Building an Empire [M/M]

Chapter Eleven

Alexander

Today the number of squadron leaders would be halved to 25, and the ladies would declare to whom they gave their favour. I wasn't quite sure how they did it. Should I just run down into the arena? Did I just throw my token in his face? And now that I was on the subject, I didn't even have a token yet. I couldn't sew one like some of the others had done. I couldn't buy one either since I had no money what so ever - a realisation that didn't sit well with me since that meant I was screwed if the Emperor decided to throw me out.

The good thing, though, was that I could basically come up with anything and say it was something traditional from my culture.

A knock interrupted my thoughts. "Come in!" The door opened and yesterday's temporary guard's surly face appeared. "Are you ready to go, Lady Alexander?"

"Yes." No.

He led me down halls and paths until I could see Giant's Dent, or the Arena, where a big crowd of people had already gathered. I was seated together with the other ladies this time, Melain sitting directly behind me. The temp guard gave a small bow before he left me with the giggling womenfolk.

"Melain? Melain?" With so many people at one place talking it was difficult to hear and be heard, but finally she noticed me and leant forward. "What is it Alexander?"

"When and how do we give our favour and token?" Melain's eyes lit up and she started explaining with the glee of a child. "When the first 25 return they'll form a line and we, the ladies, will go down to whoever we have chosen."

"What if you have chosen the same as someone else?"

"Then you just wait and go one by one."

"Huh, that seems easy."

"Why wouldn't it be?"

Before I could answer a roar from the crowd made all conversation impossible. The Emperor was standing, waving to the people, as the 50 squadron leaders entered the arena. This time I spotted Siobhan. He had his long, dark hair in a low ponytail and was wearing the same outfit as the others. I was too far away to see his facial expression.

The Emperor raised his hands and the crowd hushed. "Well met! Today we will again half the number, this time down to 25. The challenge will be to test their tracking and survival skills. 25 chalices have been hidden deep within the forest. And remember, squadron leaders, if you get a chalice it can be stolen from you at any time. You are first safe when you get back to Giant's Dent. Ready yourselves!" Tension was thick in the air and it seemed everyone was holding their breath, until finally the Emperor roared, "Fight!" The squadron leaders all flew off like bullets from a gun. Siobhan was one of those in the lead and I watched as he disappeared between the trees. As soon as the last squadron leader was out of sight, people in colourful and motley clothes gathered and started performing. Dancing, singing, juggling, fire breathing. The whole deal. I could see why it was needed. Staring at a forest waiting for someone to appear would get boring very fast. Or maybe it was like Tour de France and people were willing to stand around for ages just to get a glimpse of the riders.

"Lady Alexander?" a small voice whispered. I turned around to see what Melain wanted. She was leaning forward like what we were about to discuss was a grave secret. "What did you do to piss of Kivar?" It appeared the confusion I had for the name was clear on my face, because she explained, "The guard who watches you when Siobhan cannot."

"Oh, him. No idea, I thought his face was stuck that way." Melain shook her head and we both glanced over to where my temp guard, Kivar, was standing, staring intently at the forest. "Normally he is a very well-liked person. Quiet, but friendly." I hadn't really taken much notice of him besides his surly mood, but now I had a second look. He had short, reddish brown hair and was fairly tall compared to others around him - though much shorter than I. As he looked up and gave me a glare, perhaps having felt my gaze on him, I noticed his deep, rich chocolate brown eyes. What I had thought average and dull was in fact a gem. "He's handsome," I said, the surprise evident in my voice. Melain giggled. "Yes, but he has taken a vow of celibacy, or so I have heard." No, wonder he was cranky then. "Why?" Melain shrugged.