Tori Transmigrated - Chapter 179: Don't Want To Be a Necromancer

Chapter 179: Don’t Want To Be a Necromancer

Axton’s lip twitched as he stood outside Fiona’s chicken enclosure, seemingly trying to hold back a smile. A few paces away, Tori stared at her niece’s prized rooster with a neutral expression. Every so often, she heard Axton let out a wheeze or snicker.

Her eyes narrowed. “Just let it out.”

“No, no.” Axton’s voice went up and down with barely controlled laughter. “He was wrong to say it.” A half snort, half laugh left him, and Tori’s eye twitched. “You’re much…prettier than the rooster.”

Tori snapped her head towards him and glared. “He doesn’t give compliments often! He’s still learning!”

Axton held up his hands, as if to calm her down. “That may be so, but he’s never compared me to a farm animal before.”

Tori sneered and looked back in the chicken enclosure, where Fiona was introducing terrified chicks to a regal gray cat. “That’s probably because he doesn’t want to compliment you.”

Axton inhaled a sharp breath as his amusement vanished. “He has complimented me before!”

“Example?”

“He said I’m…well, there was that time he said…actually, no. Once he…wait, that wasn’t me….” Axton furrowed his brows and looked out at the distance, as if questioning his entire life.

Tori had heard Piers compliment and praise Axton before, but it usually wasn’t when Axton was present. She watched Axton grow flustered, his cheeks reddening as he couldn’t remember a time. His face fell and Tori sighed.

“He said you’re a good big brother, remember?” Tori said with a heavy breath. Axton’s face lit up again. Tori shook her head and looked back into the enclosure. She walked towards the gate and flipped up the latch. “Fifi, you’ve already fed them. You need to get ready for your trifecta reblessing.”

Fiona perked up and nodded. She pointed to the fence. “Alexander, go!” The big gray cat somehow managed to not only jump onto the fence, but perch on the narrow wooden planks before jumping down on the other side. Fiona nodded, satisfied, and looked back at the chickens. “Hemmy, Drumstick, Wing, Cutlet, Dumpling, Nugget, Your Royal Highness Prince Piers,” Fiona said as she named all the chickens. “I’ll be back in the afternoon. Santiago, watch your family.”

She gave the rooster a look of warning before turning around and slipping through the gap in the gate that Tori held open for her. She then took Tori’s hand, swinging it above her as she led Tori back inside.

Nanny Rey met them in the outer hall and Tori handed Fiona off to her to get dressed.

The trifecta ceremony for Fiona and Robert would take place in the family’s private chapel within the original Fortress. For small and intimate ceremonies, such as trifecta blessings, the chapel was used instead of going down to the Basilica.

Grandpa Sophos once explained that the chapel was used historically for trifecta ceremonies because the children were usually infants, and it wasn’t ideal to bring them out of the safety of the Fortress. Slightly older babies also risked becoming upset in an unknown setting.

Tori, her brothers, her father, his siblings, and pretty much every child of a Guevera Marquis had their blessing in the chapel.

Since there were guests for the wedding staying at the Fortress, there would be more guests than normal in the chapel. It would be crowded, but luckily Fiona and Robert were older and wouldn’t be bothered by all the faces.

Tori changed into a cerulean and damask dress that clinched at the waist. The skirt wasn’t too large, and the sleeves were relatively loose. Her hair was pulled into an updo, and a gold and white lace mantilla was placed over her head and pinned to her hair to keep it in place.

Her friends were waiting for her outside her room, and they headed to the chapel together. Robert and Fiona had invited them to attend and were one of the few non-relatives invited.

When they got to the chapel, it was already rather crowded. Ilyana and the others took their seats towards the back while Tori went to sit with her family. Their O’Tuagh relatives were there and waiting patiently in the pews as Kasen stood behind Robert, who was standing with a crutch, and wearing a handsome white suit, and Fiona, in a fluffy white dress with yellow accents.

Tori’s mother was kneeling beside Fiona, carefully pinning a small, matching mantilla with some embroidered chicks on to Fiona’s hair. Robert’s mantilla was resting over his shoulders, and he would put it over his head when the ceremony started. All the Guevera and Sophos women wore a lace veil over all or part of their head, including Auntie Lucia. The men had them around their neck and tucked almost unseen beneath their collars.

Instructor Ignatius, who also wore a white suit as a godparent, wore one over his head, as part of the ceremony. If the ceremony was happening in Horizon, he wouldn’t wear one. The practice had been lost elsewhere in Soleil, but noble men and women still wore them in religious ceremonies in Sur. Idunn also had one draped over part of her head as she spoke to the Archbishop.

Tori had worn one for her goddaughter’s trifecta ceremony, as her mother had told her to. She’d gotten a lot of compliments.

Tori squeezed past Gramps talking to Grandpa Sophos, and stopped as she noticed who was seated at the end of the pew. Her eyes narrowed.

“Why are you here?” She didn’t mean to sound rude, but she really didn’t know why Gideon was there. Piers, who was seated next to Gideon, could be explained as he was invited. Fiona and Robert knew Piers and even addressed him as ‘uncle’.

Gideon looked affronted. “Am I not invited to this ceremony?”

“No, it’s for family and close friends.” Gideon’s face fell at the implication that he was neither family nor a close friend, but Tori didn’t know what he expected.

“I asked Senior Kasen for permission to bring Gideon,” Piers said. “He wished to accompany me.”

“And you let him?” Tori asked with crinkled eyes.

“Why is he in my seat?” Axton appeared on the other side of the aisle and looked down at Gideon.

“What do you mean your seat? I got here first,” Gideon said with a frown. “And why are you here? Guevera said this was only for family and close friends.”

“Fifi invited me,” Axton said, as if it were obvious. “Did Fifi invite you?”

“No….”

“Did Robi?”

Gideon’s lips tightened into a line. “No….”

“He has permission from Senior Kasen to come,” Piers said. He looked at Gideon and then looked towards the end of the pew. Gideon sighed and scooted to the very end, allowing Piers some room to scoot over and give Tori some space to sit. Axton relegated himself to the row behind them.

Tori took her seat and a few moments before the ceremony started; Ava climbed on her lap as if it were the most natural thing to do. Tori held back a laugh. Ava must’ve known that Fiona would be busy and couldn’t occupy her time.

The sound of a bell ringing from behind the sanctuary indicated that the ceremony was about to start. Those who were standing took their seats. Despite the fancy clothing, the trifecta blessing itself was rather simple. The Archbishop came from around the sanctuary and waved around an incense holder before handing it off to Sebastian to hang. Usually there were altar boys and girls to help, but as this was a private family chapel, the duties fell on one of the family members.

Robert, Fiona, and Kasen sat on the left of the aisle while the godparents sat on the right. The Archbishop of Presidio opened with a standard prayer, then welcomed everyone and told them what they were there for.

Then came the blessing of fine quartz dust in a gold-plated bowl. Sebastian then picked up the bowl and followed the Archbishop to the front of the altar.

“Robert Benedict de Guevera de Rivere.” The Archbishop called the boy’s name and Robert carefully stood up with the help of one crutch. He stepped towards the Archbishop and bowed his head. “Who is the godparent for Robert?”

“I am.” Instructor Ignatius stood up and walked towards them, standing to form a triangle with the Archbishop and Robert.

The Archbishop dipped his finger in the quartz dust and pressed his finger over Robert’s left brow, then slid his finger to his forehead and used his finger to write a character. Tori narrowed her eyes. She could feel a trace amount of energy moving. It had been the same at her own goddaughter’s trifecta blessing.

“Saphira, Goddess of Protecting the Home, Family, and Children, blesses you to strengthen your bond with your family.” The Archbishop dipped his finger in the quartz dust again and pressed it over Robert’s right brow. “Zoara, Goddess of Logic and Reason, blesses you to think thoroughly and without distraction so that you may make righteous decisions.” He drew another symbol over Robert’s head. “These are the two gods your father has selected for you. Will the godparent proceed with their blessing.”

Instructor Ignatius seemed to take a deep breath and stepped forward. “I am Benedict Arron Ignatius and to bless my godson, I have chosen Karsar, Goddess of Fortitude, so that you may always have courage in pain and adversity.” He carefully drew a character on Robert’s forehead.

The energy that Tori felt faded, but not before she saw a slight glow coming from her nephew’s forehead.

Blessed water was sprinkled around Robert along with closing prayer. Then it was time for Fiona.

She seemed excited. As soon as the Archbishop called her name, she jumped off the bench and scrambled up a wooden step stool meant to make her taller so the elderly Archbishop could reach her forehead without bending too far down. Fiona seemed to try to remain calm with her little hands grasping the sides of her dress as big, sparkling brown eyes looked at the Archbishop.

The Archbishop chuckled and drew a character on her forehead. First was Saphira, like her brother. Then came the second god’s blessing and Tori could see a slight hesitation on the Archbishop’s face.

“Kekorei, God of Domesticated Animals.” The Archbishop drew the symbol. “Blesses you to be compassionate and diligent to animals.”

Fiona nodded with a glint of determination. “And to become a beast master,” she whispered. It was almost unheard, but Kasen frowned.

“Fifi.”

“And to become a master and friend of beasts.” The Archbishop just went with it and Tori gave him credit for doing so. Idunn stepped forward to bless Fiona.

“I am Idunn Freyjadottir Nordursin and to bless my goddaughter, I have chosen Noasha, the Goddess of Creation, so that you may bring life to everything you do and everyone you touch.”

Fiona gasped and her eyes widened more so. “Like a necromancer?”

Tori cringed and covered her face with her hand. This child couldn’t figure out how to say sacrifice, but knew how to say and what a necromancer was? Was this her fault? Did she mess up Fiona’s early education?

“Fiona.” Kasen’s stern ‘dad’ voice sounded, and Fiona stood up straight.

The final blessing was given, and the two children were presented to the family with their new trifecta blessings. Various members of the family and their guests came to greet them, touching their heads to symbolize strengthening the blessings with well wishes of their own.

Afterwards, they had a large lunch in the dining hall and Tori noticed that Fiona was unexpectedly sitting in place. Furrowing her brows, Tori approached her niece who sat on the patio, staring blankly out at the garden. Ava, who was still following her, followed Tori’s gaze.

“She’s suspiciously quiet, Cousin Tori. Did she get sick?” Ava asked.

“I’m not sure…do you mind if we go ask if something is the matter?” Tori asked, looking at her little cousin. Ava let out a low, resigned breath, but nodded.

“I suppose so. It is the duty of a big cousin to check on a little cousin,” she said benevolently. She went ahead of Tori and out onto the patio. “Hey,” she said as she stopped beside Fiona’s chair. “What’s wrong with you?”

Tori and several adults nearby winced at Ava’s choice of words. Fiona turned towards Ava. “I don’t know.” She answered truthfully and Ava wrinkled her nose.

“Are you tired?” Tori asked as she knelt down. “Do you want to go to your room and take a nap?” She raised her hand and cupped Fiona’s cheeks.

Fiona shook her head. “Auntie, I don’t think I can do this.”

“Do what?”

Fiona sighed, as if the weight of the world were on her tiny shoulders. “I don’t want to be a necromancer.”

Tori stared at her for a moment with her lips in a tightline. “…Why do you think you’ll become a necromancer?” She supposed she had other questions to ask, or better yet, reassure the child that she, in fact, did not have the ability to raise the dead. But Tori wanted to know her niece’s reasoning.

“Robi said that necromancers bring dead things back to life and then control them, but I don’t want to do that. The nuns said that sometimes, it’s only when someone dies that they are at rest. Won’t I bother them if I make them alive again?”

Before Tori could wrap her head around her niece’s concerns that she’d be inconveniencing the dead, Ava let out a snort.

“Of course, you won’t bother them! The dead that come back to life can’t feel things. They can’t even think. They only follow the directions of the necromancer that summoned them,” Ava told her confidently. “Haven’t you read the guidebook?”

Fiona blinked. “I can’t read well.”

Ava shook her head with mild disgust. “If you don’t read, you’ll be ignorant.”

Fiona looked at Ava and then looked at Tori. Tori sighed. “Ignorant means that you are lacking knowledge.”

“Oh….” Fiona looked down. “I will ask Robi to read me the guidebook again.” She looked at Tori with uncertainty. “Are you sure that I won’t bother the dead?”

“Fifi, you can’t raise the dead,” Sebastian said behind her. He walked over and raised a brow as Idunn giggled beside him. “That’s only something done in those fantasy games. That can’t happen in real life, so you don’t have to worry about being a necro..person.”

For a moment, Tori stared at her brother. Those are bold words from the man who resurrected the dead in the game….

Fiona furrowed her brows and seemed to think for a moment before hopping off the chair. “You’re right. It won’t happen.”

Tori let out a sigh of relief. “Good-”

“I won’t let it happen. Nanny Rey says I have to have self-control. No summoning the dead. I can build my own army.” With a determined look, she scurried back into the building, yelling for her father and shouting that she’ll make her own army.

Tori drew her lips inward. Beside her, Ava huffed, but nodded with satisfaction. Her hands went to her hips.

“At least she has the right attitude.”

“I can’t participate in the bet,” Tori said as she shook her head. They stood around the courtyard where horses and a few carriages and wagons were lined up. It was still early, but the party leaving for the war games were ready to go. The last few things were being packed and others had gathered to see them off.

“Are you sure?” Sonia looked somewhat surprised and drew her head back.

JP gave her a confused look. “That’s unlike you.”

“You’re usually the first to make a sound bet,” Sonia said. Tori sighed once more.

“I’m too close to both parties to take a side,” Tori replied diplomatically. In truth, she didn’t want to disappoint Sebastian and Kasen by betting against them. Idunn had her godfather on her side, and Uncle Rom was the best tactician in the entire empire. Although she didn’t admit it aloud, Tori was 99% sure that Idunn would win. She didn’t want to bet on her brothers and lose.

“I’m surprised you’re not going to bet on your brothers,” Ilyana said.

Henrik grinned. “Weren’t you the one who said to always bet on Gueveras?”

“There are Gueveras and a soon-to-be Guevera on the bride’s side,” Tori said, motioning to where her future sister-in-law was standing beside a gray horse and speaking to Sebastian. “I can’t play favorites.” I don’t want to make losing bets. Sorry, Sebby.

Ilyana gave her a suspicious look, but walked to the table set up by the entrance. “Ten silver on the groom.”

The Guevera knight taking the bets wrote her name on a sheet of paper that already recorded several other bets, and accepted her money, then gave her a slip of paper. Gideon had made a bet on the bride’s side winning because it was the side Piers was on. He and Fabian were getting into a carriage to go watch the war games.

Henrik followed Ilyana and bet on the bride.

“Why on the bride?” Sonia asked as Henrik turned around and joined them.

“Ewan’s on the groom’s team. You’re going to bet against Ewan?” JP raised a brow. Ewan jutted out his lip and looked at Henrik with betrayal.

“You don’t think we can win?” Ewan asked.

Henrik shook his head. “My bet is based on Tori.”

“Tori’s not betting,” Albert said. He was still counting out his coins to bet.

“Exactly. If she were confident that her brothers would win, she’d already have put money on her brothers.” Henrik looked proud of his discovery and Tori tried not to show any expression that could give away her guilt.

Albert paused and nodded. “That’s a sound reason. I’ll put ten silvers on the bride.”

“Uncle Albert!” Fiona puffed out her cheeks. “You’re going to bet against my dad?”

“If I win, I’ll buy you a dessert in town.”

Fiona narrowed her eyes and then lifted her chin. “I’ll forgive you this time.”

“You’re merciful, Fifi. I appreciate that.”

After Albert, Fiona stood in front of the table, almost the same height as it, and reached up, putting a few copper coins on the table. “Twenty coppers on Daddy.”

“I’m sorry, young miss, but you have to be sixteen years old to place a bet,” the knight told her with a gentle smile. Fiona’s face dropped. She looked around for an adult and her eyes settled on Tori.

“Auntie!”

“You’re too young to gamble,” Tori said in a firm voice. Casual wagers like this were a private matter and weren’t considered ‘gambling’ under empire law. It was quite common amongst small groups of friends or families, but most still put age and maximum wager restrictions on them. “I know you believe in your father and want to support him, but you shouldn’t bet your hard-earned money.”

Sonia was taken aback. “Does Fifi have a job?”

Ilyana leaned forward and whispered. “She has an allowance and ‘earns’ money bringing notes across the Fortress for family members.”

Fiona pouted and Tori picked her up. “Why are you so sad? Your father is about to leave. Don’t you have something to give him to encourage him to win?”

Fiona looked confused for a moment before her face brightened. She began to wiggle, and Tori put her back down.

“Nanny Rey! Where’s my thing!” Fiona shouted, somehow getting the attention of several people despite the noise of the courtyard. She struggled to climb the stairs to get to Nanny Rey, who held out a small box and lifted the lid.

Tori watched Fiona’s chubby hand grab a piece of cloth before thanking Nanny Rey and looking for her father.

Tori adjusted the bag she was holding and followed behind Fiona as the little girl rushed to Kasen and some of the members of Sebastian’s war party.

“What is it? Are you going to tell me to win?” Kasen asked with a warm smile. He adjusted the sword at his hip and picked up the little girl.

“Daddy, I made you this. Auntie Tori says it’s for good luck and safety in battle!” Fiona then shoved a piece of white cloth in Kasen’s face. Kasen drew his head back and reached up to take it.

It was a small white handkerchief and in the very center was a badly embroidered figure of a father and daughter. Fiona had drawn on the handkerchief first, and then Tori and Nanny Rey had sat with her to help her embroider over the lines. Of course, Fiona was a toddler, so it was aesthetically hideous.

Still, Kasen’s eyes reddened. “Thank you, Fifi. Daddy will hold it close to his heart.” His hand tightened around the handkerchief, and he kissed the top of his daughter’s head.

Fiona blushed and hugged her father tightly.

“I was hoping to be the first to give one out,” Idunn said in an amused voice. Tori looked over and watched her armor and leather-clad future sister-in-law dig beneath her tunic and took out a white handkerchief. The embroidery was in gold, and it looked to be her and Sebastian’s names intertwined.

Sebastian’s face filled with joy. Tori was sure he didn’t see anyone else at that moment as he rushed towards Idunn and picked her up. Idunn laughed as he swung her in a circle and put her down, then cupped her hands still clutching the handkerchief and bringing them to his lips to kiss them.

“You’re giving this to me even when I am your opponent?” Sebastian asked with a playful grin.

Idunn returned his grin with a similar one laced with daring. “Who says you’re my opponent?”

“I can’t watch this….” Kasen rolled his eyes and looked away from their brother, who was now kissing Idunn.

“Gregorio.” Antonia approached the Marquis Guevera, who was dressed in light armor, and presented him with a maroon handkerchief. “For you. Good luck and be safe.” Gregorio looked pleased as he accepted his wife’s gift.

“Thank you, my love-”

“You must be careful. You’re not as young as you used to be,” Antonia told him seriously and his face reddened.

Tori heard her grandfather snort from the steps.

A small cough came from behind her, and Tori looked over her shoulder. “Ah, there you are,” she said as she took a step back to face him.

Piers was in brand new light armor for the games. He was standing tall and straight, a hundred times more princely than his brother.

“Gift?” he asked as his eyes fell on her bag.

Tori chuckled. “I’ve been working on these for ages, so appreciate it.” She dug through her bag and took out a violet handkerchief embroidered with a silver cat in one corner and Old Sulfae for safety, speed, strength, and clarity of mind around the borders. She held it out to Piers and smiled. “Good luck, Piers.”

His lips turned up in a slight smile and his eyes sparkled as he accepted the handkerchief in his hands. He looked down at the material, almost entranced. His pale fingertips touched the embroidery before looking towards Kasen and Sebastian.

Tori pretended she didn’t see her two brothers glaring at Piers and ignored Piers subtle, but still somehow arrogant expression.

“Do I get one, too?” Axton appeared beside Piers and Piers’ satisfaction immediately disappeared.

He brought his handkerchief to his chest protectively and narrowed his eyes at Axton. “This is mine.”

“I know that’s yours, but did Tori make one for me, too?”

“Why would she-”

“Yes, here’s yours!” Tori fished out a white handkerchief with Axton’s initials and Old Sulfae for good luck embroidered boldly on one corner. Axton gave her a wide grin as he extended his hand and took it from her.

“I won’t let you down! The bride’s side is going to win!”

“Tori!” Kasen and Sebastian spoke up at the same time and Tori turned around. Her brothers looked horrified.

“Where’s mine?” Sebastian said with a flushed face.

“You couldn’t possibly have only made them for those two.” Kasen’s voice was filled with displeasure.

Tori laughed and shook her head. “Of course not!” She reached into her bag and pulled out a stack of neatly folded white handkerchiefs. “Let’s see…this one is Sebby’s…Kasey’s…Papa! This one’s for you!”

“Thank you, my daughter!” Her father beamed as he rushed over to take it from her.

“Uncle Rom, Auntie Lucia, Uncle Renzo….” It seemed as if they were simply lining up to pick up handkerchiefs. “Idunn, I made one for you, too.”

Idunn giggled and gave Tori a hug before accepting the handkerchief.

“How long did it take you to make these?” Ewan asked as he unfolded his white handkerchief to find that two swords had been embroidered along two sides and his initials in the corner where the points would meet.

“I started months ago,” Tori said. “When I had free time or my hands weren’t busy, I’d work on them. I think I’ve improved even more.”

“So that’s what you’ve been doing at night,” Ilyana said. “If I’d known that you would give them out as good luck charms, I would’ve made one.”

Sonia elbowed her gently and whispered. “Do you think Lord Kasen would accept it?”

Ilyana’s face flushed. “Good luck for Ewan!”

“Sure, Ilyana,” JP said as he patted her shoulder with pity in his eyes. “Sure.”

Tori handed out the last of the handkerchiefs and stepped back, pleased that everyone seemed to enjoy them. It was worth all the time she spent embroidering.

In the marches, there was a legend of a wife who stayed behind while her husband went off to war. Anticipating that he may be wounded, she packed him scrap pieces of clean cloth to clean and bandage his wounds. She couldn’t be there to care for him, so she did what she could to prepare him. When her husband returned years later, he told her that every time he was injured and bleeding, he would use the cloth she gave him.

He would clean them and reuse them. He’d even used them to treat his fellow soldiers. Because of this, some lives were saved, including his. He credited his wife with his safe return. To commemorate this, he kept one bandage that was rather stained with blood no matter how much he cleaned it. His wife embroidered over the bloodstain.

It started a tradition for family members remaining at home preparing bandages for those who went off to battle.

These eventually became embroidered handkerchiefs given to loved ones heading to battle to bring them good luck. In ceremonial events like the war games in Sur or mock naval battles in Anlar, giving handkerchiefs to the participants was part of the pageantry.

As Tori was staying behind, she made them for those leaving to participate.

She heard snickering and saw her brothers looking at Piers with squinted eyes and smug smiles. She could almost hear them silently telling him that he wasn’t as special as he initially thought since Tori had made handkerchiefs for nearly everyone.

She looked towards Piers and saw his head lowered. He still held her violet handkerchief in his hands and his fingers played with the smooth fabric. She craned her head.

“Are you all right? Do you not like it?” she asked. “It has Alexander on it.”

Piers shook his head. “I like it.” His voice was quiet. He turned around and walked towards Ice Queen.

“Everyone mount!” Sebastian shouted.

Tori stepped back as the participants and various knights all climbed onto their horses.

Piers climbed on to Ice Queen in a smooth motion and suddenly, a gray blur jumped in front of him. Piers drew his head back.

“Alexander, you can’t come,” he said.

“Nyaow!” Alexander patted the saddle and continued to look forward.

“Alexander.” Tori frowned and walked over. “Come down. You can’t go. You’ll get lost in the desert.”

“Nyaow!” A meow of protest left the cat, but Tori didn’t budge.

“Alexander, what are you going to do during the game? You can’t participate,” Tori told the cat, earning her some amused looks from the knights and guests.

“Both sides have reached their capacity of players. If you play with an extra player, we will be disqualified,” Piers said. His reasoning was sound, but the cat was not happy.

Alexander let out an annoyed hiss and then turned towards Tori. He prepared to jump down, but Piers grabbed hold of him and leaned over to put him in Tori’s arms.

“There is plenty to do here. You have all the food you want and the kids like playing with you,” Tori told her cat. “So, stay.” Alexander let out a trill and lazily draped himself over her shoulder. Tori sighed and looked up at Piers. “And you. Everyone has tried to make sure your quarters for the games are clean, so don’t be upset about all the dust. It is the desert, you know.”

“I know,” Piers said. The horses in front started moving forward. Tori glanced towards the head of the group. Her brother and Idunn were seated on horses beside each other, looking regal and strong, like a warrior couple going off to battle. Albeit they were battling each other for three days for fun.

Tori looked back at Piers’ dull expression. She took a deep breath and stepped closer. “Piers.” She put her free hand on his arm, and he looked down at her. “Yours is the only colored handkerchief.”

She watched the flicker of recognition fill his eyes before they were replaced with joy. His face remained unmoved, but she could see the corners of his lips tugging up slightly. He looked down at the handkerchief that had been carefully folded and tucked against the back of his hand in his leather riding glove.

A small sliver of violet peeked out. “My eyes.”

Tori gave him a small nod and stepped back. “Your eyes.”

“Thank you.” Piers’ hands tightened around the reins, and he prepared to gently kick Ice Queen forward.

“Oh, Piers,” Tori said as she looked up at him. She gave him a firm, serious look as she dropped her voice. “Don’t use this to annoy my brothers.”

Piers nodded and he trotted off with Axton following behind him.

Tori stood to the side and watched the entire entourage disappear through the gates of the Fortress.

“He’s going to use it to annoy your brothers, isn’t he?” JP said.

Tori brought her lips into a tight line. “Yeah, it’s a given.”