Summer Jams 4: Buchenburg - Part I

Tall, slender, white-washed keeps topped with tilted roofs peeked just above the high tree line of the forest laced mountain that overlooked a scenic valley and river.  It was every bit as ‘fairy-tale’ castle as she imagined, right down to the picturesque town at the bottom of the mountain.

Tori’s lips were in a tight line and her eyes were narrowed.  Yes, there were thick walls surrounding the castle grounds, but from afar, it wasn’t difficult to imagine it being the home of a princess.  She supposed the Empress was as close to a princess as Buchenburg got and somehow, the image she had of the Empress didn’t seem to completely fit with the castle she grew up in.

Not that the Empress wasn’t lovely and elegant.  It was just that Tori had seen her happily running around during a scavenger hunt while being bossed around by her mother.

“Why are you frowning?  Are you hungry?” JP asked over the sound of horses clopping above a stone brick road and the creaking of carriages behind them.

“I have some more cookies.” Sonia offered as she reached for the bag slung around her.  Tori shook her head.

“I’m not hungry.  I just can’t believe what I’m seeing.”

“It is different from the other march seats,” JP agreed.  Their three horses continued down the wide road that curved up the mountain to the castle.

After some convincing, Tori and Ilyana managed to convince Ilyana’s parents that it was not necessary to have so many carriages and they reluctantly cut the carriages to two and the wagons to just the amount needed for all the things they were transporting.  Ilyana also tried to convince her parents that an additional escort wasn’t needed, as the road they were taking was far less treacherous once they got out of the mountains, but her father insisted.

Their crystals and gemstones were transported with guards and their daughter was priceless in comparison; how could they send her off without guards?

They would bring Ilyana and her friends all the way to Buchenburg and then leave after a good night’s rest.  The imperial knights had no problem with this as the more security the better, though Tori did hear Sir Dassler almost pout that Baron Agafonov could have a little more faith in them.

From the carriage behind Tori, JP, and Sonia, she could hear Ewan and Albert, as the windows were open.

“I don’t think we’re going to see the Marquis General or Duke Axton, Ewan.  They’re busy,” Albert said.  “Considering what happened with the Duraga Federation recently, I can only imagine that the Marquis General has his hands full on the border.  And Duke Axton is still His Imperial Highness’ aide.”  Tori could almost see Albert shuddering at the thought of being Piers’ aide.

She still had a long way to go in convincing him it was a good idea.

Ewan sighed.  “Most training for von Schwert knights happens at the fortresses on the border.  Master says that it can be very dangerous, so it is the last location of training for trainee imperial knights.  I don’t think I’ll be able to go.”

“That doesn’t mean that you can’t train on the castle grounds.  I’m sure if you ask Tori, she can arrange for you to do some training.  At least conditioning exercises,” Constantine told him.  “I am certain the von Schwert family has suitable facilities on their grounds.”

“I should’ve asked Tori ahead of time,” Ewan replied.  “I don’t want to bother the Marquis’ family.”

“I’m sure they’re also busy as the Marquis General and his wife had a baby,” Ilyana told them.

Tori heard Ewan let out another tired sigh.  “Babies are exhausting.”  He was the youngest of his siblings, but as his siblings were all older, several of them already had children of their own, so Tori didn’t doubt that Ewan knew how tiring they could be just from proximity.

“I do find them more interesting when they’re older and can talk,” Albert said.  “There are a few small children in my family and if they like you, they won’t stop talking.”

“And have you noticed that it’s always about something strange?” Ilyana asked.  “Once, Riri had a phrase where he couldn’t stop talking about bears.  Mommy had to restrain him once because a bear wandered into our manor grounds and Riri wanted to go outside to see it.”

“Wait, there are bears in Gorask?” Albert asked, stunned.

“Yes, it’s surrounded by forests and mountains.  There are many wild animals there.”

“You let us go into the forests and mountains when there were bears?” Albert choked out.

“They generally avoid people, so it isn’t so bad,” Ilyana replied.  “And we had knights and guards with us.  It was perfectly safe.”

“A little warning would help next time, Ilyana,” Henrik said.

“If I told you, wouldn’t you have been more worried?”

Ilyana had a valid point and Tori found herself nodding.  As they reached the edge of the town at the base of the mountain, they came to a large gatehouse that was the border between the town and the Buchenburg grounds.  The gatehouse was styled as a standard tower fortification with a palisade at the top and portcullis peeking from within.  Past the portcullis was a set of double iron gates that opened inward and bore the arms of von Schwert along with their family’s motto: Know No Fear and March On.

At that moment, the gates were open and there were uniformed von Schwert knights posted at the gates.

Along with them were three people on horseback, including one familiar handsome middle-aged man.

“Countess Guevera!” The Marquis General beamed as he saw them.  He kicked the side of his horse and rode forward.  “Welcome to Hellenstradt!”

Tori’s brows shot up.  Like Albert, she didn’t expect to see the Marquis General and assumed he’d be at one of the fortresses on the border.  “My lord, good afternoon.  I didn’t expect to see you here.”

He seemed to notice her confusion and let out a laugh.  “I have been splitting my time between here and the Amber Fortress.   Unless absolutely required of me, I will remain in the Amber Fortress.  I can tell you more later.”

He turned his horse so he could ride beside them.  His bay horse was stunning and Tori felt it really fit him.  A strong war horse with black hair and points on its reddish-brown coat looked almost wild.

“That’s a fine horse you have, my lord.”  JP praised it at once and on his other side, his sister nodded.

The Marquis General looked even happier.  “He is Line Breaker.  I have been with him since he was born.  His sire was also one of my steeds, but Line Breaker has proven much more agile and daring than his father.  Soon, he’ll sire his own children.”

“I am sure they will be even more skillful,” Sonia said.  “He is a fine warhorse, my lord.”

The Marquis General laughed.  “As expected of the children of an imperial groomer.  You have good eyes.”  His own eyes landed on Tori’s horse.  “And she must be Layla.”

As if to answer, Layla chuffed and flared her nostrils.  Tori sat up proudly.  “Layla is very smart.  She understands all my commands and is very intuitive.”  Layla chuffed once more.

“She is a beautiful and intelligent horse,” the Marquis General told her.  “A fitting ride for the Countess of Cosora.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

“Bred by the Bettencourts?”

“She was wild and caught by them.  Lady Bettencourt was training her when I saw her,” Tori replied.  She glanced over her back, at the cat seated behind her.  “Alexander brought her to me.”

“Ah yes, the cat that lives with my nephew.”  He looked at Alexander and smiled.  “Hello, Alexander.  I am Uncle Oliver.”

“Nyaow!”

The corner of Tori’s lip twitched.  She addressed Marquis von Schwert by an honorific, but her cat was apparently to consider him as his uncle.  This was Piers’ fault.

The Marquis General tossed his head back and laughed.  “Very good!  Everything is prepared for you.  Elsa is very fond of cats and as she has been in Buchenburg for the later part of her pregnancy up until now, she is sorely missing the cats of the Amber Fortress.  She will enjoy seeing Alexander.  And speaking of Elsa, we received your gifts for her and Gigi, my lady.  Our sincerest thanks.”

Tori gave him a shake of her head.  “It was my pleasure, my lord.  I hope they were of use.”

“Elsa is excited to meet you in person.  Axton and Piers spoke very highly of you.”

Tori shook her head.  “I am sure they are exaggerating.”  Whether in a positive or negative way, she was certain they had blown a few things out of proportion.

The Marquis General gave her a knowing, thoughtful look.  “Are they?  You would be surprised how much they care for you.”

For a moment, she thought back to the night she woke up after she collapsed a cave system and got crystal shock.  Piers had clung on to her, trembling more than she was.  Even after Kasen had arrived, he would not let her go.  She had never seen him so distraught.  It was a miracle he returned to Horizon to deal with the aftermath of the incident.

“Well, I care greatly about them as well.”

“I am glad to hear you say that,” the Marquis General said as they rode through the gatehouse and began up the road to the castle.  “As I know they miss you greatly.”

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

“The gatehouse has reported that Tori and the others have reached them and are making their way up to the castle,” Axton said as he entered the salon that welcomed guests.  Piers was standing by a window, looking out at the village below and heard him stop behind him.  “Do you want to go to the courtyard to meet them?”

Piers remained standing by the window.  “Do you think Tori will be upset?”

“That you hid the fact that you fled the imperial palace to see her?  If it was a dereliction of duty, yes.  It’ll be up to you to convince her that you were being responsible,” Axton replied without a second thought.  “Do you want me to lay out some paperwork and your ink and pens to make it appear that you’ve been doing work this entire time?”  Piers could hear the amusement in Axton’s voice.

“I have been doing work this entire time,” Piers told him with a hint of irritation. He had his knights bring paperwork with them individually so the pile didn’t weigh him down when he fled the palace that night.  After the first night, he spent the others doing what work he could and even took some calls while on the road.  As far as he was concerned, he was much more diligent than his father.  “There is no need to stage such a thing.”

Axton chuckled.  “So, tell me.  How are you going to explain why you’re here and not in Horizon?”

“I came to visit my grandparents and my new baby cousin.”

“At the same time she’s visiting?”

“Coincidence.”

“That you made happen.”

Piers narrowed his eyes and turned around to look at Axton.  Strapped to Axton’s chest was a baby with light brown hair and a light-yellow baby bonnet.  The baby was facing Axton with her chubby flush cheeks resting against Axton’s chest and drool making dark spots on the cloth wrap over Axton’s shirt.

The well-behaved child, his own cousin, didn’t seem to think anything was amiss with Axton and Piers.

“Why are you wearing a baby?”

“The Lieutenant General had paperwork to do for the fortresses and the Marquis General went to escort Tori and the others up.  Your grandparents are waiting for them in the front courtyard, so they’re busy.”

“Gigi has a nanny.”

Axton gave Piers a lazy wave of his hand . “What is a nanny when I’ll suffice?  I know how to take care of a baby.”

Piers’ narrowed, violet eyes didn’t stray from him.  “When did you learn to take care of a baby?”

“It was with adult supervision, but I’ve done it before.  And I’ve seen Ewan and Tori do it.” He sounded confident.

Piers frowned more so.  “You have never cared for a child by yourself.”

Axton shrugged.  “Gigi is such a good girl.  She isn’t fussy at all.  Besides, I am only here for a few days at most.  I want to bond with her so she knows she can come to me if she needs anything in the future.  Since I’ll be going to the border while you stay here, I wanted to at least get some brother-sister time in.  Isn’t that right, Gigi?”  The baby gurgled in response.

Axton planned to take Ewan with him and the Marquis General to the border for more extensive training.  He’d taken von Dorn before and was not impressed.  This time, Axton hoped to see better abilities.  Everyone was optimistic for Ewan, so Axton wanted to bring him.  The Marquis General agreed.  They just had to inform Ewan, but knowing him, he’d be ecstatic for a chance to go.

Tori already told Piers how much he’d enjoyed the training at the other marches.  The Nord medic training commanders were particularly impressed with Ewan, who didn’t have formal medic training.  Many students were envious of his medicinal plants knowledge. He was even able to find the roots of a plant beneath a snowbank by environment alone.

All of Ewan’s time spent playing in the water in Viclya, where he and the others also took basic sailing classes, paid off at the Naval Academy.  He kept up well during the shore-to-shore swim and showed significant ability in the basics of sailing.

Piers’ mother had told him that Gideon had complained that he’d been training for weeks, but was still inferior to Ewan.  Piers wasn’t surprised.  Ewan had better endurance, better body control, and was almost shockingly more talented in every aspect.  Gideon’s physical abilities were limited, as he didn’t practice as much until he participated at the Naval Academy’s summer training sessions.

In addition, he’d always been a rather poor swimmer.

When his mother told him what Gideon said, Piers had almost smirked.  Ewan had a good foundation to begin with and once he received the best of formal training and education, coupled with his curiosity and enthusiasm, it was natural that he’d learn things much faster.

If only Albert had as much enthusiasm towards being his personal aide. Piers frowned.  Albert wouldn’t graduate for a while, but Piers certainly wanted to hire him before then.  Unfortunately, Albert was trying to avoid him.  Tori suggested relaxing a bit and not pressuring Albert.

“Where will my grandparents take Tori and the others when they arrive?” Axton had been to Buchenburg more than he had and would know.

“Here.  This is the main sitting room.”

Piers felt his heart quicken.  He looked around and frowned.  How would he meet Tori?  Should he be seated and pretend that he didn’t expect her?  Should he go out to meet her so she wouldn’t scold him for abandoning the imperial palace?  Perhaps, he should go back to his room and pretend he was ill.

As soon as he thought about it, he frowned.  That was a ridiculous idea and Tori would be even more upset.  He was starting to think that he should’ve listened to Axton’s nagging and told Tori he was coming.  She would’ve tried to convince him to remain in Horizon and wait a few more weeks until she returned, but knowing Tori, as long as he presented his case for leaving properly, she would agree with his decision.

Then, he could’ve made proper plans to escort her around Buchenburg and Hellenstradt.  He would’ve been able to secure time with her alone.

His lips tightened into a line.  He was so eager to come, he wasn’t thinking straight.

Axton had wandered to the window and peered down, looking over the top of Gigi’s little head.  “Lady Ilyana’s father is very generous.  Those carriages aren’t too inferior to imperial ones.”

“They’re already here?”  Piers tensed up.  How did they get there so fast?  Did they gallop up the mountain?  His eyes flashed around the room, going over the various seats and tables, as his mind raced to think of how he should present himself.

“Tori’s on horseback, oh, Alexander is on Layla, haha....” Axton gently patted Gigi’s back.  “Gigi likes cats, yes?  We will introduce you to Alexander.  He likes children.”

The baby gurgled against him.

Behind him, Piers took a seat on a sofa, but before he could get comfortable, he frowned and stood up.  He was a prince.  He wouldn’t randomly take a nap on someone’s sofa out in the open, even if it were in the home of his mother’s family.  He shuffled to one of the plush chairs and sat down.

Wouldn’t he look like he was waiting there?  Would that appear too arrogant?  Tori would certainly be annoyed, as it would look as if he really did throw away all his responsibilities to see her.

“What are you doing?” Axton asked from the window as Piers crossed the room and took a seat at a writing desk in the corner.

“Finding a seat,” he replied, focused on the writing desk.  He frowned.  If he was on a writing desk, he had to be writing.  There was nothing to write on or with.  He looked like a fool staring at a wooden table.

“Why don’t you sit on the sofa?”

“Why would I sit on the sofa?”  There wasn’t even any coffee or pastries to give the illusion of taking a break.

He didn’t notice Axton’s confused expression.  “Your cousin has lost his mind....” Axton whispered to the baby.

The doors to the parlor were open to the foyer and it didn’t take long for numerous voices to ring through the air.

The louder the voices became, the faster Piers darted across the room.  How did he suddenly get so nervous?

He had come all this way to see Tori and it wasn’t as if he’d never seen her before.  He just talked to her the night before.  There shouldn't have been anything nerve wracking about seeing Tori.  Tori was Tori.

She also said she missed him.

She loved him a lot.

She wouldn’t be mad if he had run off to see her.

“Piers?” He heard her voice and the chatter around her quieted down.  He stood in place, unable to move his legs.  He was in an awkward space behind one of the circular settees and in front of a plush chair, next to a low table.  His back was to the door and he clenched his jaw.  “Axton?  What are you two doing here?”

Piers turned around at once and faced her.  She had stepped out in front of his grandparents with furrowed brows and her lips pulled down.  She looked him up and down.  He didn’t know how to explain himself suddenly, and couldn’t hold back the uncertainty on his face. “Tori....”

He watched her eyes widen.  Still in her riding clothes, she crossed the room to get to him and raised her arms.  “Piers, what happened?  Are you all right?”

His body seemed to move on its own.  His arms rose just a bit and he lowered his head.  Tori was smaller than him with the top of her curly black hair barely reaching his shoulder.  As soon as he felt the familiar warmth and softness of her body against him, his arms enclosed around her and he held her tight.

He didn’t pay attention to the others around him.  They were all family and friends, anyway.  And he was the Crown Prince.  What were they going to do?  Although he didn’t like it, he was used to getting stares.  He closed his eyes and shut everyone else out.

“Tori, I’m so tired....”

“Piers....” He felt her embrace tighten.  “Did that shitty old man overwork you?”

He didn’t show it outwardly, but the thought flashed in his mind.  “He abandoned his work for weeks, forcing me to take on so much.  I tried to pace myself, but more and more things were given to me.  I can’t neglect them.  I did what I could and when he returned, I took my work and came here, leaving his responsibilities on his desk.”

He’d blame his father.  Besides, it wasn’t a lie.  His father really did leave for weeks and as a result, most of the work landed on Piers’ desk.  It was annoying.

Tori pulled her head back and frowned.  “I knew it!  I knew he’d do too much.  He knows you’re still adjusting, and have the matter of the Duraga Federation to deal with in addition to your existing responsibilities, yet he still finds the time to spend weeks away, ignoring his duties!”

“Did she just call the Emperor a shitty old man?” JP whispered as they watched from the entrance.

A tall older man with grayed brown hair let out a small snort and sneered.  “She isn’t wrong.”

“Leopold.”  The old woman next to him sent him a silencing look.  “That is your daughter’s husband and the Emperor.”

The former Marquis von Schwert still frowned and darted his eyes to the side.  “I said what I said.”

“When did you arrive?” Tori asked as she lifted her hand and stroked his hair back, as if to comfort him.

Piers happily let her and tried to suppress his smile.  “Two days ago.  I wanted to meet you on the road, but it was better to stay here to see my new cousin and grandparents.”

Tori stood on the tips of her toes and looked past Piers’ shoulder, towards Axton.  “Is that so?”

“Tori, I am still Piers’ personal aide,” Axton said behind him with a tired sigh.  “I won’t speak against him.”

Piers was looking at the mirrors on either side of the entryway and frowned.  “I can see you shaking your head.”

Axton’s bobbing head in the mirrors stopped at once.  Tori let out a heavy sigh and stepped away from Piers.  “Did you come to find me?”

Piers lowered his eyes.  “I missed you.”  His voice was quiet, but he didn’t care if the others heard.  It was true.

Tori let out a heavy sigh.  “All right.”  She stroked his hair once more and Piers leaned his head into her hand.  “We can discuss later.  We just arrived and your grandparents were going to have us rest before a midday meal.”

Piers nodded and grasped her hands as she pulled her arms away.  “Yes, you should go rest.  You are tired.”

“All right.”  Tori took another step back.  She pursed her lips.  “Let go of my hands, Piers.”

He lowered his head and hesitantly released her hands from his.  “I will be here.”

“Nyaow!” He looked down and saw Alexander.  He bent down, held out his arm, and patted his chest.  The cat jumped into his arms like he had been taught.

“I will wait with Alexander.”

“All right, I’ll come downstairs soon,” Tori said.  She scratched Alexander’s chin and then patted Piers’ head before she turned around.  “My apologies for the distraction, my lords, my lady.  Where did you say we were staying?”

Piers’ eyes flickered towards his grandparents.   Why were they looking at him so strangely?  And why was his uncle snickering in the corner?

His grandmother seemed to shake herself out her stupor and gave Tori a warm smile.  “This way, my dear.  I will take you to your guest rooms.”

The others greeted him before they followed Tori and the former Marchioness.  The imperial knights who were with them seemed to hesitate whether to follow or report to Piers.

“Continue your duty,” Piers said with a slight frown.  They bowed their heads and continued to follow Tori as ordered. They seemed a bit tense and uncertain.  Perhaps following Tori had made them soft.  Piers made a mental note to increase their training when they returned to Horizon.

His uncle watched the men go and then looked back at Piers.  He wore a smirk on his face and opened his mouth to say what Piers knew was going to be an annoying remark, but his grandfather’s voice spoke up first.

“Your mother and uncle weren’t lying?  You are very close to the Countess?” The former Marquis looked at him with bright, wondrous eyes, as if he’d just discovered a precious secret.

Piers took a step back from his energetic grandfather.  “Tori and I are very close.”

“Axton!”  As if unwilling to believe Piers, he turned to Axton who was handing Gigi to her father.  “Is this true?”

Axton appeared a bit helpless.  “Yes, my lord.  They are very close.”

The former Marquis seemed to pump his arms in the air.  “It’s happened!  I thought such a day would never come!  Piers!”  He whipped his head towards Piers and sharp eyes met his.  He lifted his hand to pat Piers’ shoulders, but stopped.  He thoughtfully withdrew them, but kept his firm, expectant gaze on Piers.  “The Countess also appears fond of you.  Do not let this chance slip away and end up a lonely, miserable man like your uncle.”

Axton choked back a laugh as the Marquis General lowered the baby in his arms and stared at his father with a blank expression.  “Dad.”

Piers nodded.  “I will not, Grandfather. I have no intention of ending up like Uncle. ”

“Good, good....”  The old man let out a tired breath.  “I don’t need another descendent of mine lamenting over a lost love-”

“Dad!” The Marquis General stood up straight, clutching his daughter against him.  “I do not ‘lament’.”

The former Marquis sneered.  “You inherited my good looks and yet it wasn’t enough.  Look at your nephew.  A spitting image of me, and someone like the Countess of Cosora has taken a liking to him.  Don’t think I haven’t heard about her.  Your sister always tells your mother ‘Tori-this’ and ‘Tori-that’.  I was hesitant to believe that such a young woman had an interest in Piers, but now that I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I’ve seen a miracle!”

Piers frowned.  Now he was sure his grandfather wasn’t praising him.

“Appearance is not the only factor in this,” the Marquis General said in a firm voice.

Axton grimace.  “It does make a big impact with Tori.  She likes good-looking people.”

The Marquis General rolled his eyes.  “Axton, the Countess is so good to you.  How can you say such a thing?”

“Tori is not shallow.”  Piers frowned more so.  Tori just appreciated beauty.  She wasn’t shallow.

She was petty.

Axton sighed.  “I didn’t say she was shallow, but Tori does like good-looking people.”

The Marquis General chuckled.  “Well...if that’s the case-”

“You don’t know how many times she has commented that she is relieved that Piers takes after you because he will age, as she puts it ‘like a fine wine’,” Axton told them with a deadpan look.

The three generations stared at him for a moment, unsure how to take that.  The former Marquis began to chuckle to himself and smirked.  He looked at his son and grandson.

“You are both welcome.”  Both the Marquis General and Piers frowned.  The former Marquis looked proud of himself as he plucked Gigi from the Marquis General’s hands and carried her around the room.  “Piers, a young lady like the Countess will be much sought after.  In addition to her birth status, she has her own achievements.  She has her own territory and is unwed.  There are many who would kill to become the nominal Count of Cosora, do you understand?”

Piers nodded his head obediently.  He knew better than anyone how appealing Tori was.  For those who didn’t know her, there were likely many who wished to take advantage of a young, rich, and unmarried countess.  He trusted Tori not to fall into any trap, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t be troubled.

“I understand, Grandfather.”

“Thankfully, I know Gregorio.  He won’t let his daughter marry so young, but you can’t think you have time to waste.  Who knows when someone younger will come along who will catch her eye.”

“I just want to say Tori has made it clear that she has no plans for marriage.  At least not right now,” Axton pointed out.

“Be quiet, Axton.  You should listen, as well!”  The former Marquis turned around and eyed him. “You’re not young yourself.”

Axton took a step back.  “Why are we talking about me?  We should be talking about Piers and Tori.”

“Do not worry, Grandfather.  Mother has selected a few notable young ladies in Horizon she believes are suitable for Axton,” Piers told him.

Axton choked back a cry and glared at him.  “You said I could take my time!”

“I said you could take your time, but Mother feels concerned and worries that by the time you are able to establish a proper relationship, all the eligible young ladies your age will be married, and you will be miserable, like Uncle.”

The Marquis General, who was leaning against the wall and smirking, uncrossed his arms and frowned.  “Stop using me as an example.”

“Axton, I know you are devoted to being at Piers’ side, but you must consider your marriage prospects.  We are nobles and have roles to fulfill.  You are the only blood member of Alvere left.”  The former Marquis said the last sentence with a pleading tone and Axton lowered his eyes.

“I understand, Grandfather.”

The former Marquis released a heavy breath.  “Good.  In a way, this is an unfortunate burden of our titles,” he said, looking at the two young men.  “We can’t always live the way we want.”

Piers kept his eyes on the floor.  His grandfather was right.  He may have fled the imperial palace this time, but there would be other times where he would wish to escape...possibly go to find Tori again.  In those instances, if Tori were abroad, how could he simply leave the empire to join her on her adventures?

“I want to at least wait until my replacement graduates Université,” Axton said.

“Oh?  You already have a replacement?” The old man raised a brow.

“Eventually,” Piers replied.  He saw Albert hide behind Ewan when they entered the room.  It seemed that Albert was still resistant to the position after the trauma of his internship.

The former Marquis stepped past them.  “Piers, do not worry, too much.  Your grandmother and I will do our best.”

Piers’ lips tugged downwards.  He did not have a good feeling about this.  “Grandfather?”

“You have two weeks here, my boy,” the old man said as he walked out with Gigi in his arms.  “Leave it to us!  In two weeks, she will be smitten with you!”

Piers paled.  “Grandfather, wait.”  He walked after the old man.  “Tori is different.  She doesn’t-”

“Piers, you can’t stop them.” His Uncle’s voice came from behind him.  “No matter what you say, once they get their minds set, it is almost impossible to change them.  The only thing you can do is prepare the Countess.”

Piers frowned with disapproval.  “Tori does not experience romantic love.  Her love for me is different.”

The Marquis General raised his brow.  “You’re sure about that?”

“I am certain.”

“Then talk to her, otherwise, she may become annoyed with Mom and Dad.  That will reflect badly on you.”

“Tori will not hate me because my family is annoying,” Piers said with utmost confidence. “After all, she let Gideon live.”

★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★・・・・・・★

“Do not feel pressured,” Piers said as he laid on a cushioned daybed beneath the shade of a tree.  “She likes you and feels familiar with you as my mother always speaks highly of you to her.  However, you should call her what you feel comfortable calling her.”

“She wants me to call her Grandmother,” Tori replied.  It was unexpected and sudden.  The old woman had brought her to her guest room last.  When she did, she had taken Tori’s hand in her wrinkled one and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Countess, may I call you Tori, as well?” the former Marchioness had asked in a warm voice filled with affection.

Marches were always much less formal than the other nobles, so Tori had nodded, seeing nothing amiss.   “Of course, my lady.”

“No, no, no.”  The former Marchioness’ hazel eyes had sparkled as she smiled and looked at Tori with a welcoming gaze.  “You should feel free to call me ‘Grandmother’.”

“Is that appropriate?” Tori asked as she looked down at the man whose head was using her stomach as a pillow.

Piers kept his eyes closed and petted the large gray cat sprawled at his side.  “Why would it not be?  She feels familiar with you.  This would make her feel comfortable.”

Tori furrowed her brows.  She was half slumped back against the day bed’s headrest with her back propped up by a pile of pillows.  Beside her was a table with some snacks and her half-finished iced coffee.

The west garden of Buchenburg held a commanding view of the river valley and its numerous villages that lay below the mountain where the castle sat.  The book Tori was reading was lowered onto Piers’ chest.

“If I start calling her Grandmother, the former Marquis won’t insist on being called Grandfather, will he?”

“Is it troublesome if he does?”

“Well...no....”  Aside from rank, she had no problem with it.  It was just that she hardly knew the old couple and it was surprising that they were so welcoming of her as soon as they met.

The former Marchioness had hugged her as soon as she dismounted from Layla, cupped her face in her hands and kept saying ‘yes, yes...she is good’.  Tori thought that perhaps it was because of the marches, they had the smallest family.  Buchenburg’s main residents outside of knights and servants were the old Marquis and his wife, occasionally the Marquis General, and now his wife, whom Tori called ‘Lieutenant’, and baby Giselle.

The former Marquis’ siblings had already passed on; their descendants living outside of the castle.  Their daughter was the Empress and lived in Horizon along with their two grandsons.  It made sense that in their older years, it was possible that they’d long for a larger family.  Piers seemed to confirm this.

“They are old and enjoy the company of young people to make the castle livelier.  My grandfather took Ewan to see the knights today and my grandmother took the others to town to sightsee.”

Tori furrowed her brows.  “About that.  Why didn’t she ask me to come?  It’s as if they all made plans without me.”  She hadn’t thought much of it that morning because when he came to get her from her room, Piers asked her to walk with him so he could complain about his father.  However, at breakfast, the former Marchioness told them that she was taking Ilyana and the others to town and not to worry; that she would take good care of them.

None of her friends had voiced opposition and since Piers wanted to complain to her, she didn’t think much of it.

Now, it was suspicious.  There was no reason to exclude her.  Tori lowered her head and narrowed her eyes at the handsome face.

“I did not have anything to do with it,” Piers said, as if knowing what she was thinking.  “Grandmother knows I came to find you and only wants to ensure I have time with you as she knows that you are the only one who calms me like this.  It is a grandmother’s love for her grandson.”

Tori’s glare intensified.  “What if I also wanted to go sightseeing?”

“I will take you myself.”

“This is your first time in Hellenstradt, as well!  You don’t know where you’re going either!”

“I will have a guide prepared to escort us.”  He sounded so confident, she almost wanted to shove his head off of her.

Even if this wasn’t his plan, it still greatly benefited him.  If she couldn’t sightsee with her friends, then he could accompany her and spend more time alone with her.  Of course, her friends would have no problem with it.  In fact, she was sure they’d follow along just to watch.

“You really thought it through....” She grumbled and he peeked out of one eye.

“Did you not miss me?” he asked, cheeky.

“Not this much.”  His face darkened a bit and Tori smirked.  She lifted her free hand and ran it through his hair, gently scratching the top of his scalp.  “Piers, did you have this day bed prepared so you could take a nap?”

 “It was my mother’s when she was a teenager,” he said.  “I heard that she would come out here to take naps after her sword class.  It sounded relaxing and I thought you would like it.”

“So you led me out here to take a nap?”

“Yes.”

“With you.”

“And Alexander.”

“Nyaow....” The cat interjected lazily as he curled his tail up.  Tori rolled her eyes.  She didn’t bother replying and lifted the book she found in the castle’s library on crystals and energy veins.

They lapsed into another few seconds of silence before Alexander’s ears suddenly perked up.  He lifted his head and looked vigilantly towards the castle.  Tori lifted her head and followed his gaze.

A tall woman in gray slacks and a blouse tucked in was walking towards them with a baby in her arms.  She had a faint scar across her left cheek that was lighter than the rest of her skin, but she carried a dignified and disciplined air to her.  No matter how she was dressed, one could tell she was a knight.

Even now, Lieutenant General Elsa Astrid von Roth was wearing her slacks tucked into standard issue leather boots that Tori had seen on all the knights around Buchenburg.  Even Axton had a pair.

“Lieutenant.”  Tori lowered her book once more.

“My lady, Your Highness,” the woman greeted.  Her blonde hair was pulled back into a slick bun with only a few strands falling out of place.  Since she was out with the baby and didn’t have a sword on her, she wasn’t working or going out to train. Over her neat clothes was a piece of cloth meant to catch all of her daughter, Giselle, or Gigi’s, drool.

“Hello, Gigi,” Tori smiled as she put her book at her side.

Piers didn’t open his eyes.  “Lieutenant, Gigi.”

“Are you on a walk?” Tori asked.

“Yes, we like to have Gigi go outside to the fresh air,” the Lieutenant replied.  She bowed her head towards them.  “I apologize for the disturbance, but I was asked by Marquis Leopold if you like children, my lady.”

Tori cocked her head to the side.  That was a strange way to phrase a question.  Also, she thought it was rather obvious.  She’d played with Gigi for some time the night before.  “Yes, I like children.”

The Lieutenant seemed hesitant.  She looked back at the castle, grimaced, and then reluctantly faced Tori.  “And...do you...plan on....”  She grit her teeth.  “I can’t do this.”

“Lieutenant?” Tori raised a brow.  “Are you all right?”

“I was asked by Marquis Leopold to inquire if you are planning on having children of your ow-”

“Elsa!  What are you doing?  Hahah!  Don’t bother the boy and the Countess!”  The Marquis General seemed to come running out of nowhere with a mixture of desperation and horror on his face.

Tori raised a brow.  “Is everything all right-”

“Don’t pay any attention my lady!  My father is just curious about your future plans,” the Marquis General said, almost out of breath as he grasped Elsa’s shoulders and pulled her back.

Piers was frowning.  “Uncle,” he said in a low voice.  “I am tired.”

“Yes, Piers, I know.” The Marquis General ran a hand through his hair.  “If your grandfather or grandmother asks you or the Countess anything strange, don’t take them too seriously.  They are old and retired.  They have nothing better to do than amuse themselves with visitors.  They mean no harm.”

Piers didn’t respond immediately.  “I see.”

“My apologies for bothering you, Your Imperial Highness, my lady.”  The Lieutenant sighed and bowed her head.  She was led away by the Marquis General who muttered something about speaking to his parents. The Lieutenant sighed and said she had yet to pet Alexander.

Tori watched them go and raised a brow.  Though they were not a couple deeply in love, they certainly were comfortable with each other.

Tori supposed a lot of people were curious about her and Piers, especially those related to Piers.  Considering his past of being unwilling to interact with others and refusing to attend any social event, it was likely a shock for them to see Piers embrace her.

She had her back to his grandparents when she arrived, so she didn’t see their reaction when she hugged Piers and touched his head.  Now that she thought back to it, the former Marchioness did seem more favorable towards her after they ran into Piers.  Tori frowned to herself.  Was she overthinking it?

She looked back down at the man with his head on her stomach.  How did they even get in that position?  From an outsider’s point of view, it was rather intimate.  Nothing indecent, of course, they were on private grounds and fully dressed, but it must’ve been shocking to see the infamous Crown Prince who didn’t like to be touched so close to her.

Maybe his grandparents thought that she was his only chance for a life partner?  Tori frowned.  Were they forgetting that Piers was also the Crown Prince and had no shortage of admirers despite Piers being...Piers?  If he never met her, there would be plenty of young women happy to marry and provide an heir to the crown.

“Did they bother you?” he asked in a quiet voice.

“I don’t want to have children so young.”  She blurted it out before she could stop herself.

“Yes, you must travel first.  Explore and see the world.  A child so early will hinder you,” Piers replied.

His answer was pleasing and he hadn’t hesitated when he said so.  Tori scratched the top of his head once more to show her approval.  “You always listen to me.”

“If you speak, I listen,” he told her.  He stretched his back, leaning closer to her as if he were a cat.  “We have discussed this scenario already and I am prepared.”

“You know, even if I don’t marry you, you will still have my support,” she told him in a quiet voice.  A large, warm hand moved her hand that held a book.

“I know.”  He brought her hand up to his face and pressed her palm against his cheek.  “And even if you leave me, you will still have mine,” he replied.  “But I will be sad.”

“Piers....”

“So, please give me custody of Alexander.”

Tori froze.  She looked down at him and saw the hint of a smirk on his face.  Sometimes, she regretted that he'd opened up his sense of humor to her. “He’s my cat.”

“Our cat.”

Tori glared at him once more and pulled her hands away from him.  Piers opened his eyes and smiled.  She gritted her teeth and turned her head away.  Damn you and your face.  She opened his mouth to tell him to get off of her when string music filled the air.  She snapped her head up and looked around.  Not too far from them, a trio of string musicians was playing beneath a tree.  Her eyes crinkled up.  “What is going on?  When did they arrive?”

“When I asked if you were upset.”

She stared down at him.  “And you didn’t bother to say anything?”

“You like music.”

“Piers, did you set this up?”

“No.  It was either my grandmother or grandfather,” he replied.  “As I’ve told you, they are determined to make you ‘fall in love’ with me.”

Tori’s eyes crinkled up.  She didn’t think he was serious when he told her.  In fact, she had laughed and said he was overthinking things. But they had purposely taken her friends away and now brought in music to set what she assumed would be ‘the mood’.  “Your grandparents are serious.”

“Grandfather was a Marquis.  He is not easily deterred and doesn’t wish for me to be like Uncle.”

Tori’s brows knit together.  “What does your uncle have anything to do with this?”

“He is a disappointment.”

Tori nearly dropped her jaw.  “Piers, the Marquis General is the best swordsman in the empire.  He’s a highly respected noble, a celebrated warrior, not to mention ridiculously good-looking.”

Piers frowned.  “There are more things in life than being ridiculously good-looking.”

“I know that, I’m only saying that you are not like your uncle, and whatever this....”  She waved her arm towards the musicians.  “Is...is unnecessary.”

“They put a lot of effort into it.”

Tori gave him a look of disbelief.  “You’re going to allow this?”

“Do you like music?”

“Yes?”

“And naps?”

“Yes....”

“And being lazy?”

“You know I like being lazy, Piers.”  Where was he going with this?  Piers rolled over and looked up at her.

“Then, let my grandparents pamper you.  In the end, their actions will not affect your decision nor mine.  If we resist, they will try even harder.  My grandparents like challenges,” Piers told her.

Tori frowned.  “You want to take advantage of their efforts?”

“We did not ask them to.”

“Piers.” Even if she didn’t like that his grandparents were too excited over this, it didn’t mean that she wanted to take advantage of them.  Their intentions were to help Piers, whom they loved dearly.  How could she hurt them?  And they were old with troublesome grandsons.  It just felt wrong.

“Father says that when he was courting Mother, everything he did was to make her happy in hopes that she would have affection for him,” Piers said in a matter-of-fact voice.  “If I understand correctly, my grandparents' efforts are for the purpose of making you happy so that I may gain your affection.”

Tori gave him a deadpan expression as if he were an idiot.  “You already have my affection.”  He was sleeping on her stomach while she was playing with his hair.  Wasn’t that enough for the old people?

“They are not convinced.”

She rolled her eyes.  “Do they want me to appear as if I’m in love with you?” Once in a while to throw off overzealous suitors was acceptable, but not for long periods of time and to fool his grandparents.  She couldn’t bring herself to do that to the old couple.  Piers shook his head.

“That would be unlike you and make me uncomfortable.”

“It would make me uncomfortable, too!”

“You do not have to do anything.  Let them play music and set up times for us to relax together,” Piers told her.  “They only want you to look at me more favorably.”

Tori looked at him with an unchanging expression.  “Then why did Lieutenant Elsa say your grandfather wanted her to ask if I planned to have any children of my own?”

“Likely to see if you would be willing.  They would not force you, but Grandfather attaches great importance to blood lineage.”

Tori tilted her head back and sighed.  She already knew that.  Blood lineage amongst nobles, especially high-ranking nobles, was extremely important.  Marrying the Crown Prince meant having imperial children.  This was unavoidable.  She and Piers had discussed this numerous times already.  They mapped out different scenarios to see where each other stood and what options they had.  They reviewed those scenarios as time passed and situations changed.

Piers was the Crown Prince.  His future involved the future of the empire and they could not be reckless with their decisions.  They had to be cautious and comprehensive.  They knew their answers, but no one else did.

She could see why his grandparents were worried.  Since Piers knew where they stood and how they’d address possible future situations, he had confidence in a partnership with her.   However, those who did not know obviously did not have the same level of confidence.  Piers’ confidence could be seen as ignorance.

What was more, Piers never showed any interest in anyone before her, so she couldn’t blame his grandparents and parents for being worried that she was Piers’ only real option.  They clearly had a very real fear that if she didn’t marry Piers, Piers wouldn’t marry anyone.

Not that it was an unfounded fear.  She knew Piers.  He likely wouldn’t and would just expect Gideon to have a child he could make an heir.

She frowned.  Being involved with anyone of rank was so troublesome.

“Tori,” she heard his quiet voice call out to her.  His hand rubbed hers as if to calm her.  “Are you upset?”

She huffed, her lips still in a frown.  “No,” she replied in a firm voice as she stared out ahead of her.  “But I hope that your grandparents don’t get carried away.”