Tori Transmigrated - Chapter 195: Are You Trying to Get Rid of Me?

Chapter 195: Are You Trying to Get Rid of Me?

“The Empire of Varsha submits a formal plea to allow the immediate entry of three of our consuls as their safety has been threatened in neighboring Parsha. We submit this request under Soleil International Act Eight, Section Five, regarding emergency assistance to citizens of friendly nations.”

Ambassador Das’ aide hastily finished a letter and stamped it before handing it to Ambassador Das to sign and then presented it to Piers.

“Similarly, the Empire of Hong submits a formal plea to the Empire of Soleil to allow immediate entry of two of our consuls as their safety has been threatened. We submit this request under Soleil International Act Eight, Section Five, regarding emergency assistance to citizens of friendly nations, and Soleil International Act Seven, Section Nine, regarding emergency assistance in Soleil’s sphere of influence to aid diplomatic relations,” Ambassador Wu looked particularly pale as he signed the document his aide prepared. He had good reason to be shaken. The man took a deep breath and swallowed hard.

Piers, who sat at the head of the table in one of the meeting rooms in the operations tent, looked down at the documents and nodded with his lips in a tight line.

“Captain O’Tuagh,” he said, his eyes still fixed on the document. Deidre had changed from her breezy linen dress she liked to stroll around the Viclya in and into a standard O’Tuagh naval uniform. Not the formal one, but the everyday one worn in battle. “How soon can you get to Pargath waters?”

“If we bypass the coast and cut directly through the sea, it will take us two and a half days, Your Highness,” Deidre replied as she stood to attention. “With the fastest naval ship available in the area.”

Tori looked over at her cousin-in-law. “What if you take the Ocean Queen?”

She saw Deidre’s lips curl up a bit with a hint of pride. “A day and a half.”

“Captain O’Tuagh, I am issuing imperial orders under Naval Code twenty-six. The empire will take responsibility for any damage done to your personal ship, provide any supplies you may need, and issue a crew mandate,” Piers said. “The ambassadors will have their delegations wait outside Pargath waters on a merchant vessel for pick up. Set sail immediately.”

Deidre slammed her fist over her chest and bowed her head. “Yes, Your Highness.”

She turned on her heel and marched out.

“Tori-”

“I’ve already ordered embarkation island to prepare a week’s worth of supplies for the crew and an extra twelve individuals. The supplies will be loaded on to Ocean Queen by the time Captain O’Tuagh gets to her ship,” Tori said in a smooth voice. “Emergency class A and class S crystal beacons, flotation devices, and medical aid supplies, two nurses, and a doctor have been allocated from Viclya’s medical center.”

She made it sound so professional, but the medical center was still just a series of tents across the encampment that was overseen by Dr. Cooper-Fontaine, when the old man wasn’t fishing. Still, Dr. Cooper-Fontaine ran a tight and skilled ship.

Piers gave her a small nod. “Ambassador Das, Ambassador Wu, Soleil accepts your requests, and we will proceed with emergency recovery and escort at once. We ask that you contact your citizens to ask them to get into position, as discussed, in preparation for recovery and escort.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Your Highness, Countess Guevera.” The two men and their aides bowed their heads and were escorted to smaller meeting rooms to make their calls. The countdown to arrest in Pargath had started and at that moment, the delegation was trapped in their inn and watched by Pargath soldiers.

“The Ocean Queen doesn’t have many defensive features, does it?” Axton asked as he looked over at Tori.

She shook her head. “It’s a personal ship. Cousin Eili gave it as an engagement gift to Cousin Deidre. Its only defense is speed, but that’s what’s needed right now. Pargarth says the delegation has one day to leave, but even if they leave the city and its waters, there is a chance Pargath will change their mind and pursue them. The sooner the delegation is further away, the better.”

“What if it’s a trap?” Axton said. “They’re cooperating with the Duraga Federation. And they know that the delegation will call for help from the nearest allied nations, which are Soleil and Nazaria. Of the two, we have the better navy..”

“They would expect our navy to coordinate a fleet, which would take at least another day. They’d expect us within three to four days at the earliest,” Piers said. “The Ocean Queen can get there in half that time.”

“Attacking one of our ships unprovoked can be used as grounds for war,” Tori told him. “I don’t think they’d be so rash…at least not normally.”

Axton nodded and thought for a moment. “What if they don’t attack, but block the Ocean Queen?”

Tori snorted. “They can try. The Ocean Queen is currently the fastest ship of her size. She’s not weighed down by artillery or goods, either. As long as she can slip through a blockade, she’ll out sail them.”

“Their ships do have cannons and archers,” Axton pointed out.

“Only if they can see,” Piers replied.

Tori grimaced a bit. “The S class crystal beacons are flares, but the light is extremely bright. Extreme to the point that it affects the eyes for a period of time. The bright light only lasts five seconds, but anyone who sees it will be temporarily blinded.”

Axton drew his head back and furrowed his brow. She’d never told him about the class S beacons because Anahata Island found them by accident, as Tori thought they tended to do.

“How long will they be blinded?”

“In the daytime…an hour and a half, at least,” Tori said. “In the night…three to four. There will be some residual shadows and blurriness for another twelve or so hours, affecting hand eye coordination and targeting. Crystals can be used to quicken recovery, but that still takes a few hours.”

Axton’s eyes were wide. “Did you make those?”

“Master Holloway had a little accident while working on advanced crystal beacons that would pulse different colors for different emergencies,” Tori said. “The mineral powder he used with the crystals created a light burst and he couldn’t see for a half day and panicked. We always take careful notes of our experiences on the island, so Master Ramos and I adjusted it to try to make a defensive tool. I sent a few to Papa and Cousin Siobhan to ask for help testing it and they sent me their findings. Cousin Siobhan said it would be particularly useful in a naval battle when delaying.”

Axton looked affronted. “You never told me about this.”

Tori rolled her eyes. “I don’t normally brag about experiments gone awry.”

“You made something that can blind a navy.”

“Just those within a certain distance and the distance varies by day or night. Also, it was a team effort. Mainly Master Holloway. He was sobbing for some time thinking he’d lost his vision permanently. We’re currently working on personal ones that could disorient a person for a few seconds or minutes.”

Piers stood up. “We should see the third prince. He is at the restaurant.”

“Does he know about this?” Tori asked.

“It seems like something his brother would keep from him,” Axton said. “He was supposed to come here in secret, but it got out. The first prince may be making changes while the third prince is absent and his faction without a leader.”

“What is the likelihood of him being exiled while he’s abroad?”

“It is more likely that he could be arrested upon return. Pargath has a history of imprisoning contenders to the throne,” Piers said.

Tori let out a heavy sigh. “This is more than what I expected to be involved with right now. I’m supposed to be focused on welcoming students back to Lycée and the baking competition.”

“You’re going to take part again?” Axton asked.

“Our overly enthusiastic new captain, Theophania Kowalski-Bucher, begged me to represent the Sword Association.”

Axton squinted. “Is that why Tiff was clinging on to you at your birthday?”

Tori sighed. Although Tiff wasn’t the best swordswoman in the association, she was considered a charismatic and organized leader, as proven with her leadership as president of the tabletop gaming club in its first year. It was decided that Tiff would become the Sword Association’s new captain and Esteban the vice-captain.

Ilyana had taken over the tabletop gaming club as president, but Tiff still wanted to be involved, so she was relegated to secretary, who did much of the planning. Gideon was the vice-president and only because Albert thought being treasurer was more interesting and Henrik was busy with Lions Gate and familial businesses, so he didn’t stay an officer.

“There wasn’t anyone else who volunteered. I know there are other bakers, but my croquembouche last year apparently, and I quote, ‘set the bar too high’.”

“What are you going to make this year?”

“Beef puff pastry with duchess potatoes. They’re technically all baked, but the puff pastry is going to be a pain. We only have so much time and the layering of the butter and dough is time consuming. I will have to use crystals. I know it doesn’t have to be perfect, but there needs to be some puff to the dough.”

“Have you started to practice?”

“When have I had time to practice, Axton?” Tori sent him a sharp look and he shrank back.

“I don’t know….”

“I will deal with the issue of Pargath,” Piers said before exiting the meeting room. “Tori, you can concentrate on your preparations for Lycée.”

She nodded, but felt that she’d still have some involvement, if only in a support position. They made their way to the restaurant and up to the rooftop dining area, which had been blocked by guards. Upon reaching the rooftop, there were umbrellas set up around high, round tables that people stood around. There were some swing benches beneath pergolas and a wide table beneath the portico against the back wall was a long table serving oysters, shellfish, and alcohol.

Two violinists were playing in one corner and there was a glorious view of the plaza and the islands beyond it. Surprisingly, there were a good handful of people already present. Tori narrowed her eyes.

“Axton, how did you find out about the happy hour event offering?”

“Ewan.”

“Of course….” Her eyes settled on the bald young man energetically encouraging guests to try the oysters with the hot sauce. Ambassador Izel and her small entourage had two tables nearby and a small pile of oysters amongst them.

“This is a casual party?” Piers asked, as if uncertain.

“There is no set schedule; it’s just for people to come, eat, drink, and mingle,” Tori said. “No speeches. Guests get food and drink themselves. It is meant to be very casual and relaxed.”

“I like it,” Axton said as he looked around. “When Ewan told me, I was unsure, but I’m convinced. Will this be offered at the Lunar Pavilion?”

“For both private events and daily in the main restaurant, after standard office work hours,” Tori said. “The target demographic are office and government workers in the central, first, and second districts who are going out with co-workers. The knights do it often.”

Piers had gone directly to the third prince, who was wearing some gifted delta collection clothing. His bodyguards had also been gifted a set, but they continued to wear Pargathian clothes. They had a special authorization to carry swords, but concealed weapons were banned, and they were given a search by imperial knights. Any of their additional weapons would be returned when they left.

“We have some inquiries on the happy hours,” Ilyana said as she appeared beside Tori. “I said we plan to have them at the Lunar Pavilion’s Crescent Sky restaurant once it opens.”

“It’s a shame we don’t have the menus prepared yet,” Tori said with a frown. “But let them know that appetizers and select drinks will be 25% off during happy hours.”

Ilyana nodded and slipped away.

Tori walked towards the edge of the rooftop and squinted. She could see the Ocean Queen docked at embarkation island. Her cousin was likely already on the ship. Eili had to remain behind with the children, but if everything went as planned, they would leave for King’s Harbor when Deidre returned from her mission.

Aiden, Maeve, and Ava had private tutors, so their classes were a bit more flexible. Tori looked around, partially surprised to not see the small children, but she supposed this wasn’t the event for them. However, Aiden was with Evzen and the Fekete Ducal couple.

She walked over to her younger cousin. “Aiden, where are your sister and cousins?”

“Sonia and JP took them riding,” Aiden told her. “Then they are going to Fishmonger Plaza for dinner, as tonight is the weekly night fish market.”

Once a week, the villagers organized a night market where fish and shellfish could be sold and cooked on the spot. It was quite popular with guests, as well. Maeve and Ava, who grew up by the water, had made a point of going there for a meal and were familiar enough that the villagers reserved a table for them with the best view of the plaza.

Fiona, Robert, and the Biancci twins often followed, especially when Kasen was indisposed, as he was at the moment. He’d left Horizon the day after Piers’ ball, which he had attended later in the evening to show his support of Piers. His children were left to Nanny Rey, and they would return to Presidio without him.

“All right. Enjoy your meal,” Tori said with a small nod. She went downstairs to meet the ambassadors for dinner. Ambassador Wu was the first to arrive and he was seated in the reserved area, looking out at the water with a dazed look. “Ambassador Wu, Captain O’Tuagh is a seasoned sailor, and her personal ship is much faster than any of comparable size,” Tori said as she approached and gave him a small nod of her head. “Your son will be in good hands.”

The middle-aged man took a deep breath and nodded his head slowly. The delegation from Hong to Pargath was composed of a representative of Hong’s trade union and Ambassador Wu’s second son. This was both a professional and personal matter to him.

“I thank you for your swift assistance, Countess Guevera.”

“I only made some calls, Ambassador. My abilities are limited,” she said modestly. She took a seat at the head of the table. “It is unfortunate. There isn’t much more I can do.”

“As long as our citizens are safe, that is all we can ask for,” he replied. He furrowed his brow and shook his head. “The first prince and the royal court would not see the delegation at all. This is unheard of. In the past, their minister of trade has always made a point to greet us. This time, they were not let into the castle or ministry offices.”

“I’m surprised the trade minister would reject a meeting. Hong and Varsha are long established trading partners. Arguably, the two major ones.”

“This could halt our merchant lines completely.”

Tori tapped her finger on the table. “Osgrat is on the other side of the mountain range and it’s too time and effort consuming to cross the mountains to use the port,” Tori said.

“In ancient times, there were ports in Kalgia and Lostred, but storms and time had made them unusable. They’ve long been abandoned.” Ambassador Wu frowned. “It was a mistake to allow Pargath to have such a monopoly on a mercantile port.”

Tori imagined the map of the sea beyond their borders in her mind. Kalgia and Lostred were autonomous regions, but they were considered poor principalities, if they could even be called that. Sebastian had told her that the only reason they hadn’t been swallowed up by the Duraga Federation was because the principalities were now islands. At one point they had been a peninsula, but the landscape changed and the small strip of land connecting them to the continent was overcome with water.

The sparsely populated principalities eventually became a series of fishing villages that were often passed over, as there were little resources on the islands themselves.

The rest of that region were farming kingdoms that were also under the pressure of the Duraga Federation. The caravans from the east made precarious journeys through these kingdoms and there were treaties in place allowing for their passage. The kingdoms relied on yearly tributes to the federation in order to avoid invasion. Sebastian said that to the Duraga Federation, that region was merely seen as a tributary territory.

Tori supposed that was better than being constantly raided.

“Ports are not easy to maintain,” Tori said. “The Duraga Federation is making it difficult for trade. I don’t know why they’re being so reckless.”

“There are times when it becomes less about practicality and more about power,” Ambassador Wu said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Duraga Federation was planning on fighting for more.”

“Paprika?” Tori leaned back against her chair as she looked at the comcry. “And saffron hasn’t been affected either?”

“No, Countess,” Alessa replied. “The manager suggested I raise the price, but our costs are still the same. I don’t feel that raising the price is necessary. What do you think I should do?”

When Tori registered her comcry with Alessa, she expected calls, but she didn’t expect a call after she had Alessa and her aunt put in holding for several days. Surprisingly, Alessa had called in the evening, after she got to the apartment above the Golden Cow, on the day she and Fabiana were released for arriving without paperwork.

Alessa had called to apologize.

She had sounded embarrassed, if not ashamed, and said she would not come to the delta anymore. It was just that her godmother had assured her that they would be let in, if only to pass through to Viclya, because Tori was her niece. Alessa made no comment about the charm or any awkwardness, though Tori didn’t expect her to. If something of the sort was happening, she doubted Alessa would tell others.

Tori had been benevolent and assured her that she knew her aunt and it was clear that it was Fabaina’s fault. However, she made a point to tell Alessa that as per closed settlement policy, she was banned from Cosora indefinitely. Regardless, Tori would still extend her help as a classmate.

Which is why Alessa was calling now.

Paprika and saffron, along with several other spices, were most common and sold around the border and the kingdoms past Pargath. They were a common tribute to the Duraga Federation and Tori already estimated that their price would skyrocket soon as a result of the trade lines issue and scarcity.

“I would check with other stores in the area to see what their prices are for the spices. You can raise your prices to be competitive, but to avoid angering the consumer, the prices cannot go up too high too quickly. It will also be useful to put into effect a limit to how much each household can purchase weekly in order to avoid hoarders and resellers,” Tori said.

“I understand. How long should I increase the price?”

“You’ll have to watch the market and also take into consideration any changes in transport costs,” Tori said. She leaned forward on her desk and narrowed her eyes, looking at Fiona who was coloring with Alexander beside her. “Your supplier must be very fair to you if they will continue to provide the spices at the same cost.”

“Adrien arranged the contract before he left. We have secured a certain amount for the flat rate for another two years,” Alessa said. She sighed. “After that, I will need to try to negotiate a new rate.”

“I’m sure the Golden Cow has a good reputation with the vendor,” Tori replied. “Are they accepting any more contracts?”

“I don’t know, but I can ask. Are you interested, my lady?”

“I am always keeping options open.” Tori pursed her lips. “I hope this has been of some help.”

“Yes, I will inform the manager about the gradual price increase and the limitations. Thank you for your advice.”

Tori ended the call and took a deep breath.

“Even if her supplier is selling to her at the regular price, they can’t possibly be selling the same amount,” Axton said as he sat across from her desk with his leg crossed as he seemed deep in thought. “Pargath’s authorities are withholding goods, spices included.”

“I doubt they don’t know about what’s going on,” Tori said. “News spreads fast amongst merchants.” She tapped her fingers on the wooden desk. “I’m going to see if I can find her supplier or at the very least find out if she is able to buy the regular amount. It’s just strange that they wouldn’t try to increase the costs at all, and instead confirm the original price. And her manager seems to know what to do about this and has already suggested a price increase.”

“It was Rosiek’s connections, so it is questionable,” Axton said. He looked across the tent. “What do you think Piers?”

“If her imported goods are not coming through the waterways, then they could only be coming through a land route,” Piers replied as he sat on the couch and read over some papers. “There are several land entrances along our eastern border, only one of the two southern passes are working at full capacity. The remaining three northern entrances have limited use, and all are under military watch due to the Duraga Federation.”

“It’s difficult to even get to the land entrances because of the mountain ranges. There is the range separating us from Pargath and then just north of Buchenburg, there is the northeast range. Only the Sudlicher Pass can be considered an entrance and caravans have to weave through the Hessler Mountains if they’re coming from the southeast, so the trip takes longer,” Axton pointed out.

“Aren’t there flatlands?”

“The land from the Sudlicher Pass to the Amber Fortress are flat and are agricultural areas, but this is the area that’s been raided. The Duraga come in from the northeast,” Axton told her.

“There are very few merchant caravans willing to go north and have a run-in with the Duraga Federation,” Piers added. “It’s too dangerous. They could easily lose their cargo and their lives.”

“For a while, particularly desperate tribes kidnapped merchants and tried to get ransoms.” Axton took a deep breath. “The Marquis General has put most of the military power around the areas that are most likely to be breached, but raids on the edge of our borders, which are disputed, continue.”

Tori moved some papers across her desk and took out a map of the mainland continent. It was the one where she’d marked the locations of the animal trading ring. “Is it possible to come through the north?”

“Yes, but the mountains there are dangerous, and it’s considered impassable during the winter,” Axton said. “It’s too dangerous.”

“What about by ship?”

“With how dangerous is it along the northern coast? They’d need to at least get to Enda,” Axton replied.

Tori lifted her hand and rubbed her temples. “Ugh…what am I doing? I should just focus on Lycée.”

“Heroes get unexpec…unexpul…surprise jobs,” Fiona said as she put aside her drawing and took out a clean sheet of paper. “You will have a lot of them as a hero, Auntie.”

Tori cracked a small smile. “Since our Fifi is also a hero, what unexpected jobs does she have?”

“Daddy said not to let Uncle Piers stay too long in your tent,” Fiona said. She lifted her head and looked around the tent. It was still light out and she nodded. She looked at Piers with a serious expression. “You have time.”

Piers narrowed his eyes a bit, but looked back down at his papers. “Fiona, when are you going back to Presidio?”

Fiona froze. She looked up with a shocked expression. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Yes.”

“Piers!” Tori shot him a glare. Fiona scowled. She put her wax coloring sticks down and ran to her aunt.

“Auntie, he’s mean to me! Don’t let him be your sidekick anymore.”

Piers didn’t look up from his papers. “I do not want to be her sidekick.”

“Uncle Duke Axton can be your sidekick,” Fiona said as she raised her arms. Tori picked her up and put her on her lap. The child immediately pasted herself against her and rubbed her face in her chest. “Uncle Duke Axton is nice. He also does what you say.”

Axton nearly snorted and turned his head to keep from laughing. “You think highly of me, Fifi. Thanks.”

“I do! Sidekicks are important!” Fiona said. “They will stay with the hero forever. They are loyal and trusted. The hero will share everything with them, and they will share everything with the hero.”

“Does Fifi not want to be my sidekick?” Tori asked as she kissed the top of the child’s head.

“Auntie.” Fiona pulled her head back and gave her a serious look. “A hero cannot be a sidekick.”

“You’re right. I apologize for my mistake.” Tori gave her a knowing nod. “We will look for a new sidekick for me.”

“Alexander and I will help!” Fiona said, raising her arms. She looked across the tent at Piers. “Uncle Piers, you will be replaced.”

The man was not impressed by such a threat to his status. “I am disappointed.”

“Yes. Now you can’t be around Auntie all the time,” Fiona said in a proud voice. Piers’ hand stopped moving. “If you keep following her, she won’t like you anymore.”

Piers frowned. “Tori loves me.”

“Auntie loves me more.”

A look of alarm crossed Piers’ eyes as Axton snickered. “You’re right, Fifi. Tori does love you more. You get to stay in her tent, and she makes you special food.”

Piers frowned more so. “Tori makes me food.”

“Okay, we’re not going to get into whatever this is,” Tori said in a firm voice. “Fifi, I love you very much, but I also love Uncle Piers.”

Fiona wrinkled her nose as Piers looked relieved. “But…Auntie…do you love me more?” She looked at Tori with big, cute eyes and Tori grit her teeth.

“You are so cute….” Tori hugged her tight and rubbed her head. “I love Fifi more!”

Fiona turned towards Piers and smirked. “Heh.”

Piers put his papers beside him and stood up. He marched to the door and tossed it open. “Get Nanny Rey. It is time for Young Miss Guevera’s dinner.”

“Your Highness, it is still afternoon-” Piers’ displeased look silenced the knight and Tori could almost hear an audible gulp. “At once, Your Highness!” One of the knights rushed down the path a second later, and Piers came back inside with a slight look of vague superiority.

Fiona gasped. Her small hands curled into Tori’s shirt. Her lower lip jutted out and she shot Piers a glare. “You are a bad guy! I don’t like you!” Her eyes moistened and she turned her head back to Tori, burying her face in Tori’s chest once more.

Tori gave Piers a disapproving look. “Piers, don’t kick her out. Apologize.”

“No.”

“He’s bad, Auntie! You see?” Fiona’s muffled voice cried out.

“Yes, he’s a very bad guy,” Axton agreed. “Tori should never cook for him again.” Piers shot him a glare.

Tori nodded, still frowning at Piers. “If you’re going to be stubborn, then you can be stubborn by yourself. Axton, take him out of my tent.”

Axton jumped up with a grin on his face. “Let’s go!”

“You may leave alone.” Piers didn’t move and looked down at the floor. His voice quieted. “I am not a bad guy.”

“You’re making fun of a baby; you’re a bad guy!” Fiona insisted.

“Piers. She’s so small and you’re being mean to her,” Tori said, clutching Fiona protectively.

Piers’ jaw clenched. He seemed to silently weigh his options before replying. “I am sorry.”

“Say that Auntie loves me more!”

“She is being difficult.”

The flap of the tent opened, and Nanny Rey returned. “Young Miss, the kitchen is offering cooking lessons for small children. Do you want to try to make fish sticks? You like fish sticks.” The white-haired woman gave Fiona a gentle smile.

The little girl’s lower lip trembled. “I do like fish sticks….”

“Okay, go with Nanny Rey. Can you make me some fish sticks, too?” Tori asked.

Fiona reluctantly released her, and Nanny Rey picked her up. Fiona nodded her head obediently. “I’ll make fish sticks for everyone.” She glared at Piers. “Except you.” She dramatically turned her head away and Nanny Rey gave Piers a small bow before leaving with the child.

“I know you’re not blood related, but Fiona takes after you,” Axton said. “She’s also petty.”

“It’s a gift,” Tori replied in a dull voice. “Piers, don’t make fun of her. You know she’s leaving soon. Kasey isn’t here, so let her spend time with me.”

“Your niece says mean and hurtful things to me,” Piers replied as he stood by her desk with his head dropped.

“Saying you’re my sidekick isn’t mean. Fiona likes you so much. She always thinks of you,” Tori said as she waved her hand and sent Axton out. “She thinks that next to Kasey and Papa, you’re the most handsome. She likes that you’re so good to us. She says you’re smart.”

“I am smart.”

Tori sighed and lifted her hands. Piers grabbed on to them. “I bet that at dinner, she’ll apologize to you.”

Piers looked to the side. “I do not need her apology.”

Yet, several hours later, a little girl approached him shyly. Her small hands clenched the fabric of her sundress as she lowered her head. “Uncle Piers….”

The man seated beside Tori didn’t look at the child. “Young Miss Guevera.” He still acknowledged her, albeit formally.

Fiona pouted and looked back at her brother. Robert gave her a supportive nod and Fiona took a small step closer. “Uncle Piers, I want to say I’m sorry because I was rude to you.” She seemed to hold her breath as she looked up tentatively.

Piers kept his composure and gave her a curt nod. “It is not necessary.”

Tori elbowed him hard. “Piers,” she hissed under her breath.

Piers took a deep breath and turned towards Fiona. “I accept your apology.”

Fiona furrowed her brow and seemed to study him, as if unsure if he was telling the truth. She lifted her arms. “Hug.”

Piers froze and Tori winced. “Baby, Piers doesn’t hug people.”

Fiona slowly lowered her arms, disappointed. “Oh….”

A large hand slowly reached forward, hesitating before gently touching her head. “You are a good girl. Uncle Piers likes you, too.” He must’ve picked up speaking in third person to small children from Tori.

Fiona’s eyes went wide, and she flushed. She gave him a cheesy grin. “Fifi is a good girl….”

“Yes, Fifi is a good girl,” Piers repeated in a calm voice.

Tori smiled, but turned her head as she felt a cold chill coming from her right. She looked past Piers and Fiona, who had leaned upwards on the tips of her toes. Gideon’s jealous glare was boring into her niece.

Tori pursed her lips. Well, I suppose getting the favor of one prince is good enough.