All three made their way here in record time, seeing as they made it here in ten minutes from wherever they were. When the loud 'BANG' was heard, they all were internally panicking and rushed here without any further ado.
All the three, Evan, Felix and Peter were panting heavily as they made their way into the throne room. Their entry was similar to the guard's, who came busting into the throne room to inform the Emperor about the things going on in the East part of the empire.
The first sight they all saw, while walking beside each other is of the Emperor sitting on the red gem shiny throne, with a paper in his hands. Seemingly, trying to burn the paper in his hands with the intense gaze from his eyes.
Generals and Dukes seemed to be discussing among themselves about something very seriously in hushed tones, as not to disturb the Emperor and no one is even daring enough to test the waters, afraid to see his tyrant mode afraid many years again.
When Evan reached near the steps which lead to the thrones, he bowed and muttered a loud greeting to his father, while the other two stayed behind and said their greetings, followed by Evan.
Alexander snapped his gaze towards the loud voices, his anger decreasing a little when he saw who was speaking. He just nodded his head and the three scrambled to take their seats.
Evan on the Crown Prince seat, beside the Emperor. Felix on the Duke's side and Peter on the General's side. Felix and Peter had an eye contact, trying to question each other about the situation, but they were both oblivious to it.
Evan stared at his father about any information, but Alexander returned to reading the long paper which seemed to be damp. He tilted his head and glanced at the courtiers, whose looks were very uneasy, uncomfortable and troubled.
Evan chose to be silent, till his father speaks something. He can sense the tense aura and he knew there has to be a big problem for the alert that has been passed.
"The situation is far worse. We need to send help." Finally, after what felt like years, Alexander spoke out. All the older men, that were present, nodded their heads in agreement, while the young bloods were confused.
They had no idea what is going on.
"Your highness, what would you be best to handle this situation? Do you got any suggestions to tackle it? " Suddenly , General Hendrel spoke out, with worry laced in his voice.
It was understandable. They could only trust the best to go to calm the riot. And, as the situation is out of hand now, people close to the Emperor would be expected to negotiate with them.
But, they all had their own responsibilities. He was deep in thought when someone stopped his thoughts. He looked down to see Andrew standing. Everyone staring at him.
"I can handle it, your highness, with your permission. Our other men would be busy with the other works, as the situations in our empire are not good for a while. So if you allow me, then I can be a helping hand in handling this riot, " Andrew suggested and received many forms of agreements, from the officials. They all think so highly of this very general. He is good at his skills and at the same time knew how to act accordingly to situation. Compared to wars and fighting, he us also very good at negotiating and in controlling the situation, which is a very rare quality any general would get, making his status even higher.
"No." Alexander curtly replied. He noticed everyone halted in their actions and sighed, "As stated by you, General Rutz, our empire is facing problems. Just because, one part is burning down, we can't abandon other place that potentially can catch fire. You need to proceed your journey to West. That can't be delayed anymore, " Alexander explained. He need to find those who are planning to harm this empire and imperial people. This is such a golden opportunity to find those men behind curtains. So how could he simply divert all his plans just because of some other matters.
His explanation supported the prevailed silence to take over and stay for a while, till others spoke up. Alexander observed that the newly arrived persons were totally clueless.
He summoned for the Crown Prince, as this is something big and it needs to be discussed and be known to every royal right now. This is because, his son Evan seazle would be soon overtaking his role as an emperor and should get familiar with how an emperor need to act according to the situations and rule over the empire. So Evan attending this meeting is a must compared to any other person seated here.
After the decisions are taken, word would be sent to the Queen quarters, to inform them.
"East part is going under a riot. People are revolting against the government. Assassinating the royal guards of the capital and many government officials." Alexander spoke out, as if he was reporting something natural and daily reports.
This got everyone's attention and everyone were focusing on his words. Grasping every word coming from his mouth, and work in their minds to get and give some sort of solution.
"The main governer there, has taken his subordinates and went into hiding. The government building is taken down and burnt to ashes. Many of the guards are beaten brutally and some were killed, while few were injured seriously. They are requesting for some action and help from the capital. The situation is lot worse than we imagined. "
He gave the words and spat the last sentence from the letter, like it left a bitter taste on his tongue. Well, of course it would. This is the letter which he was holding when prince Evan entered inside the room.
When the guard told about the riot, he thought they can be calmed down by a simple negotiation and its like normal riots that always go on, for attention. But, when they were waiting for the Prince to arrive after the alert was passed, a message was sent to the Emperor. Precisely, a carrier pigeon was sent to the emperor asking for help.
The governer who managed the things in the East, sent a message about the detailed situation happening and it seemed no good.
At this point, everyone were frowning. There was never such thing that happened like this in the empire. Its almost two decades since the massacre that almost collapsed the empire, but after that Seazle was as calm as still water, only raising high in resources and glory as years passed by.
"My suggestion would be, anyone close to our highness may go with a small part of our army and handle the situation there. They might be expecting some high ranking people to negotiate and address their demands. I think that would calm their unsettled hearts to some extent atleast, " Duke Nicolas Lloyd, a strong, tan skinned man, spoke up.
Alexander nodded at the suggestion. Surely, they would be expecting higher ranking official as they are going to very far lengths, but the problem is whom to send.
"General Hendrel, I would like it if you would proceed to east with half part of your guards. I also, want you to close the capital borders of East and West. Increase the security at the internal borders of every city. Check all incoming and outgoing people and shipments. I don't want any issues within the capital. Imprison any suspicious people, "
Alexander gave out orders with a practiced speed of voice and leveled expression. General Albert Hendrel, bowed his head accepting the orders.
Alexander then turned to face General Charles. "General Wilson, I would want you to increase the security at the borders as well. Send our best men to guard the borders. Both East and West. Remember this should stay and happen as quiet as possible. There seem to be a mole somewhere near us keeping an eye on our moves. "
Alexander's voice decreased in tone, while talking about the mole. A face popped up in his head without his consent and now, he can't shake the doubt that was growing rapidly in his head.
'What if it is her.'
'For God's sake, I dont even know if she is related to this or not. For all I know, she can be innocent.'
'Then, what about the exact appearance. Don't you think its too believable for it being coincidence?'
'Many can have the features. Maybe someone related to family?'
'Exactly, she might be related to family. Everyone knows there is no family like that anymore.'
'Distant relation....'