Love Interest End Story: Gideon - Part I

Love Interest End Story: Gideon - Part I

The salty sea spray hit his face and he stood at the bow of the naval ship, looking at the horizon in the distance. He could see two watchtowers protruding up, signaling the mouth of the delta. He took a deep breath to quell his excitement. It had been so long since hed been home.

Not that Viclya was his home, technically, but it was less than a days travel from home, so he counted it. And so long was not even a full year, but still. He finally had an extended leave and could enjoy the comforts of home.

They were scheduled to arrive at the naval base on the west shore, outside the bay at noon and from there, he could take a carriage to Viclya and spend the night.

Fabian, did they confirm our stay in town? Gideon narrowed his eyes. Viclya was a popular tourist destination along the coast with both domestic and foreign guests and their families. Before, it was only during weekends and peak holiday seasons and summer, but now, there were guests year-round. If they didnt reserve a place to stay, then theyd have to stay at the naval yard, and even then, that was only if there was space available.

Worst case scenario would be that theyd have to drag their things back to the ship for the night.

He didnt want to beg Guevera to stay at her private residence. Last time, she charged him a full months pay for two days. Two days! She had a vendetta; he was sure of it.

Yes, we have a suite at Isla de la Reinas spa and resort. The best lodgings in the entire county were mainly booked by visiting dignitaries, nobles, and his family always held a few rooms and suites for special guest use. The largest of the suites were hillside villas that were rented per year.

It was perfect. Except for one thing.

How much is that costing us? Gideon furrowed his brows and turned around to look at Fabian. The best lodgings in the entire county did not come cheap. While he still had some subsidies from the imperial family as the emperors son, part of it was based on what work he did for the empire on behalf of the imperial family. Since he joined the navy, he hadnt done much administrative or public work, so his money from the family was just enough to keep him housed and fed.

His pay in the navy was usually enough to live a comfortable life with the basic necessities, but he wasnt ready to part with his savings on a single nights stay.

Her Highness Princess Celine has allowed you to stay at her villa while she is out of the area, Fabian told him. He seemed relieved as well. She says there is no charge, but you must provide your own food.

Gideon still carried around his Cosora debit card, and it still had plenty of money on it, which was more than enough for a few extravagant meals for the two of them to celebrate their return.

What do you feel like for dinner, Fabian?

Weve been having seafood and dried goods often. Perhaps some fresh steak? The lodge restaurant has Karap lamb.

Lamb sounds good-

The bell on the ship rang and Gideon stood to attention. He turned his head and heard someone shout that another ship was passing starboard.

Gideon turned and almost balked. The ship was speeding through the water with ease and Gideon recognized it in an instant. No sails, just pure energy powered by crystals. It was iconic in the area. While many naval ships were now transitioned to crystals for speed and agility, none were as swift as For Whom the Sun Rises.

As the ship passed, it flew a flag to greet the naval ship. He heard a voice that seemed to come from a crystal speaker.

Andy, come visit! Dinner on me!

A moment later, their ship replied. Sure thing, Tori. Ill see you there.

The two cousins, one the owner of For Whom the Sun Rises, and the other the captain of his naval ship, had a quick, familial discussion through the ships speakers and no one seemed at all surprised.

Gideons shoulder slumped. I know she knows Im on this ship, too, he said.

Yes, but the captain is her cousin. She is very close to her relatives, Fabian replied.

Is she just arriving as well?

From Hong, a mans voice said behind them. They turned around and saw the said naval captain approaching them. She spent the last six months traveling and attending the sister school there.

Captain. Gideon and Fabian saluted at once. Captain OTuagh gave them a small nod of his head.

Where are you two staying when you arrive for leave? Youll be here for a few months. Its your first extended leave since you joined the navy. You should make use of it. The Captain and the ship, Stingray, werent staying. They were dropping off and replacing some sailors. Then the ship would head back to Kings Harbor for scheduled maintenance, which, as long as there were no major problems, would take a month.

Then the Captain would set out again for another few months of patrol. Gideon and Fabian were scheduled to join the other Captain OTuaghs ship for another nine-month tour. Captain Diedre OTuagh would pick up sailors from the Cosora Naval Base.

Compared to Kings Harbor, it was less than half the size and not fully built out or populated, but it had the most advanced naval base and the one many seasoned sailors wanted to be based out of. While the Cosora Delta was in the Central Corridor strip, which included Horizon and the duchies, the Countess ties to the Sur March put the base under the operation of the Sur Navy.

And while the name made it sound as if the Sur Navy was different from the Anlar Navy, it was the same navy, just managed under a different branch with different patrols. Plenty of Anlar ships docked in Sur bases.

Gideon had only been a sailor for a few years, but he knew many sailors who were eyeing retirement in the Cosora Delta. Cosoras Coast Guard had an excellent reputation and already saved numerous people during storms and when there were accidents. Theyd also found several smuggling plots and made arrests.

For such a small place, there was a lot of excitement.

Captain, we will be staying at Reina, Fabian reported. Seaman Soleils aunt has loaned us her suite.

Captain OTuagh nodded. Good.

Are you staying on the ship, Captain? Gideon asked.

The ship is docked for a few days, so I have been arranged to stay at Reina in the Countess suite.

The corner of Gideons eye twitched. Why did Guevera need a suite when she had a private island with a manor that had private pools? Wasnt she just wasting money?

My cousin has arranged a transport vessel from the bases interior dock to take me directly to Reina. The base was on a small peninsula and the interior dock was the dock inside the bay. You two will join me.

Yes, Captain! The two didnt protest. While surprised, it made sense to the two of them. Gideon was, after all, still a prince. Captain OTuagh and his escort knights would stay with Gideon until his escort imperial knights arrived. While Fabian was with him, Fabian did not have an official position with Gideon. They were just friends.

Unexpectedly to Gideon, when they arrived at Reina, several imperial knights from his escort were waiting for him.

Waiting a little too comfortably, as when they saw Gideon with the Captain walking towards the main entrance of the resort island, they had been under a portico, drinking coffee and having snacks.

Your Highness! Welcome back! They shot to their feet and Gideon resisted the urge to rub his head. Did they forget he was arriving? They looked like they were the ones on vacation.

How did you know to meet me here? Gideon asked. He hadnt contacted anyone.

Seaman von Dorn contacted the imperial knights at the last port, Your Highness. Your brother, His Imperial Highness, sent us to escort you home.

Gideon threw Fabian an approving nod and then softened his look. My brother sent you?

Yes, Your Highness.

He felt warm. Sometimes, Piers was so cold to him, but he knew deep down, Piers loved him. If he didnt, why would his brother take care of him like this?

Why would Tori risk her life to save him if he werent important to Piers?

His brother was truly his hero.

Pleased, he led the group along to his aunts suite. Reina was not a flat island and there were two small hills. The larger one was kept relatively natural with walking paths, private hot pools, and dining viewpoints. The slightly smaller one was dotted with luxurious private villas.

The suite his aunt had was a walled private villa overlooking the main resort below. The dozen or so villas varied in size and while technically part of the resort in name, particular people reserved the villas the entire year. His aunt had a villa that could sleep ten people. It had a center courtyard and three main buildings on three sides, a small cold pool and hot pool, and a sauna.

The west building had two bedrooms, a small kitchen, dining areas, and bathing facilities, and then a sunroom that could be opened to become an outdoor seating area in the warm months. The east building mirrored it, but instead of a sunroom, it had a room with billiards and a bar for entertaining.

The central building had a master ensuite, a full kitchen, library, study, and reception area. On the front was the shared courtyard, in the back were the pools.

Most of the villas followed this style and grew more elaborate the larger the villa.

Four of the five duchies had private villas on the hillside. Axtons was second to the top. The Agafonov family had a villa similar to his aunts. He recalled that when Lions Gate was selling the villas to its prospective investors, his parents had wanted to buy one, but Piers stopped that before it began.

Despite having no official residence of their own, his father would not stay at his aunts villa because shell demand compensation.

As they entered the villa and went to the arranged west building, Gideon couldnt help but ask. Where do my parents stay when they come?

Your Highness, they stay in various places depending on the season and interest, one of his older knights replied. In the winter, theyll stay at the lodge. Occasionally, theyll stay in one of the apartments on the west shore. Her Majesty personally prefers to stay at the Countess suite.

That was Toris villa where Captain OTuagh was staying. It was a little fortress with panoramic views of the delta at the top of the small hill. Gideon had only seen it from the outside.

The Countess must keep suites for herself to host important guests, Fabian said aloud. This is very thoughtful of her.

She has them, but will still charge.... Gideon grumbled under his breath. Despite having an expensive territory to run businesses, and supporting a crystal research and development island full of crystal fanatics, he wasnt convinced that she was in such desperate need of money that she would need to charge them such exorbitant fees.

As they settled in, one of the OTuagh knights and sailors came to convey a message that Captain OTuaghs transport vessel would take him to Viclyas Promenade in a few hours for dinner, so if they wanted to get back to the mainland, he could take them.

Gideon thanked them and made plans. Well before sunset, they were ready to go. Two imperial knights were selected to escort them while the remaining ones would stay on Reina. Food from the resort below could be delivered to the suites and villa, so they wouldnt starve.

They met Captain OTuagh at a smaller, private dock for important guests and set off to the mainland. Gideon kept his eyes on the passing islands. In the time hed been away, there had been more changes.

Several of Cosoras towns and small villages were open, though settlement was regulated with preference going to families of existing delta residents, including families of guild members and construction workers who settled earlier. The imperial knight who almost died years earlier, when Gideon was kidnapped by Alessa and that Duraga agent, moved and worked at the delta.

There were more permanent structurs and the larger islands were built out with micro-villages and neighborhoods on them. Rois was the entertainment and gastronomy capital of the region, and Anahata Island had actual buildings on it with several large structures. It was connected by a series of bridges to smaller islands around it. The crystal pillars protruding from the water seemed to create an invisible barrier around all its connected islands.

In the distance, he could see the Countess Manor on her island. For Whom the Sun Riseswas docked nearby and a smaller island to the east was where crew members and staff of the manor resided. Gideon didnt understand why Tori didnt just let manor staff stay inside the manor.

As long as they were trusted, there was no problem. Wouldnt the day-to-day work, including cooking and cleaning, be exhausting for her? She was so strange.

Many of the islands look different, Fabian said behind him. I didnt expect it to change so much in a few months.

How is Guevera managing all of this while shes studying abroad? Gideon couldnt help but voice his thoughts. He hoped Piers wasnt involved. Piers was already doing so much.

There is a handpicked council of community leaders and representatives, guild representatives, and government administrators that follow the orders Tori has given. If she cannot be reached, she has a trusted regent, the Captain replied.

Gideon winced. It was his brother, wasnt it? Who?

Kasen de Guevera.

She should know that hes so busy with...wait.... Gideon did a double take and furrowed his brows. The regent is her brother?

Captain OTuagh raised a brow. Who else would it be?

I...well...if its someone she trusted.... Gideon wasnt sure why he was a bit insulted that the regent wasnt his brother. As far as he was concerned, Piers was the most trustworthy person. If it were him, he wouldnt trust a territory to anyone else.

Captain OTuagh seemed to understand him despite his silence. Your Highness, the Crown Prince is extremely busy and Tori is aware of this. She would not add additional work to His Imperial Highness.

Good! Good, she should not! Im glad she still has a conscience. Gideon puffed out his chest and crossed his arms. Fabian let out a heavy sigh. The transport vessel approached the main dock at the Promenade.

Fabian took a step closer to him. Gideon, I need to talk to you about my leave-

Wait, theres my brother! Gideon gasped and stepped forward, leaning against the railing of the ship as he looked up towards the Promenade. He threw his arms in the air and waved them around. Piers! Piers!

Standing beneath one of the pergolas that lined the sides of the Promenade was a tall man with brown hair and an unmoving expression on his regal face. Clear, wise violet eyes were looking down at the dock and didnt react to his energetic greeting.

Oh, Tori and His Imperial Highness came to meet us. Captain OTuagh sounded pleasantly surprised.

Gideon squirted. Guevara was there, too? He shifted his eyes a bit to his brothers left and noticed the petite woman with a bright blue head wrap keeping a mess of curly black hair out of her face. She wore a matching blue linen dress typical of Viclyas signature style.

Gideons elated smile dropped a bit. Oh. No wonder his brother was there. Gideon wasnt vain enough to think that his brother had come all the way to Viclya to welcome him home. However, considering his brothers obsession with the Countess, it wasnt too surprising to see the Crown Prince of Soleil there.

They disembarked and Captain OTuagh led them up the stairs to get to the Promenade.

Andy! Tori seemed to bounce forward to hug her cousin. Glad I caught you before you left.

I have a few days here, Captain OTuagh gave her a tight hug and then ruffled her head a bit. Thank you for the lodgings. Its much more comfortable than the naval base.

Arent your officers quarters supposed to be rather nice? Tori asked with a grin.

How nice can they be compared to a luxury villa? the Captain replied with a laugh. He turned to Piers and bowed his head. Greetings, Your Imperial Highness.

Captain OTuagh. Piers gave him a small acknowledging nod. His gaze then turned to Gideon and Fabian. Welcome back.

Gideons heart leapt to his chest. His brother welcomed him back! He swallowed hard and tried not to appear too excited. Its good to be back.

Yes, Father has prepared work for you.

While that was what he was planning on when he arrived, the corner of Gideons eye still twitched. Hed just returned; he didnt want to think about work yet.

Your Imperial Highness. Fabian bowed his head to Piers and then to Tori. My lady.

Tori gave him a nod in response and Piers raised his arm. Tori lifted one of hers and hooked it on the crook of Piers arm. All right, lets head to dinner! Im hungry and didnt snack when I arrived.

They turned around and Gideon looked at Fabian. He motioned his head to go to the opposite direction. They took one step when Piers voice stopped him.

Where are you going? Piers unreadable eyes looked at him just as he was about to pass.

Gideon glanced at Fabian and then back at Piers, feeling as if hed been caught doing something bad. Fabian and I were going to get dinner at the lodge.

For the lamb? Piers asked. That was the lodges specialty dish. Gideon and Fabian both nodded.

Yes, Your Imperial Highness, Fabian replied.

You can get that here. Piers sounded unimpressed and looked at Tori. Cant he? Not normally, no, Tori replied. But we can get any food from one of our resort kitchens either made or delivered here. This is why we always have meals at Sapphire-by-the-Sea.

Gideon didnt know if that meant they could stay or if she were just informing them.

Captain OTuagh rubbed his head. Tori....

I get it, she said. She turned around and waved her hand. Come on, you two. Join us for dinner.

Gideon stifled his excitement. Dinner with his brother! Its been so long. This likely meant he didnt have to pay either. Thank you, Guevera!

I said you can call me Tori, she said. Gideon laughed and Fabian followed beside him. Sapphire-by-the-Sea was Henrik Skuldsens restaurant and seemed to have grown a bit since they last saw it. There was this flagship restaurant and then a smaller one on Rois.

As they entered, Gideon glanced around. In the past, hed often see some of Toris friends there, but this time, he didnt see any familiar faces.

Where are you friends? Captain OTuagh seemed to have been thinking the same.

Did you say hes living at her manor? she asked in a trembling voice.

Gideon nodded. Yes. Captain OTuagh is staying at the villa on Reina and Piers had prohibited purchasing property there by the imperial family, as he said it wasnt necessary and a waste of family funds. Where else would he stay?

The Empress hand shot and grabbed her husbands arm. She turned her head to look at him. Its happening, Mathieu. Its happening!

Calm down, my love. Im sure its out of convenience-

Convenience or not, she is willing to let him stay with her!

I recall she also lets her other friends-

Its not the same! This is different! I can almost taste the wedding wine! The Empress almost shook with excitement. I need to call Toni!

Do not call Toni! The Emperor stopped her at once. If she finds out, then so will her sons.

Gideon watched his mothers face fall and then hesitated. Youre right. Theyll get in Piers way.

The Emperor sneered and looked to the side. Yes...older brothers of marches tend to do that....

The Empress opened her mouth and paused. She shot her husband a sharp look. Are you talking about my brother?

Of course not.

He was only concerned because you seemed overzealous when you were courting me. The Empress furrowed her brows. In retrospect, you really were. Nevertheless, we were married in the end. I only hope it works out well for your son.

Its a miracle he got this far.... Gideon almost didnt hear his father mutter under his breath.

The Empress sneered back at her husband. How can he not? He gets his looks from my side of the family.

Gideon pursed his lips. What about him? His looks came from his father.

Your Majesties, I apologize for bothering you, but His Imperial Highness tasked me to give His Highness Prince Gideon some notes when he returned. A young man with blond hair and holding a thick folio in his arms walked towards them from one of the halls they passed. Gideon stopped and tilted his head to the side. He forgot that hed run into him here.

The Empress and the Emperor gave the young man a small nod. The Empress patted Gideons shoulder. Your father and brother have prepared well for you.

Yes, as you are back for a few months, you have assignments, the Emperor said. He extended his arm towards his wife and when she released Gideons arm and took his, he looked back at Gideon. Make sure to read over all the assignments given. If you have any questions, Mr. Martin will be able to assist you.

He gave Albert a firm nod and Albert bowed his head.

I will do my best, Your Majesty.

Gideon, well see you in the informal dining room. The Empress beamed at her son and then followed her husband down the corridor.

Your Highness! Welcome back! Albert gave him an exciting greeting along with a small bow of his head.

Oh...Martin. You really are working here, Gideon replied. How is it working with for my brother?

Albert gave him a wry smile. If His Imperial Highness doubted my ability, he wouldnt have hired me. At least...thats what he says. Albert let out a tired laugh and then presented Gideon with the folio in his arms. His Imperial Highness called last night to have me make additional arrangements for you. While there are specifics, the most notable are additions to your daily schedule. In the mornings, you will practice endurance and condition with third-tier imperial knights. In the evenings, you will have two-hour long classes three days a week and three-hour long classes twice a week in maritime law and logistics and management.

The folio felt heavier in his arms the more Albert talked.

Gideon stared at the folder with crinkled eyes. What about during the day?

During the day, you will have public works and imperial family events that are required of you, Albert replied. But dont worry! They are not every day.

Gideon let out a breath of relief. Good-

But there are a few that are on weekends.

Gideon looked at Albert who dodged his gaze. Then...while I may not have imperial duty during a weekday, I may have imperial duty during the weekend?

Yes, Your Highness.

Will I have any full weekends off? Albert let out a small cough and rubbed his throat, his eyes still avoiding Gideons. Answer me, Martin.

It is unfortunate, but from the list the Emperor assigned you and the arrangement of Prince Piers, you have at least one day of the weekend that is taken up by imperial duty, Your Highness.

Gideons fingers clawed into the folio. His father and brother were merciless. And when do I start? Tomorrow?

Albert perked up and shook his head. Of course not, Your Highness.

Then the day after? Gideon narrowed his eyes. He wouldnt underestimate his father and brother.

Albert continued to smile and shook his head. Not the day after.

Gideon drew his head back, unable to hide his suspicion. Then out with it.

The beginning of next week, Albert replied with pride. Gideon raised a brow. That meant he had a full three days and a weekend.

Youre certain?

Yes. I have several days before I have to start endurance training or classes?

Yes, Your Highness.

A relieved breath left Gideon and his shoulders relaxed. Finally! I thought Id be bombarded with work as soon as I arrived.

His Imperial Highness said to make sure you have some time to rest after your leave.

His brother was so thoughtful. Wonderful-

However, His Imperial Highness suggested that you review some notes listed in the folio and stop by Universit to meet with the professors listed before you start class, Albert told him. He gave Gideon a weak smile. Other than that, you are free for a few days.

Gideon stared at Albert and slowly narrowed his eyes once more. Is there anything elseI need to know before I start?

Albert let out a weak laugh. His Imperial Highness also said that you are banned from going to the Cosora Delta until your leave is over.

What-

Did his brother hate him?

What kind of sadistic schedule did his brother put him on? His supposed rest period was spent running back and forth to Universit, buying books, and planning with professors. The classes Piers told him about werent formal classes with lectures, but one-on-one sessions with professors.

If Gideon wanted to skip class, Piers was one comcry call away from finding out.

When he wasnt preparing for classes, his father made him review imperial protocol to refresh his memory, and his mother brought him with her to afternoon coffee with some nobles. In the past, Gideon thrived in such situations, but now that he was getting up at dawn to run and train with third-tier knights, he was exhausted.

His legs shook as he climbed the steps from the southern portico to enter the palace. Being on a ship for months at a time wasnt the same as being at the Naval Academy, where there was plenty of running and swimming. Hed found that he was slower and got out of breath faster.

No wonder the Captain mentioned his endurance was lacking.

Oh, now you decide to come home. After two weeks, you finally remembered that youre the Crown Prince!

I brought work with me to the delta. Gideon recognized his brothers voice at once and perked up. I have had Albert submit completed reports and revised proposals. Fifty-four were submitted so far. His brother sounded confident. How many have you submitted, Father? There was a long pause and Gideon peered around the corner. That is not the point, Piers Emil!

The Emperor, in a suit, stood across from Piers, in casual slacks and buttoned shirt, with an irritated look on his face. Behind him, Chamberlain Thorpsen looked tired. Behind Piers, Albert was holding a stack of folios.

I am doing the work required of me and did not have any scheduled imperial duties that I must appear at in person until next week, Piers replied. I do not understand why youre angry.

What if your brother needs assistance? Hes been away for months!

Gideon is perfectly capable of performing any in-person imperial duties, as he was more than sufficient when he was younger. Father, you should have more faith in your second son.

Dont try to change the subject! You are not allowed to leave for the delta the rest of the summer.

Gideon couldve sworn the tension in the air rose. Are you giving me a ban?

The Emperor swallowed a bit and nodded. Going to the delta takes up too much time-

Father, such a ban is unnecessary. There is no need, as I am completing the work and duties required of me. As such, I will leave in accordance with my schedule.

You dare ignore my ban!

I dare.

Gideon watched their father deflate. Piers didnt falter and the two men stared at each other. At last, the Emperor scowled and whirled around. Dont waste any more time in the future!

He stomped away and Albert let out a low breath. Your Imperial Highness, Tori will be moving back to the manor in the fall for the start of the first semester.

Piers let out a small hum. That is a few months away. Gideon watched Alberts eyes crinkle with pain.

Do you plan to go back to the delta?

Yes. Make arrangements.

Piers! Gideon took the opportunity to step into the hall and reveal himself. His brother turned his head towards him. Welcome back!

Piers gave him a singular nod. I was told you started with your training and classes this week. Is it manageable?

It was killing him slowly, but Gideon didnt care to complain to his brother. No, I find its quite helpful. Thank you for arranging this for me.

Piers nodded, satisfied. Then, tomorrow, I will join you for your endurance training.

Really? Gideons face lit up as he looked at his brother with awe. Youll join me?

Piers nodded once more. I will see you in the morning.

Yes, Piers! Gideon stood up straight and bowed his head as his brother turned to leave with Albert following him. Gideon looked up and beamed. His brother didnt hate him. If he did, why would he want to join him on such a grueling task? Gideon glanced around the hall and saw a few knights at their post.

Regardless, he threw his arms in the air in triumph. Finally, they would have brother time together!

Piers always appeared to live a sedentary life. He spent most of his time in his office, working on government documents and the like.

So why was he more fit than third-tier knights? From endurance to swordsmanship, Piers excelled and was more skillful than those who were supposed to protect them.

Four months into training with the third-tier knights, and Gideon was able to not only catch up, but keep up with their pace. The problem was that he was only able to keep up the pace for a little more than half of the full training session.

Every morning he was up, Piers was with him. They would run and practice weaponry. His brother would encourage him.

Pace yourself, Piers would say. Or Do not stop. Keep going.

All of Gideons exhaustion melted away with the kind words of his brother. What was being out of breath and feeling as if he were about to collapse to Piers encouragement?

It was all paying off, and not just with the endurance training.

Gideon stood in his brothers office, on the other side of his desk. He was stiff and unmoving, his eyes fixed on Piers as Piers looked over the report sent over by the professors at Universit.

With each sound of a page turning, Gideons heart quickened. He hadnt skipped a single class in the last four months. Hed studied and even sought out additional help from his instructors when he was the slightest bit confused.

Your progress.... Piers low voice filled the room and Gideon tensed up once more. He held his breath and clenched his hands at his sides. It is faster than we anticipated. Both professors recommend that you move on to more advanced courses. He raised his eyes a bit. Do you wish to move on?

Yes! It wasnt so much a question as it was a confirmation. Gideon relaxed, but his heart was still racing. His brother sounded satisfied with his progress.

The corner of Piers lips curled up a bit and he nodded. Good. I will have Axton make the arrangements.

I look forward to continuing my studies. I think with this, I can gain a suitable foothold on the path to becoming an officer, Gideon told him. He wasnt sure at first, but now he found some confidence.

Both his professors were once in the navy, as well, and their understanding on the subjects they taught him were immense. Piers really had people guide him step by step on his journey and Gideons heart swelled at the thought.

His brother nodded. Gideon, you have done very well. I am proud of your hard work and achievement thus far.

His eyes crinkled up as he held back a cry. Thank you, Piers!

As he basked in the glow of his brothers praise, a knock came from the door. Come in. Piers called out.

The door opened and Axton entered. Piers, the messenger is here and awaiting instruction.

Piers eyes narrowed a bit. He rose from his seat. Gideon, that is all for tonight. You may retire. I will speak to Father about arranging a free weekend for you in light of your progress.

Gideons head bobbed up and down. I appreciate it, Piers!

Axton had the door held open as he waited in the hall. Gideon walked out with Piers behind him.

The horse is ready, he heard Axton say in a quiet voice.

Piers merely nodded. The door to his study was closed and he followed Axton down the hall.

Gideon watched him for a moment, but didnt say much. He floated back to his room, thriving off his brothers praise. Hed never felt closer to Piers.

He made a silent vow to continue his hard work and show his brother that Piers faith in him was well worth it.

Except that the next morning, when he had endurance training, his brother was not there.