Chapter 44: That’s a Stupid Reason to Get Drunk

“You can pack. I can go without you.”

“Senior Kasen told me to watch you.”

“Are you Senior Kasen’s knight or mine?”

“Yours, but you won’t kill me. They will.”

Gideon heard the voices of his brother and Sir Nassaun around the corner and quickened his speed. He came for a family dinner with his parents the night before, but his brother and his godbrother, Sir Axton Nassaun, weren’t at the table.

His mother distractedly told him that they had a prior engagement and couldn’t make it. Gideon had been disappointed. Though they went to school near each other, he hardly saw his esteemed older brother. Piers only came to the big family dinners once a month and when he did, he’d usually sit at the other end of the table with their Great Uncle.

Gideon rarely had a chance to speak to him. Since he was leaving that afternoon, he thought he’d miss his brother yet again, but it seems he was lucky.

He rounded the corner and saw the broad shoulders of his brother and Sir Nassaun walking towards the gatehouse. Gideon’s eyes widened. “Piers!” His brother paused and looked over his shoulder. Their eyes met and his brother gave him a small nod before turning forward and continuing on his way. Gideon began to run. “Wait! Where are you going?”

Piers continued walking without looking back. “I have an appointment today.”

“Is it by Lycée? I need to go back.”

“No, it’s not,” Piers said. Axton stepped a bit to the side, as if to allow a space between him and Piers so Gideon could squeeze between them.

“Is it far from here?” Gideon continued earnestly. He didn’t hide that he was interested in spending time with his brother. Piers was aloof and always busy. If Gideon didn’t put in an effort, he’d never get to say a word to him.

“In the twelfth district. I’m getting a suit made for Mother’s birthday banquet.” Piers paused for a second and glanced down at him. “You’re at the age where you’re growing quickly. You should get re-measured and order another.”

A wide smile filled Gideon’s face. His brother had noticed he had gotten taller! He nodded energetically. “Yes, I’ll do that!”

Piers gave him a subtle nod of approval. Gideon lived for those. No one else in the empire had a more outstanding brother than him. A top student his entire life, a talented swordsman, and a kind, but firm person. If only his brother wasn’t so averse to being around other people, he would’ve made an excellent crown prince and emperor.

However, Piers hated doing anything remotely social. His only friend was Axton and unless he was talking about policies, trade, or had thoughts on diplomatic relations, Piers answered in short, clipped sentences. The fact that he told Gideon to get re-measured for a suit elated him.

“I think you should also get additional suits for the lunches and dinners this summer,” Axton said, suddenly, from his right. Gideon furrowed his brows and looked at his godbrother.

“Lunches and dinners?” His notoriously unsociable brother wouldn’t attend such things. If it wasn’t an important imperial function that required his presence, Piers wouldn’t set foot in a ballroom.

The corner of Axton’s lip curled into a small smirk. “He has been attending more functions lately. Haven’t you noticed?”

Gideon narrowed his eyes. He remembered his surprise at seeing his brother at the Prime Minister’s evening party months ago. Had Piers attended others since then? His lips fell into a frown. Was it because of Lady Guevera?

That selfish girl didn’t seem to have any restraint. It was one thing to lead around her little commoner friends in Lycée, but to take advantage of his brother because of Piers’ connection to her brothers? She was going too far. Piers was not there for her to use as a prop to help her advertise and sell her ridiculous coats to the aristocracy.

His face was dark as he looked back at his brother. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.”

His brother’s expression didn’t change. “Who said I don’t want to?”

Gideon tilted his head to the side. He didn’t expect that from Piers. His brother had turned nineteen in the second month and for all those years, Gideon knew his brother didn’t like going to social events.

Piers hated being around too many people.

He disliked loud atmospheres.

He didn’t like to be touched and if someone got too close, he’d involuntarily step away. If he didn’t and was uncomfortable for too long, he’d start to get very anxious and lash out if he couldn’t leave the situation quickly. Why would Piers put himself in such a stressful position?

The only reason Gideon could think of that would change his brother’s mind was that Lady Guevera was putting pressure on him and making him go. Many people, including himself, knew that his brother’s famous Lycée project restoring aqueducts received a lot of help from Lord Kasen Guevera and that his brother’s skill with a sword was sharpened by Lord Sebastian Guevera.

It was clear that their younger sister was using them as leverage to control his brother.

“Is it because of Lady Guevera?” he asked, but he already knew the truth. He didn’t seem to notice Axton raising a brow at him. He kept his eyes on his brother’s stoic face.

They walked in silence for a few more steps before Piers answered. “It is.”

I knew it! Gideon’s face reddened. He clenched his hands at his side. A girl like Lady Guevera was remorseless in using other people. Her circle of ‘friends’ included the city guild master’s son, who he heard managed all the paperwork for her store. It also included Agafonova, one of the richest girls in the school, who was always sent to fetch Lady Guevera's lunch.

Not to mention Agafonova was the likely reason Lady Guevera’s rank had risen so dramatically. It was obvious that she was using her so-called friends and was now using his brother for clout.

They reached the open doorway to the gatehouse and as they stepped out, Axton went to tell one of the servants to fetch a carriage instead of Snow Queen.

As they stood there, waiting, Gideon stepped in front of his brother.

“You don’t have to listen to her,” he said in a firm voice. His brother’s indifferent, violet eyes lowered and met his, but he said nothing. Gideon swallowed hard and continued on. “I know you feel you owe her brothers for how much they’ve helped you in the past, but that doesn’t mean you owe her.”

Piers’ head tilted ever so slightly. His eyes narrowed just a bit. “You think I owe her?”

“No! That’s what I’m saying! You don’t owe her.” Gideon tried to explain. He lifted a hand and ran it through his short silver hair. “She has no right to ask anything of you!”

“I am aware.”

“Then don’t force yourself to go to those lunches and dinners,” Gideon said as he lowered his arms helplessly at his sides. “I know you don’t like being around a lot of people. It makes you anxious.” He looked down, wishing he could keep Lady Guevera away from his benevolent older brother.

“It is something I need to learn to do,” Piers said in a slow, measured voice. “There is nothing for you to worry about.”

“How can I not worry about you?” Gideon said, his eyes reddening. “You’re my brother!”

Since he was a child, his parents had told him that Piers was sensitive and shouldn’t be bothered. He complained that he wanted to play with his brother, whom he always heard was brilliant, but his parents and the other adults around him told him that Piers didn’t like being around other people for too long.

He was only six the first time he saw Piers become overwhelmed at a function and run out, yelling. Axton had run after him. Gideon was both worried and curious, so he followed them. He found his brother curled up on sofa in the library, eyes closed and counting slowly with Axton.

Until that moment, Gideon always saw his brother as composed, disciplined, and elegant. Piers was quiet and didn't speak much. When he did, people stopped to listen. He was the very picture of a young prince that Gideon aspired to be. Seeing his brother breaking under pressure he couldn’t control was an image that lingered with Gideon.

He had decided that he could no longer be so insistent on forcing his whims on Piers. He didn’t want to upset his brother. He didn’t want his esteemed brother to dislike him.

Gideon accepted that Piers was different and would go through his life doing what he wanted. No one in the family made Piers do otherwise, though his brother still tried to do the duties expected of him. The most Gideon could do was hope that one day his brother would overcome the anxiety he felt.

Having Axton around did seem to help Piers, but Gideon would never really know for sure, as Piers declined all social invitations. When he had to make an appearance at an imperial function, Piers stayed rooted in his seat, went off to find a dark, secluded corner, or simply left the venue as soon as he could and avoided talking to others.

That was why it was such a big shock to see his brother at the evening party, which had fifty to sixty guests.

“Gideon,” his brother’s low, smooth voice spoke up. “I will make my own choices. You should worry about your own.”

One of the white imperial carriages was brought to the gatehouse and slowed to a stop in front of them. The footman jumped down to open the door and Piers stepped inside.

“Where are we heading to, Sir Nassaun?” the driver asked. Gideon looked over towards Axton.

“Take him to the flat of Training Commander Reystrom in the Academic Quarter,” Axton said. “Then take them to the twelfth district. Daybreak Garden.”

“Yes, sir.”

Axton stepped back and looked towards the carriage. The curtains were pulled open, and Axton walked towards one of the windows and knocked on it. Piers gave him a questioning look from inside and then opened the window.

With a serious look on his face, Axton spoke up. “Don’t do anything questionable that will give me trouble.”

Gideon squinted. He could’ve sworn his brother almost smirked. “Even if I did, it’s not as if you can stop me.” He looked towards the front of the carriage. “Go!”

The carriage jerked forward, and Piers closed the window. Axton let out a heavy sigh and shook his head. Gideon stood with him at the gatehouse, watching the imperial carriage with Piers circle around and head towards the iron gates.

“Sir Nassaun,” Gideon said as the gates opened to let out the carriage. He felt a tightness in his chest. “I thought my brother wasn’t going near Lycée.”

“He’s only going there to pick someone up.” Axton turned around and headed back inside. “Your Highness doesn’t need to worry.”

Gideon turned as Axton reached the doorway. “Is he picking up Lady Guevera?” Axton’s long legs seemed to slow to a stop. His shoulders heaved with a heavy breath before he looked over his shoulder.

“And if he was, do you think you could stop him?” Axton asked.

Gideon’s face reddened once more. “Why does she keep calling on my brother! How annoying!”

Axton gave him a strange look and shook his head. “Your Highness...Gideon.... I don’t know why you dislike Lady Guevera-”

“She’s selfish and manipulative! She uses people and it’s clear she’s using my brother!”

Axton let out another low breath. “It’s not that simple-”

“I know you’re just going to defend her because of her brothers, but I’m not going to stand for it. I won’t stand by and let her put my brother through such situations where he’d have another attack.” Determined, he marched up the stairs and swept past Axton.

“Gideon!” He made it a few more steps before Axton’s voice boomed and filled the hall. It was rare that Axton, though habitually informal with Piers, would simply call him by his name. He turned around and saw a frown across Axton’s face. His eyes were narrowed and unusually cold. “Do not get involved between your brother and Tori. I don’t care what problem you have with her, but her relationship with Piers has nothing to do with you, or me, for that matter.” He slowly moved closer, until he was almost looming over Gideon.

Gideon couldn’t help but shrink back a bit. “But...she’s....”

“No.” Axton’s voice was firm. “Don’t get involved or your brother will never forgive you.” With one final look of warning, Axton circled around him and walked away.

Gideon could feel his heart racing as he thought of the uncharacteristic reaction of Axton at his concern. Did Lady Guevera have some sort of influence over Axton, as well? Was it because of her brothers? Her family?

He narrowed his eyes as his hands clenched once more. The Gueveras were powerful and wealthy. They and the other marches were the walls that protected Soleil and helped assert their power. His mother was from a marquis family and so, he’d grown up respecting them.

But when he heard about Victoria de Guevera buying her way into Lycée, he almost couldn’t believe it. He’d heard about it the moment he entered Lycée and went to his dorm. Her name was posted in the signboard listing rooms and this prompted everyone to talk.

Students from her hometown spoke very badly of her. Perhaps if it was just one or two people spreading rumors, he could look past it, but even upperclassmen from the region confirmed that Lady Guevera was spoiled, arrogant, and had historically low academic performance. It was impossible for her to get into Lycée, so she must've bought her way in.

That was not befitting of someone from a marquis family, and it angered Gideon that she would act so terribly and shame her family.

Had she no sense of decency?

She was nothing like Alessa. Alessa was humble and calm, from a modest barony with only her father as her remaining family. She understood the plights of commoners and though a noble herself, she didn’t act like one. And Gideon knew how nobles acted.

Alessa was kind and gentle. The first time they met, she was trying to help another student find their way to the east dorm despite her own dorm being the west one. When it became clear she was confused, she saw him and asked for help. She then thanked him and happily introduced herself.

She had a beautiful smile and Gideon couldn’t help but wear his own when he thought of it. She was always willing to help others.

In comparison, Lady Guevera didn’t even want to give up her seat when asked so that Alessa could see the board. They’d already clashed the day they were looking for their classes. She snubbed him then. They had just met and she was so rude, even knowing that he was the second prince of Soleil.

Gideon narrowed his eyes. Now he knew that she met his older brother first and likely didn’t bother with him because she was targeting Piers to use. Gideon let out a low scoff. Alessa had tried to tell him that it was likely because Lady Guevera was just tired from moving in or didn’t mean to be rude, but every time he looked at Lady Guevera, she acted as if she were better than everyone else and even looked down on Alessa when Alessa offered her a map.

Lady Guevera rarely greeted anyone except for her roommate and her group from the excursion. Even then, she blatantly waved her wealth in front of them, making them buy new clothes and accessories for the excursion just so she could be comfortable. Those poor, foolish commoners were only following her for the benefits she provided. It was obvious. Why else would they befriend such an arrogant young woman?

They even stood to the side and let her control their tents and take credit for opening that store. Thinking about Lions Gate made Gideon’s blood heat up. He didn’t plan to go to its grand opening, nor could he, as his brother went home that weekend and wanted to speak to him about Lycée.

He’d been so excited to go home only to have Piers tell him not to demand so much from others or abuse his status as a prince. Piers must’ve been worried that the new environment would shake his morals and Gideon was touched he was concerned. Unfortunately, because of this, Gideon hadn’t been at Alessa’s side when Lady Guevera humiliated her in public and accused her of stealing her vest design.

He wanted to go and confront Lady Guevera, but Alessa had cried, clinging to his arm and begging him not to, as Lady Guevera could retaliate against Alessa’s merchant friend. Seeing how much Alessa wanted to protect her friend, Gideon restrained himself. Alessa also wanted to protect Lady Guevera during the cheating scandal, but the look of sheer hatred Lady Guevera gave Alessa because of it was now a shadow over Alessa’s heart.

Now, whenever Alessa saw Lady Guevera, she’d try to avoid her and if she couldn’t, she’d shrink back, afraid. Then, Lady Guevera’s misdirected friend slapped Alessa and rather than apologize, Lady Guevera protected her violent friend!

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If it weren’t for his brother’s words telling him not to abuse his status as a prince, Gideon would’ve demanded expulsion from Headmaster Laurent. All Alessa wanted to do was beg for her friend to be spared, but Lady Guevera wouldn’t even allow for that. He didn’t know what she had against Alessa to refuse her the freedom of a helpless commoner, and then to violently attack Fabian when Fabian was only trying to regain Alessa’s honor.

Why did Lady Guevera dislike Alessa so much? Wasn’t it enough that she was wealthier and more powerful than Alessa?

Gideon ran his hand through his hair once more. He needed to be careful or else Lady Guevera would lash out again.

A flash caught the corner of his eye and he looked down at the glow coming from his breast pocket. He reached down and took out his comcry. His face instantly softened as he read the name. He slid his finger across.

“Alessa?”

“Gideon?” Her voice shook a bit and he frowned and came to a stop.

“Is something wrong?”

“I just...I needed someone to talk to.” Alessa’s voice was hesitant.

“Then, talk to me,” he said as he walked out into one of the garden courtyards. “What’s wrong? Are you having trouble with a rental carriage back to Chetterswickshire? If you want, I can help with one of ours.”

“No, it’s not that,” Alessa said. “It’s my Lycée project.”

“What about it? Were the sisters contacted by the Archbishop of Horizon’s clerks?”

“Yes! I am very thankful for your help. Having the Church of Belcoy involved will be of great help to the church and the orphanage. I can’t thank you enough, Gideon. If I can ever return the favor-”

“Don’t say such a thing,” Gideon said, smiling intently as he walked down a gravel path around the garden. “I want to help. If there is anything else I can do, say the word.”

“I’ve already asked you for so much.”

“Nonsense!” Gideon stood up straight. “You haven’t asked for much at all. I’m the second prince of Soleil. It is only right that I do what I can to help my people when given the opportunity.”

“You are a wonderful prince. I am lucky to have met you.”

“...and I’m lucky to have met you, as well.” He paused for a moment, imagining her on the other end, smiling at the crystal fondly. “Tell me, is there anything else I can do? You sound as if you’re worried about something.”

“It’s a small matter. I will find a solution.”

“Well, what is the problem? Perhaps I can be of assistance again.”

Alessa seemed to hesitate before she spoke up. “As you know, my project is to help with the educational needs of the children at the orphanage. I have begun to look for teachers, such as going to schools and inquiring with friends’ parents about tutors who may be interested.”

“Did you find anyone?”

“I have! There were a few that were promising, especially for small children,” Alessa said. “However, they rejected my offer. I don’t think the amount I was offering to pay was enough.”

Gideon cocked his head to the side. “Then, perhaps we can offer more.”

“I tried to increase the offer,” Alessa said. “But the ones I wanted to hire to teach the orphans had already signed contracts to teach elsewhere.”

“Where?”

“The delta.” Her voice was forlorn, as if she were already defeated. “I can’t compete with Lady Guevera, Your Highness. I can’t. Not when it comes to money.”

The last time Tori got drunk and then hungover, she was twenty-two and was visiting a friend at his university. She remembered drinking more than her fair share of a bottle of moscato, drunkenly eating cookies, then politely thanking him for letting her stay over for the weekend before crashing in his room while he took the couch.

Tori always felt she made really good friends and that extended to this world, as well.

“No...you take it.” Ilyana pushed the dark metallic gray, palm-sized crystal forward. “You’re going out today.”

“You drank more than me.” Tori pushed the hematite back at her. “Just use it.” She thought she was past her days of getting drunk at house parties. She was forty inside and knew better, at least she hoped.

Yet, she had drunk that sparkling sweet wine at Henrik’s birthday party the night before as if it was water without realizing it. Maybe it was the relief of final exams being over, coupled with her completed end-of-term Lycée project report that made her indulge more than usual. Or maybe it was because she felt so comfortable around the group that gathered that she didn’t restrain herself.

Whatever the reason, she and the others had gotten drunk, and it was up to Axton and Piers to be the responsible adults.

Last night started normally. She had arrived before dinner at Henrik’s house with the new coffee-infused frozen custard she’d worked on at Cafe Fortuna. Mama J’s youngest son, who was a pastry chef student, helped her. She’d also brought her favorite strawberry gelato and plain frozen custard in coolers, which were wooden boxes with slabs of ice calcite to keep the items cold, though not freeze them over. She asked Instructor Ignatius for his help, and he was more than happy to aid her.

Henrik’s parents happily welcomed her into their house. Of her local friends, Henrik was the most well-off and it showed. His house was similar to her Auntie Lucia’s: multi-storied with a yard and on a relatively major street in the eleventh district. It was kept up well and had plenty of rooms.

Tori also discovered that Henrik had a younger sister who looked similar to him: straight, thin blonde hair, brown eyes, and an air of disinterest. When she asked why no one told her about Henrik’s sister, Sonia said that the two weren’t very close. She, JP, and Ewan hardly had any contact with Henrik’s sister.

Henrik and Annika, who was a year younger, didn’t seem to have any interest in each other. She was present at the party, but didn’t hang around them despite being so close in age. She only said two things to Tori: “It’s an honor to meet you, my lady” and “thank you for the frozen custard; it’s delicious”, which was said before she left to go to her friend’s house down the street.

After they had a nice, formal meal at the dining table, Henrik took them to the parlor to play some games. That was when Axton and Piers arrived. Henrik forgot to tell his parents that they were coming after dinner, and when the first prince and his knight showed up, Tori could almost see the guild master’s soul leaving him.

Henrik’s parents scrambled to prepare snacks and beverages fitting enough to serve to a member of the imperial family despite Axton’s protests. That was how the expensive sparkling wine appeared before them.

Axton nursed a glass the rest of the evening, as he was on Tori’s team with Ewan and Albert, and seemed to want to win. Piers, who once more was keeping score and calling time, didn’t drink at all.

Ilyana had also seemed to like the wine and kept refilling Tori’s glass. Tori had continuously drank, not thinking much about it.

Tori narrowed her eyes as she replayed last night’s memories in her head. Now that she thought about it, the wine was good, but not good enough for her to drink it like water. She drank it like water because they were yelling and screaming over the games and her throat was parched. She was too distracted to ask for water.

Well, that’s a stupid reason to get drunk, Tori.

Piers had called for the end of the games when Ilyana had fallen asleep against Sonia, who was wedged between Ilyana and JP, who had also fallen asleep. Albert had looked ready to pass out at any moment and Henrik was drunkenly arguing with Ewan about whether or not a particular writer was a source of a quote. Ewan was correct.

Guild master Skuldsen and his wife had prepared rooms for them, but Tori had shaken her head and refused to be a burden. Their house only had so many beds. Tori had insisted that she could take Ilyana and herself back.

Sure, her motor skills were impaired and there was no way she could carry Ilyana back to Lycée by herself, but she didn’t want to trouble the couple. She’d have to use a rental carriage. Then she needed to get Ilyana from the carriage to their dorm. That posed another possible problem.

Concerned that they could get in trouble for returning to Lycée drunk, her clouded mind had tried to come up with another solution. They could go to a nearby inn, but Tori didn’t want to do that after what almost happened with Ilyana during winter break. Tori's second choice was to call her aunt, but then, she worried about what her aunt would say. It was already late and stumbling home drunk wouldn’t make for a good impression on Marco and Mateo.

In the end, Tori called Nanny Rey. She remembered blubbering to Piers and Axton with drunken confidence that “Nanny won’t sell me out”. Tori cringed at the memory. They wouldn’t know what that meant, but she was drunk, so she hoped they’d ignore it.

Axton and Piers had taken her and Ilyana to Nanny Rey’s flat in a rental carriage. Axton had to carry Ilyana in. Tori vaguely remembered moving away from Piers when he tried to steady her and telling him “no, you don’t like touchy”. She had trouble getting into the carriage by herself and finally, Axton lifted her up and put her on the bench next to Ilyana with orders not to move.

He and Piers then escorted the carriage on horseback. Nanny Rey had been waiting outside for them, looking worried. She had rushed forward and nearly threw open the door when the carriage stopped.

Tori remembered her nanny telling Axton and Piers that she’d take care of the two and for them to go home after Axton heaved Ilyana over one shoulder and half dragged Tori inside.

He had helped them into the parlor before leaving. Nanny Rey then brought Ilyana to the spare bedroom with Tori’s help. At least, Tori thought she was helping. They had managed to get Ilyana on the spare bed, but before she could make it to Nanny Rey’s bed, Tori had fallen asleep on the floor and somehow robbed Ilyana of a blanket.

When Tori woke up, she was on Nanny Rey’s bed, wrapped in a blanket with a dry mouth and a throbbing headache. It was well past mid-morning when Nanny Rey finally came to wake them and usher them to the kitchen to eat something. The two now sat there in a daze as they tried to deal with their hangovers.

Ilyana tried to shake her head to refuse the crystal, but winced. Tori took the crystal and leaned over, placing it on Ilyana’s forehead, just between her brows. Ilyana’s tense shoulders eased. “Thank you, Tori.”

“Hold it against your head,” Tori said. Ilyana did as she was told, and Tori sat back down.

“What time is His Highness coming to get you?” Ilyana asked. Her eyes were still closed as she leaned back against the chair. They were seated at a small kitchen table in Nanny Rey’s flat and the warm scent of beef stew wafted from the stove.

“After lunch,” Tori said, gently rubbing her temples. “Do you want us to drop you off at Lycée?”

“No! I can’t intrude!”

Tori narrowed her eyes and looked over at her. “Intrude on what?”

“On your outing with His Highness!”

“We’re going to get measured and order clothes for his mother’s birthday banquet. Lycée is on the way. We’ll drop you off.”

Ilyana shifted beside her and drew in her lips. “Actually, I don’t plan on leaving yet. My headache hurts and my eyes...hurt. I’m going to stay here a little longer.”

She knew what Ilyana was doing, but didn’t want to argue.

“My angels, drink this.” Nanny Rey placed two bowls of thick stew in front of them. “It will help.”

They didn’t refuse and reached for the spoons. Slurping sounds filled the kitchen as Nanny Rey lectured them on the hazards of drinking. Every now and then, the two would mutter an apology or a reassurance that it wouldn’t happen again.

“Nanny, can I have another bowl?” Ilyana asked. Tori was about to ask as well, when a knock came from the door.

Nanny Rey went to answer it and Tori let out a heavy breath, knowing who it was. “Good afternoon, Your Highness.”

“Training Commander.” Piers said.

“My angel, His Highness is here for you!” Nanny Rey walked back into the kitchen and Tori could see Piers peering inside.

“Okay, I’m going to go,” Tori said. She looked at Ilyana. “Rest here until you feel better.” Ilyana gave her a small, tired nod.

“I will make sure she rests,” Nanny Rey said as she put Tori’s spring cloak around her shoulders. “And I will see her off to Lycée myself.”

“Thank you, Nanny.” Tori hugged the old woman before walking to the door. Piers greeted her with a small nod.

“Your Highness,” she heard Nanny Rey say behind her. She didn’t say anything else, and Tori looked over her shoulder just in time to see a cold, dangerous look on the old woman’s face. She furrowed her brows, but before she could ask questions, Piers ushered her out and to the carriage.

She climbed inside and immediately reclined on the seat bench. Piers followed and sat across, on the opposite bench. The footman closed the door and Piers ordered them to go.

“You didn’t get much sleep?” There was a slight smile on Piers’ lips and Tori shot him a glare.

“I got plenty of sleep,” Tori said in a sharp voice. “Sleeping was not a problem.” She paused and shut her eyes tight as she leaned against the back of the carriage. “Drinking too much was the problem.”

She heard a muffled laugh in front of her and, if her head didn’t throb, she would've sat up and glared at him. “Why didn’t you use a crystal to ease your headache? Hematite works, doesn’t it?”

“I gave it to Ilyana. She’s also hungover.”

“I told you not to drink too much last night.”

“I didn’t think I did!” She grimaced as she sat up quickly and lifted her hand to rub her head. “I was thirsty, so I kept drinking.”

“Now you are hungover.”

“I’m surprised you know what that is.”

“Axton has been hungover.”

“But not you?”

“I am sensible.” Despite herself, she shot him a glare. Piers looked pleased with himself. He reached into his pocket and took out two smooth, thumb-sized pieces of hematite. He leaned forward, with one in each hand, and held them out. “Come here,” he said. “I’ll make you feel better.”

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