Chapter 69: Deal With Her Mano a Mano

After having so many first years around the previous week, it felt much quieter now, when they were on their excursion. The upperclassmen and those in her class were able to focus on their training sets without having to stop and instruct the first years. Captain Messer was having a good spar with GG while Master McDouglass watched and shouted from the side of the ring.

Tori finished checking on the plants in the garden next door. She had the fence fully repaired and had a new sign made at Daybreak Garden that said ‘Lycée du Soleil Sword Association: Medicinal Plants Garden’. Master McDouglass helped them hang it up the other week.

Uncle Maurizo had come with some of his students to help them plant and then give instructions on caring for them. The garden was surprisingly popular to the sword association members and they’d had some agricultural niche students come by to take a look.

Tori locked the gate and walked back to the practice training grounds. She delivered the key to Master McDouglass then went to grab a waster from a barrel.

“Where is Connor?”

She paused in mid step and turned around. She jerked her head back and looked at Fabian. For a moment he wondered if she heard correctly. Shaking her head, Tori turned back and weighed the training sword in her hand, making sure she pulled one out that was suitable for her height.

“I’m talking to you.” That was Fabian’s voice for sure.

Tori turned around once more and looked at him with uncertainty. “Me?”

He was also dressed in training clothes, albeit slightly nicer looking ones. He narrowed his eyes. “Yes, who else would I be talking to?”

“I don’t know. No one here talks to you.” Tori almost snorted. She rested her waster over one shoulder. “If you’re talking about Ewan Connor, he’s having lessons.”

“Lessons?” Fabian sneered. “Is he doing that badly in school?”

“Ugh....” Tori rolled her eyes. “No, he’s doing quite well. After classes, in the middle of the week, he meets with Axton for additional sword lessons and advanced sparring.”

The corner of his eye twitched and Tori wanted to smirk. No one else was training with someone like Axton. “Does he train with Sir Nassaun three days a week? He was only here for two days last week.”

“Why are you asking?” Tori asked as she lowered her shoulders. She couldn’t help but be suspicious of him, but there was really nothing to be suspicious about. What could he do even if he knew Ewan’s schedule? Fight him? She would put an end to that real quick.

“He’s trying to enter La Garda. It only takes twenty-five students a year from around the empire. As far as I’m concerned, he’s competition.” Fabian lifted his chin and Tori raised a brow.

“Oh...so you see him as good enough to be competition.” She was a bit happy to hear that. However, when she said it, Fabian seemed to realize what he said and jerked his head back.

His face reddened. “He would be if he was any good!”

Is that the best counter you have? The knight matches the prince, I see. Tori sighed and lowered her sword.

“If you must know, at the beginning and end of the week, he has dagger lessons with my nanny along with Ilyana and Albert. Dagger lessons are only suspended the weeks of midterm exams and finals. In the middle of the week, Ewan has training with Axton. He also goes with us to the delta every other weekend and trains with Axton while he’s there,” Tori said, almost proudly. “And I wouldn’t worry about his academic performance.”

Fabian scoffed and turned his head to the side. “Being slightly above average in terms of niche students is still well below average overall.”

“Then, it’s lucky Ilyana is personally tutoring him,” Tori said as she lifted her head and turned away. “I hope you’re able to find just as good an instructor to guide you before the application period next year.”

“That isn’t something for you to worry about, Lady Guevera.”

Tori gave him a cold smile. “You’re right. Why would I worry about you if you don’t even cross my mind.” She skipped off to join some other second years with their forms.

She just finished leading them through an eighteen-form sequence when Master McDouglass called her over.

“There is someone here for you,” the burly man said, almost exasperated.

“Sorry about the trouble, Master. Who is it this time?” Tori asked as she wiped her brow with a towel and put her sword in a barrel as she passed.

“Mr. Guthry.”

“Fantastic.” Tori said in a dull voice before heading towards the gate. Just outside, standing by the wall of the training grounds was the former first ranked student, looking sullen, but determined. She took a deep breath and readied herself to talk to a brick wall once again. “Mr. Guthry, I was told you wanted to speak to me?”

He stood up straight and turned towards her. He seemed to size her up, his eyes going up and down her body as she approached. Maybe he thought she was intimidating in training clothes, though her dagger wasn’t on her. She technically wasn’t supposed to wear any weapons on campus, so she removed it when she came to train, otherwise it would be visible.

“Lady Guevera, I apologize for bothering you.”

“Then stop bothering me.”

She saw him grit his teeth and she tried not to grin. Dimitri clenched his hands at his sides and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath before opening them and meeting her gaze. “Lady Guevera, I am asking you to withdraw your lawsuit against the school.”

“No.”

His jaw clenched again and she almost wondered what he thought would actually happen if he asked her. There was no way she was going to agree.

“Is it absolutely necessary for you to sue the school simply because you disagree with their policy?” he asked.

“You are mistaken, Mr. Guthry. I’m not suing the school because I disagree with their policy.” His brows shot up, surprised. Tori smiled. “I’m suing the school because their policy was enacted suddenly, without a chance for students to review it and raise their concerns, and because after much consideration and review; I am the only one affected by the policy, putting forward the question: is this policy targeting me specifically?

“I believe you’re looking far too deeply into it, Lady Guevera. It is a coincidence that you are being affected and you will likely not be the only one affected in the future. The policy was made to help students, and your reaction to sue the school and ban and blacklist the Governing Board members is unnecessary. It’s an overreaction.”

Tori cocked her head. “Who told you that I banned and blacklisted the Governing Board members?”

Dimitri stared at her for a moment, as if unable to believe she’d say such a thing. “Lady Guevera, everyone knows! A dozen families are complaining that they are being targeted in retaliation for the policy!”

“And?”

His jaw dropped and the burning irritation in his eyes fizzled out into a blank stare. Tori almost wondered if she broke him.

“What....” He gritted his teeth and lifted his hand to rub his forehead. “Lady Guevera, why else would you ban the Governing Board?”

“Pre-emptive move,” Tori said with a shrug. “I knew they were going to try to boycott Lions Gate to try to pressure me into withdrawing the lawsuit, so I banned them before they could. It just so happens that I have very supportive family, friends, and acquaintances.” She smiled and raised her hands, as if she were helpless. “I don’t control them, Mr. Guthry.”

His eyes crinkled up and he seemed to want to argue back, but she made a good move. He grit his teeth and shook his head. “Then what do you want from them in order for you to withdraw the lawsuit?”

Tori raised a brow and looked him up and down. “Mr. Guthry, did the Board send you to try to negotiate with me?” She let out a small laugh. “It seems they’re not taking this very seriously at all.”

“Lady Guevera, you already have so much to do with your project and your business, not to mention Lycée. Do you really need to continue with this unnecessary course of action?” Dimitri asked. “Both you and the Board have better things to do.”

“I don’t know about the Board, but I personally enjoy the challenge,” Tori said. She gave him a nod and stepped back. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I want to get some sparring in-”

“My mother’s friend’s family is being affected by your actions,” Dimitri told her.

“Every action as a consequence, Mr. Guthry. They should’ve been prepared for that,” Tori said as she turned around, waving her hand dismissively as she walked away.

She heard him let out a frustrated huff. “Lady Guevera, are you not afraid that this will reflect badly upon you?”

“I would rather have this reflect badly upon me than negatively affect the villagers at the delta and everyone who is currently working there.” Tori didn’t stop walking. “Mr. Guthry, if the Board asks, tell them that they should send a proper representative to speak to me next time. If they expect me to yield so easily, then they have severely underestimated Victoria de Guevera.”

She didn’t think that telling Dimitri to essentially shut up and tell the Board to deal with her mano a mano would actually work. A day later, someone from the administration building intercepted her when she came out of her metacrystals class and told her that she had been called to Headmaster Laurent’s office once more.

“Oh, goodie. This must be round two.” The administration staff member looked at her strangely, but didn’t say much as they walked across campus.

It didn’t take them long to reach the administration building and Mr. Legaspi was waiting for her at the entrance of the building to escort her directly in. Tori gave him a nod and a pleasant greeting before following.

He let her into the headmaster’s office and she found Headmaster Laurent sitting at his desk, looking exhausted, as two well-dressed middle-aged men stood to his side. When the door sounded, they all turned towards her.

Tori bounced into the room, smiling. “Good afternoon, Headmaster Laurent! And...gentlemen.” She gave the other two men a forced smile. “I hope this isn’t going to be a long meeting. I’m scheduled to study with my friends off campus soon, in preparation for the exams.”

“Miss Guevera, please have a seat,” Headmaster Laurent told her, motioning towards the seat in front of his desk. By now, Tori almost felt familiar with that chair.

“Lady Guevera, I am Tyler Allen and this is Clarence Copperton, we represent the Lycée du Soleil Governing Board,” the younger of the middle-aged men said, motioning to himself and then the other man in a dark gray and mustard suit.

“It’s a pleasure,” Tori said with a small, curt nod. She reached into her pocket and took out her comcry as she sat down. She’d started making a point to bring it everywhere with her. “One moment.” She slid her finger across the crystal. “Call Eduardo de Sophos.”

She looked up at the three men and gave them another pleasant smile. A moment later, her mother’s father answered.

“Good afternoon, my dear, how are you?”

“Good afternoon, Grandpa. I’m doing well. I’m currently seated with Headmaster Laurent and two gentlemen who are representing the Governing Board. You told me to have you on the call for any meetings. Do you have a moment to listen in?”

The two men stiffened where they stood and seemed to redden. For Tori, this was a precaution to make sure there were additional witnesses and for her to have a seasoned reference. Her grandfather worried that they would try to take advantage of her because she was a fifteen-year-old girl. As far as Tori was concerned, he was right to be worried.

She wasn’t intimidated or would let herself be taken advantage of, but she did think that they would try to put pressure on her somehow. Having her grandfather on the comcry felt like evening the playing field.

“All right, I am prepared to take any notes. Please proceed,” her grandfather said.

Tori looked towards the two men and gave them a nod, as if allowing them to talk. The two exchanged looks and Mr. Allen took a deep breath.

“Lady Guevera, we are here today to ask you to withdraw your lawsuit against the school.”

Tori stared at them. “I gathered. What else?”

The two men looked at each other and then at Headmaster Laurent, who turned his head away, as if there was something extremely interesting on his other side and was not part of whatever was happening.

“Lady Guevera, please withdraw your lawsuit,” Mr. Allen repeated.

Tori crinkled her eyes. “Is he serious?” Grandpa Sophos muttered in a low voice laced with disbelief. Tori took a deep breath.

“Mr. Allen, Mr. Copperton, please give me a reason why I should withdraw the lawsuit.”

“Lady Guevera, it is an overreaction to a simple policy! There is no need for the policy to be retracted,” Mr. Copperton said. “It is a fair policy and you may feel targeted by it, but it affects all students.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Tori said. She leaned back against the leather seat and crossed her legs, looking at them with defiance. “Does it, Grandpa?”

“My granddaughter has not only been unfairly targeted by this policy, but this policy was implemented without warning to the students,” her grandfather said, firmly.

“Mr. Sophos-”

“Imperial Grand Scholar Sophos.” Her grandfather corrected them sharply. “There are only ten of us. Certainly, you who are on an education board can remember to use our titles.”

Tori drew in her lips and tried not to laugh as the two men grew flustered.

“Im...Imperial Grand Scholar Sophos,” Mr. Allen seemed to force himself to say. “There were no procedures before. It was merely a courtesy to tell the students.”

“Courtesy is not a guarantee that students will be able to speak out if the policy enacted causes concerns. There should be guidelines in place that specify any exceptions, particularly if they affect the safety of the students. This is all in the documentation we have sent to the Governing Board!”

“Imperial Grand Scholar, think about how his incident will look on your granddaughter!” Mr. Copperton, red-faced and slightly sweaty, leaned forward and almost yelled at the comcry on Tori’s lap.

“Do you think my granddaughter doesn’t know that her actions have consequences? She is well aware of how this will reflect upon her. Unlike whoever it is who brought up the request for the budget limitation, my granddaughter, and our family, do not fear retaliation and hide! Who are you trying to hide?”

Tori kept a smile on her face. “You should be ready for push back with any policy passed.”

“This meeting is useless. The documents sent to the Governing Board contain all the necessary information gathered on things concerning and affected by the budget limitation, currently and historically, as well as the Education Ministry’s guidelines.” Grandpa Sophos’s booming voice filled the room. “Policy must be properly discussed with the parents of students before implementation, which this policy was not. Policy must not discriminate against a single individual or minority group, which this has. Policy should be presented to the students in a timely manner for an adjustment period, which this has not been. Rather than you gentlemen think about how badly this would look on Tori, I would very much think about how this would look badly on you.”

“Grandpa, I also heard that various members of the Governing Board are trying to stifle the economic development in the delta for their own benefit.” Tori decided now would be a good time to fan the flames. She watched the two men seem to lose the color on their faces.

“What? No!”

“Lady Guevera...where did you hear such a thing?”

Tori shrugged and glanced to the side. “Around.”

All JP had to do was tell the biggest gossip in the tenth district, who worked at a large, reputable inn, and it would spread like wildfire.

“The Governing Board has been notified of our demands. If we are unable to settle this out of court in a month’s time, then I will schedule the court date. Do not forget to provide all the names and documents requested, including that of the individual who brought up budget limitations,” Grandpa Sophos said in a cold, calculated voice. “If you do not, you will be punished for contempt, which will be a hefty fine...and I’m fairly certain I can find a way to push for prison time.”

Tori blinked and looked at the comcry with surprise. Hold up, is Grandpa straight up threatening them? Damn, Grandpa.

“I advise you to retract or revise the policy, as well as implement a proper procedure following the Education Ministry’s guidelines, or we will see you in court in a few weeks. Tori.” When he said her name, his voice had softened. “Do not speak to them any longer.”

Tori nodded and stood up. She looked at the men and gave them a small nod of her head. She looked at the Headmaster and repeated the motion before turning around and leaving.

“Thank you, Grandpa,” Tori said as she left the office and walked out into the hall. “I really appreciate your help.”

“You have been wronged and I should help you.” Grandpa’s voice lowered and he sounded somewhat disappointed. “I know I’m not as influential as Victor, so this is all I can do for you.”

“Grandpa, you of all people should know that a brilliant mind can be just as dangerous as a sharp sword in the right hands,” Tori said, smiling intently. “You’re my hero this time, Grandpa.”

“Such a sweet girl. I won’t let you down, my dear.”

“Okay, I have to meet Ilyana and the others at Cafe Fortuna. We’re afraid that others are going to bother us if they see us in one of the study rooms at the dorm.”

“Is that cafe far from the school?”

“A block over, next to the plaza,” Tori said, knowing her grandfather was familiar with the layout of the area. “Prince Piers owns it. He lets us have access to the private rooms upstairs so we can study in peace.”

“Good. He’s a smart boy,” Grandpa said. “And Tori, if you wish to have him as a partner, you must weigh the risks first.”

Tori laughed. He sounded so worried when he said it. “Grandpa, Piers and I are just friends.”

“Friends can be partners.”

Tori slowed as she walked down the steps of the administration building. She squinted her eyes and thought for a moment. “Then, I’ll keep that in mind. Tell Grandma, I said hi. Love you all.”

She slid her finger across the crystal and looked down at it, unsure how to feel with that unexpected comment from her grandfather. Also how did her maternal grandparents find out? Did her mother tell them?

“Senior Tori!” A girl’s voice reached her and she snapped her head up. She looked around the courtyard and saw a familiar face; one of the first-year girls who was in their dorm and had been on their first tour of the campus. Whenever she saw Tori or Ilyana, she always greeted them enthusiastically.

“Good afternoon, Miss Elsen.” Tori greeted her with a warm smile.

The girl beamed and grabbed her hand, shaking it up and down before releasing her. “Have a good afternoon!” She then immediately ran off.

Tori knit her brows together and tilted her head to the side. She looked down at her hand, having felt something pushed into her palm before Miss Elsen closed Tori’s fingers around them to keep it from falling.

It was a tiny, folded piece of paper.

Tori looked around to see if anyone was watching and then quietly walked off to the side of the path. She doubted it was a love letter. Ilyana had received so many from first years that almost every day she was rejecting some poor boy or girl. A few times, they were from seniors and Tori told her she wasn’t surprised, citing ‘our Ilyana is the most beautiful and intelligent girl in school’.

However, Tori herself rarely received any. She stood beneath a tree and carefully unfolded the folded piece of paper only as big as her pinky nail.

The words were not what she expected, but they were quite damning.

Prince Gideon requested the policy change.

Tori sucked in a sharp breath. Her first instinct was to believe the note. It was something that Gideon would do and had the weight to push. Tori was also sure it had to do with Alessa, but there was no proof other than her gut screaming it.

Still, she was a rational person. She wanted to confirm that the note would have merit. After all, how would a perky first year student who had nothing to do with Gideon, to their knowledge, know? Elsen wasn’t the family name of anyone on the Governing Board either.

She took the note and proceeded as planned to the cafe. Ilyana, Albert, and Henrik were already there, reviewing the latest set of problems in their books.

“Ilyana, do you know anything about Miss Elsen?” Tori asked.

“The sweet little girl with the curly brown hair and freckles?” Ilyana asked. She shook her head and pursed her lips. “She’s not local, but she has family here. Last weekend, she went to her grandmother’s. She apparently lives in Horizon. Why do you ask?”

“I just wanted to know if she has any connection to anyone on the Governing Board,” Tori said. Ilyana gave her an understanding look. She likely thought that Tori didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Ilyana always thought the best of Tori.

“Let’s ask JP when he arrives,” Henrik said. “If he doesn’t know, he can find out.”

JP’s efficiency was terrifying. Henrik called him around the time he and Sonia were set to leave riding practice. At the time, JP didn’t know.

When they arrived at Cafe Fortuna almost half an hour later, Tori had her answer.

“Miss Elsen’s mother is a Jensen of the Jensen family in the fifth district,” JP said. Albert perked his head up.

“Then she does have a connection,” Albert said. The fifth district was where his family and many other aristocratic families lived. “Lady Karoline Jensen is on the Governing Board. She’s a senior member and doesn’t have any school age children, but I think all of hers went to Lycée at one point. One of her older daughters did marry out of the city; Miss Elsen is probably her granddaughter.”

Tori narrowed her eyes. “I see....I’m going to step out for a minute.” She stood up and walked outside their study room. There were three rooms on the upper floor of Cafe Fortuna and they usually went to the largest one, where Tori’s violet ‘lamenting’ chaise was. The medium-sized one had a smaller table and would fit about six people.

Tori walked into one of the smallest of the rooms. It had a small table with one chair and a wooden daybed pushed against the wall by the window. There was also a large bookshelf that covered an entire wall. After she closed the door, she reached for her comcry.

“Call Erik Skuldsen,” Tori said. She waited for the guild master to pick up. It took a few tries, but he finally answered.

“Hello, Lady Tori!” The man greeted her warmly before his voice deflated. “Is something wrong with Henrik?”

“No, no!” Tori calmed him at once. “He’s fine. He’s actually studying with Ilyana and the others.”

“Oh, thank goodness!” The guild master let out a breath of relief. “Honestly, we were worried he’d fail out. Who would’ve expected him to do so well last year? We certainly didn’t.” Tori winced. “How can I help you, my lady?”

“Sir, can you tell me if the Jensen family of Lady Karoline Jensen have any businesses that may be affected by the ban?” Tori asked. It was easier to ask the Guild Master instead of Henrik, as he knew more.

Henrik’s father let out a heavy breath. “My lady, all of those Governing Board members’ businesses are affected, if not suffering, from the ban. Your brother’s list was thorough. Perhaps if it was just Lions Gate and the Gueveras, they would be fine, but they have several duchies and two marches who’ve banned them. The influence is massive and it’s crippling the businesses of these smaller families.” He let out a tired sigh. “If it were me, I would’ve given up and retracted it already. A policy that needlessly affects one student isn’t worth it.”

Tori verified enough. She clenched her jaw and took a deep breath. Miss Elsen had the right connections and if she went to her grandmother’s, it made sense that she’d hear of the ban, especially if the Jensen’s businesses were suffering because of it. Tori didn’t know if Miss Elsen told her to try to help the Jensens or to help her, but everyone knew that the Governing Board was refusing to reveal who had requested the policy change.

JP had spread bits and pieces of information in order to disparage the Governing Board and gain sympathy for Tori. Keeping such a thing a secret made the Governing Board appear as if they were hiding something, which they technically were.

“Thank you, Guild Master. I appreciate this. I’m sorry if I’m causing any trouble for you.”

She heard him chuckle. “The guild hasn’t been this lively in a while; everyone is enjoying watching who will win.” He seemed to whisper this and Tori chuckled. She ended the call and leaned against the door.

“Gideon, you douche....” She wanted to know where Gideon was or what he was doing in the late spring or early summer. If he had any contact with the Governing Board, then she was a hundred percent certain and could call him on it, perhaps even summon him to court. She slid her finger across the crystal once more. “Call Axton du Nassaun.”

“What do you need?” Axton answered.

“Axton, do you know what Prince Gideon was doing about six months ago? Who can I go to in order to find out his schedule or whereabouts of the time?” Tori asked. Someone had to be keeping track of him; he was a prince.

“Gideon? I don’t know,” Axton said, sounding confused. “I don’t normally pay attention to him. Why?”

“I just received a tip off today,” Tori said as her hand squeezed the comcry. “He was the one who requested the policy change.”

She heard his sharp breath. Tori waited for him to reply, but he was quiet. Tori furrowed her brows and frowned. She opened her mouth to ask if he was still there when she heard Piers’ voice.

“I will talk to him.”

“Happy birthday, Axton!” The Empress reached forward and put a small box in Axton’s hands before she raised her arms and wrapped them around him. Axton laughed, barely able to put an arm around and return her hearty squeeze.

“Thank you, Godmother.” He smiled as she stepped back and lifted her hands to cup the sides of his face.

“Every time I get a good look at you, I see Genevieve,” the Empress said in a warm, soft voice. “You have grown so well; she would be so happy.”

Axton’s smile softened as well. He nodded. The Empress said that every year, but he never tired of hearing it. “Thank you, Godmother. She put me in good hands.”

“Oh, you!” The Empress’ eyes glistened over for just a moment.

“Axton, happy birthday.” The Emperor was standing just beside her and he extended his hand to shake Axton’s. Unlike the Empress, he wasn’t the hugging type. Axton figured it was because he grew up a bit more formal.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Axton smiled and grasped the Emperor’s hand to shake it.

“So, what are your plans tonight?” the Empress asked. “You and Piers are missing the family dinner again and we were hoping to celebrate your birthday with you.”

Axton chuckled as he released the Emperor’s hand. “We’re going to have dinner at the Three Queens with Tori and her friends.”

“I’m one of the three queens; why wasn’t I invited?” The Empress almost seemed to pout at the offense.

Axton gave her a helpless smile. “Godmother, if you wish, you are still welcomed to come.”

The Empress’ face lit up and she opened her mouth to accept, only to have the Emperor let out a loud cough beside her. “Antonia!” He coughed the name once more and the excitement on the Empress’ face faded.

“I would love to, Axton, but as you know, we have the...family dinner tonight, as well.” The disappointment in her voice was almost palatable. “Is it just Tori and her friends?”

“I’ve also invited Training Commander Reystrom and the Pope’s son.”

He almost didn’t catch the sharpness in the Empress’ eyes. “The Pope’s son?”

Axton nodded. “He’s also doing his project in the delta and is one of Tori’s newer friends. She visited him over the summer in Karap. Nice kid.”

The air felt a bit cold and Axton shuddered a bit.

“A rival...?”

He looked at the Empress and leaned forward. “I’m sorry, Godmother, what did you say?”

“Nothing! My throat was just a bit scratchy.” She threw him a wide smile. “Well, I hope you have a good time....where is Piers?”

She looked around the gate house where they were seeing Axton off. Axton had one of the larger carriages of the night and had already sent one to pick up the local kids who’d gone home for the weekend. Another had been sent to pick up the trio left at Lycée and Training Commander Reystrom.

“I don’t know.” Axton looked around. He had told Piers what time they were leaving and Piers was always on time. He became upset when he was late. Axton grew a bit worried, but tried not to show it. He gave his godmother and the Emperor a smile and bowed his head. “I will go look for him. My pupil is waiting for us and he’ll likely be starving if we don’t get there soon.”

“Oh, you have a pupil now?” The Emperor smiled, appearing proud. “Just like Oliver.”

Axton couldn’t stop smiling at that. He walked back into the palace and headed towards the wing where their rooms were. He was almost there when he turned a corner and came to a stop. He didn’t bother to hide himself as he saw Gideon up the hall with his back to him. In front of Gideon was a cold-looking Piers with his arms crossed.

“You know that in a few months, the empire’s assistance to the villagers at the delta will end.” Piers’ voice was icy and strangely more detached than usual. Axton almost shrank back. “The money spent through the Lycée project is not only used on the construction on the islands, but on supplies for the people. It is of benefit to over 1,500 villagers and over 150 men and women working as additional labor and staff. Why would you want to limit her budget?”

Axton lowered his eyes. Piers was easily overwhelmed by people; he grew uncomfortable and upset in many situations; and often got annoyed, but he rarely got angry like this. After Tori’s call earlier that week, Axton couldn’t talk. He didn’t know what to say to calm Piers and he doubted Tori’s “I will deal with this” did anything to ease Piers.

Axton knew Piers wouldn’t hurt his brother. At least not physically.

Gideon seemed to be avoiding looking at Pier’s face. “I was worried that too much money was being spent on the delta.”

“It is not your money. It is being spent efficiently and put to good use. It was not harming anyone.” Piers gave his usual succinct answers.

“But it was hurting people!” Gideon snapped his head up as his voice echoed around the hall.

Piers continued to frown, but looked away. “Who was it hurting?”

“Lady Guevera hired so much of the floating labor force in Horizon; it’s causing a labor shortage.”

Axton almost wanted to slap his forehead. That was Gideon’s reason?

“I have signed off on temporary residency documents for over half of the general laborers myself. There are many workers from outside Horizon. Workers must apply for positions. There is a ratio of only one out of every seven applicants that are considered and out of those, only half are hired,” Piers said. Axton found himself nodding. Not just anyone could work at the delta. Tori had such strict requirements; Axton didn’t think he’d be able to get a job there. “Where is your source for this labor shortage?”

“I noticed it.”

This kid.... Axton took a deep breath.

“Where?” Piers asked. “Did you check the guilds? They keep the most accurate track of their members and all reputable masons, carpenters, and the like are all part of their guilds.”

Gideon hadn’t moved from his place. He clenched his hands at his side. “No, I didn’t.”

“Why did you not check with them?”

“I didn’t think to do so.”

“Then, your actions are based on personal speculation. Are you not aware that your decisions have consequences to others aside from yourself?” Piers’ voice was cutting, but he wasn’t wrong. “If the budget limit was set lower and she could not afford to feed those villagers for the winter, what do you think would happen? What would you do?”

“But the budget limit wasn’t set so low! It was purposely set high enough to give students a large allowance! The only person this would affect is Lady Guevera!”

Axton closed his eyes and let out a low hiss. He shook his head. That was one of the worst things Gideon could’ve said at that moment.

Piers’ voice made him shudder. “You targeted her.”

“She has an unfair advantage over everyone else!”

“Who else is trying to resettle a village on unsettled marshland?”

“I....” Gideon seemed to struggle to come up with an answer. His shoulders slumped and his head dropped. “I only asked for such a policy because resources were appearing strained.”

“What resources were you looking for? You have yet to begin building the hospital for your project.” Axton knew Piers kept track of such things.

“It wasn’t for me, it was for....” Gideon’s voice trailed off and he seemed to take a shaky step back.

“You are doing this for someone else?” Piers asked.

Gideon seemed to compose himself and stood up straight. He dared to look up at Piers. “Aren’t you working on the delta to help Lady Guevera? Why can’t I help one of my friends?”

“You target others to help your friends?”

“You targeted Duchess Alvere’s widower for Axton!”

“Are they the same?” Piers asked. “Did Tori betray and try to usurp the authority of your friend’s mother?”

“No-”

“Did Tori try to steal your friend’s home, influence, and wealth?”

Gideon swallowed hard and gave a small shake of his head. “No.”

“Then what did Tori do to make you target her at the price of an entire village?”

Gideon shook his head. His mouth was opened and his voice trembled. “She was hiring too many qualified people. It was putting others at a disadvantage.”

Piers almost looked disgusted as he looked away. “The Lycée project is not a competition. It is for the benefit of the empire. Choosing to aid one project by putting another at a disadvantage isn’t helping one project; it is sabotaging another.”

“Piers.” Axton stepped forward to try to end this before Gideon began to cry. He motioned his head down the hall. “Let’s go.”

Piers didn’t look at Gideon as he took a step forward. “I’m disappointed in you, Gideon.” He stepped around his brother and gave Axton a nod. “Let’s go.”

Piers walked around the corner and Axton looked back at the second prince. Gideon was shaking, pale, and before Axton followed Piers, Gideon covered his face with his hands and fell to his knees.