Tori Transmigrated

Chapter 192: Everyday You Disappoint Me Further

You sent her an imperial carriage? Toris glare bore into Gideon as he shrank back. They stood on the upper floor of the restaurant. Eventually, it would be turned into rooftop seating that overlooked the plaza and the water past the Promenade, but at the moment, it was where employees often went to have lunch.

Tori had no qualms with climbing up to use the rooftop as a perch from which to watch the ships pass, or in this special case, safely observe the transport ship meant to take her aunt and Alessa upriver. Since the ship was going upriver, it had both sails and oarsmen. The current flowing downstream usually wasnt too strong to paddle up against.

Tori had started experimenting with crystals to move vessels in water because she wanted to make the job of going upriver easier. After all, the Cosora River ran through her territory. Unfortunately, all she could do was get her water hammock to move. At the very least, Master Ramos had gone with Andy back to Kings Harbor to discuss with the OTuagh Naval Engineering Corps in hopes of improving the system.

Until then, a group of twelve oarsmen and sailors would take Auntie Fabiana, Alessa, four guards, and a transport overseer upriver to be banished from the delta.

Its not an imperial carriage; its a regular rental carriage, Gideon said, a bit defensive. It just didnt sit well with me that the boat would leave them on the border.

Its at a village at the South Cosora river crossing, Tori told him with a sneer. Were not forcing them off the boat in the middle of nowhere. As long as they have money, which Im sure they do because all the money on their person had to be recorded when they went into holding, they can hire a rental carriage there. In fact, there is an unofficial carriage station there for that purpose.

Well, I didnt know that! Gideon scowled, ignoring the judging looks from Dimitri and Montan, as well as the slight crease of exasperation on Fabians brown. Toris glare only hardened.

Every day you disappoint me further. Tori narrowed her eyes and turned back to the water. She held up the spyglass she borrowed from Eili and closed one eye. She could see the transport ship at the transportation hub dock on the island. All county workers that interacted with the public wore specific uniforms, including the oarsmen and crew of the transport ship.

A dozen men and women were in gray pants, black boots, and thin long-sleeved shirts with the deltas seal embroidered on their left and right sleeves, and over their left breast along with the name of the department. They were waiting for Fabiana and Alessa to be escorted out from holding.

Tori lowered the spyglass and wrinkled her nose.

Did they come out yet? Montan asked.

No. Mr. Farkas is supposed to call me when they leave. The transport crew is waiting, Tori replied. She took out her comcry and held it in her hand, waiting for the call. It should be any time now.

Why didnt you go to the island to watch them leave, Countess? Fabian asked. Tori supposed it was strange that shed instead watch them from the top of the restaurant when she had full authority to go directly to the embarkation island.

It is not necessary for the Countess of Cosora to have to oversee a trivial matter such as this. My presence isnt mandatory. The embarkation island staff, and the transport crew can take care of it, and theyve done it before, Tori said. Second, I dont want to deal with my aunt. You saw her in Presidio. If I show up, shell yell at me, demand some sort of compensation, or complain until my ears bleed. At worst, shell cause a scene and delay workers. I really dont want to waste my time with that this morning.

Her mother and uncle werent going to see off her aunt, either. Uncle Dominico was on Rois with some colleagues while her mother was so irritated with Fabiana that if she went to the embarkation island, violence would likely ensue. Thus, Antonia took her sister-in-law horseback riding.

Do you think your aunt will try to raise an issue about this some other time? Dimitri asked.

Raise an issue where? Tori asked in return as she gave him a deadpan expression. And even if she did, on what ground does she have to stand on? Shes the one who forcefully entered a close settlement.

In the last few days, the four love interests were spotted hanging around each other and Tori didnt know what theyd have in common outside of Alessa. She could make the strongest case for Montan joining Gideon and Fabian, as Montan was Axtons brother, so it was a sort of younger brother hang out, if that made sense.

However, Dimitri had almost punched Gideon once and she had no idea how their personal relationship was. She thought there would be some tension, but it didnt seem to be the case. Perhaps the whole debacle with Alessas favoring charm and realizing what it made them do brought them together.

Dimitri furrowed his brows, contemplating her answer and then nodding. Thats true.

From what Ive seen of your aunt, shell complain in personal circles, Gideon told her.

I can only imagine what kind of personal circles my aunt is in, and I doubt theyre going to be truthfully supportive of her. Tori caught the crystal around her comcry glow, and she slid her finger across. What is the situation?

My lady, Madam Lombardi and Baroness Hart have been released from holding. Their belongings have been returned to them and they are being escorted to the transport ship, Mr. Farkas reported.

Did they cause any trouble during their stay?

Madam Lombardi complained and yelled, often demanding to speak to you, but she quieted down on the second day after the Marquess visited.

Mama visited? Tori jerked her head back. Her mother didnt tell her, and Tori could only wonder what had transpired between the two sisters to shut her aunt up. Never mind, have they been informed that they will be taken to the South Cosora river crossing upriver?

They will be notified when they get to the transportation hub, my lady, Mr. Farkas replied.

Inform them to let them know that a rental carriage will be waiting at the river crossing village to take them back to the delta. Its already been paid for, and this is courtesy of His Highness Prince Gideon, Tori said. Also be sure to inform them of their permanent ban.

Yes, my lady.

What about Baroness Hart? Has she said anything or asked any questions?

She also wished to speak to you and claimed to want to apologize. She was told that she was in no place to request an audience with you. The Baroness has been quiet as of the last two days.

Has she been eating?

Yes, my lady. Both Madam Lombardi and Baroness Hart ate their meals, and they did not cause trouble at night. The Baroness seemed very withdrawn and didnt seem to understand that she was being detained. Whenever she asked for something and was rejected, she seemed confused.

Toris eyes flickered over to Montan. He was close enough to hear Mr. Farkas and seemed to have mixed feelings. Mr. Farkas and the others on the island didnt know much about the charm; when they came, Tori hadnt informed them of their real reason. She only said her brother wanted to see the building. Mr. Farkas wouldnt know if Alessa was acting strange or why she would be.

However, Alessas confusion that her words were having no effect hinted that she realized something was different.

Tell the transportation crew to keep a close eye on them and to report if there was anything out of the ordinary. Tori ended the call and turned back to the love interests. Its unnecessary to bring up trespassing and holding to the Baroness later. Montan and Guthry, she doesnt know that you two are here, so there is no need to tell her you witnessed it as it isnt a situation to be proud of. Both young men nodded, and Tori looked back towards the embarkation island in the distance.

After some time, she noticed the small transport ship depart from the island. Tori kept her eyes on it, as there was a specific route that boats took around the islands to avoid blocking narrower waterways. The transport ship would go around most of the islands and directly to the mouth of the river, passing the corner of the Promenade on one shore and the construction yard on the other.

You really held your own relative for trespassing.... Dimitri said in a quiet voice, as if he still couldnt believe it.

I always hear about how close the marches are to their families, Gideon said as he squinted out at the water. I admit, I didnt expect you to be so strict.

Then you should also know that if a family member breaks laws, the consequences are dire as we expect them to act accordingly, Tori said. She gave him a silencing look. For instance, you know what happens if a member of a marquis family rebels.

Gideon shrank his head back and the other love interests looked at him

What happens? Dimitri asked.

Gideon looked down at his feet. Theyre killed by the family. A marchs loyalty must be absolute, and they do not compromise.

As the saying goes: play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Tori held up the spyglass as she made out the tiny vessel in the distance getting closer. As expected, her aunt and Alessa were surrounded by frowning guards. Alessa kept her head down, appearing embarrassed, while her aunt silently seethed beside her. She lowered the spyglass and held it out.

Gideon took it from her hand and peered through. She looks upset.

Of course, shes upset. Theyre not going to get the chance to tear through my delta, Tori said in a firm voice. Are you four going to remain up here? Im going back to the encampment; I have work to do.

Do you require any assistance, Countess? Dimitri asked.

Tori shook her head and took the spyglass back from Gideon. No. Also, youre here to rest, Guthry. Go and relax on the beach or rent a boat to take a round around the islands. Why dont you join your parents? What are they doing?

Theyre taking sailing classes, Dimitri replied. The couples class.

Tori drew her lips inward. She thought selling specific activities just for couples would be a good way to lure guests into spending money, as it was an upsell from the general activities. Shed evaluated it out with various couples she knew to see if people would be interested during the Spring Festival. Senior Southard had gone on a carriage ride with a romantic sunset picnic dinner on a cliff with Hadley Voss, and she liked it so much, she asked if there were any more to do.

Hadley had assured Tori that they were willing to test any of her couple activities for her, to which Tori had asked him if the empire simply didnt pay him enough.

Tori shook her head to refocus her thoughts on Dimitri and felt a little pity for him, as it seemed his parents abandoned him.

God sister, I am going to NE12 to go fishing and grill with the children today. Mr. Guthry is welcome to join us, Montan said.

Gideon and Fabian turned to him with confusion. Youre going to NE12?

Montan nodded. Robi said he was going with his cousins, and Commander OTuagh and her wife have purchased some seafood from the fishermen yesterday to ensure that there is enough. Mr. Conner and Mr. Martin will also be there.

Wait, why are you going to NE12? Tori asked. There is nothing on that island except a swing. And why didnt anyone tell me? Thats my island.

The northwest corner has a cove suitable for fishing and there are no other guests, so Commander OTuagh likes it, Montan replied. Alexander is coming, too.

Tori lifted her hand to her forehead as she heard Gideon exclaim that he wanted to come, too. Dimitri also agreed and asked if he needed to bring anything, as he was a guest. Tori hadnt made it clear that NE12 could only be visited one time to camp. The boat reserved for family members and friends would simply take them there upon request.

Shed let them do it this time, but once construction started, shed have to limit their trips to the island, if only for safety reasons.

Listen, you four are free to move around Viclya, but going to NE12 is a privilege that comes with accompanying a family member. It is the personal property of the Countess, Tori told them. So, if something happens to you there, the resorts are not liable, and you are wholly at fault. She took the spyglass from Gideon and tucked it under her arm. Enjoy your time here and dont wreck my island.

She headed towards the stairwell that led to the lower level, where Piers had been standing in the shade.

It is done? he asked as he opened the door leading to the stairwell.

Its done, she replied. Are you coming with me to Horizon tomorrow?

Piers nodded his head as they walked down the steps. We will be escorting Mother back.

Mama is also going back, so well go with her to Horizon.

Mother says that you and the Marquess will stay at the palace overnight, Piers told her as they reached the ground floor. You can have breakfast with your mother before you go to the Lunar Pavilion.

I want to bring Alexander, but hes been following around the children.

They give him food.

They give him.... Tori choked back some frustration. I told them not to give him extra food because hes so big!

It is mostly fur. Piers thought for a moment. And Declian Temple cats can grow to be four times as large as an average cat.

Four times? Tori tried to imagine Alexander, who was already quite large compared to the cat who gave birth to him. The only other cat she could compare him to that shed seen recently was Master Ramos cat, who was cat-sat by the crystal masters on the island while Master Ramos was away. He was normal-sized. Benedict isnt that large.

Senior Benedict isnt-oh. Benedict the cat. Piers furrowed his brows. Perhaps he takes after the mother cat. The cats at Lyce are not large.

Im still worried that Im overfeeding him.

If you did not feed him, Alexander can still hunt on his own. He is a master hunter.

Tori sighed and ran a hand down her face. Im going to have a talk with him tonight. She said it as if her cat could comprehend impending health concerns.

She dove into her work the rest of the day, including an hour-long meeting with Ilyana regarding the invitations to her birthday party at the Lunar Pavilion. In the end, they decided that Ilyana would go with her to Horizon and finalize the invitations at Duels print shop.

Unexpectedly, when Tori woke up the next morning, not only was Alexander seemingly waiting for her, but so was Fiona standing next to him, looming over her side of the bed. For a moment, Tori froze as she struggled to identify her tiny niece waiting for her in the dark room, and confirm she was not some bedside gremlin in a nightmare.

Auntie, Fiona asked as her big brown eyes blinked. Are you awake now? Im ready to go.

Fifi, baby, why are you up so early? Tori asked as she sat up and stretched. She gave the little girl, who had clearly dressed herself in a mismatched apron dress over a tunic top that reached her ankles, a warm smile.

Im going with you to Horizon.

You are?

Uh-huh, Daddy's taking us, too.

Tori furrowed her brows. Are you going to escort grandma?

Yes, and then go to the orphanage to visit our friends, Fiona told her dutifully. Grandma Monica says were staying at the palace tonight.

Grandma Monica? Tori squinted. She still referred to the Empress as Her Majesty. Perhaps it was because Fiona was so little that the Empress told her to address her with such familiarity.

Fiona nodded. Isnt that where Uncle Piers lives? I wanted to bring Istvan so he can study to be a good sidekick, but he has to go home.

The corner of Toris eye twitched. I see...well, perhaps next time. She got out of bed and quickly washed her face and changed into suitable traveling clothing. When she came out of the back room of her tent, her mother, brother, nephew, and Piers were with Fiona and Alexander.

Give me your bag. Piers stepped forward at once to take the canvas drawstring bag Tori had packed with her overnight things. Why did you pack so much? You have clothes and overnight things at the palace.

Tori crinkled her eyes and tried to send him a silencing glare at Kasen and her mother looked at her with question.

I dont have clothes suitable for work tomorrow.

I can have some made. Your measurements are with the palace tailors. You grew, so they will need to be called again.

Tori, she heard her mother call out to her. How often do you stay at the palace?

Rarely! Tori said as she turned around. Only when there is a big event or Im coordinating. Or recovering from crystal shock. The usual.

Fiona, do you want to stay in your Aunties room at the palace overnight? Piers asked the little girl petting the cat.

Auntie has a room at the palace? Fiona asked with wide eyes. She turned to Tori, impressed.

Its a guest room! Tori cried out, but she already caught her brothers judging eyes.

Uncle Piers, Fiona said as she stood up to look at him, appreciative. Youre a very good sidekick.

The corner of Piers eye twitched. You will stay with your father.

No!

Lets go. Tori scooped Fiona up in her arms. We have a long ride to Horizon. She led everyone and her cat out of her tent. Several carriages were waiting for them next to the encampment and Tori narrowed her eyes. Why are there so many people?

The Empress was standing, speaking to Axton, while Gideon and the love interests gathered in the corner, discussing something. Ilyana was already seated in SIG One with Riri, their mother, and Ava.

Ilyana and her family are staying at my house, Henrik said. My parents said to have them stay there since there are extra rooms and well be going to Duel anyway.

Explain Ewan, Albert, and the twins, Tori said in a dull voice.

Visiting their family. Also, Madam Martin called Albert and said that if were all going, then to have dinner with her.

I already made plans for our dinner at the Three Queens, Tori said. Her mother hadnt been since she graduated Lyce and left Horizon. Back then, it was only part way built and had yet to establish itself as one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.

I know, so she said shell meet us there. Henrik drew his lips into a line and Tori gave him a tired look.

She took a deep breath. Axton! He came at once and upon finding out that they had another guest, laughed, and said it was fine, as the rooftop dining room was prepared for all of them. Tori narrowed her eyes. Did you know everyone was coming?

Axton nodded. You were busy, so we coordinated it. Henrik said to tell you, but I didnt want to bother you. Axton seemed proud of this, and Tori took another deep breath.

She pursed her lips and passed him, patting Henriks shoulder as she climbed into SIG One. You tried, Henrik. Thats all I can ask of you.

Its hard being the responsible one, he said with a heavy sigh.

Tori sat back on the seat bench and Fiona climbed onto her lap. You look tired, Auntie. Take a nap. We have a long ride, she said, repeating what Kasen often told her.

Tori gave her a wry smile and caressed her hair back. Thanks, Fifi, but I can rest when we get to Horizon.

I want them strewn across in alternating layers. One strand on the first floor, then one strand on the second, then the next on the first, and so forth. They can be no further than a forearm away from each other! Toris face was flushed, and she was a bit sweaty as she gripped a folio in her hand and rushed across the central courtyard of the Lunar Pavilion like a madwoman.

The central courtyard was four times as long as it was wide with three fountains that were recently repaired. The two on either end were three-tiered wall fountains coming from the second floor and the larger center one had Achia, goddess of the moon, holding a crescent moon scepter.

Arched porticos surrounded the courtyard and from the main entrance, which led directly to the main doors of the Lunar Pavilion, were black iron gates with a crystal moon split in half down the center, where it opened.

There were new boxed flowers and various topiaries brought in to decorate the courtyard while larger light crystals were positioned along the upper floors, just above the upper walkways portico windows to illuminate the courtyard below. The fountains were illuminated, the pillars were illuminated, and even the walkways let out a gentle glow.

My lady, the tables and chairs have arrived from Daybreak Garden, Sir Atienza told her as he approached.

The locations for the tables have all been marked with chalk. Have them set up. Bring in the chairs last; there are eight to a round guest table and five at the rectangular head table on the north side, Tori said as she waved her arms in various directions.

The imperial knights likely never thought theyd be put to work assisting an unrelated person set up a party for that night, but the half dozen of them assigned to Tori did not complain. Tonights event was Ilyanas birthday party, but it was also a dry run for Piers Harvest Festival ball.

The set up was the same, though the decorations and food were different. The knights would go to their assigned locations that evening and function as if it were the ball, including going through their patrols and shifts. Several high ranked imperial knights would be present to review the security for any weak points.

However, until sunset, the knights present were to do Toris bidding, even if it meant standing on a ladder to attach strands of gently pulsing light crystals across the courtyard.

Tori, can we test out the sound system? Henrik asked from the upper floor. In order to give as much space as possible in the courtyard and still have a dance area, the musicians would be on the upper floor and, using the same light blue sound crystals as in the Imperial Stadium, the music would be played over the courtyard.

Tori waved her arms. Go for it!

Henrik nodded and disappeared inside. The musicians gathered that evening was a small band of villagers from Viclya. They played local folk music, but Ilyana and the others often danced in the plaza to their music after dinner. It was fun and familiar.

As the knights and employees from Daybreak Garden rolled in the round tables, the music filled the courtyard. Tori walked around, taking notes to make sure the volume was loud where she wanted it and quiet where she didnt. It had taken her a week with Instructor Ignatius to be able to program the crystals and set them up so they could be controlled remotely in the sound room on the upper floor, next to where the musicians would play.

It was very much the fantasy version of an audio and video room, sans the video part. The video part was instead replaced by light controls, which took another week and a half to program and then install. It had been a joint project with all the crystal masters on Anahata Island. Tori had slept on the island for several days just working on it.

Everything that didnt involve crystals, from the invitations, the furniture and decorations, and the food couldve been done in her sleep in comparison. After securing funding from Piers, as nearly everything was going to be reused at his ball, she got quotes, put in orders, confirmed delivery dates, and then passed it all to Henrik.

Ilyana wouldve helped, but it was her birthday and Tori wanted to surprise her.

Henrik, test the light crystals! Tori shouted as two more knights carried out boxes of tablecloths for the twenty tables.

She stood to the side and put her hands on her hips as she heard Henrik shout that they were going to start. The two crystal masters from Anahata Island were onsite to make sure the lighting and sound worked.

Though it was daylight, Tori could still make out the light crystal's pulse. Along with the usual white crystals were tinted crystals that alternated, making the courtyard have waves of color. Oh, thank God, its working....

She let out a relieved sigh and heard Piers tell his knights to focus on placing the tables, chairs, and taking out the decorations. The men who had stopped to admire the different colored lights dancing around the courtyard scrambled to finish setting up. She narrowed her eyes and looked towards Piers, where he was seated at a small table on the upper level, looking down.

Hes giving a lot of direction for someone who hasnt lifted a finger since he got here, Sonia said as she took out the prepared centerpieces from boxes that the knights carried in.

Tori let out a small snort. Well, at least hes done the most important part.

Paid for it? JP asked as he walked past with a floral centerpiece in either arm.

Paid for it. Tori nodded in agreement.

Tori! Ewans loud voice came through. Albert and I brought the masks!

They are to be distributed in the foyer in accordance with the guest list, Tori said, walking towards the entrance while avoiding the knights carrying chairs. The welcome table should be ready. JP and Sonia will be ushering guests inside and you two will be welcoming people and giving them their masks. Have they been sorted like I instructed?

Yes, the animal themed ones for us and then regular eye masks for our guests, Albert said as he carried in one more box. They were placed on a long table against one side of the foyer, which blocked off the inner hallway that was to be a planned shopping arcade. It was still having renovations done to it.

Good, the guest list is in a box under the table, and you can let guests pick, but dont let them take too long doing so or the foyer will get crowded. Well start letting guests in on time, so about an hour before, Ill tell you guys to change into costumes. Madam Midstrom and her family are here to help you, Tori said.

If the theme is a surprise for Ilyana, how will she know what to wear? Albert asked with a raised brow.

She doesnt. She was told to wear regular clothes and then when she arrives, she will change into the dress I had prepared, Tori said with a determined look on her face. She couldnt make everyone wear a toga for this toga masquerade party that for some reason, she thought would be fun and different while brainstorming unique party ideas for Ilyana.

Instead, she asked that guests wear airy, pastel clothes while she and her friends, Ilyana included, wore white linen togas and stola over pastel-colored tunics of their choosing. There were also various brightly colored pieces of fabric to be used as palla, or the wraps, and Tori had matched them with the masks her friends would be wearing.

Ilyanas was gold and shed get to wear a white feathered mask with gold trim and a little wreath of flowers over her hair. Tori had asked Baroness Agafonova to stay with Ilyana that day in order to get her hair done and to buy them time to prepare the venue.

Ilyanas birthday party is a lot more extravagant than our celebrations this year, Ewan said with a wrinkled nose.

Well, her party is also a practice event for Prince Piers ball, so its dual purpose, Albert replied. He looked at the masks theyd pulled out. What animal is this?

Thats a boar, Tori said. Itll go with your dark brown wrap.

Alberts face fell. Why did I get a boar? What did Ewan get?

Wolf. Ewan grinned from ear to ear as he lifted his dark gray mask. Albert let out a cry of protest.

Its too late to change masks. The boar is great! Its the symbol of the Fekete Duchy, Tori reminded him as she slipped back into the courtyard.

Did my horse mask come in? Sonia and JP were walking into the foyer as Tori reached the entrance to the courtyard.

You got a horse mask? Albert asked. JP, what did you get?

Fox, JP replied. Henrik got a raven and Ilyana is an owl.

Do you want to trade for a boar?

No. The twins answered at the same time and Tori snickered.

The courtyard transformed almost instantly with the knights precision. They followed her orders to a tee and all twenty round tables were set up evenly around the four corners of the courtyard, leaving the area around the center fountain open for dancing. The long table on the west end had a knight on either side, carefully making sure the white tablecloth was even.

The centerpieces were different colored glass bowls with floating candles surrounded by a late summer themed garland, while the plates were simple white on gray saucers with embossed white images of the phases of the moon. The silverware also had a lunar theme and the cloth napkins all had similar embroidery.

Im impressed that you all were able to set this up so quickly, Tori said as she stood by the head table.

We have refresher lessons on proper table manners every year, Sir Atienza told her. It is mandatory for imperial knights to know.

Then, if you ever want to retire and work in event planning, please let me know. I always welcomed skilled individuals.

The knights chuckled around her, and Tori circled the perimeter of the courtyard. Henrik did a few more sound tests, and the crystal masters tested the lights.

When she was satisfied with the courtyard decorations and set up, she went to the kitchen. The Lunar Pavilion had three separate large kitchens that once supported the former imperial palace. After some discussion, she decided to keep all three. The largest would be used for the planned anchor restaurant, the smallest one was to be a cafe and snack bar for the inn, while the remaining kitchen would be used as a secondary overflow kitchen and for catering private events.

It was also the closest to the central courtyard and according to Piers research on the pavilion, its purpose was to cater to the balls and parties held there. The Lunar Pavilion also had an untouched stock of cookware, serving ware, silverware, and time and moth ravaged cloth.

Tori and Henrik had the appliances in the kitchen replaced with their latest and best rated ovens, stoves, and cold rooms. Preparing the kitchen for use wasnt as difficult as hiring cooks. The delta was still busy, so they couldnt pull the cooks from the usual restaurant.

Axton offered some chefs and cooks from the Three Queens, but the senior chefs were hesitant as, while the Three Queens had new crystal powered cooktops, they were not preferred for use. The younger chefs came instead along with Lukas Jager, who was making Ilyanas cake.

He was used to Toris various experimental dishes and for assistance, called Mama J in case the younger chefs needed assistance.

You want to fry it until it is golden brown and then season it before it cools, so the seasoning sticks, Mama Js booming voice filled the loud, chaotic kitchen. Lady Ilyana loves to eat spiral cut potatoes, so they must be perfect!

Tori nodded with satisfaction. That was the passion she wanted. After checking to make sure that the food was being prepared well, she went to the small kitchen to make a late lunch for her friends and the knights.

She stopped at the doorway when she saw a few children under the watchful eyes of Nanny Rey and Kasen around the kitchen.

Are you sure this is how you do it? Ava asked from a stool as she made a ball of what appeared to be a chicken nugget.

Yes! Im sure. I make them with Auntie and at Presidio, Fiona assured her cousin with confidence. But we cant make it too big, or it wont cook right.

Thats too much work, Robert said from another counter, where he was with Marco and Mateo skewering meat. And theyre not as good as kebobs.

Yes, they are! Fiona defended her precious nuggets.

Tori chuckled. Youre all working hard.

Auntie!

Cousin!

Ill get started on the rest of the food, Tori said as she was handed an apron from Nanny Rey. After lunch, you can go get ready for the party.

Lady Tori, Ewan said that there were masks. Will we get masks? Riri asked. Of the three making nuggets, his were the most even sized.

You all have your choice of masks or getting your face painted, Tori said as she picked up a large sack of flour. The face painter will be here earlier, before the party starts, so you can decide if you want to wear a mask or get your face painted.

Will the paint last? Kasen asked. He was looking at Fionas painfully excited face and was likely thinking that his daughter would ask to be painted to look like a chicken.

It smears a bit, but can be wiped off with soap and warm water, Tori said. I told them to keep the painting around the eyes and above the mouth, so they look like a mask. The pigment is from flowers and minerals collected in the delta. Its popular with the children in the village during festivals. It lasts about a day.

Kasen had a glint of relief on his face. All right-

Im going to be a chicken, Fiona said as she slapped a small, palm-sized nugget on the tray. Cousin Ava, what about you? You should be something amazing, like a wolf or a hawk.

I want to be a cat, Ava replied. Like Alexander.

Alexander is amazing. He can fish. He can hunt. He can ride horses and get on boats. He can do anything! Riri agreed. I want to be a cat, too.

We cant both be cats.

You can both be cats, Tori and Kasen said before the children fought. In fact, there is a cat mask in the pile.

Can I have it? Ava asked with wide eyes.

Tori grinned and shook her head. Nope. Its mine. I also love Alexander.