Tori Transmigrated

Chapter 108: I’m Suspicious

Tori’s smile slowly fell. “You broke off your engagement?” Her voice was soft and full of disbelief. Madam Voss worried so much for Alessa and sent her own sons to help find her. Did she break off the engagement because of Piers’ suggestion? If she couldn’t become a baroness, then she didn’t want to get married? Tori felt her stomach twist at the thought. Having spoken to her so much during the search, such a thing didn’t seem possible.

“It is something I’ve been considering since Alessa was found. When the Baron left, I stayed behind knowing that my presence would only upset her further. I feared that if I appeared, she would run off again and everyone’s efforts were for naught.” She paused and took a deep breath. “My sons and I have discussed this. Alessa ran away from home and went missing...this was all instigated because the Baron and I insisted on getting married. The relationship the Baron has with his daughter is suffering and I have played the largest role in causing it.”

Tori narrowed her eyes as she heard the self-blame in her words. “Lady Hart should have been more understanding of her father’s relationships.”

“She is still his child, and I should’ve been more considerate. Children are sensitive.” Part of Tori wondered if Madam Voss forgot that Tori was technically Alessa’s age. “I would be hesitant to marry if my sons were against it. I should’ve thought of this before agreeing. If I did, perhaps this could’ve all been avoided. If it were not for you this time, I don’t know what would’ve happened to Alessa. I don’t want to see Michael go through something like this again because of me.”

Tori pulled in her lips and bit them. “Has the Baron accepted the termination of the engagement?”

“I finished my call with him before calling you. He refused at first. He even offered to relinquish his title to marry. He loves his barony, he’s worked tirelessly for it, and I can’t rob his daughter of a future title. I never wanted the title; I was happy just to be with him. I don’t think that’s possible now.” There was a small, bitter, and painful laugh. “He may not want to end it, but I do. If I refuse, there is nothing he can do, right? My sons also want me to end it. Previously, my sons had concerns with the way Alessa was speaking of me. After this, they don’t want me to marry into such a home at all. The Baron has always been kind to them and at first, my sons were only hesitant. My eldest said that if marrying him made me happy, they would have no qualms. But after this....”

“I understand.” Tori said.

She could only imagine how Madam Voss’ sons felt hearing that their mother was constantly berated by a teenager, only to have their mother worry endlessly about said teenager because she loved the Baron.

If it were Tori, she’d try to talk her mother out of marrying into such a family, too. Even if the relationship between the husband and wife was good, a child from a previous relationship refusing to accept it could sour everyone’s lives.

It wasn’t as if the Voss sons needed a new father, or their family needed a patriarch.

Still, Tori couldn’t help but feel sympathetic for Madam Voss.

“I don’t regret asking for your help. I am certain you saved their lives,” Madam Voss told her. “Ending the engagement was my choice. There is no reason to force it. The Baron and I are adults.”

“A forced marriage isn’t sweet,” Tori said, quietly. “I am sorry to hear that, Madam Voss, but I can certainly understand why. It’s not worth spending the rest of your life struggling to gain acceptance from someone who hates you.”

She said a few more words of comfort to Madam Voss, but changed the topic to how her family business’ sales were going. The call ended and Tori let out a heavy sigh. Part of her couldn’t help but feel that Madam Voss ending the engagement to Baron Hart was a win for Alessa. As if this entire fiasco would be worth it to Alessa because Madam Voss dumped the Baron.

Tori wrinkled her nose and frowned. She knew it was selfish of her to want Alessa to watch her father remarry, but that girl nearly got them all killed, and house arrest and no pitiful allowance until Lycée started didn’t exactly feel like it was enough of a punishment. Where was the emotional and mental torment?

Tori closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It wasn’t as if there was anything she could do about it. She lifted her hands and gently patted her cheeks.

“Sir Beltran! I’m ready to go downstairs!” Tori called towards the door. It opened at once and one of her father’s personally trained knights walked in. He was a tall, strong man in his early thirties. From previous chats, he was married and had a little girl in Presidio.

“It’s good to get out of the room and into the sunshine, my lady.” He bent down to pick her up and Tori nodded.

“I know, I’m sick of this cabin,” Tori said. “I just want to go back to the delta and sleep on the beach with Alexander on my lap.”

Sir Beltran furrowed his brows and frowned a bit. “Alexander?”

“My new kitten.” His expression lightened and almost seemed relieved. Tori tried not to grin. He was probably thinking about how to explain ‘Alexander’ to her father.

“He must miss you.”

“Maybe,” Tori said. “The others give him so much attention and Ilyana’s brother, Riri, likes to play with him. He probably doesn’t even realize I’m gone.”

“Then, at least you left him in good hands.”

“Hmm...I’m blessed,” Tori said as she was carried downstairs. “I have such good friends, Sir Beltran.” She couldn’t help but brag. “When we stop at the resorts, please help me pick up some gifts for them.”

The large man carrying her chuckled and nodded. “Of course, my lady. I can carry you into any shop you want. All you need to do is stop and point.”

Tori beamed as she was carried across the living room. She could smell food coming from the kitchen, as two knights were on rotation to cook for everyone. Her brother and Idunn had already left with two Guevera knights and, despite her protest, they went by horseback.

Sebastian had embraced her tightly, assuring her that they were healthy enough to ride. He showed her his stomach wounds, which were, as he told her, healed over. Surprisingly, there were no more scabs, only off-colored bands across his skin. Idunn also assured her that they were still wearing air crystals and aurora crystals, so even as they rode, they were recovering.

Tori called all of Axton’s inns on the way to tell them to expect her brother’s party, just in case.

“If my brother and the others are riding, how soon will my brother reach Horizon from here?”

“With minimal stops, four to five days,” Sir Beltran replied. “Do not worry, my lady. Lord Sebastian is familiar with traveling in such a way.”

Tori released a heavy sigh. “Everyone in this family is overworked.”

Sir Beltran laughed and carried her outside. They stepped out onto the porch and as Sir Beltran began to carry her across the lawn between the cabin and the tree line, Tori stopped him. She narrowed her eyes towards the tree with the swing at the edge of the tree line. Piers had picked a suitable location; from the swing, they could look out towards the lake down the hill.

Piers was standing to one side, his back to her, and Alessa was chatting with a smile on her face while seated on the swing. Tori didn’t know she was still outside. Where was Montan? She glanced around, but didn’t see the blue-haired love interest anywhere.

Sir Beltran frowned. “Shall I ask her to leave, my lady?”

“No....” Tori said slowly. “Can you get me closer, so they don’t see us?” Sir Beltran looked down at her with surprise and she grinned. “I want to listen in.”

The man’s surprise turned to disapproval. “My lady, you cannot make a habit of eavesdropping.”

“Just this one time,” Tori said. Sir Beltran did not look convinced, and Tori came up with another excuse. “Uncle Rom says that valuable information is very important and that knowledge of what is happening around us can mean the difference between a win and a loss.”

She could see the uncertainty in Sir Beltran’s face, but Tori couldn’t contain her excited grin. In the game wiki, the only thing Piers and Alessa had in common was Gideon. Piers was much more of a background character in the game. Gideon mentioned him often, but she didn’t know if Piers had any scenes.

In fact, his character bio was just a summary on a page dedicated to Gideon’s family. Tori didn’t even remember seeing his character art. In this life, Alessa and Piers’ interactions were also limited, and they were passing at balls.josei

Tori couldn't help but wonder: why was Alessa chatting up Piers when the two love interests on this trip weren’t around? Did they know Alessa was out here?

Sir Beltran furrowed his brow, but quietly stepped back and then walked around the side to approach the swing from the surrounding forest rather than from the front lawn. Tori drew her head closer to her body as they walked between the trees and made their way closer to the swing.

As a Guevera knight, Sir Beltran’s footsteps were silent even while carrying another person. If it weren’t for the fact that she was being carried like a princess while peering around trees, it would’ve been a fun spy adventure.

Ooh...I should do a spy game. Start off by secretly assigning everyone as either a spy or an agent trying to get to secret info. Okay, okay, mental note made. I’ll work on it on the way back.

They came up from the hill below the tree and then hid behind a large tree and some rocks. Tori could hear their voices clearly.

“I don’t want my father to relinquish his title, Your Highness. I am his daughter, and he is my only parent left. I only want to save him from heartbreak and ruin,” Alessa said. “Surely, you can understand that.”

“Lady Hart, whether or not Baron Hart will marry Madam Voss is not something I can dictate,” Piers replied in a bland voice. “Please discuss this matter with your father.”

“But he won’t listen to me! You must help me come up with a solution, Your Highness. I don’t know who else I can go to.”

Tori narrowed her eyes. Who else you can go to? Since when could you go to Piers? And Madam Voss already dumped your father.

“This is not my place, Lady Hart. Please go back-”

“Your Highness, Gideon is always saying that you, his elder brother, are intelligent and will defend what is right.” There was a tone of determination in Alessa’s voice. “I know you will not turn your back on me.”

Tori raised a brow and looked at Sir Beltran, silently asking if he could believe what Alessa was saying. Sir Beltran only looked unimpressed. She could guess he was bored with the gossip of teenagers.

“Lady Hart, I cannot intercede on your behalf.” Piers’ voice was firm.

“There must be something you can do. Something you can think of,” Alessa said, almost pleading. “You are the esteemed first prince of Soleil! They say that your talents with policy and negotiations are unparalleled.”

“This is not a matter of Soleil policy or international negotiations.” Piers was starting to sound annoyed. “Lady Hart, please return to the cabin. I need to inspect this swing and make sure the ropes are secure.”

“They are very secure, Your Highness! You did a fantastic job. I feel very safe.”

Tori made an incredulous face.

“This swing is for Tori. She will be here soon and will want to sit. I still need to secure this sling so her legs will not drag,” Piers said with impatience.

Tori looked up at Sir Beltran with a bright, proud smile. My friends are the best! My love for them is not for naught!

“She hasn’t arrived yet. I will give her the swing when she arrives. Until then, can’t I swing a little longer?”

That was her cue.

Tori tugged on Sir Beltran’s shirt and gave him a nod. He nodded in return and carried her a few steps back before purposely making noise as they approached.

“Piers, is my swing ready?” Tori shouted clearly up the hill and Piers, who had been standing a good three paces away from Alessa, bypassed Alessa and almost ran down the hill towards Tori.

“It’s almost ready. I had help from Senior Benedict to prepare this sling for your feet.” Piers skidded to a stop beside her, then slowed his pace to walk beside Sir Beltran. He lifted the piece of cloth that had been tied together. “I can adjust it if it is too long.”

“I think it’s fine. I’m short,” Tori said, smiling. She looked up and raised her brows, pretending to look surprised as she saw Alessa still seated on the swing. “Good evening, Lady Hart.”

For a moment, Alessa seemed stunned to see her. She remained seated on the swing and blinked before pulling herself up and immediately taking two, shaky steps away. She put a bright smile on her face and motioned to the swing.

“Good afternoon, Lady Guevera!” Alessa gave her a brilliant smile. “How are you feeling?”

Tori kept a pleasant smile on her face. “Much better now, aside from being unable to move my legs. I don’t feel tired or dizzy anymore.”

Alessa nodded. “That’s wonderful.” She kept her eyes on Tori and Tori awkwardly tried to avoid them as Piers held the swing steady. Sir Beltran carefully placed Tori in the wooden seat. He helped her adjust her position until she felt comfortable.

Once she felt she was well balanced, she lifted her hands to hold on to the rope on either side of her. “Have you eaten already, Lady Hart? Dinner should be prepared soon. The knights are cooking.”

“Do they need any help?” Alessa perked up. “I can bake!”

“I think they should be finished soon. You should rest.” Tori tried to find something to say to get Alessa to return to the cabin. She just wanted to relax on a swing and enjoy the sunset, not make small talk with the game protagonist. Before she could think of something, Alessa tilted her head to the side and looked at her curiously.

“Lady Guevera, why are you coming from down the hill?”

“I never got the chance to look around the forest, so I wanted to take the opportunity to do so before we return to Horizon,” Tori said, keeping a pleasant smile on her face. “I’ve either been working on crystals, unconscious, or bedridden.”

Alessa scrunched her face a bit. “Is it too troublesome? The knight is the one carrying you and it is no easy task.”

Bitch, are you insinuating I’m heavy? My boobs haven’t even grown in yet! Sir Beltran seemed to freeze when he heard her speak and Tori stared at her as if she were an idiot. She forced herself to continue smiling. “Our knights are not so weak, Lady Hart. Do not insult my family’s people.”

Alessa glanced to the side as a slight flush crawled up her neck. “I didn’t mean to insult them,” she said with an embarrassed smile. “I only meant-”

“I know what you meant,” Tori cut her off. Her cold eyes lingered on Alessa. “Have you already packed your things? We are leaving tomorrow. Duke Tetri’s men assisted in the recovery of personal belongings found scattered in the ravine along with parts of the carriage.”

Alessa gave Tori a submissive bow of her head and a weak smile. “Yes, my lady. Everything is prepared. We will be leaving in the morning, as well.”

“I’m glad they were able to retrieve your things, Lady Hart.” Tori looked at Alessa expectantly, waiting for her to leave. Alessa didn’t move, but instead looked towards Piers.

Piers didn’t seem to remember she was there. He was kneeling to the side of the swing, tying the foot sling on, and trying to estimate if its length would be comfortable for Tori. Sir Beltran remained holding the rope steady so that Piers could work, and Tori remained seated in awkward silence.

“Skirt,” Piers said. He remained kneeling beside her. Tori released one rope and gathered some of the fabric of the skirt and pulled it up to her mid-calf. Piers carefully grasped her ankle with one hand and held the sling in the other, then methodically placed both feet on to the sling.

Tori glanced towards Alessa, whose amber eyes were still fixed on Piers. Her small, pale hands were clenched at her sides and her lower lip jutted out.

Wait, wait...is that envy in your eyes? Tori’s brows shot up and she looked from Alessa to Piers and shuddered. She did not like where this thought was leading.

“How is it?” he asked, as she was fully suspended. “Comfortable?”

“If you feel like you will slip off, you must let us know, my lady,” Sir Beltran added.

“I think it’s fine,” Tori said, shifting in the seat. “I don’t feel like I’ll fall off. If I’m starting to slip, I’ll tell you.”

“Then, I will wait over there, my lady.” Sir Beltran gave her a curt nod and stepped away, before walking towards another tree and stopping to stand beside it attentively, like a soldier on guard.

“I will push you,” Piers told her in a calm voice.

Tori’s eyes narrowed just a bit. “Gently at first. Don’t shove me off the swing.”

“I know how to push people on a swing,” Piers replied in a droll voice. “I have practiced.”

Tori drew her lips inward and imagined him ordering Axton to sit on a swing so he could practice and Axton looking utterly annoyed, but still doing it. She chuckled to herself.

“Your Highness and Lady Guevera get along very well,” Alessa said, still watching them. “Have you known each other long?”

“My brothers are his seniors,” Tori replied as casually as she could. “We were introduced when I arrived to start at Lycée.”

Alessa’s eyes turned into happy crescents as she smiled. “How lucky! I didn’t know anyone when I arrived.”

Tori raised a brow as Piers took hold of the rope on either side of her and pulled her back. “I thought you knew Mr. Rosiek?”

“We met on the road,” Alessa said, still smiling. “He was in trouble, and we stopped to assist him.”

Normally, Tori would not want to have a conversation with Alessa, as they tended to end awkwardly, if not terribly. However, Alessa seemed open to talk now and Tori was a bit curious about Adrien. He was the oldest of the love interests and unlike the others, Tori didn’t know much about his background other than he was a successful merchant and had some underground dealings.

There had to be at least one love interest with connections to a black market or underground network. Tori was sure that was some rule in these reverse-harem-esque stories. However, she didn’t pay enough attention to Adrien to personally investigate him. She just naturally assumed he was shady.

“In trouble? Was it dangerous?” Tori kept her voice, trying to sound innocently curious as Piers released her and she swung forward. As she swung back, she felt Piers’ hands on her back gently push her forward once more.

Alessa’s eyes lit, as if eager to tell her the story. She nodded her head and took a half step closer. “His carriage had broken a wheel and he seemed to have been robbed. Most of his belongings were gone and he was hurt.”

“On the route to Horizon?” Tori frowned. “It’s good we’re traveling with knights.”

“Yes! We were running late, and Daddy was afraid that I wouldn’t arrive in time to check in at Lycée, so we took a shortcut. If we didn’t, we never would’ve seen the broken carriage and found Adrien.” Alessa lifted a hand to her chest, as if to calm herself. “We were lucky. I insisted that we take him to Horizon. The gods were gracious and his injuries weren’t serious.”

“Then that is why he is so good to you,” Tori said, smiling. “You are his savior!” Alessa flushed and looked away shyly.

“I only wanted to help.”

Classic protagonist attitude. Tori nodded, approving. “By the way, Lady Hart. How is your Lycée project progressing?”

“It is going very well! Adrien has helped quite a bit and we’ve received many donated materials to help build a classroom for orphans.” She paused and her excited expression fell. She looked regretful as her shoulders shrunk. “My lady, I hope that there are no misunderstandings about what happened with the baking club. It wasn’t my intention; I was only frustrated and said things in anger.”

The corner of Tori’s eye twitched. Is this an apology? It doesn’t sound like an apology. The swing moved forward, and Tori took a deep breath. “If it was a misunderstanding, then I will treat it as such. I only hope that Lady Hart doesn’t feel that I am oppressing her in any way. I am competitive for the sake of my project and businesses, but it isn’t my intention to negatively impact others.”

“No, I understand that now.” Alessa shook her head from side to side vigorously. She looked at Tori with a fire in her eyes. “Lady Guevera, I misjudged you. You were willing to lose your ability to walk to save us!”

No, this was an unforeseen consequence and I regret many things. Despite her thoughts, Tori gave Alessa a regal smile. “I only helped where I could. The situation was dire, and action was needed. Piers deserves just as much credit for defending the cabin while I tried to clear the poisonous gas within.”

Alessa’s eyes rose and looked towards Piers with awe in her big, sparkling eyes. “Yes...His Highness was very heroic.” Her voice was soft and filled with admiration. Tori tried not to cringe. “He fought off a dozen men. Your Highness, are you a very skilled swordsman? You must be.”

Piers didn’t answer. He continued to push Tori in silence.

“He doesn’t like to bring it up,” Tori said. “He only did what was necessary at the time.”

“That’s amazing.” Tori had the feeling that Alessa wasn’t talking to her.

“Lady Hart, how long have you been outside?” Tori asked. “I heard that your door was closed, so you weren’t as affected by the gas as others, but you should still use air crystals for your lungs while the crystal masters are here.”

Alessa blinked. “But I can breathe fine, my lady.”

“You’re also not exerting too much energy right now. We don’t know if there are sequelae that could appear if you’re running or doing any fast-paced actions,” Tori told her. This was a legitimate concern. It was why the recovering knights still lingered in bed and would take carriages back, so crystals could be used to continue healing them. “Does Baron Hart have a crystal master or are there any crystal masters in Chetterswickshire?”

Alessa paused for a moment. “No....”

“Then you should take advantage of them while they are here and have them work on your lungs and breathing with crystals while you can,” Tori told her in a firm voice.

Alessa nodded her head. “I understand. I will go back, Lady Guevera.” She prepared to turn around, but paused. She looked back at Tori with a hesitant expression. “Lady Guevera, I hope that after this, we will have no more animosity between us.”

Tori wasn’t sure how she felt about Alessa’s words. She also hoped there would be no more conflicts; she really didn’t need the additional trouble in her life, but she didn’t want to be friends with Alessa either. She didn’t answer and instead gave a small smile.

Alessa’s pretty face lit up and she gave Tori a brilliant smile. “I’m relieved! Despite the unfortunate circumstances, I am glad that we talked, Lady Guevera.”

Why do you make it sound as if we had a heart to heart? Whatever, as long as you stop talking about me. Tori kept a smile on her face and gave her another curt nod.

“Then, I will return to the cabin and ask for a crystal master.” With a cheerful look on her face, Alessa turned around and seemed to walk with a bounce in her step.

She made it two paces in the direction of the cabin before Piers’ voice called out to her.

“Lady Hart.”

She whipped around faster than Alexander when he was playing with his cat toys. Her face lit up even more as she looked at him expectantly. “Yes, Your Highness?”

“Earlier, you approached me to thank me for saving you,” Piers told her. He narrowed his eyes. “You have not yet thanked Tori. Had it not been for her, you, Mr. Guthry, and Mr. Alvere would not have been found and we would’ve all been massacred with the poison gas.”

The excited look on Alessa’s face turned into one of surprise and then some disappointment. It was fleeting and quickly replaced by an earnest expression. “That’s right! I haven’t thanked her yet!” She turned to Tori and took a step back, pinching the sides of her skirt before giving Tori a curtsy. “Lady Guevera, thank you for your efforts in saving our lives. We are eternally grateful for your kindness and sacrifice.”

Tori tried not to cringe.

“I wanted to help your parents,” Tori said as her hair flew around her as she swung . “It was the right thing to do.” Alessa stood up straight, still smiling with some color in her cheeks, before turning around and walking unsteadily back to the cabin. They waited until she had walked inside. Tori looked back towards the horizon. “I didn’t expect her to be so nice.”

“My brother insists Lady Hart is very kind,” Piers said, sounding unimpressed. “Though her actions are reckless.”

“I’m not used to her saying pleasant things without crying and apologizing in a way that puts the blame on me.” Tori frowned.

“You are unconvinced of her sincerity?”

“I’m suspicious.”

“Hmm...How is the swing?” Piers asked. “Do you want me to give you a stronger push? Tell me if you want it harder.”

Tori closed her eyes and pursed her lips. “Please don’t say it like that. And it’s fine. Since I can’t control it, don’t push me too high.”

Under normal circumstances, Tori loved the feeling of going higher and higher, but it was strange to not be able to swing her legs. Though the wind through her hair and the feeling of flying was refreshing after being stuck indoors, she hated that her legs were not cooperating. There was a bit of an emptiness and swinging wasn't as fulfilling.

She wasn’t used to this.

“All right,” Piers said. He pushed every other time she swung back.

“What made you want to put up a swing?”

“You are bored upstairs, so I brought it out for you.”

“It is much appreciated. Thank you!” Tori smiled and closed her eyes, relishing the warm summer air and the fleeting sun against her face. “Did Lady Hart follow you outside?”

“Yes. She appeared when I was putting the swing on the tree,” Piers said in a firm voice. “I did not approach her.”

Tori almost snorted. “I can tell that much. I don’t understand what she expects you to do to stop her father from remarrying.”

“In ancient times, the imperial family may have been able to prevent individual marriages for arbitrary reasons, but that has not been the case in some time. It would be a breach of power for me to intervene.”

“Would you want to?”

“No. As you said before, Madam Voss is a good woman who exhausted her resources to find the missing daughter of her fiancé, knowing full well that his daughter hates her,” Piers said. “For her to go that far, it is clear her intentions are pure. I see no reason Madam Voss and Baron Hart should not be wed.”

“Do you think it’s necessary for Baron Hart to give up the barony?”

Piers was quiet for a moment. “No.”

Tori opened her eyes and looked over her shoulder. “Then why did you suggest it?”

“To upset Lady Hart.”

Tori’s jaw dropped. “You have become vindictive!”

“I hold grudges,” Piers said without remorse. “She caused trouble for many people and yet, she was thankless and still demanded her father to retreat from his engagement. Three months of house arrest and no meager allowance isn’t enough.”

Tori shook her head, but agreed with him. “It doesn’t matter, anyway. Madam Voss told me she terminated the engagement. Her sons don’t want her to marry into such a hostile environment.”

“I see.”

“What do you think about Mr. Guthry’s punishment?”

“Considering that the money he must receive monthly is substantial and he is a social person, it is fitting for him. He has a presence amongst the young, elite circles in Horizon. They will talk,” Piers said. “There are those who know that the Prime Minister left the city to search for his son.”

Tori frowned. “I thought they tried to hide it or kept it internal?”

“He is the Prime Minister. His personal business is news.”

Tori shook her head. If the emotional and mental stress of the Guthrys wasn’t enough already, Horizon’s elite would soon know what happened to their son. She wondered how that would affect the Prime Minister’s re-election.

“Then, what about Mr. Alvere. I don’t know if anyone contacted Duke Alvere....” She trailed off. Obviously, she didn’t contact him, and she doubted anyone on her family’s side would. Since both the Tetri and Sinan Duchies were involved, it is likely that Montan’s involvement had reached Duke Alvere’s ears. “He didn’t come.”

“I have no doubt he already knows. However, Axton’s lawyers are in the process of retaking Sun Garden. Between property and his son, property is more important.”

“Wait, stop...stop pushing me for a moment,” Tori said as she looked over her shoulder. Piers lowered his arms and her swinging slowed. “Doesn’t Duke Alvere value his second son? Isn’t Mr. Alvere his precious son with his mistress?”

Piers looked down at the ground. “When we were children, Axton once told me his father would often yell and curse at the child, but the child was too small to understand. Axton was also very young at the time when this happened, but I remember. It was before Axton learned that Montan was the result of his father’s betrayal of his mother.”

Tori swallowed hard. That clarified some of her suspicions. “They were never close?”

Piers knit his brows. “When the mistress came to Sun Garden with the infant, my mother said that she couldn’t understand how Duchess Alvere could accept her husband’s bastard. The Duchess I remember was truly kind and gentle. She was firm, but always very rational and pragmatic. I don’t think she would’ve blamed an infant for her husband’s infidelity, but she must have had a reason.”

“Then, when did she stab the mistress?”

“A few months after she arrived in Sun Garden.”

“The Duke let her stay?” Tori wasn’t sure if she was shaking out of anger or disgust. “He let his mistress stay in his wife’s ancestral estate? And the Duchess allowed it?”

“I don’t know the reason, Tori. I was only a child at the time and adults would not tell us,” Piers said with some regret. “After the Duchess stabbed the mistress, her body was greatly weakened and could not fight off an illness, even with the best medical attention in the empire.” He stood still and was quiet for a moment before looking back at her. “You must never overexert yourself when using crystals.”

She cracked a small, wry smile and nodded. “Yes, I know. Everyone has told me so many times already. I only pushed myself because the situation was dire. I know I can’t-”

“Tori, the Duchess’ weakened body was the result of crystal shock.”