Building an Empire [M/M]

Chapter Eighteen

Siobhan

I froze mid step as I heard the bells start ringing. It was done. The next General had been chosen. The news would be announced soon then. Turning around I went back the way I'd come. Alex needed to be told of this. He would also need to ready himself for the ceremony. Usually the rise of a General came with a big feast.

Rushing down the halls I quickly reached Alex's room. Just as I was about to knock the door opened and I came face to face with none other than Mercus. His eyes widened in surprise and he took a step back. "Geez, you scared me. Hear those bells? They must've chosen the next General." I nodded, stepping back as well to give him room. "That's why I'm here. Was going to tell Alex." Mercus nodded. "Makes sense. She'll be expected to show at the feast."

"You two do realise I can still hear you, right?" Mercus stepped aside to reveal Alex standing behind him. "Sorry, didn't mean to ignore you," I said, "Did Mercus explain?" Alex shook his head. "No, suddenly he was just very eager to get out of here. Very rude of you, mister." Mercus smiled sheepishly and murmured a quick apology. "We do have to hurry, though. The meeting will start soon," he added.

"I'll come back and explain everything after," I promised Alex and he nodded. "Get going then, you two!" He waved us out of his room. Mercus nodded a farewell and then we rushed back down the halls I'd come.

"Who do you think it's going to be?"

I glanced at him. His face was tight and closed. "You," I told him honestly, seeing no reason to hide it. "That's what I fear."

"Why? I thought you wanted to be a General."

"Not really to be honest. I jus-" before he could finish the sentence we ran into the other Squadron Leaders filing into the big room. Everyone looked tense and excited. This wasn't only the announcement of a new General and a big feast. This also meant that soon the Squadrons who would join the Fourth with the new Sixth in the siege of Kadaan would be announced. These were dangerous times ahead of us. Strained anticipation filled me as well. Kadaan would not be easy to take. It would take years. Alex had been allowed to join the campaign there, though only staying in Belovia, but could - and would - he stay for the duration of it? Selfishly I hoped he would. Already our friendship was becoming the most important thing to me. In the back of my mind a small voice whispered of people from far away coming to take their prince home. I ignored the whisper and focused instead on The Eye who had now entered. Immediately everyone quieted. The Emperor entered after, trying to hide his exhaustion behind a benign smile.

"Squadron Leaders," The Emperor greeted them," I will not keep you waiting. Of course, you know why I've called for you. Already a big feast is being prepared in the grand ballroom. As you know only the Second, Third, and Eighth are here in the capital, so the three of them had to reach an agreement. And they have. The next Sixth General will be Mercus son of Marcus!" A rumbling cheer rose from the Squadron Leaders as everyone turned to watch Mercus ascend the steps to the podium. He immediately dropped to his knee when he reached The Emperor.

"The official ceremony will be held in private this evening, but from this moment on you are my Sixth General. You will serve me and the people wherever I may send you. You will be loyal and true. Do you swear?"

Mercus leaned forward to kiss the ringed hand The Emperor extended. "I do so swear."

"Good," The Emperor smiled, "now I must go, but The Eye will discuss more important affairs with you." He turned and quickly left the room through a back door. The Eighth silently watched him go before turning back to us. He looked tired and worn as usual. "Sixth," he said and held out a hand to help Mercus to his feet. "The squadrons who will be following the Sixth to Kadaan are..." He took out a roll of parchment and started calling out the numbers. I listened with half an ear. Mercus had become the Sixth general. Even though I had expected it you could never be sure. Of all the men to be following into a huge battle there was only one other I trusted more - The Eye - but Mercus would lead us well. I was sure of it. Or at least he would lead us fairly. I looked up at Mercus, he had a stoic, tense mien. This was not what he had wanted, but I was glad it was him. Yet another selfish thought.