Summer Jams 4: Horizon - Part I

“Tell me the truth.”  Albert sat on a wooden desk chair, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and his fingers steepled as he narrowed his eyes and stared ahead of him.  He took a deep breath.  “I have been scammed?”

“Yes.” Several voices chorused from all around him and he sat up straight, his eyes wide as his brows shot up.

“What do you mean, yes?”  He almost choked out as he looked at his friends with stunned and accusing eyes.

Henrik let out a heavy sigh as he checked off the furniture that was being delivered to Albert’s ground floor flat.  “We mean yes as Prince Piers locked you into a three summer long personal aide position.  Considering that you’ve been avoiding him for months just so you couldn’t be pressured into becoming his personal aide, the fact that you agreed to three summers in the position is a bit of a defeat.”

“A big defeat,” Ilyana stressed as she brought in a bag of school supplies that had just been delivered.

“But it’s just three summers...it’s not a lifetime....” Albert trailed off.  It seemed that even as he said it, he knew that he had committed himself to much more time than he initially thought.  He slumped back against his chair, making the pile of bank box-sized packages behind him sway.

“It is, how do they say, ‘grilling the frog”?” Ilyana looked towards Tori, who was sipping an iced coffee by the door.  She and Ilyana’s apartments were fully furnished and ready for occupation, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t help their friends as they moved in.

“Boiling the frog.  He’ll slowly get Albert accustomed to the job and when Albert discovers the benefits are good and the position is suitable for him, it’ll be too late to back out,” Tori told them.

Albert scoffed and shook his head.  “I can always quit!”

“Who would quit from such a prestigious position as the Crown Prince’s aide?” Henrik rolled his eyes.  “Everyone will assume that you were let go because you made a mistake.”

“And if you were fired from the position, who else would be willing to take you?” Ilyana concluded.

“That could pose a problem if Albert needs to find another job.”  Constantine pointed out and it seemed to give Albert a blow.

Albert’s slack jawed face paled.  His eyes crinkled up.  “I had a feeling, but now I know it’s true...he got me.”  He took a deep breath and looked at Tori.

She lifted her drink and shook her head.  “I have nothing to do with this.”

“But if you talk to Prince Piers....”

“Albert, I’m actually on Piers’ side on this,” Tori replied.  “I really think that you’d make an excellent personal aide to him.  Sure, you’re silly and dramatic, kind of exasperating sometimes, but when it comes down to actual work, you have an incredible ethic, are efficient, and have the ability to learn and adjust.  Those are all very important in such a position.”

Albert opened his mouth, but didn’t seem to know how to answer that.  “Are you...are you complimenting me or insulting me?”

Tori shrugged her shoulders and looked to the side. Albert groaned.

“Albert, I’m sure His Highness chose you for a reason,” Constantine told him as he patted his shoulder.  “It doesn’t hurt to try the personal aide position.  They did say that it’s different from the internship.”

Albert pursed his lips.  “I read over all the benefits and responsibilities and it seems too good to be true.  And it doesn’t explain why Chamberlain Thorpsen has aged drastically.”

“When you’re putting up with the Emperor, it can be taxing,” Tori muttered with some annoyance.  Before they reached the gates of Horizon the afternoon they arrived, the Emperor already called Piers.  Piers hadn’t answered, so the Emperor had his wife call Tori, who answered and then asked if she was with Piers.

At that time, Piers was trying to sew a cushion for Alexander using scrap fabric from Sonia’s quilt supplies.  He said it would be a parting gift to Alexander, as Tori would have ‘full custody’ of Alexander now since he had moved out of his flat and given it to Tori to live in while she was attending Université.

As such, none of Alexander’s things inside the flat had been moved.  Piers was so focused on the cushion that he brushed off his father without a second thought.

“Father, I am busy,” Piers had said, not taking his eyes off the fabric he was meticulously sewing together.

“Why are you busy?  You’re supposed to be traveling right now!”  The Emperor had sounded annoyed, but Piers didn’t seem affected.

“I am making something.”

“Making what?”

“A cushion.”

There had been silence on the other end of the comcry.  Tori had remained holding it up, her lips pursed as she waited to see what the old man’s reaction was.  It didn’t take him long.  After the silence, he began to yell at Piers to pay attention and that he had work to do.

“You can tell me what needs to be done.  I am listening,” Piers had replied, flippant.

“You’re doing some sort of household craft!  How can you possibly pay attention to what I’m telling you?”

“Unlike you, Father, I can listen and work at the same time.”

The Emperor had then launched into another tirade, which ended in him telling Piers that as soon as he returned to the palace, he had numerous proposals to look over and they were due in a few days.

Tori had the carriages drop them off at Lunar Pavilion near the imperial palace.  The plan was to sort through all their things there and then her local friends would head home the next day.  She, Constantine, Ilyana, and Riri stayed at the Lunar Pavilion for a week before Piers’ manor house across the street from Université was ready for them to move into.

Today was the day that Albert and Henrik moved in.  Montan was scheduled to move in a week before school started, as he was still at his summer job at Duel.

Albert let out a tired sigh and finally moved the chair he was sitting on to its appropriate place by the desk.  Their flats were essentially studio apartments with a kitchenette, toilet, and bathing facilities.  Tori had asked Architect Ebbadottir to help renovate the rooms downstairs to house her friends.

There were six such studio flats on the ground floor along the main hall.  To enter, they had to go through the main door and the foyer then walk to their flat.  Henrik, Albert, and Constantine were on one side with windows that faced the street.  Montan, the knights’ breakroom and kitchen, and two knights bunks were on the other side, with windows facing the inner courtyard.

Tori took over Piers’ former flat that he shared with Axton.  Directly across from her was Ilyana’s mirroring flat.

Above them was a space for storage, more rooms for knights, and guest rooms.  In the adjacent buildings that surrounded the courtyard, there was the carriage house, stables at the far end, and the rooms for the carriage drivers and stable hands.  In the back building that connected to the ground floor was the kitchen and dining area, as well as the living quarters for Elias, Mama J’s second son, and Miriam, his wife, who would be cooking and managing the building for the students and other occupants.

Originally, Piers wanted to ask Mama J be the house cook, but Tori wanted a nice, safe space where a student could relax and study outside of campus for her cousin.

“Cousin Tori?” A familiar voice called from the foyer down the hall and Tori leaned out the open door and smiled.

“Aiden!”

“Auntie, I’m here, too!”  A small voice nearly screamed and a moment later, a short body rammed into Tori.  For such a skinny little girl, Fiona had some strength to her.

“Fifi!  I thought you were going to wait for me in Horizon?” Tori said as she reached down and lifted Fiona to kiss her cheeks.

“Robi wanted to come see Lycée and the Academic Quarter, too, so Daddy said he’d take them.  I didn’t want to be left behind,” Fiona reported to her.

“Kasey, what about the others?” Tori asked as she saw her brother walking towards her behind two teenage boys and his son.

“Maeve and Ava opted to stay in Horizon.  Don’t worry, they are being properly supervised,” Kasen told her.

“Maeve and Ava are escorted by O’Tuagh knights as well and if they cause any trouble, they will be shipped back to Moss Hill immediately,” Aiden said with a determined expression.

Tori furrowed her brows.  She wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or worried.  “We’re only here for a few days.  As long as they have proper supervision, we should be fine.”

“Ava didn’t come?” Riri poked his head out of the door and looked around.  His face fell.  “I told her I was here.”

“The boat festival will start when we return and Ava wants to participate in the children’s race,” Kasen said with a helpless smile.

Riri’s face fell even further.  “But don’t you need a teammate for that?  She can’t paddle by herself!”

Aiden looked away, unwilling to answer and disappoint him further.  “Cousin, is this where we’re staying while we’re here?” he asked in an attempt to change the subject.

Ezvan, who was with them, also nodded.  “There are a lot of us.  If there isn’t enough room, you can stay with me and my guard at the Lunar Pavilion.”

“Ezvan, I thought your parents were with you,” Tori said with a slight frown.

“We are spending part of the summer in Viclya and my parents are staying.  I came with Aiden,” Ezvan replied.

“I see...well, we have guest rooms, but the Lunar Pavilion has more to do.  Let’s see how late it gets.  If it’s too late, you can stay here.  We have guest rooms upstairs and Ilyana had I have multiple rooms in our flats.”  Tori then looked at the disappointed Riri.  “And Riri, you know how competitive Ava is.  Once she has her goal, she’s relentless.”

Riri let out a heavy sigh and nodded.  “I’d only hold her back.  I don’t go boating in Gorask.”

“I am sure she’ll appreciate it if we cheer her on,” Ilyana said, appearing behind her brother.

“Auntie Ilyana!”  Fiona extended her arms for a hug and Ilyana reached to pick her out of Tori’s arms.

Tori looked back into Albert’s flat.  “I’m going to take the kids around the Academic Quarter.  Are you able to manage the rest of the move on your own?” she asked the young men inside the room.

Albert scoffed.  “Tori, we are perfectly capable of arranging furniture.” Just as he said it, the packages he’d haphazardly piled in the corner tumbled to the ground.  The group was quiet as Albert took a small step to the side, blocking the view of the tumbled packages.   “Those are my clothes and things, not furniture.”

Tori gave him a dull look.

Ilyana took a deep breath.  “If only Sonia didn’t have a date today....”

“I’m not going to make her stay to help them move.  Clare finally had a day off,” Tori said.

“Where are Uncle JP and Uncle Ewan?” Fiona asked, looking around as Ilyana put her back on the ground.

“Uncle JP went to help his father at the imperial stables and Uncle Ewan had to attend a first-tier knights orientation at the imperial palace,” Tori told her.  “He’ll leave for Sur before we start Université and he has a lot to prepare before he leaves.”

Fiona’s eyes brighten.  “He’s going to visit?”

“He’s going to train,” Kasen said with a grin.  “First- and second-year imperial knights always start their training in Sur, then go to Anlar, then Nord, and then Osten.  For Ewan, it will be one year in each march.”

Fiona wrinkled her nose.  “Then I’m not going to see Uncle Ewan?”

“He’ll be very busy, but you may see him when the knights pass through the Fortress,” Kasen told her.  “I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”

Fiona nodded her head.  “I would be happy to see me.”

Robert ran a hand down his face.  “Daddy, Auntie, where are we going first?”

“First,” Tori said.  “Let’s go to Lycée.  The gates are closed, but I will tell you exactly what to expect when you begin.”

“You have the best guides at your service today,” Ilyana told them.  “Tori started giving first year students tours one year, and now, the student guides, your seniors, offer tours on your first weekend.”

“Although different guides give the tour, they take you along the same route and give you generally the same information,” Tori said as she ushered everyone towards the foyer.  She looked into Albert’s flat one last time.  “We’re going to have dinner at the Three Queens tonight, so when you three are done, meet us there.”

“With Duke Axton?” Albert asked with a glint of hope in his eyes.  If Axton was there, then that meant they’d eat in the owner’s private rooftop dining room.

“I think so.  Piers may come, too.”

Albert’s face sank.  Constantine sighed.  “Albert, you already signed a temporary employment contract with him.  I don’t think you need to avoid him any longer.”

“Oh yeah...”

Tori shook her head and followed her brother and the kids outside, to an awaiting carriage.  Kasen lifted Fiona into the carriage, but opted to ride a horse beside it.

The ride from the house to Lycée was short and the carriage took them around the drive circling the oval-shaped lawn, leading to the gates of the school.  As Tori told them, it was closed and there was a guard.

Regardless, they got out and Tori and Ilyana told them what to expect, from dropping off their bags to the now annual baking competition, which Tori had placed its first two years.

“Cousin, do you know who’s representing the Tabletop Gaming Club this year?” Aiden asked.  Of the clubs and associations, he’d read about, he was most interested in the Tabletop Gaming Club, which he planned to join with Ezvan, and the Sailing and Boating Club.

“I don’t know if they settled on someone for the Tabletop Gaming Club, but since Lana placed third last year, she’ll be representing the Sailing and Boating Club,” Tori told them.  “I will introduce you to Lana.  She is a student from Viclya.  Her mother works in the resort kitchen.”

“We scheduled summer events for local members of the Tabletop Gaming Club at Duel and will take you to one before Lycée starts,” Ilyana told them.  “Then, you can meet some seniors in the club.”

“It’ll be good to know some people when you arrive,” Tori told him.  “I think it’s very useful.”

Behind her, Kasen tensed.  His lips tightened into a line as his brows furrowed.  “It would’ve been more useful, wouldn’t it?”

For a moment, Tori didn’t know what he was talking about nor why he was upset.  Then she remembered that Kasen had taken her around the Academic Quarter before she entered Lycée her first year, too.  He didn’t introduce her to existing students who would be her seniors while she attended, so she entered completely alone.

The only person she could even remotely depend on inside Lycée was Instructor Ignatius, and at the time, she hadn’t known that he and her brother were friends and that Kasen asked - or ordered, she was pretty sure it was ordered - Instructor Ignatius to watch over her.

The two people she had been introduced to no longer went to her school.

“Piers and Axton were very good choices.”  Tori grabbed her brother’s arm and gave him a wide smile.  “If it weren’t for you introducing us, I never would’ve had the chance to get to know them.”

Kasen’s frown deepened and Tori held back her groan.  Her brother seemed to have some regret. “It is my fault....”

“They were very dependable!  Just like you said they would be!” Tori said.

“It should’ve introduced you to students still in Lycée or had them do so.”

“Kasey, you had graduated from Université at that time.  No one you knew would still be at Lycée, and Axton had transferred to La Garda two years earlier.  And do you think Piers had any other friends?” Sorry, Piers, but it’s true.

Kasen’s expression lightened for a bit and then he frowned again.  “He’s so useless.”

Tori tried not to grimace and looked back at the others.  “Piers isn’t useless, he’s just very busy and has very few friends.  None-the-less, do not hesitate to use him as an emergency contact.”

Both Ezvan and Aiden’s brows shot up as they gasped.  “Cousin Tori, how dare we contact the Crown Prince for minor concerns at Lycée?”

“Only if you can’t reach me or the others,” Tori said.

“Cousin, I’ll be fine.” Aiden gave her a thoughtful smile.  “If I can’t even manage two years at Lycée, how can I one day become Marquis O’Tuagh?”

He had a point.  As Tori let out a sigh, Ilyana tilted her head to the side.  “Why only two years?”

“Naval Academy,” several people, including Ezvan, replied.  Ilyana made a little ‘o’ with her mouth.

Aiden was mainly coming to Lycée du Soleil to establish relations with his peers, as well as get a well-rounded education in the capital; however, it was always expected that he’d return to King’s Harbor to join the navy.  This had been the path his mother, Bridget, and Andy had taken.

Eili went straight into the Naval Academy.  Whenever someone brought this up, no one seemed surprised.

“All right, let’s grab a quick snack at Cafe Fortuna before we take you around to get school supplies,” Tori told them with a clap of her hands.  “We can walk there.”  She turned around and led the way to the plaza.

As they walked, Tori told them about the nearby shops and where to get school supplies.  She led them to Cafe Fortuna and Mama J met them with excitement on her face.

“Mama J was Prince Piers’ nanny and now she runs this cafe with her eldest son and his family,” Ilyana introduced.

“Mama J, do you remember me?” Fiona asked, jumping up and down.

“Miss Fifi!” Mama J’s flushed face lit up as she bent down to hug the child who had raised her arms.  “It is good to see you again!  Are you enjoying Sur?”

“Yes, a lot!  I have chickens!”

“Oh...chickens are our Fifi’s favorites!”

As Mama J led Fiona to the counter to pick out whatever dessert she wanted, Tori continued.  “Mama J’s second son and his wife cook and manage the house where we live by Université.  Mama J’s third son, Ezvan probably already knows.  He works at Duel.”

Ezvan’s eyes widened.  “The god of pastries?”

Tori crinkled her eyes.  “The what?”

“The head chef at Duel,” Ezvan said with excitement.  “We call him the god of pastries.”

Tori looked towards Ilyana, who also looked confused.  “Mr. Tobias Jager?”

“That’s his name?” Ezvan gasped.

Tori took a deep breath.  “Yes.  Let’s focus...come with me, I’ll take you to the study rooms upstairs.  There are three study rooms....”  Tori led them through a door to a set of stairs and then up to the upper floor.

“Why does this room have a daybed?” Aiden asked.

“Tori and His Highness like to take naps there,” Ilyana said as she passed the door.

Tori shut her eyes and could feel her brother’s eyes boring into the back of her skull.  “Not at the same time.  It’s first come first serve.”

The heated feeling behind her head lessened.

Robert looked around.  “This is a good place to study.  It’s very quiet and there is good lighting.  You can rest.”

“This room is where I used to have study sessions for the group,” Ilyana said.  “If you want to have a small study session with others without distraction, this is a good place.  It’s also ideal since this is a private establishment and no one else uses the room.”

“You won’t use it anymore?” Aiden asked, a bit surprised.

“We have our own study areas now at the house, which is also closer to our school,” Tori told him.

“The libraries and study rooms at Lycée get booked and full any time there is an exam,” Kasen told them.  “No one else will use these rooms, so you’ll always have a place to study.  The cafe is just down the street, so it won’t take you too long to get back before the gates closed.”

The two teenage boys looked at each other with some excitement.  “Mother says it’s who you know and it seems that she is correct.” Ezvan beamed as Aiden nodded in agreement.  Tori stared at the two for a moment.  Were they forgetting that they were heirs to a Duchy and March respectively?

“What are you doing up here?  The food is downstairs,” Fiona said from the top of the stairs.  She looked at everyone as if wondering why they’d gotten lost.

“We’re looking at study rooms,” Robert told her.  “I hope to attend Lycée when I’m older.  Auntie Tori, do you think that Cafe Fortuna will be here when I start?”

“Of course.  Mama J’s son plans to run it even after Mama J retires,” Tori assured him.  She patted his shoulder.  “You’ll have a good place to study.”

Robert relaxed and smiled.

They stopped for a light snack, with Kasen repeatedly telling his children it was only a snack as they had dinner to look forward to.  Still, seeing Fiona’s unsatisfied expression, Mama J packed up some treats for her.

They walked up and down the streets closest to Lycée and Université, pointing out random shops that sold good quality wares or good restaurants if they wanted something different.  Carriages all around the city could be hired at plazas and the one near Lycée was a good place to get one if they needed to go far.

Ezvan was about to open his mouth, but Tori cut him off, already knowing his question.  “And every night when the tabletop gaming club goes to Duel for an event, they have several chartered wagons to bring the club members, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.” He immediately looked relieved.

“Let’s head over to Daybreak Garden,” Kasen said.  “Even if neither of them plan to join the Sword Association, it is still a good place for outdoors supplies, bags, and durable shoes.”

They got back into their carriage and as they passed one of the districts, Tori told them to stop.  Ilyana looked out the window to see what had caught Tori’s attention.  Her eyes widened.

“Oh!  Let’s get a loaf!” Ilyana clapped her hands together.  Her brother looked at her.

“You want to buy bread?” he asked.  “But we just had snacks.”

The footman was already opening the door.

“This is one of our senior’s restaurants.  Or rather, it’s her father’s.  They make very hearty dishes served with fresh, in-house baked bread.  We should get some loaves and then get some of the butter from Phenic that’s been brought over to the Lunar Pavilion.  Max Dudderly agreed to the terms on behalf of the Phenic Dairy Cooperative, so he’ll be bringing a steady supply every three weeks,” Tori said.  The deal was to supply both the Lunar Pavilion and the restaurants at the delta. She slipped out of the carriage and helped Fiona and Robert out.

She led the small group inside and the children and teenagers immediately lifted their heads as soon as they smelled the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread.  Tori scanned the busy restaurant for a tall, thin woman with short, wavy brown hair.

“Senior Wren!”  Ilyana called out to her and lifted her arm to wave enthusiastically.  The woman looked up and smiled.  Tori leaned towards Aiden. “Senior Wren has helped us with extensive testing of our crystal ovens and given us a lot of insight into what is useful for users.”

“Miss Ilyana, Miss Tori...ah, I should call you Lady and Countess now,” Wren said as she weaved through the tables to get to them.

“No need to be so formal,” Tori assured her.  “We passed by and the sign outside said that bread was just baked, so we stopped to get some while they’re fresh.”

Wren laughed.  “I was just walking back after flipping the sign. All right, what kind do you want?”

“One of each-”

“Two.” Aiden cut her off and as Tori looked back at him, he laughed sheepishly.  “It smells good...I can eat more than one.”

“The loaves are the size of your head, Aiden,” Tori told him with some suspicion.

“You’ve seen him eat,” Kasen said, giving the younger man a knowing look.

Tori looked at them.  “Better make it three.”

Half a loaf was demolished on the way to Daybreak Garden.  It would’ve been more if Tori hadn’t stopped Aiden, Ezvan, and the children.

When they reached Daybreak Garden, Tori introduced Aiden as a family member, as well as the heir to O’Tuagh.  While Daybreak Garden required memberships to guilds or licenses, there was a list of people who were allowed to enter and purchase without such requirements.

Members of the Guevera family were included, Axton, Ewan, and also members of other marches, though they had to prove their identity.  Tori introducing Aiden would put him on that list.  While they were there, the children and future Lycée students had shoes ordered.  Ezvan and Aiden also had cloaks made that went with their uniforms, similar to the one Kasen had ordered for Tori when she started.

Satisfied that they got all their shopping done, Tori also took them to the Lions Gate in the eighth district.

“This is where you can buy gear for your First Year Excursion,” she said.  “Now, the specifics of the excursion change every year, so as soon as you get the list, go and order additional supplies.  The basic gear packs are available here and can be added to.”

“We’ll need to find four more people for our group,” Aiden said as he looked towards Ezvan.  “I hope we can find some suitable students.”

“It’s a two-night, three-day excursion.  It would be best to find students we will get along well with and will work well with us,” Ezvan said in agreement.

“Cousin, how did you meet your group members?” Aiden asked.

Tori crinkled her eyes.  It wasn’t exactly the most glamorous thing.  “Ilyana was my roommate and so she was part of the group...then we got Ewan, who came with Henrik, JP, and Sonia.”

“Seniors Albert and Constantine were not with you?” Aiden appeared a bit surprised.

“We are limited to six per team.  Albert was in another group, but we did meet him during the excursion,” Tori said.

“He’d fallen in the river and sprained his ankle,” Ilyana added.  “He had to be taken away by instructors for medical attention.”

Fiona’s head bobbed up and down.  “That sounds like Uncle Albert.”

Tori was sure Albert would die a little inside hearing what her niece said.

“Where was Senior Constantine?” Ezvan asked.

“He was in Prince Gideon’s group,” Ilyana replied.  “They tried to coerce us into giving up our tents.”  There was lingering bitterness in her voice and Tori sighed.

“It’s in the past.  We didn’t give up our tents and they were left shivering in the cold that night,” Tori told them.  “Let’s move on towards the second district.  We’ll be there in time for dinner.”

She ushered everyone back into the carriage to go across town.  The Empress Alexandrina I Plaza was still bustling in the late afternoon.  The sun hadn’t set yet, but the adjacent high street already had diners in their restaurants.

They stopped at the Lions Gate flagship store, where Kasen bought some clothes for his children and Ilyana bought extra clothes for Riri, before they crossed the plaza to get to the Three Queens.  Henrik, Albert, and Constantine were waiting for them, along with Ewan and JP.  Sonia was still out with Clare.

“Axton said he would be meeting us here.  There is some time until he arrives,” Tori said after slipping her timepiece back into her pocket.  “Fifi, Robi, let me show you the statue with Mama.”

She led the children to the fountain statue in the center of the Three Queens courtyard.  Just as they were returning to the foyer, Axton had arrived with Piers.

“Uncle Piers!”  Fiona rushed forward and nearly skidded to a halt in front of him.  She leaned upwards, exposing the top of her head.

Piers reached down and patted her head.  “I thought you would stay in Viclya to play.”

“I wanted to come with Daddy and Robi,” Fiona replied.  “I got to go to Auntie’s new house and eat fresh baked bread and bought new clothes!”  She rambled on about what she did and no one stopped her.  Piers nodded his head every once in a while to show he was listening.  They were led to the roof and Fiona couldn’t stop herself.  She ran around excited, dragging her father with her.

Piers took a seat at the head of the table and leaned back.  Tori took the seat on his right side.  “Are you all right?”

“The Chamber requires resolutions on proposals by next month, including road repairs and water shed development,” Piers replied.  “Father left these projects to me.”

Tori frowned at once.  “What about the concerns with the other countries and the Duraga Federation?”

“Our agreements with Varsha and Hong on a joint initiative hare nearly complete and Father wants to take over.”

Tori bristled.  “So, he let you do all the hard work and now that all that needs to be done is execution, he’ll take over?”

The corner of Piers lip curled up.  “As it is in regard to the marches, We had a call with Uncle, your father, Marquess O’Tuagh, and Marquess Nordursin.  They did not feel he was qualified enough to authorize strategy on the Osten border and recommended that I continue to oversee it.”

Across from Tori, Axton had taken his seat and nodded.  “Piers is qualified as he has completed compulsory military strategy studies.”

“When was this?” Tori asked.  She knew Piers could wield a sword and had at least a basic knowledge of military strategy, but nothing too in depth.

“Lycée.  My Uncle believes that as I am descended from a march, I should have all the practical knowledge of a march heir, so he sent me books and exercises,” Piers told her.  “I also review past battle plans.”

“Was Prince Gideon required to learn?” Ilyana asked from several seats down.

Piers gave a small shake of his head.  “No.”

Tori snorted to herself.  What a disappointment.  “But their recommendations mean that you will still oversee the joint plans.”

“Don’t be too worried about him,” Axton told her.  “The proposals from the Chamber are child’s play to him. Of the thirteen he’s been assigned since he returned last week, nine are completed and were returned to the Chamber for review.”

“The remaining four require more information to be collected.  I will have what I need by early next week,” Piers replied.  A server came to pour them some wine and juice.  “I will be ready to go with you to Viclya.”

Tori gave him a curious look.  “You’re coming with us to Viclya?”

Piers froze in his seat.  “Yes.”

“Do you have time?  I’m sure your father will give you more work throughout the rest of the summer.”

“I will make time and can bring work with me,” Piers replied.  “Did you not want me to come?”

“No, no, I just thought you’d be too busy considering what you’ve been doing all summer,” Tori said as her eyes darted to the side.  In truth, she figured he’d be trapped in the imperial palace after he fled to Buchenburg by the Emperor.

Piers frowned a bit.  “My father isn’t unreasonable-”

“For the most part....” Axton muttered before taking a sip of wine.

Piers ignored him.  “There is no reason why I cannot go to Viclya.”

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

“What do you mean you can’t leave?” Tori stood in the middle of her living room with the comcry in her hand, frowning.  “You assured me that you are going to come with us to Viclya today.” They had made plans to do a walk through her island and visit Sir Atienza, who’d recently moved.

Behind her, Fiona wandered out from the hall in a new chick-yellow sundress and huarache-style imported sandals.  She had her chicken purse on and adjusted her straw sunhat.  Behind her, Robert was carrying a bag with their things while dressed in comfortable loose pants and a tunic.

He was still self-conscious of his missing leg and foot, so rather than wear the matching sandals Fiona and Kasen wore, he continued to wear leather shoes.  Still, like his sister, he wore a chick-yellow shirt beneath a brown vest and brown pants, as well as a straw Panama hat brought from Viclya.

He was dressed as a smaller version of Kasen.  Tori turned around to see them and drew her head back, her lips puckering into a pout.  She looked at the parent-children trio and then back at her chambray-colored button up shirt and black pants tucked into boots.

Her visiting family matched, but she was left out rather obviously.

“There is an urgent call this morning from Uncle on the border,” Piers told her.  Tori pulled her attention away from her brother and his kids.

Her brows knitted together and she walked towards the window.  “What’s wrong?”

“The Duraga Federation has sent a cease fire notice and requests to meet for negotiations.”

Tori’s voice lowered.  “Negotiations for what?” she asked in a sharp voice.

“They want to discuss border agreements.”

Tori narrowed her eyes and sneered.  “In other words, they want to establish where the borders are?  Are they doing this because they suffered so many losses and three neighboring countries are threatening them?”

“That is likely the case,” Piers said.  “We have called an emergency meeting with our allied ambassadors related to the Duraga Federation.  It is scheduled for tomorrow and we will continue to meet as needed.  Would you like to attend?”

Tori grit her teeth.  On one hand, she actually did want to attend and find out what exactly was happening.  On the other...her vacation to Viclya.

“Tori,” Kasen said behind her.  She turned around and her brother gave her a small nod.  “You should go to the meeting.  I think it would be beneficial for you.”

Tori wanted to groan and complain.  He was the smart child of their parents; why couldn’t he go?  She had one more summer until school started and didn’t want to spend it at the imperial palace doing international relations that didn’t involve food.  At the same time, with her part in both the massacre in the cave systems and in raising the suspicions of Varsha and Hong about Duraga infiltration, it did make sense for her to be in attendance.

She looked down at her clothes once more and frowned.   She lifted her comcry.  “What time is the meeting tomorrow?”

“Mid-morning.”

She let out a heavy, resigned breath.  “Fine.”

“I will inform my father.”  Tori released him from the call and looked at her niece and nephew.  “Sorry, you two, but I won’t be able to go with you today.  I’ll have to meet you there later.”

“That’s all right, Auntie Tori,” Robert told her with clear understanding in his eyes.  “I know this is important.  All we are doing is playing, so you don’t need to worry about us.”

She gave him a gentle smile and stroked his hair back.  “Thanks, Robi.”

Fiona let out a heavy sigh.  “Being a grown up is hard.  Work. Work. Work.  What’s the point of being grown up if you have to spend all your time working?”

Tori stared out the window and sighed as well.  “I ask myself that all the time, Fifi.”  In this life and my original one. “Can you take care of Alexander in Viclya?  He’ll have more fun there than stuck at the palace or left here while I’m at meetings.”

Fiona nodded and hit her chest with her little fist.  “You can count on  me, Auntie!  I’m responded-wait...responsible!  I feed my chickens and birds all the time!”

Her brother rolled his eyes.  “Don’t you have the maids remind you when it’s time because you forget otherwise?”

Fiona frowned and gave her brother a weak push.  “You’re making me look bad!  I said I’m responsible!”

“Yes, you’re responsible.  Don’t push your brother,” Kasen said, sounding every bit like a tired father.

“He started it!”

Robert turned his head away.  “You were so cute when you were little.  Now you’re not.”

Fiona gasped, as if she’d just heard the worst insult imaginable.  Her jaw dropped and she seemed to want to retort, but she was still little and the blow was too much for her.

She burst into tears and ran into her father’s arms.

“Robi...” Kasen chided him just by saying his name.  He lifted Fiona into his arms and patted her back as she cried.

Robert shifted awkwardly where he stood and looked down.  “I don’t mean it....”

“You’re mean!  I don’t like you anymore!” Fiona choked out.

This time, Robert looked as if he’d received a devastating blow.  “Fifi-”

“No!”  Fiona buried her head in Kasen’s shoulder.

“Okay, okay, no one means to hurt the other,” Tori said as she put her hands on Robert’s shoulder.  “Right, Robi?”

“I was mad because she pushed me....”

“I’m small, it didn’t hurt!”

“Fifi, you don’t have to be strong to hurt someone,” Kasen told her.

“Fifi, I’m sorry.  You’re still very cute,” Robert said in a placating voice.

Kasen gave him a nod of approval.  “See, Fifi?  Robi didn’t mean it.  He apologized. Fiona sniffled and peeked from Kasen’s shoulder to look at her brother.  She puckered her face and buried it against Kasen once more.  Kasen let out a tired sigh.  “All right, you can try to be friends again in the carriage.  It’s a long ride to Viclya, so I expect you two to straighten out your differences by the time we arrive.”

Fiona grumbled, but kept her face hidden.  An hour or two would be enough to quell any anger she had, and eventually, she’d apologize.  Fiona actually didn’t like it when someone was upset with her and didn’t want anyone she liked to dislike her, especially her family members.

Tori escorted her brother downstairs and met Ilyana and Riri on the way down.  She explained why she had to stay behind and Ilyana nodded.

“I think you’re more involved than you think,” Ilyana said as they crowded around SIG One.  “And knowing you, you’d want to know what’s going on so you can prepare for anything.”

Tori’s lips pulled into a tight line.  Ilyana was right.

“Tori, if we’re taking your carriage do you want us to send it back once it drops us off in Viclya?” Henrik asked.

Tori shook her head.  “I have Layla for any small trips.”

“His Imperial Highness will send an imperial carriage for the Countess.  Worry not,” Sir Dassler, who had escorted them out, told them.

Tori figured as much.  In fact, she wouldn’t be surprised if an imperial carriage were on the way to the house right now so she would have a carriage to use.  Both SIG One and SIG Two were in use by her visiting family and her friends.  Maybe I should buy a SIG Three...too bad Gideon isn’t here to con another free carriage from.  Let’s wait until he gets back.

“Tori, if you have any concerns about the Duraga Federation, you can call me,” Kasen told her as he stood below the door to SIG One.  “Nanny Rey is also at Viclya right now and will be able to care for the children if I am required to return.”

Tori nodded.  “You’re supposed to be relaxing with the children.  I’ll try not to bother you.”

“It’s not a bother.  As you are, I am a Guevera.  Our duty to the empire doesn’t cease until we die,” Kasen told her.  He gave her a hug and then climbed into the carriage, closing the door behind him.

At the window, Fiona held Alexander next to her and waved his paw at her.

Tori stepped back, smiled a bit, and waved, and watched the carriage leave.  She took a deep breath.  She rubbed her forehead.  “Sir Dassler, have Layla saddled.  I’m going to the imperial palace.”

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

“My lady, what is this?” Ambassador Wu bent down and looked at the crystal plate with several shallow grooves that Tori was setting up on the table.

“It’s a new crystal device we’ve developed on Anahata Island.  The center crystal is the main channel.  The five grooves around it are where you place your comcry crystal,” Tori told them.  While the cases and compacts that held comcry crystals were different, the crystal itself was one uniform size.  “This is a conference comcry.  It is used to connect various comcry that are connected with different comcry to be used together at once.

“For example, let’s say I am planning to make renovations to the restaurants in Rois and wanted to discuss with all involved parties at once, but only Ambassador Wu and Ambassador Izel are present with me.  I would ask that Ambassador Wu call Ambassador Das, and Ambassador Izel call Ambassador Huandoy.  I would call Lady Mizuha.  Once connected, we would place our comcry crystals in the groove.

“The center crystal is programmed to synchronize all our comcry so we can speak to everyone each of us are connected to and each of them can hear us clearly without us having to shout or yell.  In addition, depending on which connected person is speaking, that comcry crystal will illuminate, so we’d know if it was Ambassador Das, Huandoy, or Lady Mizuha.  This will allow more people to be on the call, in different locations, even if their comcry are not registered with everyone’s.”

Ambassador Wu, Ambassador Das, and their small parties looked impressed.

“Is this on the market yet, my lady?” one of the aides asked.

Tori shook her head with some disappointment.  “Not yet.  This is a test model that we’ve gotten to work well and we’re testing it in the delta.  I thought it would be useful for this meeting, so I had it delivered from Anahata Island.  We’re trying to add additional programs to it, such as the ability to share registered comcry.  In that example, let’s say I needed to contact Ambassador Das’ wife for a recipe, but her comcry isn’t registered in mine, so I would have to call Ambassador Das every time I wanted to send a message to his wife.  We are hoping to program the device to allow for my comcry to register Madam Das’ comcry using the Ambassador’s.  I think that would be useful for communication.”

“That would be extremely useful.”  Several people bobbed their heads with interest and Tori assured them that once a satisfactory working model was programmed, she would invite them to test it and, if possible, purchase them.

As she finished setting it up, the doors to the meeting room at the imperial palace opened and Sir Dobchek walked in to announce Piers.

“His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Piers Emil.”

Tori stood up from her seat as the other meeting attendees and bowed her head as Piers came in.  As it was a formal meeting, he was dressed in a suit with his hair combed back.  Even Axton was dressed appropriately.  Tori had changed into a suitable dress with her hair braided and a headband that matched her dress.

“Be seated,” Piers said as he took his seat at the head of the table.  The dozen people around the table also took their seats.  “I thank our allied ambassadors and their teams for coming today.  This meeting will be much smoother thanks to the conference comcry.”

Piers had told Tori that it was a bit chaotic when they arranged the meeting, everyone was calling each other over and over to settle a time and location that worked for everyone involved.  It had taken hours just to arrange a single meeting.

“Tori, please prepare the conference comcry,” Axton told her.  Tori nodded and read out the instruction of who called whom.  The other two parties were excited to try the new crystal device and once they were connected, Tori explained what the conference comcry was and how it would be used for the meeting.

Ambassador Wu and his aide called the Emperor of Hong, who was awaiting the call with select members of his cabinet.  Ambassador Das called his head of state, as well.  Piers called King Cyrus of Pargath, as Pargath was in a strategic area and also bordered the territory of the Duraga Federation.

“We have also received an armistice and negotiations request from the Duraga Federation,” the Emperor of Hong said in a stern voice.  “However, they are in the wrong and not only trespassed into our borders, but also practiced illegal activity within our borders.”

“They were clearly trying to undermine us,” the Emperor of Varsha added, equally irritated.  “To think they have the gall to request for a negotiation!  What do they plan to negotiate with?”

“With our discovery of their armies crossing into our borders and exploiting our lands, and the subsequent destruction of those armies, they must’ve suffered great losses and for the time being, cannot afford to continue any thoughts of expansion,” Axton said on behalf of Piers.

“We have gathered information on the southern tribes nearest to us,” King Cyrus said.  “With the loss of warriors from the major tribes that had controlled the Federation for many years, there is a mood of separation from the Federation that is spreading.”

“Many of those southern tribes provide the majority of the grains and grass that support the major tribes’ armies, but at the cost of their own resources.  The Federation puts too much importance in their armies that they rob resources from the sedentary tribes,” Tori said.  “Your Majesty King Cyrus, has there been any word of creating an independent state?”

“Yes, but they would need the support of a stronger, established country for protection against the Federation.  The smaller tribes do not have the numbers to defend themselves.”

Everyone on the call and in the room seemed to sink into silence, thinking about the situation.  For the three empires on the call, the period of conquest had passed.  And even if it didn’t, it would cause tension between them if they began to scramble for Federation territory.

While competitive with each other, they were also firm allies and trading partners.  It would do more harm than good to fight for a strip of land that they didn’t need.  Three generations ago, a Hong Empire Prince tried to annex part of Varsha to try to expand the empire under and win the right to be the crown prince.

Varsha essentially put an embargo on the Hong Empire.  Neighboring countries, worried that the Hong Empire would turn their eyes on them, followed.  The wealthy merchant class in Hong were furious, prices for some things skyrocketed, prices for other things plummeted, and within a year, riots broke out and due to hoarding, pockets of the empire were exploited to near starvation.

Three years later, the prince was stripped of his title and left to rot in a mountain prison.  It took another few years to recover from the embargo and at least another entire generation for the neighboring countries to trust the Hong Empire again.

And that didn’t even count Soleil, which Tori learned had the strongest active navy in the world.  One which would only grow stronger thanks to her.

Tori lifted her hand and rubbed the bridge of her nose.  She knew they would not come to any conclusion today and the meetings would continue.  There was so much information to take in, so much history and concerns.  Everyone had something to worry about.

After hours of meeting, it was discussed that they would convene with their people and then meet in three days to try to find a starting point in how to assist the smaller tribes to leave, and what demands they should have for the Federation.  It was agreed that the negotiations would be more effective for them if they approached the Federation as a unified front.

It was Tori’s first time in a long meeting with other countries regarding international relations.  After the meeting, she and Piers and Axton had another meeting with the Emperor to inform him of the meeting’s progress.

It was exhausting.

“I wish Alexander were here,” Tori said as she sank into the rectangular mini pool that was Piers’ bathtub.  Crystals were used to heat up and circulate the water for as close as Tori could get to a hot tub.  There were few such large inground baths in the palace and Piers’ was the only one she could get access to.

Not that they told others.  After her soak, she’d need to return to her guest room.

“He is having fun in Viclya,” a man’s voice came from behind a five paneled screen divider.

“I’d also like to be having fun in Viclya....” Tori muttered under her breath as she sat, neck deep in water with her hair tied into a puffy bun at the top of her head.  “Is this how meetings usually are?”

Piers was quiet for a moment.  “For diplomatic issues, yes.  It is often long and tedious.  It could take months to come to a resolution that is reasonably satisfactory for the parties involved.”

Tori groaned and tilted her head back.  Her folded towel was on the edge of the pool.  “This could take months?  Ugh....”

“You do not have to force yourself to attend every meeting.  I can keep you updated on the progress,” Piers told her from behind the screen.

“I shouldn’t have come.  I don’t add value to this meeting.”  She almost wanted to say, ‘this could’ve been an email.’

“It is good that you came, as it shows your influence to our allies,” Piers said.  “You are a planner and your questions and concerns regarding coordination have value.  It also prepares you for the possibility of a Duraga Federation delegation visiting.”

Tori sat up straight, splashing water along the edges of the pool.  “For the negotiations?”

“If they agree to our terms, then they will send a delegation to finalize the agreement as a show of trust.  It will likely be important members of the major tribes,” Piers told her.

Tori narrowed her eyes.  “And why would I need to be prepared....?” He certainly wasn’t thinking of throwing them a party, was he?

“In terms of security and hospitality, I will require your assistance,” Piers told her.  “You were able to plan the security for my parents.  I trust your ability.”

Tori groaned and wanted to melt into the hot water.  “Why is the reward for a job well done always more work and not money?”