Page 51 of The Cerulean Sister
"They are denying the request?" 99 asks.
"I am working on them." Lord General stares at 99 for a long time. "They will not be easily convinced to help."
"Then this time, you make them." 99's voice is suddenly hardened, like there is an old wound here, something more not being said.
Lord General sighs. "You need to prepare for an alternative."
"A different petition?" I cut the idea down immediately. "No, I don't want to submit something else and wait for more Viathan deliberation. The entire process is nonsense."
"The emperors rule over Viathan, and any involvement in the three worlds must be voted on by the council. 99th Commander's recommendation is forfeited because of his proximity to the matter." He turns to speak just to me. "But you are not a Viathan, and there areotherways."
99 squares his shoulders to the lord general and stands closer between us. If this was anyone of a lower rank, he would not let them speak any further, which only makes me curious as to why he is acting territorial, whatother wayshave made him react so suddenly to his superior.
The Lord general can see the confusion on my face. "It would be wise to consider a second method for ensuring the safety of your loved one. You are not bound by our laws, our lengthy procedures."
"Enough." 99's tone is firm.
Why is he reacting so harshly, and why is the lord general allowing it?
"I would not be here now if I didn't think they would deny your petition. You would also be wise to listen, 99th Commander." Lord General becomes less tolerant to 99’s challenging stance, but he does nothing to make him back down.
"If they deny it, what else can we do?" I say over 99, who now fully blocks me like a protective wall against something unseen.
"Don't," 99 growls and does not stop there. He closes the space between them in a way I have only seen him do to his own commanders and never to someone who he respects or that outranks him.
It is obvious he knows what the lord general is about to suggest and gravely disagrees.
Lord General looks between both of us, unbothered by 99's display, but when his eyes fall to me again, he takes an accepting breath and opens his mouth to speak.
But 99 launches forward, attacking his superior as if instigated, and pressing his forearm to the lord general's neck in warning.
I can't help the shriek at the sight of 99 crashing into him, pinning the equally large man against the wall.
August rushes forward, trying to pry 99 off, but he just snarls and latches on harder.
I notice the lord general's hands are loose on 99's forearms—he isn't even trying to fight back.
"No one is taking her from you," he says calmly, right into 99's visor, his focus now completely on him.
Even the mention of that possibility elicits a guttural sound from the back of 99's throat.
I'm too stunned to do anything but stand there watching with my mouth covered, wanting it to end.
"I will have my father petition. Surelythatwill sway them." 99 growls on the verge of truly losing his mind.
I can't figure out why he has brought up Allister, but the expression on Lord General's face tells mehedoes.
"It will not sway them, not with the recent First Son attack."
"They owe him, and you owe me." 99's words are so pointed that Lord General loses some of his composure, breaking the intensity that was growing between them.
It's now clear what is owed. A similar circumstance happened when 99's mother and brother left. 99 said he could not intervene, that his duty to Viathan did not allow for it. But now it is clear the Lord General was the one who forbade him.
"I do. That is why I am here and why you have not been stripped of your title for this outburst." He strains under the intense grip on his collarbone but does not struggle, onlyadjusts. "It is my job to think ahead, to strategize for any and all outcomes. This is the path of least resistance. I am trying to help her." He stares at 99, but I know he is talking to me too.
"99," I snap. "Please, let him speak to me."
His whole body changes as if I have called out for help, though he’s still panting in heavy, distressed breaths.
