting here and there to make sure her mother knew she was listening. Before they left the last inn before Nassaun House, they changed into mourning clothes theyd prepared. According to Toris last call to Piers, they would entomb the Duchess the next morning.

Today would be the longest day of the funeral process and while only blood-related family were required to be present, Tori and her mother planned to stay the entire time, as well.

Nassaun House was an hour off the main route that went through the Alvere Duchy. It wasnt far from the border of the duchy and the central corridor, and was located in a flat expanse of land dotted with clumps of trees. It was mostly agricultural land; there were two small villages they passed on the way to the estate, but most of it was rolling fields.

The Nassauns were a land-owning family not originally from the Alvere Duchy. They came from seafaring coastal people in Sur, her mother said as they looked out the window.

Theyre coastal? Why did they become landlocked?

During the Period of Conquest, influential families who sided with Soleil were awarded, but in order to secure control over those powerful and influential families, they were given property where they could be better monitored, Antonia answered. There are many local nobles like this spread out across the Central Corridor. Members of the Nassaun family still used their ancestral given names from when they lived on the coast.

Tori peered out the window. Nassaun House was quite graceful sitting in the fields; like a picturesque French chateau, though the closer they got, the more she noticed the state of the house. Some windows were cracked and boarded up and the roof was missing shingles or bent inward. In one place, there was just a hole with exposed beams.

There was a small construction area nearby that was likely for the workers who were repairing the chateau. Axton refused to live in Sun Garden and Nassaun House was closer to Horizon, so it was understandable that he was fixing it up as the Alvere official residence. She knew he planned to live in Horizon, but every noble family had an official ancestral estate of sorts.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

Besides, if Axton threw a ball or had a large event, she doubted his apartment at the Lunar Pavilion would suffice. But if he did want to throw an event there, shed let him.

Their carriage was let past the new iron gate that was connected to a dilapidated stone wall. Tori supposed Axton would get to the wall later. The path was made of stone bricks and the countless centuries of traffic had caused grooves to be made along the stone. The size of modern carriages was a bit wider, so while the left wheels fit into the groove, the right ones were still elevated, making the carriage tilt a bit.

The path was likely made of bricks because it led over a stone bridge surrounding a drained moat around the chateau. From the look of the muddy pit and various garbage that were settled at the bottom, it was likely drained recently. Tori could see the waterline stain against the sides of the chateaus worn, gray stone base.

Vines had climbed up the walls and even though it was old, dilapidated, and the roof of the one the keeps had a massive hole, it was beautiful. It screamed abandoned, and possibly haunted, chateau, but one that was still hopelessly alluring to passersby.

Who was the last person to live here? Tori asked.

Axtons great-grandfather. He had several children, but his three sons died in battle and his daughter married Genevieves father. She died after getting caught in a snowstorm. Axton became the only heir, but as he was afraid Cillian would try to take advantage of him, he didnt want to repair Nassaun House.

Thats understandable. What about everything inside?

Monica and I had the items placed in various private warehouses in Horizon. Axton had begun moving some things into the livable areas of the chateau, but not everything can be brought back considering the state of it.

The carriage went beneath a gate house and into a tidied courtyard. There was a space of carriages and horses off to the side. Tori recognized the imperial carriages already parked there. Knights were waiting for them and as soon as they stepped up, they were respectfully greeted.

My ladies, His Highness and His Grace are in the chapel, Sir Dobchek told them. I will bring you there.

Tori gave him a nod and took her mothers arm to offer her support before following the knight inside.

They went up a few steps and into a foyer. There was a dusty, earthy scent, but all around them, there were workers who were cleaning the area. The foyer itself was clean and well lit, though lacked any decorations outside of the tile and woodwork. They walked through narrow halls to a deeper part of the chateau.

There was a courtyard garden with a stone chapel in the back, down another stone path. The garden was a bit overgrown in some places, but there was a gardener tending to it.

An old man was standing diligently before the single open doorway to the chapel. He saw them approaching and bowed his head.

Marquess Guevera, Countess Guevera, thank you for coming.

Mr. Merced, it has been many years, Antonia said with a tight voice. Her eyes reddened as she reached out and took the old mans hands. Thank you for your devotion to Genevieve and Axton.

It is my duty, my lady. Mr. Merceds eyes were red as well. He patted Antonias hand and stepped aside to let them in. Before they stepped in, Antonia lifted the mantilla draped over her shoulders, over her head. Tori took out hers from her pocket and shook it out before doing the same.

Mama.... Tori whispered as she took her mothers arm once more. Antonias grip on her arm tightened.

They stepped through the threshold. Before doing so, Tori could already smell incense. The inside of the small chapel was dark and dreary. It was built for private use, as there was a small sanctuary at the front and only four wooden rows of pews. The pews looked like they needed some repair.

Montans eyes darted to Axtons, and he took a step back, ready to retreat. Axton slowed his pace and stopped in front of him. The two looked at each other in silence and Tori held her breath.

Axton stepped forward and embraced Montan. Montan grabbed onto Axtons arms as his shoulders shook with broken breaths. He was led to the sarcophagus and Montan stood there before falling to his knees and pressing his head against the side of the cold stone.

He was muttering something beneath his choked sobs and Tori could only hear him say the word Mama in a tortured voice. He didnt go to the village to bury his biological parents when he had more than enough time to, but instead he came to Nassaun House for the Duchess.

Toni. Tori heard the Empress voice and looked back to the door. She saw the Empress walking out and could see her mothers fleeting back storming away. Tori patted Piers shoulder and got up to go check on her mother.

She rushed out of the chapel and went through the garden. Once inside, she heard the Empress speaking to her mother in a desperate voice.

If it wasnt for Gen, he wouldnt be alive, the Empress said as she held Toris shoulders. You know Gen took care of him when he was a baby. She had him hide in her room to avoid his parents. He may not have survived into childhood without Gen.

I did not expect to see him so soon.

Toni-

Her mother scowled and complained. He has that bitchs hair.

Toni.... The Empress let out a small, bittersweet laugh and embraced Antonia. He cannot control the circumstances of his birth. We all know that.

It's fine. I just need a moment.... Antonia said. Tori peeked around the corner and when it looked like her mother was fine, she headed back to the chapel.

Axton had managed to get Montan on to the other chair and was seated next to him with his arm around his shoulder and was speaking quietly to the young man with puffy red eyes. Piers stood up when Tori reached him and then sat down beside her.

The night wore on and while both the Empress and Antonia urged their children to go and sleep in the chateau, everyone ended up staying in the chapel. Tori asked for blankets and pillows, then checked all the pews to find sturdy ones and had them cleaned so they could rest.

Piers watched as one particular pew was cleaned thoroughly and Tori had sheets draped over it before he laid down. Every so often, Tori reminded those who were awake to get something to eat or drink.

Everyone mustve been exhausted. Her mother and the Empress fell asleep leaning against each other on a first-row pew. Piers was sleeping just behind them in another pew. Axton fell asleep on the chair with Montan slumped next to him.

Tori shook out blankets to put over them and as she was standing to the side, well past midnight, shaking out a drab green blanket, another figure entered the chapel.

It was the movement and not his footsteps that caught her attention. Tori slowed her motions and stood still, afraid to distract the man as he walked down the aisle. His clothes were dusty and wrinkled, he looked a bit unkempt and had circles around his eyes.

The Marquis General fell to his knees beside the sarcophagus. He removed his gloves from his hands, dropping them beside him, and touched the cold stone. Without a word, he closed his eyes and pressed his forehead against the stone. He leaned forward and placed his lips against it before letting out heavy breath.

Tori tiptoed closer, to put the blanket over Axton and Montan.

The Marquis General snapped his head towards her, and she froze. His alert look softened as he realized it was her and gave her a gentle look. He mouthed my lady as he smiled. Tori bowed her head and put the blanket around the two.

She then returned to the bench to keep watch, and after some time, the Marquis General joined her.

Thank you, he said in a quiet voice that seemed unfitting for someone who was seen as a great hero in the empire. When he spoke like this, he almost sounded like Piers.

I couldnt leave Axton alone, Tori said. And I was worried about Piers. Mama wanted to come, too.

Hmm...they were inseparable, he said as he looked towards his sleeping sister and Antonia. Its a shame that Genevieve didnt have the chance to meet you. Youre the only daughter amongst the trio, so she wanted to meet you at least once.

Ive heard so much about her, I wanted to meet her, too, Tori said. She was very well loved.

She was an angel. The Marquis General let out a soft laugh as his face glazed over with nostalgia. He then looked towards Montan and cocked his head to the side. Thats Cillians boy?

Tori nodded. Montan.

The Marquis General seemed to look him over. I can see that hes related to Axton. A bit malnourished, though. Madam Walter wasnt very tall, but the boy should have been a bit taller at his age. Hes as old as Gideon, isnt he?

Yes, but they didnt...they werent good parents to him, Tori said awkwardly. She glanced at the Marquis General. He was surprisingly respectful when referring to Montans parents. Her mother and the Empress spoke of them with such vitriol even when mentioning their names.

He has time to grow a bit more. Though, I doubt hell be as good looking as my Axton. He looked at Axton fondly and Tori smiled. She didnt know the Marquis General well at all, but wasnt surprised that instead of being miserable, he was smiling and recalling good things. She liked this better than the sadness, even if there were those who found it inappropriate.

Axton is very good-looking, she confirmed. He looked at her and grinned a bit.

Better looking than my Piers?

Tori held back a laugh and tried to keep her voice down. I dont think an outlier like Piers can be compared to.

Ah.... He looked back at the sarcophagus with a loving smile. It looks like we von Schwert win again, my love.

You havent won anything, an unimpressed voice spoke up behind them and Tori saw her mother giving the Marquis General a dull look. They are just friends. And also, Oliver, isnt Piers a Soleil?

Fifty percent von Schwert and were better looking, Antonia. You have to accept that, the Marquis General said. He leaned towards them and took her hand, giving her a gentle squeeze. Its good to see you. I apologize for not coming to Sebastians wedding.

Idiot. The Empress was rubbing her eyes as she woke up. Youre not supposed to be here, either.

How can I miss seeing her off for the final time? he asked with a helpless melancholy smile.

Tori pursed her lips. Okay, it is very easy to see why this man is sought after...why the hell did the Duchess pick that crazy old man instead of him?

Their chattering woke up Axton, who quickly came to greet the Marquis General. The two men walked out to talk and when they returned, both their eyes were red. Tori yawned and Antonia made her go to sleep beside her. If Piers was awoken, he didnt show it and remained laying across the pew.

When Tori woke up, the Archbishop of Alvere had arrived and was talking to Axton. Piers took her to wash her face. Her stomach grumbled, but they couldnt eat until it was over. Instead, she drank some water.

While more elaborate, the prayers and funeral were the same as in the delta. Tori stood next to her mother, clutching her arm as knights came to bring the sarcophagus out. The priest led the way as the wheeled flatbed carrying the heavy stone followed behind him. The procession was small: Axton, Piers and the Empress, Tori and her mother, and the Marquis General and Montan, followed by Mr. Merced.

The Nassaun crypt was past the moat and under a large, stone mausoleum, but the Duchess would be put into an above ground vault. Axton mustve had it cleaned for the entombment as there were no overgrown plants and the gate was working fine. It didnt creak when the knights opened it.

Duchess Genevieve Alvere slid into a vault higher than Tori was tall using a series of pulleys. The roses were put inside with her, along with mementos from others: handkerchiefs from her mother and the Empress that Tori couldve sworn were identical to the one she had for Lyce; Axton cut off a lock of his hair; Montan ripped a piece of worn, tattered cloth he had been clutching; and the Marquis General placed a dark green ring box inside the vault.

The bricks were laid over the opening, the Archbishop said one final prayer, sprinkled some blessed water over the bricks, and it was done.

The bricklayers, knights, and the Archbishop were seen out by Mr. Merced.

Toris mother touched the brick as her lips trembled. All right, Gen. I can do it now...Ill do the last thing you asked of me, she said suddenly. She took a deep breath and turned around. Her green eyes settled on Montan, and she took a few steps towards him, making him shrink back against Axton.

Axton furrowed his brows, worried. Antonia hadnt spoken to Montan since he arrived, and they didnt know what to expect.

Auntie-

Your brother hasnt had his trifecta ceremony, Antonia said in the same authoritative voice she used when ordering the Guevera knights. As his older brother, you must select two gods.

Tori tensed. In the back of her mind, her mothers words back in her room in Presidio came back to her. Wait a second....

Antonia- The Marquis General spoke, but Antonia cut him off, speaking directly to Montan.

My name is Antonia Maria de Guevera de Sophos, Marquess of the Guevera March, she said, lifting her hand proudly to her chest as she lifted her chin. When you were a baby, Genevieve asked me to be your godmother. It has been some time and I was uncertain then, but it has lingered with me all these years. You are older now, so I will ask you for your permission instead of forcing it upon you. Montan Alvere, do you want to take on the name she wanted for you: Montan Antoine Tahar de Alvere, and become my godson?