Tori Transmigrated - Chapter 175: A Long and Storied Life

“How could you do this?” Ilyana’s face was red, and her lower lip trembled with indignation. “After what he did and said about you?”

“Do you have time to do this? Our final exams are coming and you’re short of time as is,” Henrik said with a frown as he sat on a plush chair. Ilyana paced in front of the hearth at Cafe Fortuna, unable to calm down after Tori told them that she would be visiting Dimitri every other day.

Tori took a deep breath from where she sat on the settee. “I couldn’t see his mother like that. Besides, if he doesn’t get better, he can’t do his public service.”

Ilyana snorted with indifference. She clearly wasn’t buying it.

“You do too much,” Sonia said as she put down her coffee. “You already have so much to do. What time do you have to spare to make home visits?”

Tori rubbed her left temple with her fingers. “I know it’s irresponsible of me to take on this task, but his mother and father were miserable.”

“You’re not responsible for their family’s happiness,” JP said in a firm voice.

“Helping people makes Tori happy. She cannot help herself.” A low voice spoke up behind them. Tori didn’t need to tilt her head back to know it was Piers. He stood behind her and looked down with a glint of worry in his eyes. “But this is too much.”

“I just want to get him in a routine, so he doesn’t starve himself and waste away.”

“How long will this take?” Ilyana demanded as she put her hands on her hips.

“I don’t know.”

“Tori-”

“I know I shouldn’t have told him what I said, but I did, and it would be cruel to take it back!” Tori sat up on the settee. She frowned at the others. “You put a dying teenager in front of me with his mother begging for help and you expect me to pretend I didn’t see it? I know you’re just worried about my health because I do so much, but at least I have you all to depend on. I have my family, my masters, even my villagers. What does Guthry have in comparison? His own relatives have distanced themselves from him and his mother. His father isn’t even talking to him. I don’t like him, but I don’t want to see him waste away. I can at least try to help him.”

Her friends were quiet, and Ilyana lowered her eyes.

“Does it have to be every other day?” Albert asked in a quiet voice.

“Just until he starts walking more and is a bit healthier. I’m also talking to his mother and the maid to make a schedule for him to help him recover,” Tori said as she slumped back against the cushions. “I’m still leaving as planned for Presidio, so I’ll do what I can before then.”

“Do you think he’ll actually get better?” JP asked. “He had a nervous breakdown. From what our neighbor told us, recovery can be difficult, and patients can become volatile or depressed.”

Tori nodded. “With the right help, he can heal. His breakdown was a result of all his pressure and stress. Once he is calmer, we can address those little by little, help him work on handling his stress, and he’ll get better.”

Ilyana was frowning and Sonia’s lip curled up. “You don’t want him to?”

“He blamed Tori for the ceiling collapse!” Ilyana threw her arm out.

“And you punched him for me. Let’s just put that aside for now. Besides I don’t think he fully comprehended what he was saying at the time,” Tori replied and frowned. “But don’t misconstrue my actions. I don’t forgive him either.”

“You have a surprising way of showing it,” JP said with a slight grin. Tori shrugged.

“It doesn’t hurt for the Guthrys to owe me a favor. They are a political dynasty, and they know enough to know they can recover, even if it isn’t in this generation,” Tori told them.

While her actions appeared foolish and even frustrating to her friends, there was a bit of selfishness also driving her. She didn’t know what would happen if Dimitri died and worried about any possible reaction that could negatively affect her. There was also the thought that if she did this now, then he would be less likely to have a hand in her death later.

“Did you promise anything else?” JP asked. Tori tensed a bit and avoided his eyes. She could feel their eyes drilling into her. “Tori.”

“I said I’d give him guidance on his project once it’s been cleared by the school to continue.”

“Tori!” Ilyana threw her arms in the air and turned around. She let out a groan and leaned forward against the frame of the hearth, lifting her fist and making tired thuds against the brick. “Why are you doing this to yourself?”

“With his background, is there really no one who could help him?” Henrik asked as he raised a brow.

Tori took a deep breath and exhaled. “The better question is who would be willing to at this point?” The group went quiet with the knowledge that it was unlikely that the contacts of the former Prime Minister’s family would continue their former relationships to their past extent.

“If that’s the case, is his project still under review?” Sonia asked.

“I haven’t a clue, but it should be released before he returns in the fall.”

Tori estimated that with the time they reported to her in the beginning, it would be another few months. She expected Dimitri’s project review to be completed and released back to him sometime in the middle of the summer, just before he returned to Lycée to re-start his third year.

What she didn’t expect was that one afternoon, the week before final exams, she would be called to Headmaster Laurent’s office to discuss Dimitri.

Tori climbed up the steps to the Administration Building, already tired without having heard the Headmaster’s news yet. Mr. Legaspi met her at the door and gave her a small nod. “Countess Guevera, thank you for coming.”

Usually, instructors and staff would forgo a student’s social title and address them as miss or mister, with the exception of imperial family members. If they were outside of Lycée, then their social title would be used. Instructor Ignatius always called her Miss Guevera in class or in a school function, but would revert to Lady Guevera when they were outside.

It seemed that whatever the Headmaster summoned her for wasn’t something related to school.

Mr. Legaspi led her into the Headmaster’s office and opened the door for her. Headmaster Laurent stood from his seat and gave her a solid look as she arrived.

“Good afternoon, Countess Guevera,” Headmaster Laurent said as he motioned for her to take a seat. “I was given your name by Madam Guthry as a local contact regarding Young Mr. Guthry’s Lycée project.”

For a moment, Tori sat on the leather chair with a blank expression. …I hate being responsible. She mentally groaned and wanted to punch the seat cushion, however, held it back and kept a neutral look on her face. “Yes, their family is having a bit of a situation that makes it difficult for them to come.” She did tell Dimitri that she would give him guidance; she might as well go the whole way. “Has Young Mr. Guthry’s Lycée project completed its review?”

“Yes, my lady. His project was reviewed, and instructors and advisors have prepared notes to help him correct the errors in his project and put him in the right direction,” Headmaster Laurent said as he pushed forward a leather folio. It was roughly as thick as her thumb and Tori pulled it towards her.

She didn’t hesitate to open the folio as she put it on her lap. The first page was an objective report on what the project was and what occurred, the timeline of events, and the original budget and the actual spending. Then came a review of Dimitri’s last few reports along with assessments from various instructors and advisors who reviewed the project. Flags had previously been raised on where there were some issues with his project, but Dimitri either didn’t fix them or did not follow through as was needed.

The further she went along the report, the more marks and flags there were. At the bottom of the folio was a separate report with what the advisors recommended Dimitri do. Of course, Dimitri wasn’t obliged to follow their recommendations, but anyone in the right mind who was at such a point would likely have no other choice.

Tori leaned back against the chair and flipped through the review report. She skimmed the information and made silent notes of her own thoughts.

“Young Mr. Guthry is scheduled to return to Lycée in the fall, isn’t he? And he will be re-starting his third year?” Tori asked without taking her eyes off the report.

“That is correct, Countess.”

“Then, he would have another year and a half, at least, to complete his project.” Tori raised her eyes over the top of the folio and Headmaster Laurent nodded. “All right, that’s good. He will need all the time he can get.”

Headmaster Laurent gave her a curious look. “When will you be able to bring this to Young Mr. Guthry?”

“I’m scheduled to visit tomorrow afternoon, after classes,” Tori told him as she closed the folio.

“Have they already returned to Horizon?”

“It was deemed best for Young Mr. Guthry’s health. I’m sure his breakdown has been reported,” Tori replied. She patted the folio on her lap. “Is there anything else that needs to be done in preparation for his return?”

“No, he will need to report as usual; however, he will be assigned a new dorm room with another third-year student, and his homeroom instructor will be different.”

“All right. Thank you, Headmaster Laurent.” Tori rose from her seat and the Headmaster stood up to see her out.

“Thank you for your assistance as well, Countess…by any chance, as you said you were scheduled to visit, are you planning on helping Young Mr. Guthry with his project?”

“I will see if there is anything I can do, Headmaster. This will need further review on my part and discussion with related parties.”

“Of course, I understand. We also look forward to seeing Young Mr. Guthry return to his peak. If there is something we can do to help facilitate a smooth return or if additional guidance is needed with his project, please let him know not to hesitate to ask us.”

Tori gave him a respectful nod and left the Administration Building. She stepped outside and let out a heavy breath as she clutched the thick folio of project notes and corrections. She didn’t think the review would be done, though it was within the time frame they thought.

That night, she split her time between reviewing her notes and going over the recommendations in the folio. When Ilyana returned from her review session, Tori was writing a list of people she needed to contact. Ilyana passed by her desk and craned her neck to see what she was writing.

“The guildmasters? I thought this summer’s building plans were already approved and scheduled?”

“They are. This is for Guthry’s project. Headmaster Laurent gave me his review as Madam Guthry asked that I be the recipient while her son is recovering.” Tori wrinkled her nose and looked at the recommendations. “They give a lot of good information and suggestions, but they lack practical information, such as real people to contact. I think going to the guildmasters for help is something we can’t do without.”

Ilyana put her books and notes on her desk and furrowed her brow. “Don’t the guildmasters have some sort of grudge against Guthry?”

“Guildmaster Blomgard was willing to give him a chance, but Guthry was too stubborn and proud to go back even after I talked it over with the guildmaster. Some time has passed, and I think Guildmaster Kivinen of the masonry guild has calmed down enough to talk into helping Guthry. Another resource would be Daybreak Garden, but I don’t want to use them.”

Ilyana drew her head back and blinked. “Why not? Daybreak Garden is under your family, and they’ll usually do what you ask of them, won’t they?”

“That’s why I don’t want to use them as a resource for Guthry. It belongs to my family and if I ask them to help Guthry, it’s an order and they could end up doing whatever Guthry tells them. I can introduce him to people and do some diplomatic work, but I don’t want him to use my resources for nothing.”

Ilyana pursed her lips and nodded. “I suppose you can’t do everything for him.”

“And I’m not.”

“You’re not going to bring him to the wedding, are you?”

Tori looked affronted and shook her head. “No, I’m not crazy.”

“No, are you crazy?” Tori stared at the mother and son across the table. After following Dimitri on a walk in the park across the street and discussing some of the recommendations listed in the review report, she was invited for dinner.

Usually, Tori would decline and return to Lycée, but tonight, Dimitri’s father was going to join them for dinner.

Despite her rude words, Madam Guthry only blushed with a bit of embarrassment while Dimitri sat up straight. “Why not?”

“You’re not invited for one thing,” Tori said in a firm voice. “I’m already dragging Ilyana and the others and nearly all the rooms at the Fortress will be occupied for the wedding. Second, you’re still recovering. You can’t make one round around the perimeter of the park without taking one or two breaks.”

She tried to ignore the disappointed look on Dimitri’s face. She would think that he wouldn’t want anything to do with her that didn’t revolve around helping him. When she worked on his recovery schedule and told him and his mother that she would be gone for the first half of the summer for her brother’s wedding, both mother and son expressed interest for Dimitri to go.

“I only think it would be helpful for Dimitri to continue his recovery under your guidance,” Madam Guthry said. She looked a bit better than when Tori first came to their house a few weeks earlier. Her face had more color, and she didn’t seem as thin. The tremble in her voice had also disappeared.

Now, she looked energetic and enthusiastic, especially regarding her son. This was a good sign overall, but Tori couldn’t help but feel that they were getting a bit too dependent on her.

“I understand that you want me to continue, but as I said earlier, I will be gone for part of the summer for my brother’s wedding. Mr. Guthry is doing well these last few weeks following the schedule we’ve put together and are having him work on following,” Tori told them. “Every day, he walks a little further and his meal plan has been reviewed with Dr. Mondelli to help him readjust to a normal diet. The only thing we would have to add on now is his Lycée Project and that can wait until I return.”

“I understand.” Madam Guthry smiled weakly and lowered her eyes. “It is just that Dimitri has improved so much under your care.”

I really wish you wouldn’t put it like that. Tori’s eyes crinkled up, but she kept her lips shut tight.

“Do you recommend waiting until you return to go over the project? You’ll be gone for several weeks; it won’t be too late?” Dimitri asked. It was a serious question and so Tori replied honestly.

She shook her head. “It won’t be. First, I want to properly look over the contents of the folio.” Tori motioned to the leather folio at the edge of the table. “I only flipped through some pages and have started taking notes. However, with final exams next week and then my brother’s wedding, I don’t have much time to do a detailed reading and give proper comments that could help you. The trip to Presidio is a few days by boat, then three days inland in a carriage. Once we get there, I need to practice the blessing dance for my brother’s wedding.”

She was now able to go through the entire long dance, but she had yet to do so in full costume and with the musical accompaniment. She had been practicing using beats that were in line with the music.

Dimitri took a deep breath and frowned.

They heard the front door open, and the maid greeted the new arrival. Tori turned her head towards the entrance of the dining room, where they were seated, and saw the former Prime Minister arriving. She rose to her feet to greet him.

“Mr. Guthry, thank you for having me for dinner,” Tori said with a polite nod.

Dimitri’s father looked tired, but he offered her a smile and bowed his head. “My lady, thank you for coming.” He straightened up and extended his hand. Tori shook it firmly before he released her and motioned for her to return to her seat. “When my wife told me that she had sent you a message and you came to visit, I was surprised.” He paused and seemed hesitant. A flash of shame crossed his face. “I apologize for my son’s negligence and his ill spoken words.”

Tori shook her head. “I am here because of Madam Guthry and have told her that I would try to help.”

“You have helped.” Madam Guthry leaned forward and looked at her with a meaningful expression. “My lady, I cannot thank you enough.”

“The Countess is generous and is willing to be your benefactor, Dimitri,” Mr. Guthry said in a firm voice as his eyes fixed on his son. Dimitri seemed to lower his head at once and shrink back. “You should listen to what she says.”

Tori glanced at Dimitri and then looked back at Mr. Guthry. By age, she was addressing an elder, but by rank, she was above them, so a little rudeness could be forgiven.

“There is no need to tell him,” Tori said with some benevolence. “Your son has been diligent with his recovery. Madam Guthry and Miss Lucille reported his progress when I came. As I’ve told him, I didn’t expect anything less than this from someone who entered Lycée at first rank.”

She noticed the surprise in Mr. Guthry’s face. The middle-aged man looked towards his son with some surprise. “Is that so?” He took his seat at the head of the table and looked back at Tori. “He was…unwell for so long. Do you think he will be able to return to Lycée in the fall?”

“Yes, I’ve already discussed with Headmaster Laurent, and Madam Guthry and your son, the return procedures and changes he’ll face. Considering what happened, recovery does take time and effort, as well as for the patient to want to recover. As Young Mr. Guthry has been proactive in his recovery, I don’t see why he can’t return to Lycée in a few months.”

Mr. Guthry closed his eyes and seemed to allow relief to wash over him. He slowly nodded his head. “Will there be any sequelae?”

“That I can’t answer. I am not a medical professional in any sense,” Tori said. “However, it is important that Young Mr. Guthry is encouraged to continue, as well as given patience. No one gets better immediately. If there are any sequelae, we can only address it as it comes. Young Mr. Guthry is a fellow student and despite our animosity, I will do my best to help him.”

Tori thought her words were generous, but across the table, Dimitri frowned. “You still have animosity?”

“Dimitri.” His father sent him a disapproving frown.

Tori raised a brow. “I keep telling you that I am here for your mother.”

Madam Guthry smiled. “I cannot thank you enough, Countess.”

Tori smiled in return and shook her head. “I would not offer if I did not mean to follow through. Besides, the Madam Guthry in my mind was so lively and energetic. So encouraging and warm. I would like to see that happy, healthy Madam Guthry again.”

She heard a small chuckle from the head of the table and turned to see Mr. Guthry looking at his wife fondly. His eyes were a bit wet. “Yes…yes, I also wish to see that Miriam again.”

Tori’s lips tightened into a line. I don’t think I should be here anymore…. She glanced towards the door and wondered if it was too late for her to slip away.

Dimitri let out a small cough and gave his parents a horrified look as his father picked up his mother’s hand and brought it to his lips to kiss the back. His cough seemed to draw them out of their trance. Madam Guthry gasped and flushed, looking at Tori with more embarrassment.

“My apologies, my lady….”

“Why don’t we just eat?” Tori asked, forcing back a cringe. She was used to her parents’ affectionate displays, but not the affectionate displays of other people’s parents in front of her.

Mercifully, Lucille seemed to rush in with the dining cart of dishes and placed them in front of each person, starting with the guest and highest ranked person in the room: Tori. Tori waited until everyone got their plates to begin and led the conversation on to the food and back to recent culinary advancements and releases at the delta.

She couldn’t give up a chance to try to sell her delta to prospective guests.

Madam Guthry was interested in the new foods offered, especially the sparkling wine with fruit and fruit juices that were served only at Henrik’s restaurant and special, custom menu dinners throughout their resort. Mr. Guthry was curious about the near completion of the main plaza and various store fronts on Rois.

He furrowed his brows and looked at her with some awe and surprise. “How were you able to bring in chefs from other countries?”

“We came to agreements with some ambassador friends. This wasn’t all my doing. Prince Piers was kind enough to arrange meetings and speak to ambassadors and visiting dignitaries about showcasing their cuisine in Viclya. We’ve invited a few over in the past to enjoy a weekend and see what the environment is like to put their mind at ease with our investments,” Tori said. “We are hoping to start opening the restaurants by next year’s Spring Festival. When I return from Presidio, I will invite you three to come a see. There has been much progress since you’ve last visited.”

Madam Guthry looked delighted by this and grasped her husband’s arm with joy. Mr. Guthry nodded and smiled. “We will take you up on that offer, my lady. I would love to see how much progress has been made. I’ve heard a lot of promising things from many colleagues.”

Tori gave them a reassuring nod. “Then, keep the weekends in the late summer free. I should be back by then.”

She dominated the conversation with the husband and wife. Dimitri was quiet throughout dinner, only nodding and speaking when he was asked a question. In the past, Tori was sure he’d speak up more, but there was nothing wrong with being quiet. He was clearly still listening.

One didn’t need to constantly talk in order to be part of a conversation.

After dinner, Mr. Guthry encouraged Dimitri to see Tori out. Dimitri didn’t hesitate. He didn’t make any sort of reaction that indicated he didn’t want to.

“Before I go, let’s walk a little to let our food digest. It’s good for you,” Tori said. Dimitri nodded and followed her outside.

Two knights in plain clothes were standing by the door. They seemed to perk up upon seeing her.

“My lady, shall we call Mr. Novak?”

“In a moment. We’re going to take a short walk. Please follow at a distanced range,” Tori told them. The two knights remained in place and waited until they were a few paces away to follow.

Dimitri looked back at the knights. Tori had told him who they were, as they were followed when they went on his designated walks in the park. Tori had been very strict about letting him go on walks. He wasn’t allowed to go alone and should always be escorted, as his health was still poor.

He was better now, but Tori still insisted that either Madam Guthry or the maid go with him. A family bodyguard also accompanied them on their walks. It was more in case Dimitri suddenly fainted or was too weak to return than to protect them from possible assailants. With the knights following them, the bodyguard did not follow.

“You’re familiar with giving instructions to imperial knights.” Dimitri stated the obvious. He’d likely been thinking that for a while, but they’d always walked with his mother when Tori accompanied them, and Madam Guthry would not have approved of him questioning Tori.

“I am also acting as the guard to Prince Gideon while on campus and work closely with the second prince’s escort knights. Both his and Prince Piers’ knights have the same protocol when escorting someone,” Tori replied. She narrowed her eyes a bit as she looked at Dimitri. “I’m also very aware that I am likely the only person who is not an imperial family member being escorted by imperial knights. This was not at my request. They were assigned.”

Dimitri shook his head. “No, I can understand why. You are valuable to the empire.”

Tori smirked. “Yes, I am a treasure.”

Dimitri was quiet for a few steps. His gaze looked ahead of them, and his lips were a thin line. “I agree.”

Tori paused in mid step and shuddered. “Do you want to return and rest, Guthry? You don’t sound like yourself.”

He gave her a sneer. “I’m not stupid, Guevera. Confused and tired. Overwhelmed, as you said, but not stupid. I’m also not ungrateful. You came at the request of my mother, but you needn’t go as far as you are to help me.” His shoulders relaxed and he looked down. “Every day, my mother praises you and says you’re kind and forgiving.”

“I never forgave you, though.”

He frowned at her. “Arrogant, as always.”

Tori snorted and sped up to pass him. “Guthry, you of all people should know I’m not a saint. I only try to be good to those who are good to me. You’re lucky that your mother was good to me.” She looked over her shoulder and gave him a pointed look.

Dimitri took a deep breath and nodded. “I didn’t understand why my mother befriended you and spoke so highly of you. Especially when compared to Alessa.”

Tori’s eyes widened just a bit. He said the ‘A’ word…. “Mr. Guthry, I am nothing like Baroness Alessa Hart.”

“I will be the first to agree,” Dimitri said. “And…am I glad you are not.” Tori raised a brow, and he took a deep breath. “Alessa has not come to see me or tried to contact me since the ceiling collapse at the abbey.”

Tori furrowed her brows. “Is that so surprising? I heard rumors that your parents forbade you from contacting her. Not to mention that you were taken back to your hometown, so it wasn’t as if she could drop by for a visit.”

“But she could’ve written. She has my home address in my hometown,” Dimitri said. Tori wondered if he was speaking his confusion out loud and expecting an answer. “You sent things to my mother, and she had stopped contacting you.”

Tori opened her mouth to tell him that though Madam Guthry stopped contact, it wasn’t as if they parted on bad terms. However, the same could be said for Dimitri and Alessa. To her knowledge, Dimitri wasn’t angry at Alessa and Alessa wasn’t upset with Dimitri. They had split up after the ceiling collapsed, as Dimitri’s parents dragged him away to plead for forgiveness at the palace.

“Baroness Hart is quite busy herself. She also faced the repercussions of her negligence.” That was the best excuse Tori could think of, though she wasn’t sure why she was trying to find an excuse for Alessa to begin with.

Dimitri shook his head. “You expect me to believe she’s busier than you? Even I know how much work you do inside and outside of Lycée, Guevera. You’re famous for being busy, you know.”

“No, I’m not.” Tori frowned. Who said that? Was it JP? He makes it sound like I’m a work-a-holic. Wait…am I? She pushed down any existential dread to try to refocus on their talk.

Dimitri stared ahead and had some bitterness on his face.

“I waited for Alessa to contact me after the ceiling collapsed. Even after I had a breakdown, I expected to hear something from Alessa asking about my health. I waited…I knew she had to know. I know that news of my breakdown spread. I’m sure you were the first to know.”

She didn’t answer. She wasn’t the first to know. She was only one of the first.

“I don’t want to try to make any more excuses for her, Guthry. I haven’t a clue as to why she didn’t contact you. It’s disappointing and if you are hurt by it-”

“To get over it?”

She stared at him for a moment. He was sharp and defensive. “If you’re hurt by it, it is a valid feeling.” Tori stopped and faced him, making him stop as well. “When someone you consider a friend stops contacting you, especially during a very vulnerable time in your life, it is understandable that you’d feel confused, upset, disappointed, and sad. Yes, it is something we will have to live with and accept, but that doesn’t make the pain and anger invalid. It’s perfectly acceptable to feel things.”

Dimitri looked her in the eyes, as if trying to find a hint of a lie in her words. His eyes began to redden and turned his head away.

“You really are good at talking, Guevera.”

“Communication is important,” Tori replied. “If I’m being honest, Guthry, I don’t think she stopped contacting you in malice.”

She heard him sniff. “Then you suspect she forgot about me?”

Tori’s brows rose and she looked to the side. “It’s possible considering her situation at the time. I know that doesn’t make it better. Being forgotten can be just as painful, if not more so. After all, if she did it in malice, at least she was thinking of you, right?”

He licked his dried, chapped lips. “Do you think I’m crazy not to blame her for what happened?” His eyes crinkled up and for a moment, Tori wondered if he were waking up from some sort of daze.

Tori furrowed her brows again and thought for a moment. “There is a phenomenon where when you like someone so much, the favorable light you see them in tends to erase, or forces you to ignore, their shortcomings. You either don’t see them as a problem or try to justify them somehow. You likely had such a very favorable impression of the Baroness that you could only see her in that light and…couldn’t think for yourself.”

Dimitri let out a low huff. “That’s a long way of saying I’m crazy.”

Tori shrugged. “We’re all a little crazy. I’m taking a walk at night with the person who tried to put the blame for an orphanage ceiling collapse on me. Ilyana and Henrik have not been shy about telling me that visiting you and working with you to try to help you recover is a sign of lunacy.”

“Then so is still wanting to see her,” Dimitri said with a small, resentful laugh. “I don’t know why I do.”

“Feelings for others don’t disappear easily. You still consider her your friend, even if her inaction disappointed you. You also have many good memories attached to her and brought you joy. You don’t want to lose the joy they brought. You’d be willing to give her more chances just to keep up the relationship, regardless of a part of you that is resentful. It’s frustrating, but sometimes, you can’t help it.”

He looked at her with some suspicion. “You sound like you have experience.”

“I’ve lived a long and storied life.”

Dimitri let out a small guffaw and the corners of his lips turned up. “I had wondered why mother liked you so much. I am starting to understand why.”

Tori gave him a slight grin. “Well, it’s better late than never.”

His lips pulled into a slightly bigger smile before he furrowed his brows. His smile faltered. He looked down for a moment, lost in thought, before meeting her gaze once more. “Guevera…the feeling of wanting to see her…of missing her…how long does it last?”

“It depends on the situation. Sometimes a few days, sometimes it stays with you your entire life and is only dulled by the passage of time.”

“Then…how do I get this feeling to go away?” Tori’s eyes widened as she snapped her head back at his words. Dimitri’s eyes crinkled up as he appeared at a loss. “I don’t want to feel this way about her. The more I think about her, the more it feels like I’m losing my mind.”