Chapter 104: I Know What a Tiger Is

Tori never pushed herself further when she started to feel dizzy. The moment she started to feel the slightest disorientation while using crystals, she’d stop grounding and charging immediately to prevent the onset of crystal fatigue. Master Ramos told her that crystal fatigue started with a dizziness and, as it stressed the body, she’d also become very tired and sleepy.

More serious cases could lead to a crystal user sleeping for longer than average periods of time immediately after they finished and that lingered in Tori’s mind when she felt the heaviness of sleep sweep over her.

Luckily, crystal fatigue was just the body’s way of forcing her to rest and recover. There were no long-term negative effects if it happened a few times, but in the case of crystal fatigue during an important activity, such as battle, it would leave the user a vulnerable target as once the grounding was stopped, it was difficult to restart until the body recovered. Even if they could ground and charge, the ability weakened significantly.

To Tori, crystal fatigue was a small price to pay to find Alessa, Dimitri, and Montan and thus conclude this...story arc, she supposed it was.

Besides, it was an excuse to sleep.

Tori opened her eyes and turned her head.

The light wasn’t strong. Perhaps it was already sunset. She squinted and shifted her eyes towards the windows to try to estimate the time. The drapes were pulled halfway closed, but between them, there was a strong column of light piercing the room through the lace curtains.

That wasn’t the dawn light. Was it already noon? Did she sleep through the night? She turned her head and felt a slight wave of dizziness, but it went quickly. She fixed her gaze on a figure seated on a chair beside her bed.

“How....” Tori grimaced at once and snapped her mouth shut. Her throat was dry and her ‘how’ sounded like a choking frog. The man on the chair put his book down and stood up. He twisted to the side and seemed to do something on his other side before turning back around with a glass in his hand.

“Drink,” Piers said. She rolled to one side and pushed herself up into a seated position before reaching for the cup. After taking a few large sips, she handed it back to him.

“How long was I sleeping?”

“A day and a half.”

“A day and a...are you serious?” Tori asked, narrowing her eyes. Piers lifted the cup to her again.

“Drink more, until it’s all gone.” She let out a low grumble, but still drank. When the cup was empty, she pushed his hand away and continued to look at him with suspicion.

“Have I really been asleep for that long?”

“Yes. It is just past noon. You slept all yesterday,” Piers said. He put the cup on the bedside table and faced her seriously. His voice was steady, but Tori could see some shadows under his eyes. “Senior Benedict said that you used strong sacred geometry to gather energy, so your body is very worn and tired. Sleeping for an extended period of time is expected.”

Tori lowered her eyes. “A day and a half....”

“You slept through a lot,” Piers said. He stood up and walked to the door. He opened it a bit. “Bring warm water and a few small towels. Inform them that she has woken up.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Tori caught a glimpse of Sir Iturralde giving Piers a bow of her head before marching off. Piers closed the door and walked back to the bed.

“What happened while I was asleep?” she asked as she watched him return to his seat. It was one of the cushioned chairs she’d dragged towards the window.

“Master returned.”

Tori tried to sit up straight, but Piers urged her to rest. He took the throw pillow at his back and put it against the headboard, so she could lean against it. “My brother is back? Did he find them?”

Piers nodded. “They are safe.”

Tori closed her eyes and leaned back against the headboard. She let out a heavy sigh and let her shoulders sink. “Where did they find them?”

“Not far from where the carriage was found, but on the other side of the ravine. Sir Alvarez said that Master followed your energy trail as far as they could go. It faded before they found the illegal animal fighting and smuggling ring.”

Tori’s eyes flew open, and she turned her head towards him. “The what?”

“Lady Hart, Mr. Alvere, and Mr. Guthry stumbled upon an animal fighting and smuggling ring and were captured. Lady Hart says that they were taken when they were resting. She saw an animal stuck in a trap and tried to help it, but the poachers were nearby. The poachers tried to stop their carriage driver, but the carriage driver got away.”

“Then, in the chaos, the carriage was damaged and got into an accident?”

“Duke Tetri says that there was some chaos with the corresponding hoof prints and carriage tracks. Still, he is surprised that the driver can’t be found,” Piers replied. “They are still searching for him.”

Tori gave him a small nod. “What happened to the poachers?”

“Master and Sir Rodriguez were able to subdue most of them. The ones who survived were taken into O’Tuagh custody yesterday, as the search ended in O’Tuagh territory,” Piers said. “It is for the best; they are better equipped to manage such a situation.”

Tori narrowed her eyes once more. “You said the ones who survived....”

“There were three fatalities during the fight. One was fighting Sir Rodriguez and the other two were mauled to death in the barn where the animals were kept,” Piers told her. “When Lady Idunn reached them, Master had her close and lock the doors to contain the animals. A few had escaped before the doors were closed. Those animals were abused.”

Her heart sank and a tight pressure reached the bridge of her nose. “Abused?”

Piers leaned forward and touched her head gently in an effort to console her. “They were forced to fight each other and were wounded. Sir Alvarez said they were also starved. Aside from a few animals who were caught recently, the rest were suffering to the point where they were simply waiting for death, so Master....” He trailed off as Tori’s eyes reddened.

“Were there a lot of them?” she asked, her voice tight.

“Yes.”

Tori shut her eyes. “What will happen to the poachers?”

“Illegal trapping, smuggling of exotic and domestic wildlife, and selling humans-”

Tori’s brows shot up and she almost snapped her head back at him. “They were selling people?” Slavery and human trafficking had been banned in Soleil since the start of the Young Empire period.

“They had plans to sell Lady Hart,” Piers said. “I do not know if they had sold others previously.” Tori ground her teeth together and Piers carefully put his hand on hers. “A doctor arrived yesterday and examined them. Aside from physical scrapes and bruises, they are also malnourished and dehydrated. They are in rooms below us and their parents have been informed that they have been found. Lord Sebastian contacted Prime Minister Guthry through your father and Senior Benedict contacted Mr. Sima, who had Architect Ebbadottir contact Madam Voss. They will arrive in the coming days.”

Tori nodded. That brought her some relief. “Good...good. I’m glad.”

A knock came from the door. “Your highness, I’ve brought warm water and towels.”

Piers rose from his seat and went to open the door. He thanked Sir Iturralde and carried a jug of water to the wash basin. He poured the water in and then carefully dipped the small towel into the basin before wringing it out and bringing it to her.

Tori raised her hand to accept it and began to wipe her face.

“What about the poaching camp?”

“O’Tuagh soldiers have moved in to oversee it and collect further evidence of illegal activity,” Piers said. “The animals that could be saved were recaptured and will be released further away from the area.”

Tori buried her face in the warm, damp cloth for a moment. It felt refreshing when she lifted her head up. “Where is my brother?”

Piers didn’t answer immediately. “Resting.”

“Downstairs?” Tori asked. She glanced around her large room. The furniture she’d moved had been put back and all the random pieces of paper that littered her bed were stacked on her desk.

“Yes,” Piers said. “Senior Benedict and I brought our things here temporarily so that the knights could rest in the other rooms downstairs.”

Tori nodded and paused. She looked over at him curiously. “Sebby was okay with that?”

“Yes, it was necessary, and he wanted Senior Benedict here to check on you. Three of the rooms below are occupied by Lady Hart, Mr. Alvere, and Mr. Guthry, so there is less space for the knights who have assisted us. Lady Idunn has posted knights at their doors in case they try to run again.”

“Sebby’s probably with Lady Idunn, right?” Tori said with a slight grin. She patted her neck with the towel and glanced out the window. “It’s light out. I should go downstairs.”

Piers seemed to stiffen. “Are you hungry? I will ask for someone to bring you food.”

“Are the valets still here?” she asked. “I can go downstairs for a snack. I need fresh air.”

Piers shifted awkwardly. “You are still recovering and need to rest. Senior Benedict says that you should not push your body so soon after crystal fatigue. You could risk crystal shock.”

Tori lifted her hand and gave him a dismissive wave. “I’ll be fine. I’m not going to do any crystal work for a few days. I know I need to rest.” She handed him the towel and Piers hesitantly took it.

“Master also wants you to rest.”

Tori blew some hair out of her face and gave him a bored look. “Piers, I’ve been lying in bed for a day and a half. At least let me walk around and stretch my legs.”

Piers draped the towel over the back of his chair. “Then, I will help you walk in the room.”

“Are you worried I’ll tumble down the stairs?” she chuckled. “I’ll be careful, Piers. Don’t worry.”

“Master said-”

“My brother will complain no matter what,” Tori said with a sigh. “I used sacred geometry and used more energy than my body can manage, despite multiple warnings not to. It then resulted in crystal fatigue. I know he’s mad.” It was why she experimented without telling anyone.

Piers kept his eyes away. “You can only walk in your room.”

Tori slowly moved her legs over the side of the bed and paused. Piers hardly ever restricted her. As far as following her brother’s orders, Piers had wantonly gone against them numerous times in the past.

She grabbed hold of the bedpost and pulled herself up. Her legs shook a bit, but she gave herself a moment to regain her bearings. She stretched out her other hand and Piers dutifully extended his arm so she could grab on to it.

Tori looked down at her clothes and found that she was still in the clothes she’d passed out in a day and a half earlier. She frowned; she hated going to bed in non-sleepwear. “Call in Sir Iturralde. I want to change.”

She pulled her hand away from Piers’ arm and he rushed to the door. Without a word, he slipped out and Sir Iturralde entered.

“My lady, how do you feel?”

“My body feels stiff, but there is little to no dizziness.” Tori took a careful step forward and felt satisfied. She didn’t crumble to the ground nor feel a wave of nausea. So far, so good. “I’m also kind of hungry.”

“I will assist you and then fetch you something to eat, my lady,” Sir Iturralde said. She helped Tori walk to the changing area and then carried over the table with the wash basin and jug to the changing screen. Tori sat down on a cushioned stool and began to tug off her worn clothes. “My lady, a dress will be easier for you to move in at the moment.”

“All right,” Tori said. There was no need for her to go out and search now that Alessa and her two followers were found. She took another small towel and wet it before wiping down her body. Once she felt clean and refreshed, she wiggled into a fresh set of clothes.

“My lady, leave your clothes. I will gather them to be laundered after I bring you food. A light meal will ease your stomach.”

Tori wanted to eat a big meal; she’d been asleep for a day and a half, but she knew she couldn’t just start shoveling food into her mouth. “Soup or a sandwich,” she said. She paused as she walked out from around the screen. “And are there any more pastries?”

Sir Iturralde gave her a helpless look. “No, my lady. However, I can send the valets to go to the resort town by the lake.”

“Please do.” Treat yourself, Tori. You worked hard!

She walked around the room and stretched as Sir Iturralde left the room. Another knock came. “Tori, can I come inside?”

“Yes,” Tori said. Piers walked in as she stood on the rug, in the seating area, and looked around. Someone had left a blanket and a few pillows on the sofa, as well as littered the area with crystals and notes. Piers was very neat. This mess was a signature of Instructor Ignatius. He must’ve been resting there while she was asleep. Tori made a mental note to apologize for worrying him. “Where is Instructor Ignatius? And where are my shoes?”

Piers rounded the bed and brought a pair of slippers to her. “He is also downstairs. Do you require assistance?”

“No, I’m fine,” Tori said. “If I get tired, I can sit down.”

Piers nodded and stood to the side as she walked around the seating area. She waited patiently for any sign of dizziness or the pressure of a headache, and found that she didn’t feel it at all. Aside from the slight lethargic feeling and hunger, she was fine. Tori gave herself a nod and began walking to the door.

“Where are you going?” Piers said. He swept in, standing between her and the door.

“Downstairs. The room is stuffy.”

“I will open the window.” Piers immediately rounded her and walked across the room. Tori ignored him and opened the door. “Tori!”

“I’m just going downstairs, not on a hike,” Tori said as she stepped outside and saw that the hall was empty. She made it one more step before Piers appeared and blocked her path. Tori frowned. “What are you doing?”

“Don’t go downstairs.”

“Piers, I can walk fine....” She drew her head back and frowned. “Why can’t I go downstairs?” He avoided her eyes and shrank back. “Piers. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing!” He turned his head away and Tori ran through the list of reasons why he’d try to stop her. It was under the order of her brother, but aside from wanting her to rest, she couldn’t think of a reason Sebastian would prohibit her from leaving her room.

She tilted her head to the side and narrowed her eyes.

When she woke up two years ago, Sebastian and Kasen were at her side. She knew they took turns keeping watch over her. Even if Sebastian had reunited with Idunn, he would’ve come rushing to her bedside the moment he heard word that she was awake. Tori felt her heart sink.

“Is Idunn all right?” Her arm shot out without thinking and grabbed onto Piers’ arm. “Was she hurt?”

“No, Lady Idunn is well,” Piers said, shaking his head. Tori opened her mouth and froze. She could feel the blood drain from her face as her eyes widened.

The pressure returned to the bridge of her nose. “Is Sebby all right?” She waited for Piers to answer her swiftly and assure her that her brother was fine; how could one of the best swordsmen in Soleil be injured? Piers didn’t reply. Tori’s grip on his arm tightened. “Is my brother all right?” Her voice was trembling, slow and measured.

Piers wouldn’t look at her. He opened his mouth, but no words came out and Tori shook her head. She let go of his arm and darted around him.

“Tori!”

She kept her arms close to her body, preventing him from grabbing hold of her as she flew to the stairs, slamming against the wall in her reckless dash, and raced down to the floor below them. She saw Sir Alvarez standing by one of the doors. Tori’s eyes widened and she rushed towards him.

“Where’s my brother?” She grabbed his arm before he could greet her. A surprised look filled his face before it became excited.

“My lady, you’re awake-”

“Where is he!” Tori almost shook the knight who was over a head taller than her.

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“Tori, let him go.” Piers reached out for her arms and Tori twisted her body to avoid him. Sir Alvarez’s brows came together, and he gave her a confused look.

“He’s in that room, my lady, but I don’t recommend visiting him right now.”

Piers shot Sir Alvarez a displeased look and Tori’s arms dropped at her side. “What happened to my brother?”

Sir Alvarez looked at Piers and then back at her. “Lord Sebastian was injured when the animals were released.”

Tori’s eyes widened and she whirled around. Piers tried to stop her, only to receive a withering glare. “If you don’t let me see my brother, Piers....” He drew his head back and lowered his eyes. He obediently stepped to the side and Tori walked to the door. She lifted her hand to knock, but stopped. “It’s Tori. I’m entering. Don’t try to stop me.”

Before she could receive any sort of refusal, she opened the door. The scent of blood and herbs reached her nose, and she scrunched her face.

“Tori...what are you....” Her brother was pale and lying in bed. The sheets were down to his hips and several deep scratches went across his stomach. They were almost scabbed over, but still stained red. On a pale towel beside the bed were several pieces of heliotrope with blood on them.

Idunn was seated on one side of Sebastian’s bed, appearing to be preparing tea on the nightstand. On the other side of the bed, next to the towel with the bloody heliotrope, Instructor Ignatius was looming over Sebastian’s wounds with another small piece of tumbled heliotrope.

Tori’s eyes began to water, and her face twisted. This brother who was so protective of her was covered in blood and wounded. She couldn’t stop herself from starting to cry. She sniffled and lifted her hands, trying to wipe at her eyes.

“Tori, it’s all right.” Idunn abandoned the tea she was making to reach her. “He’ll be fine. The wound isn’t deep, it’s just that he lost a lot of blood.”

“Sebby....” She blubbered his name as she wiped at her eyes.

“I’m fine.” Her brother’s voice was a bit tired, but there was a hint of amusement still in it. “It’s only a flesh wound.”

“A deep flesh wound....” Instructor Ignatius muttered.

Sebastian shot him an annoyed look before he raised his right arm to beckon Tori over. “Cry Baby’s been working hard to facilitate healing.”

“My apologies, my lady,” Instructor Ignatius said, not at all bothered by the nickname as he carefully held the heliotrope against Sebastian’s slashed stomach. “I had to go through your carrying case for more heliotropes. I only had one with me and I urgently needed more.”

Tori sniffled and shook her head. “No, it’s fine.” Her hand flew to her wrist, and she quickly slid out the heliotrope on her bracelet. “This one is still charged.”

Idunn took it and brought it closer to Instructor Ignatius. She turned back to Tori and gently moved her to the seat where she had been sitting earlier. “Sit down. Did you just wake up?”

Tori nodded and trudged to the seat. She sat down next to her brother and felt his large hand take one of hers.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry,” Sebastian said in a soft voice. He turned towards the door and his voice hardened. “I thought I told you not to let her come here.”

Piers shrank back. “She got away from me, Master.”

Sebastian snorted and turned away. He looked back at Tori with a gentle expression and squeezed her hand. His voice softened once more. “Your big brother beat a tiger, Tori. Do you know what a tiger is? Imagine a large orange cat with stripes....”

Was he patronizing her at a time like this? “I know what a tiger is. I’m not stupid.” Tori shot him a disapproving glare as she wiped at her red eyes. “What were you doing fighting a tiger!” She sniffled once more. “What if it killed you?”

“The animals that were captured were released by the poachers,” Idunn said, stroking Tori’s back comfortingly. “Perhaps they thought if they released the animals, it would distract us. The knights and I closed the doors to the barn as soon as we could, but several animals had already escaped. The tiger was emaciated and desperate for food. It cornered Lady Hart and your brother stepped in.”

Tori felt cold all over. She trembled in her seat. Her brother was injured saving Alessa. Tori wasn’t sure if it was frustration or rage that swept through her. She lowered her eyes and bore them into her brother’s injury.

“I shouldn’t have gotten involved,” she said in a strained voice.

“If you didn’t, she’d be on her way to be sold.” Sebastian kept a firm grip on her hands. “And we don’t know what would’ve happened to the two boys.”

“If they had no use to the poachers, they would’ve been killed,” Idunn told her. “You saved their lives.”

Tori bit her tongue. “Had I known that my brother would be injured like this....”

“Tori, no.” Sebastian gave her a small shake of his head. “We are of a march. Injuries are expected. We can practice for the inevitable as much as possible, but we are not immortal gods of war. We will get a few bruises and cuts-”

“You call this a cut?” Tori scowled and ripped her hand from beneath his to motion towards the gashes across his stomach. “What if it was deeper? What if it mauled you? What if you lost too much blood before you got here?”

Her brother’s look deepened and he knit his brows together. “But it wasn’t,” he said in a faint voice. “We did what we could to bandage it up. I took Idunn’s horse to get here faster and it was a balance between speed and keeping from aggravating the wound. As soon as I arrived, Benedict started to facilitate healing.”

“It’s a slow process, no matter how much energy you can gather,” Instructor Ignatius said. He finally lifted his head from the wound and lowered his arms. “And the crystals use up energy quickly. After I use them, I clean them and then place them on your charger. Unfortunately, there is a considerable gap, so I’m only able to use the crystals for an hour or so before I use them up.”

Tori turned her head away and shook it. “I’m sorry I got involved.”

“You gave yourself crystal fatigue to find them,” Sebastian said. “Do you regret it?”

“Right now, yes.”

Her brother cracked a small smile and raised his hand to stroke her hair back. “Don’t feel sad or angry. Everyone made it back alive, including those missing kids. This is as successful a mission as we can ask for. Go back to your room and rest. Another two days of this and the wounds will be healed shut.”

“His Highness should rest, as well,” Idunn said, looking towards the door. Piers hadn’t moved. “He has not slept and remained at your bedside to watch over you.”

Sebastian made a disgusted face. “That’s disturbing. Don’t do that.”

Tori looked over at him and raised the corner of her lip. “You and Kasen did that after my riding accident.”

“That’s different, we’re your brothers,” Sebastian said, dismissively.

Tori took a deep breath and rolled her eyes. She stood up and Idunn held on to her to make sure she was steady. “Your Highness, please assist Tori back. Make sure she eats before she rests.”

Piers gave Idunn a nod.

“Lady Tori, can you take these crystals back to clean and charge?” Instructor Ignatius asked. “I have one more to use and don’t want to waste time. Don’t try to charge them yourself. You’re still recovering.”

Tori nodded. “I know.” She rounded the bed and went to wrap up the towel to carry the crystals back. Sebastian frowned.

“They’re covered in blood.”

“It’s fine, you’re my brother,” Tori said. “This isn’t disgusting.” She saw the moved look on her brother’s face.

“Idunn,” she heard him say as she carried the small bundle out. “She said it’s not disgusting.... My sister loves me so much.”

“Yes, yes.” Idunn coaxed. “She even disobeyed the prince to see you.”

Tori could hear her brother’s voice lighten. “She did!”

“Close the door,” Tori said as she passed Piers and walked into the hall. She walked up the stairs cautiously and headed to her room. She went directly to the wash basin to rinse the bloody crystals, and used another towel to dry them. As she placed the crystals on her selenite charging plate by the window, Sir Iturralde arrived with a brothy soup.

“Where shall I put it my lady? Shall I clear the desk? The coffee table?” Sir Iturralde looked around.

“No, I’ll take the tray and eat on the bed.” She went back to the wash basin and took a piece of soap to wash her hands, then rinsed it with the remaining water in the jug. She walked back to her bed and sat on the side where she’d woken up.

“I’ve sent the valets to pick up some pastries for you in town, my lady. They will return before dinner.”

“Wonderful! Thank you.”

Tori adjusted herself to sit back against the headboard and then let Sir Iturralde place the wooden tray with the small bowl and spoon on her lap. “Do you need anything else, my lady?”

“No, I will eat and then rest some more,” Tori replied. Sir Iturralde looked relieved at once. She smiled and nodded.

“Then, I will return to my post. Sir Aguilar will come and switch with me in an hour.” She stepped back and gave Tori a bow before turning around and walking to the changing screen to gather Tori’s clothes. Once the door closed when she left, Piers quietly returned to his seat by her bed.

He inched a bit closer to her with a worried look. “Do you want me to feed you?”

“No, I can hold a spoon.”

“What about blowing on it? Is it hot?”

“Not that hot,” Tori said. She blew across the spoon before putting it in her mouth. The soup was quite flavorful, and she quickly devoured the bowl.

“Do you want another?” Piers asked. She wanted to say yes, but shook her head.

“No, it’s fine. A little bit at a time. Sir Iturralde said she would send the Tetri valets to go to town to get me some pastries,” she said. She pushed the tray forward and Piers moved to pick it up. He brought it to the door and handed it to Sir Iturralde before returning to his seat. “Aren’t you going to rest?”

“All the rooms are taken below,” he said. “The chair is fine. I don’t need to sleep.”

Tori frowned. She could see shadows under his eyes. “How long have you been awake?”

“Not long.” He avoided her eyes and turned his head away.

“You’re going to lie to me?” She watched his body deflate. Guilty, he shook his head.

“I haven’t slept since I arrived.”

“It was late afternoon when you arrived.” Tori frowned. That meant that he’d been awake that day, as well. “Piers, lay down and get some sleep.” She patted the side of the bed next to her.

Piers tensed in his seat. He shook his head. “I can sleep on the chair.”

“Nonsense, you’ve been up for at least two and a half days.” Tori didn’t bother to hide her irritation. “Lay down and go to sleep.”

Piers glanced at her and then shot to his feet. “I can sleep on the sofa.” He walked towards it and stopped. Instructor Ignatius’ used blanket and pillow were still strewn about. Tori knew very well that he didn’t want to sleep in someone else’s used spot. He wouldn’t even sleep in Axton’s bed in the tent during Ewan’s birthday. In addition, Instructor Ignatius also looked tired. If he had to rest, he’d return to sleep there.

“Piers.” Tori watched him begin to pace the room. “Piers, just sleep on the bed. This side is unused.” He was particular about where he slept; he’d even change the sheets on the cushions of the day bed at Cafe Fortuna before he used it.

He stopped by the window and looked towards her. His face reddened and she almost couldn’t believe it. Was he being shy? Why was he being shy now when he needed to sleep? Why not when he was sleeping across from her in the carriage?

“You’re using the bed,” he said.

“Yes. It’s a big bed. I’m not taking up the whole thing,” Tori said. Unlike the beds in the guest rooms below, the master suite’s bed was massive. “This can fit at least three full grown adults. You can sleep on the other side. It’s clean. I haven’t touched it.” She motioned to the far end of the bed, which had untouched pillows and a still flat blanket and sheets. She wouldn’t be able to touch him from her side if she stretched out her arms.

Piers seemed to hesitate. “Tori-”

“You’ve slept across from me in the carriage. It’s the same distance.” This was starting to annoy her. She already said it was clean. “Piers, you need to sleep. There is nothing more to it than that. If you’re uncomfortable, then we can put pillows between us! I won’t bother you.” He still hesitated. Oh my God, are you serious? Tori tilted her head back. “Okay, fine.” She scooted off the bed. “I’ll sleep on the sofa, and you sleep on the bed. When Instructor Ignatius comes, he can share with you and stay on my side. Fair?”

His face fell. “No, you need the bed.”

“I’m short. I can sleep on the sofa.” Tori gave him another dismissive wave. She picked up her pillow and walked to the sofa. She tossed Instructor Ignatius’ pillow to one of the chairs and replaced it with hers, then fell back against it. “Now, go to sleep!”

Piers seemed to freeze before she heard the creak of the bed. Satisfied, Tori curled up on her side and closed her eyes. The sooner she slept, the faster the time would come when she could wake up to something sweet to eat. Her mind drifted off to desserts that could be brought back.

When she was at Reflection Lake last year, she had a delicious berry and cream puff pastry. They told her it was a specialty of the region. Maybe they’d bring her back that puff?

She could almost smell the sweet cream in the lightly sugar-dusted puff.

Tori took a deep breath. Sugar.

A smile tugged at her lips as her eyes slowly opened. The room was dark and she briefly wondered how long she’d been asleep. She rolled over on her side to look towards the window and paused. She should be able to see the window from the couch. Tori furrowed her brows and shifted around. There was no seat back. She stretched out her arm and felt something soft and puffy.

Pillows? Tori squinted and tried to adjust her eyes to the thin sliver of moonlight coming from between the curtains. She could make out a pile of numerous pillows to one side of her and she narrowed her eyes.

She pushed herself up and peered over the pillow wall.

The corner of her lip curled up once more. Piers was sleeping soundly with his mouth slightly open and his silk eye mask on. She looked around her and wondered if one of the knights had carried her on to the bed when they checked in on her and found her curled up on the sofa.

It wasn’t uncomfortable; her feet didn’t reach the other end. Perhaps Sir Aguilar or Sir Iturralde didn’t think she should be sleeping on a sofa in her condition and carried her back. Since she was there, she might as well continue sleeping and eat her pastry in the morning.

She licked her lips. She could almost taste that puffy berry and cream pastry.... Her salivating came to a halt. Tori lifted her chin and sniffed the air. There was a faint scent of something sweet. Did the valets choose to bake her something? She shook her head. In Soleil, baking was a specialized cooking style. It wasn’t something most servants simply picked up for fun.

And Sir Iturralde told her that the valets had gone to town. Tori narrowed her eyes and sniffed the air again. Why did the air smell sweet?

Her blood ran cold.

No...no, it’s a coincidence.

Her eyes flickered to the window. But it was so dark; who would be baking? She kicked off her blanket and stumbled towards her desk, not caring if she woke up Piers. She then rummaged through her notebooks to find Kasen’s old notebook.

Her heart trembled in her chest as she fumbled through and found the worn old thing. She flipped through the pages; she had left some old charms pinned inside as bookmarks.

The notebook opened to a page, and she grabbed the charm, flipping it around.

The characters gave off a faint glow and her heart sank.

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