I awoke to a knock at our new dorms room, (Since the one we were in was damaged). My Roommate Astrid answered the door.
"COMING!"
She opens it. "S-Sorry, Dominus. Didn't Know it was you."
"Is everyone dressed?"
"All but Neapolia, she's still in bed."
"Move aside, cadet"
"As you wish Dominus"
She opens the door all the way as Centurion Decimus walks in. For a second his emotionless demeanor melted away. Then he put it back on. "Cadet Neapolia, quite feeling sorry for yourself!"
I look at him dead to the world. He says, "Cadet Neapolia, get dressed and report to the Legatus in half an hour from now. Don't be late." He turns to leave and looks back, his face soft and understanding, "Neapolia, we all lose brothers and sisters. It's up to you to fight for their memory. To avenge their slaughter. You can't do that by wasting away here. Do yourself a favor. Get ready and meet the Legatus. Start planning your revenge."
I reply with an emotionless, "Yes, Dominus"
He leaves the room. It took me a whole five minutes to pry myself from the bed. The girls helped me get ready in my dress uniform and brought me coffee. I thanked them both.Five minutes from the deadline I left and headed to the Legatus' Office.
When I arrive the door is closed so I knock the times. "Enter!" I proceed in. Once I'm close to the desk and center I etch a salute "Cadet Neapolia Lucanius Quintilicus, Reporting as ordered." He stands and returns the salute. He then sits and motions for me to do so as well. So I took a seat. He looks at me for a minute.
"Cadet, I want to thank you for your initiative five days ago. I want to inform you you've been put in for the Legionnaires Valor Award and have been summoned to the Imperator himself. You will be escorted by Four Praetorian Guard to the inner gate of the Imperial Palace and then you will be handed off to the Scholae Palatinae Guard whom will escort you to the throne room. This is a momentous occasion for your career. Remember to be Respectful and follow all Customs. Are there any questions Cadet?"
"Yes sir, Is there a reason why I'm summoned."
"I do not know why Cadet. The Emperor asked for you Personally. Anything Else."
"No, Dominus."
"Then your ride awaits you at the gates. May the Gods bless your travels, Cadet."
I get up and etch a salute and leave when it's returned. I proceed to the gate and see Ragnar waiting. He approaches me. "Before you leave Neapolia. I want to tell you something." I look at him blankly. "I want to tell you that over the time we've spent together it's been memorable and... that... I love you. Your smart, charismatic, and strong willed. I'm not good at this stuff but, I love you Neapolia and I'd be honored if I could take your hand in marriage." I look at him dumb founded. I wanted to say yes, I really did. But, I... I just didn't have the time for it. I was busy plotting and scheming my revenge. I looked at him. "Ragnar Olsen, I do have deep feeling for you I really do. Right now my heart belongs to the Eagle and my quest for vengeance. I understand if you're mad. I would be too, but right now isn't a good time for me to be playing wife. I haven't a clue how long my road will take me, but mark my words I'm burning the red planet and staking my banners on it's rocks. I'm sorry Ragnar, but not now." He looks at me with defeat in his eyes. I knew I fucked up. I felt terrible for what I said, but I've done said it. He cleared his throat and stood. "Well, ekhm, I guess I'll see you later Aquila" He walked away defeated. He called me an eagle. I'm no eagle, but to him I guess I am. One day I'll see why.
I continued to the four Praetorian Guard standing by an SUV. I look at them and nod as one opens a door. I get in and they get in after me. The SUV drives away leaving the place I've called home for nearly a year. We spend an hour getting to the Imperial Palace. It's Grand walls and massive AA Lances towering over the city. As we drive in, and we get out. I see beautiful gardens and massive barracks are seen. I look in awe at the huge place. I get escorted through the second gate and even more luxurious residences for all the staff of the Palace are present with Lush gardens and beautiful wells. eventually I see the white cloaks of the Palatinae Guard as the take me into the Grand Keep. it's huge a beautiful exterior was nothing like the Interior. The Interior was more gand filled with old paintings, Artifacts, Heirlooms and countless other things. it takes ten minutes from the front door to the throne room. The guards enter along with a crier.
He shouts "Imperator Augustus Marius Ceaser the XVIII of House Ceaser, Emperor of the Imperium Romanum, Ruler of Terra, Princeps Senatus, Pontifex Maximus, Primus Patriarch of the Chalcedonians, Protector of Roma, Guardian of Luna, Defender of the Realm and Holder of the Ancient Aquila; I present you Cadet Neapolia Lucanius Quintilicus of House Quintilicus, Cadet House of Ceaser, Born in Purple, Heir to Provincia Americae Septentrionalis, Recipient of the Legionnaires Medal of Valor, and the White Aquila." Then he leaves. I got the White Aquila title when I was born with pure white hair and had an eagle land by me on my day of birth. It hasn't left my side until I went off for War College, due to no pets.
The Imperator looked at me with a slight look if being impressed. "Well you seem to have be racking up titles already. Your what? Sixteen"
"Yes, your grace" I say as I take a knee.
"Rise, Lady." I rise. "You have summoned me your grace"