Chapter 54: The Ice Queen from Lycée

Antonia knew exactly what Monica wanted and, though she had no real qualms with Monica and Matthieu-Philippe as in-laws, she had sworn to herself that she would never betroth her children. That was why she had no problem throwing all formality away when she wedged herself between Monica and Tori when the attendant found them, and dragged Monica off.

Who was going to stop her? The Imperial Knights and Guards? Monica already told her escorts not to get between them. Antonia had one objective with her friend and that was to protect her daughter from her.

It was common for aristocracy, politicians, and merchants of means to select the children of friends and allies to marry to their own, but it wasn’t practiced in her maternal family. They thought it was archaic.

They’d do various introductions and encourage relationships to form, but they would not agree to a betrothal, especially when their children were young. There were too many things that could go wrong when a well written contract could suffice without the emotional baggage attached.

There were many who didn’t agree with this, such as the nobles of the Central Corridor, but it worked for her family and the marquis family she married into. Genevieve was betrothed when she was a baby and so ingrained was the betrothal in her mind, that Antonia felt she knew of no other option and was guilted into it. Guilted into giving that bastard a chance.

Antonia knew he couldn’t be trusted. Her gut screamed it and she pleaded with Genevieve to break the engagement. Such a thing wasn’t unheard of. It was quite common, actually. Genevieve said she would, but in the end, she married the bastard anyway. Antonia was so angry that they didn’t talk for five years; not until Genevieve called and said she wanted Antonia’s help in arranging her will. Antonia was going to reject her.

Only Monica’s interference changed Antonia’s mind. By then, Genevieve was terminally ill and Antonia could only hold her tongue to keep from admonishing her for not listening.

Antonia’s own marriage, though backed by contracts agreed upon by both partners before they finalized their engagement, came about because her husband was not only charming and good-looking, but treated her well and was honest to her. She fell for him faster than she’d like to admit.

Of course, her father didn’t agree at first. Gregorio was once her father’s student and her father thought Gregorio wasn’t intelligent enough for her. Monica, back when she was just the daughter of Marquis von Schwert, told her that her father was right; Gregorio was an idiot. Monica was familiar with all the marquis families and Antonia should’ve listened to her.

But she’d be lying if she said she wasn't attracted to Gregorio when he came to Horizon for a tournament. She refused to call it ‘love at first sight’, but she made sure she tagged along with Monica to a dinner just to meet him. He was the only man she’d danced with that night and never looked back. Gregorio worked hard to prove himself to her father, though to this day, her father still thought he was an idiot.

It was a bit unfair considering her family had a reputation of producing brilliant people. Gregorio wasn’t an idiot. He just wasn’t as exceeding as her in particular fields and skill sets, which was fine. They balanced each other. Also, her Gregorio was aging very well.

Monica had been pursued by the then Prince Matthieu-Philippe, who was two years younger than them, and was so determined, Oliver, Monica’s older brother and the best swordsman of their generation, couldn’t deter him.

That was the kind of determined devotion Antonia wanted for Tori, but she didn’t think it would actually come from Monica’s oldest son. She knew about Piers’ behavioral difficulties as a child, and that he was withdrawn and socially anxious as an adult. Antonia didn’t mind that; after all, she and her family supported him as crown prince.

What she minded was Monica’s painful enthusiasm at the prospect of her eldest son, whom she was always concerned about, interested in someone. Not only did Piers willingly spend time with Tori, but he went out of his way to help her. Often.

If Antonia let Monica have her way, she’d lure Tori into an engagement and try to marry them as soon as legally possible. Her daughter was too kind and accommodating; there was too large of a chance she’d agree to Monica’s ridiculous idea.

“I wasn’t doing anything wrong,” Monica said as she sat across from her. Antonia calmly placed some cured meat on a piece of bread, but didn’t answer. “All I did was invite her to my birthday banquet.”

“And why would you invite my daughter to your birthday banquet?” Antonia asked before taking a bite.

Monica shifted in her seat and quietly reached for her coffee.

The setting they were in was strange if one didn’t know their history. The two women were seated in a small parlor, eating breakfast with their personal attendants standing on opposite sides of the room. The imperial knights were standing by outside the door, along with Guevera and O’Tuagh knights.

If a passer-by didn’t know any better, one of them was being detained for questioning. And it wasn’t Antonia.

“She’s my friend’s daughter!” Monica said with a gasp, as if she were offended that her actions would be questioned. “Of course, I would invite her!”

“You didn’t invite her to other functions before this.”

Monica waved her hand dismissively. “This is my personal birthday banquet, Toni. All previous functions were state-related. They’d be too boring for a young woman. Besides, Tori had just started Lycée and needed to get acclimated.”

“What if she’s too busy to go now? You know how challenging her project is.” Antonia’s eyes narrowed and Monica averted her gaze.

“That’s why I wanted to talk to her.” Monica frowned and shot an irritated look at Antonia. “I didn’t want to force her to go, but this whole time, you’ve purposely kept me busy so I couldn’t talk to her!”

“So, you’ve noticed.”

“Of course, I’ve noticed. It’s rather obvious. I can see why you’d keep her away from Gideon, but I haven’t done anything.”

Antonia gave her a deadpan look. “You sneaked out of your room this morning to wait for her outside and then chased her into the garden.”

“I didn’t chase her, Antonia Maria. I waited and intercepted her. There is a difference.” Monica bit into a piece of toast with smoked salmon and chewed it violently. “I just wanted to talk to her.”

“Why.”

“Why can’t I get to know my friend’s daughter?” Monica frowned. “Genevieve only had a son. I only have sons. You’re the only one with a daughter!”

“Monica, do you only have two friends?”

For a moment the two women stared at each other. “I thought marrying Gregorio would loosen you up, but I see you’re still the Ice Queen from Lycée. So cold...even to me.” Monica lifted her hand and pretended to wipe a non-existent tear. “But it’s fine. I still love you.”

“And since you love me, you love my daughter?”

“Yes. I’ve had Sebastian and Kasen over before,” Monica said, proudly.

“Your brother had to go to war, so you hired my son to replace him as an instructor for Piers.”

“That was Oliver’s recommendation and he got Gregorio’s approval.”

“And you only invited Kasen over when he was in Université and assisting Piers with his Lycée project,” Antonia said, knowingly.

“That is why I want to rectify that and invite Tori over earlier.” Monica appeared very confident.

Antonia raised a brow and slowly chewed her food before swallowing. “And this has nothing to do with the fact that my daughter has been escorting your son to social events and your son has been aiding my daughter with her project?”

Monica sighed. “Those are coincidences. A bonus, if you will. Uncle Emil and Auntie Vivian have spoken very highly of her. Doesn’t it make sense that I’d like to meet her?”

Antonia let out a low breath and lifted a serviette to dab at the corners of her mouth. “Monica. Be honest with me,” she said as she placed the cloth back on to the table and met Monica’s eyes. Part of her didn’t want to confirm this, but it would be necessary to know what the other party thought in order to counter it. “Do you want Tori to look at Piers as a prospective partner?”

The Empress’ eyes crinkled up and she was quiet. She seemed to be thinking of an answer that would appease Antonia. She lowered her head and knit her brows together.

“I want to encourage their relationship.”

Antonia lifted her head a bit. “What do you think their relationship is?”

Monica cringed. “Friends?”

“That’s right.”

“But what if it turns into something more?” Monica asked, sitting up straight, and appearing more attentive. “What if-”

“It will be my daughter’s decision.” Antonia narrowed her eyes. “You know how I feel about betrothals.”

“I’m not suggesting that we betroth them, Toni. I just want to encourage their relationship because it seems to be helping Piers’ social anxiety,” Monica told her. She grimaced and shook her head. “Not to say that I’m using your daughter for that purpose. My son just seems quite attached to her and is willing to take steps outside his comfort zone when she is involved.”

At this, Antonia frowned. “Monica, I understand that you are very protective of Piers and only want what’s best for him. However, don’t forget that I am protective of Tori. When I got her back, looking as if death would take her any moment, I swore that I would never put her in a position where she would suffer.” Her eyes reddened as she remembered the near skeletal infant in her arms fourteen years ago. “If she chose to walk away from Piers, nothing will keep her from doing so. Do you understand?”

Monica was quiet once more and then nodded. “I would not force your daughter to do something she wouldn’t want to do. If one day, she chose to pursue a life that didn’t involve Piers, then I will stand down.”

“I just want to make it clear that nothing will trap my daughter,” Antonia said in a firm voice. “As long as you understand this.”

Monica let out a low breath, admonished. “I understand.”

“Good.” Antonia reached forward and took her cup of coffee. She looked down at the half empty cup. She poured herself another cup and then lifted her hand for one of the attendants to come. “More coffee. And send Tori in.”

Monica’s head snapped up. Her eyes widened and she looked towards the door eagerly. Antonia rolled her eyes. “You’re going to let me talk to her?”

“You leave tomorrow. I should give you a chance.” Antonia took a sip from her cup. Monica smiled widely and rose from her seat, about to round the table to hug Antonia. “Don’t.”

“Right, Ice Queen.”

“At least try to show a regal bearing when Tori is here.”

“I am always regal.”

“I’m sure.”

There was a knock on the door and it opened to let in her daughter in a simple, maroon dress with her curly bundle of hair in a haphazard bun and a matching headband. “Mama, did you call for me?” She noticed the Empress immediately and made a polite curtsy. “Your Majesty.”

“My baby.” Antonia smiled warmly as she extended her hand, beckoning her daughter forward. Monica gave Tori a small nod before Tori reached her mother’s hand. Monica’s look of disturbed disbelief at how affectionate she was to Tori was not lost on Antonia. “The Empress has been asking to have coffee with you. Do you have a moment to join us? I know you’re quite busy.”

“I can make time, Mama,” Tori smiled as a third seat was brought to the table. “I just finished speaking to Instructor Ignatius about using ice calcite to cool the air indoors. I’m not scheduled to have lunch with Lady Idunn and play with Ava until later.”

“Good, have a seat.” Antonia had Tori sit next to her. She then put some pastries on the small plate in front of Tori.

Tori reached to pluck a cookie from the plate and looked at the Empress. “Your Majesty, thank you for having me. How can I help you?”

Monica opened her mouth, but Antonia cut her off. “My sweet, rest assured that I’ve told her everything that you told us about Prince Gideon and Sir von Dorn’s harassment.” Her sharp eyes turned to Monica.

The Empress gave another nod. “Lady Tori - may I call you Tori?” She reached forward to touch Tori’s hand and Antonia narrowed her eyes. Monica retracted her hand.

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

“Tori, then.” The Empress beamed for a moment, as if she’d gotten closer to Tori. She then furrowed her brows and tried to appear serious. “I was unaware that my second son had said such things to you. We are not a family that abuses their position and I have reprimanded him for accusing you of such things as buying your way into school and cheating. I am very upset that he did so without investigating whether or not it was true. Not that it would be. Your mother is brilliant and so I’d expect her daughter-”

“Your Majesty.” Antonia sent her a stern look.

“Yes, as I was saying,” the Empress said, unperturbed. “I will also discuss his actions with his father. In regard to Sir von Dorn, we have already decided to send him to La Garda as it is clear his discipline is lacking.”

Tori nodded and seemed to think for a moment. “What if Sir von Dorn refuses?”

The Empress raised a brow, as if she’d be surprised if he dared. “Then we will relieve him from the position of Gideon’s knight.”

Antonia watched her daughter’s eyes widen. “I see.” Tori seemed to smile as she munched on a piece of cake.

“If either of them continue to show you unwarranted animosity, please don’t hesitate to let us know,” the Empress said. “The Imperial Family does not approve of this sort of behavior.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind,” Tori said.

“With that ugliness behind us, I’d like to pick up where we left off this morning,” Monica said with an affectionate look at the teenager. “I was pulled away so rudely.” She shot a glare at Antonia, who pointedly ignored her. “It will be your first time at an imperial banquet. I know your mother likes to buy you dresses, but I believe a new, more extravagant one will be necessary.”

“Yes, that is what my seamstress said,” Tori agreed with a nod. “Rest assured, Your Majesty, I’ve taken the precaution of preparing a new dress fitting for the occasion.”

Tori likely didn’t notice, but Antonia did. A flash of disappointment went across the Empress’ face. Antonia held back a smirk.

“What about shoes?”

“I’ve also taken care of that.”

“Have you made arrangements for your hair?” Monica looked hopeful.

“Yes. My brother’s friend is coming to Auntie Lucia’s to do my hair that afternoon.” Tori took a sip of coffee and Antonia was pleased. Her daughter had become quite the planner.

“I see...then, I suppose there is nothing left for me to do but await your arrival,” Monica said, barely concealing her disappointment.

Tori smiled and gave her a small nod.

“Well, it seems that Her Majesty has asked all the questions she needed to ask,” Antonia said.

Monica took in a breath and stiffened in her seat. “I’m not-”

“I know you’re busy.” Antonia continued without mercy as she reached over and stroked some stray hairs out of her daughter’s face. “So you go ahead and get back to your day. I will keep Her Majesty company.”

Monica looked at her indignantly. Her eyes were wide and Antonia could see her silent look of ‘what are you doing; I’m not done.’.

“All right. Then, I will see you at dinner.” Tori finished her cookie and stood up. Antonia tilted her head, keeping her right cheek raised. Tori gave her an affectionate peck. “Don’t overwork yourself, Mama.” Tori looked at the Empress pleasantly and gave her another curtsy. “Enjoy the rest of your day, Your Majesty.”

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Monica clenched her jaw and watched helplessly as Tori left. As soon as the door closed, she turned back to Antonia with a glare. “You said you were going to let me talk to her!”

“I did.”

The Empress scowled and leaned back against her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. “I can’t believe I was so excited to see you....”

The gray castle perched on a rocky hill overlooking the harbor grew smaller and smaller the further they went from it, yet Monica found it difficult to take her eyes away. She loved her current life, family, and the Imperial Palace, but there was something about being back in the home of a marquis family that filled her with a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

Marquis families were always much more informal, especially in private. It made being around them more relaxing, at least to her. She’d spent the last few days arm in arm with her oldest friend, catching up and reminiscing. They had both been very busy in their respective positions and didn’t have time to see each other, though they called relatively often.

Perhaps not as often as Tori and her friend. Monica was a bit envious that the two young ladies spoke every night, but as adults, that would be difficult for her to do. Also, Antonia would probably be annoyed if she tried.

“Do you miss Buchenburg?” Her son spoke up across from her and she turned to look at him.

“A bit, yes. But, rather than the castle, I miss being at ease with the other marquis families,” she said. Monica let out a pining sigh and leaned back against the carriage. “It was easier to see my cousins and friends when we were younger and weren’t rooted in our respective domains.”

Gideon seemed to lower his eyes. “I’ve rarely seen you so lively, unless you’re with Father.”

“Everywhere, I am the Empress and will be seen and treated as such,” Monica told him. “But there....” She looked out the window, towards Moss Hill. “And in Buchenburg, the Fortress in Presidio, and Tromsha, I will always be one of them.”

Her son scrunched his face. “I know they are loyal to us and to Soleil, but they were too familiar, weren’t they?”

“Gideon, do you let your close friends and relatives call you by your title and treat you as a prince on a pedestal all the time?” Monica asked, raising a brow. She watched her son frown.

“But there must be a limit,” he said, looking back at her.

“Yes, but they would also never hurt me. I know they can come off as rude, but that is how we are around each other. Father used to tell me that as we are families that put their lives at stake for the empire, our lives can be short so we should cherish those in them.” Monica smiled a bit. “Piers and Axton are informal.”

“They grew up together. It’s normal,” Gideon said. “It’s difficult for my brother to make friends. I’m relieved Axton is with him.”

“Hmm...yes. And now he has Tori.” Monica smiled widely at the thought. She knew Antonia would refuse to acknowledge any relationship between the two outside of friendship, but that didn’t mean Monica couldn’t hope for it.

“Mother, what do you think about Lady Guevera?” Gideon’s voice sounded a bit irate and Monica raised a brow. She looked at her son curiously.

“Why do you ask?”

“She has been very close to Piers and forced him to go to social events.” Gideon frowned and his hands gripped his thighs. “You know he doesn’t like such things. They upset him!”

Monica cocked her head and squinted her eyes. “My boy, where did you get the idea that Tori is forcing your brother?”

Her son looked at her as if she asked something insane. “Why else would Piers put himself in such a situation?”

Her lips pulled into a line before she spoke once more, her tone becoming pressing. “Gideon. Where is your brother right now?”

“At the palace.”

“And what is he doing?”

Gideon shook his head a bit, as if unsure why she was asking. “He’s working with Father this summer. Chamberlain said that he will be accompanying Father to various meetings with both noble and common chambers, as well as attend the monthly Joint Chamber meeting. He’d also study various processes alongside Father.”

Monica gave him an encouraging nod. “And why do you think that is?”

Gideon furrowed his brows and looked down. It didn’t take him long until his head snapped up. His violet eyes were wide as his face began to redden with excitement. “He wants to be crown prince?” Monica gave him a nod and Gideon’s face broke out with the most brilliant smile she’d seen on him in ages. “Really? He’s actually interested?”

Once more, Monica nodded. “The reason he’s been going to more social events is because he needs both exposure to the ruling elite and to gain allies.”

Gideon fell back against the carriage, his eyes glistening as he swallowed hard and nodded. “I’ve always hoped he’d take interest, but he never showed any. I thought he didn’t want anything to do with it.” His voice began to shake. “I tried, but I could never be half the crown prince Piers could be.”

Monica’s expression softened as relief flooded her son. “Did you think about being crown prince?”

Gideon nodded and tried to even his breath. “Only because Piers didn’t want it. He never showed an interest and disliked dealing with people. They made him anxious and gave him attacks. I thought that if I became the crown prince, he wouldn’t have to be forced to do anything like that. If I took responsibility, I could protect him. Then he’d be free and wouldn’t have to worry.” He shook his head and wiped at his eyes. “But I’m not as good as Piers. He’s so smart and talented. He understands things so easily. No one deserves to be crown prince more than him.”

Monica stood up and moved across the carriage. She sat on the bench next to her youngest son and pulled him against her. “I know you studied hard to try to protect your brother, Gideon. Your father knows. Even Piers knows. And Piers also knows that dealing with people is part of the position, so he’s been trying his best to be more social. It isn’t Tori who is forcing Piers to go to these events. It is Piers who is having Tori escort him because she helps ease his anxiety.”

Gideon sat up straight and shook his head. “I can do that!”

Monica smiled and chuckled a bit at her son’s earnestness. Gideon’s hero-worship of his brother hadn’t waned since he was a child, watching Piers from the bushes outside of a library window.

“I know you want to help him, but Tori is able to do this. Even Axton can’t put your brother at ease as well as Tori,” Monica told him. “If you want to help him, then use your own social connections to win support for him.”

Gideon nodded. “All right. I can do that.”

Monica sighed. She lifted her hand and stroked Gideon’s glossy silver hair back. “And don’t be so rude to Tori or continue to act harshly towards her. I just don’t understand why you dislike her so much as to be so harsh to her.”

Gideon shook his head and pulled away from her. “Mother, I’ve told you. She is a different person to us than you know. She’s rude and dislikes a good friend of mine.”

Monica could understand disliking someone who was terrible to a friend. It was the reason she and Antonia hated Cillian - Duke Alvere. Never mind that at one point, he and Genevieve were in love; in the end, he betrayed their best friend. She shook the memory from her mind and tried to refocus.

“You speak of Baron Hart’s daughter?”

“Lady Alessa has only tried to be pleasant to Lady Guevera. I’ve told you-”

“And I’ve told you, Tori was not in the wrong to refuse Lady Hart’s requests and offers. Tori also had no control over the punishment of Lady Hart’s friend after he was arrested for vandalizing her store. And suggesting that Tori take her exams in front of the class would only punish her and make her appear as if she had cheated when it was already proven that she didn’t,” Monica said, her voice growing more and more stern. “Wouldn’t you be angry if such a thing happened to you?”

Gideon looked away. His jaw clenched and his lips were in a tight line. “Her friend still slapped Lady Alessa.”

“And your knight pointed a sword at her face.” Monica frowned. Gideon froze and she narrowed her eyes. “Did you think we wouldn’t find out?”

He turned towards her with large eyes. “Fabian only wanted to regain Lady Alessa’s honor-”

“With a duel?” Monica raised a brow. “Hardly anyone does them now.”

“I know-”

“And she is a marquis’ daughter. What would’ve happened if she was hurt?” Monica asked. She leaned forward, her expression dark and serious. “Do you think Gregorio - Marquis Guevera, and his family would be lenient?” She shook her head. “Gideon, you do not understand how protective they are of Tori. The mere fact that Fabian made such a threatening action should’ve had him dismissed at once. We only let him stay because he is your friend, but if such a thing happens again, not only will he be dismissed, but the Gueveras could press charges and have him punished. Or worse. You now know what Tori can do with a sword. Her brothers are much, much better.”

Gideon let out a low, shaky breath. “It was only supposed to be a duel...he got carried away.”

“And a knight who is unable to control himself is not fit to be a knight,” she said. “And tell me, how exactly did Tori dishonor Lady Hart?”

“She humiliated her when that store of theirs opened and then allowed her friend to slap Lady Alessa.”

Monica stared at her son with disbelief. She always thought that Piers was the difficult child, but now the tables had turned. “Who said she was humiliated at the store opening?”

“Mr. Guthry said that she made Lady Alessa cry.”

“Your Great Uncle was present when that happened and so I called him. He said that Lady Hart arrived after the verdict was made. After that, the crowds dispersed and focused on the store. According to Tori’s account, Lady Hart asked to speak to her, so they went into the neighboring cafe, where Tori forgave her for giving the vest to the merchant. She said she considered it an accident. Lady Hart kept apologizing and crying even after Tori forgave her.”

A confused look appeared across her son’s face. “But...that’s only Lady Guevera’s account-”

“Yes, and when you said Mr. Guthry, it’s only his account. You weren’t there. You don’t know what was said, only the accusation that Tori made Lady Hart cry. If you really want to find out, it is an easy matter to speak to the staff of that cafe,” Monica told him. “Furthermore, Mr. Guthry is also a friend of Lady Hart. Wouldn’t it be natural for him to side with her and cast her in a favorable light?”

Gideon frowned. “What are you saying? That this is Lady Alessa’s fault?”

Monica took a deep breath. She wasn’t comfortable with how her son was siding with Lady Hart, but perhaps it was her own bias towards Tori. “I’m saying that until you have conclusive evidence, you should not be quick to throw blame.”

Gideon seemed to ground his teeth together. “As long as she doesn’t harass Lady Alessa further, then there is no reason for any animosity. However, just the other day, in Chetterswickshire, she caused an argument between Baron Hart and his daughter.”

Monica rolled her eyes. Gideon didn’t think she knew about how he and the Prime Minister’s son lied to Baron Hart about their identities. She understood the allure of traveling in secret, but when the host was your friend’s father, it was disrespectful at best or malicious at worst.

“According to Kasen and the Admiral, that was due to Lady Hart’s disapproval at her father’s romance with the brick maker widow. It had nothing to do with Tori.”

Gideon bristled. “She brought it up!”

“How would she know that Lady Hart disapproved of Baron Hart’s affairs?” Monica raised a brow. “Tell me, when would she find out? Why would Baron Hart and his daughter tell a stranger about their personal matters?”

Gideon opened his mouth, but couldn’t seem to find an answer. He looked away. “They wouldn’t have argued if Lady Guevera didn’t mention the brick supplier woman....”

Monica sighed. “If there is an accusation of harassment, check carefully and think logically. The Gueveras and the O’Tuaghs are very displeased with you and Fabian, Gideon. You don’t know how hard it was these last few days trying to make sure this isn’t escalated. Our power is not absolute. They could easily accuse Fabian of threatening their daughter and then what would happen? The only reason they haven’t requested additional punishment is because Tori told them to leave it alone. She and her family have been lenient considering what I’ve heard.”

Her son shifted in his seat, appearing uncomfortable. “She...probably doesn’t want to cause trouble because of Piers.”

“I’m sure that’s part of the reason. Piers is always helping her and, in return, she’s very good to Piers.”

Gideon closed his eyes. “I know.”

“Do you?”

“I observed them at the charity garden party,” he said. He opened his eyes and looked away. “She always checked to make sure he was comfortable and then said she’d make him steak.”

Monica’s eyes widened. She moved a bit closer. “Does she cook for your brother?”

Gideon shook his head. “I don’t know. I heard that Lady Guevera cooks and has made food for her friends before.”

“That’s very kind of her. Antonia says Tori likes to experiment with foreign food. Ah, that was probably why Matthieu let your brother take our invitation to Ambassador Das’ evening party. The Varsha Kingdom’s food is delicious! I heard your brother took Tori with him.” She turned to her son and saw him staring at her with an injured expression.

“Why does he always bring her?” Gideon’s face fell as his voice weakened. “I can be of assistance, too.”

“Then be of assistance in a different way. Your brother is very particular and he has made a new friend. You know how hard it is for Piers to make friends.”

“I know.”

“Then you should support them and at least be civil to Tori,” Monica said, encouraging. “Do you think your brother would be happy with you if you upset her and then she didn’t want to be friends with him anymore because of that?”

Gideon sucked in a sharp breath. His eyes widened. “He’d never forgive me....” he said in a hushed voice.

Monica wouldn’t go that far, but perhaps there was a grain of truth in it. “I’m not asking you to become close friends with Tori. I’m only asking you to be civil and to make sure she is actually guilty of what she has been accused of. I understand that Lady Hart is your friend, but don’t let that cloud your judgment. After all, if Lady Hart told you that Tori was doing something to hurt Piers, but you had no proof of it, and you already know that she treats your brother well, why would you believe it?”

Gideon seemed to tense beside her. “What if I did have proof?”

“Oh? You saw something with your own eyes?”

He took a deep breath. “Mother, she danced with Mr. Guthry.”

Monica always knew Gideon wasn’t her most...intelligent son, but she didn’t think it was this bad. Despite herself, she gave her son a deadpan expression. “She danced with many people. Tori likes to dance.”

“Yes, but...with Mr. Guthry....” Gideon repeated it, but suddenly looked a bit confused.

“Madam Guthry asked Tori to dance with her son.” And if Piers were here, I would’ve asked her to dance with him, too. “What about that is hurting your brother?”

Gideon seemed to grow quiet and sank back in his seat. He didn’t say anything else afterwards and Monica resigned herself to the silence of the carriage.

“He said he was doing it for her.”

She turned her head when she heard him whisper. “What?”

“When I asked if he was going to the social events because of Lady Guevera, he said he was. Isn’t it because he wants to be crown prince?”

Monica’s eyes slowly widened as she straightened up in her seat. One thought came to mind: she was one step closer to a daughter of her own.

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