The Tyrant's Tomb

looked as if she’d been given a new lease on life, which she had—infinity
years, with zero interest and no money down.
Thalia clasped her shoulder. “Welcome to the hunt, sister!”
Reyna grinned. “Thanks.” She faced the crowd. “And thank you, all.
Long live Rome!”
The crowd rose again and gave Reyna a standing ovation. They cheered
and stomped with such jubilation I was afraid the duct-taped dome might
collapse on us.
Finally, when Reyna was seated in the front row with her new leader,
Thalia (having taken the seats of two senators who were more than happy to
move), everyone turned their attention back to Frank.
“Well, guys”—he spread his arms—“I could thank Reyna all day long.
She has given so much to the legion. She’s been the best mentor and friend.
She can never be replaced. On the other hand, I’m up here all alone now, and
we have an empty praetor’s chair. So I’d like to take nominations for—”
Lavinia started the chant: “HA-ZEL! HA-ZEL!”
The crowd quickly joined in. Hazel’s eyes widened. She tried to resist
when those sitting around her pulled her to her feet, but her Fifth Cohort fan
club had evidently been preparing for this possibility. One of them produced
a shield, which they hoisted Hazel onto like a saddle. They raised her
overhead and marched her to the middle of the senate floor, turning her
around and chanting, “HAZEL! HAZEL!” Reyna clapped and yelled right
along with them. Only Frank tried to remain neutral, though he had to hide
his smile behind his fist.
“Okay, settle down!” he called at last. “We have one nomination. Are
there any other—?”
“HAZEL! HAZEL!”
“Any objections?”
“HAZEL! HAZEL!”
“Then I recognize the will of the Twelfth Legion. Hazel Levesque, you
are hereby promoted to praetor!”
More wild cheering. Hazel looked dazed as she was dressed in Reyna’s
old cloak and badge of office, then led to her chair.
Seeing Frank and Hazel side by side, I had to smile. They looked so right
together—wise and strong and brave. The perfect praetors. Rome’s future
was in good hands.