The Duchess' Enchantment

Chapter 1

The General sat atop a wooden bench, observing the training of the newly arrived recruits. He sat rigid, his back erect, his broad shoulders moving slightly to gain a better look at the training. The harsh noon sun reigned over the dusty training area, as the soldiers glistened with sweat. The new recruits were not bad for their first try, however they could have been better. He watched as they effectively blocked their offenders, the more experienced soldiers; however, were not able to throw in some of their own. Most had been decent, and in need of dire improvement. They all left the arena to grab a long needed drink of water.

As a General, part of his job description included the overseeing of the training of new recruits as well as rewarding those who were excelling at their training. He was the most accomplished warrior, the most courageous and loyal soldier, the cleverest and most pragmatic battle strategist and of course, the emperor's oldest, steadfast friend, in the whole realm. And yet, his stupid brother, the current emperor, for all his jollies and faults had insisted that he take a sabbatical from his duties and responsibilities. The General Prince had scoffed at the idea and argued that he was at the peak of his success and did not need to for any reason, leave his duties and responsibilities in the hands of some moron far less accomplished than himself.

His brother merely looked at him with that look, the combination of soft understanding and exasperation -- that look that made him feel disappointed in himself – and said, " It is only because I care of you brother-mine. You are working yourself too hard." That was all it took for the General Prince to tilt his head downwards and stare down at his brother's feet.

He replied softly. "I know brother-mine. I'll think about it, but please, I truly do enjoy my line of work and do not wish to take any amount of time off to rest."

At this, the emperor threw his hands up in the air and exclaimed, " You are impossible brother-mine! Truly I pity the woman who will one day become your wife."

The General Prince stiffened at the prospect of marriage, his head jerking upwards suddenly, alarmed. He had made his opinions on a union, any union involving him abundantly clear to his jolly, merry, irritating and unfortunately his older brother and emperor.

" I have made my views on this subject abundantly clear brother–mine." He hissed. "I do not wish to marry, not anytime soon – not ever. Do not ever bring this up again or you will find yourself with a bleeding nose and a black eye to match. " He glared heatedly at his brother the emperor, no doubt promising the beating he would deliver if his brother not heed to his warning.

The emperor merely chuckled and declared, "You would not dare to Brother-mine. Attempted harm to the emperor is not something you would want on your resume, especially not if you want all the best of the best after your head."

The General Prince challenged him, "Perhaps not brother-mine, it was never against any rule to beat up your own brother. And mayhap it slipped your mind, but here is a kindly reminder; I am the best of the best - I am better than all your men, any of your men, combined.

The emperor sighed deeply, glaring at his younger brother. "Well at least I tried. Truly why must you be so stubborn and pigheaded you fool?" He whined.

"You do not know half of it brother-mine. If you cease your pointless insistence and get on with your life, I might consider what you have spoken of."

"Mayhap I should get Meghra on your case. She certainly does a better job of convincing you than I."

The General Prince scowled ferociously at his brother. "You are far too meddlesome and irritating for your own good brother-mine. If you dare, I will make you regret the day you stepped into this world and showed your face."

The emperor burst out laughing, his tears evident from his twinkling golden-green eyes, so very similar to his brother's yet lacking the hostility and seriousness present in the younger brother's eyes, instead filled with warmth and affection.

"I know with certainty that you will brother-mine. I do not wish to be around you in one of your raging tempests. You truly are a frightening sight, and I am sure it will assist you in avoiding the ladies that you must meet at the ball being held in honor of the beginning of the season — with an abundance of eligible single ladies and gentlemen, might I add — that you are required to attend, as per your duties as a prince."

The General Prince's scowl morphed into one of desperation. "You cannot mean that brother-mine, those stuffy balls and try-hard ladies who mean the death of me!" He exclaimed.

The Emperor chuckled in reply. "Why brother-mine, you claimed that you could not neglect your duties and leave it to someone — how did you put it?" He tapped his index finger on his chin, with a contemplative expression, then lit up. "Oh yes, some fool far less accomplished than you. You never specified whether the duties in question were that of a prince or a General."

The General prince cried out, dismayed, his hands covering his face, "You cannot do this to me! I-" But whatever he was going to say was drowned out by the laughter of the emperor, as he exited the room, relishing in the expression on his brother's face and how he had tricked and outsmarted his brother.

End of Chapter 1