New Rome

60. Playing a Game

"Agost..." Talindra, the emperor's mistress whined at him, informally using his name rather than title (much to the horror of the courtiers). "I'm bored!"

The emperor was playing a strategy game against a foreign ambassador. Arly was spectating and she was hooked. New Rome didn't have this game and at first it had seemed massively complicated, but once she'd worked out what moves each piece could make – she was starting to follow it. The emperor was a keen player, knowing the theories well and he'd found a worthy opponent in the ambassador. 

"I'm sorry to hear that, my sweet." The emperor replied, without looking at her. "You're frowning, Arly?" He observed.

"I am confused by the last move."

"It's called the Kebaun Defence, you see how this piece was being threatened-"

"I detest this game." Talindra cut in, pouting.

The ambassador rose his eyebrows, clearly disapproving of the fact Talindra had interrupted her king. But the emperor, unoffended, reached for her hand and kissed her fingertips.

"Pour your heart into supporting me. I need your smiles to win."

But Talindra continued to look sulky.

"Stop this game, I wish to get some air. Let's go outside and eat cake."

"Later, sweetling."

Arly expected Talindra to give up, clearly the emperor wanted to finish his game. Arly knew that he had a large wager placed on the outcome. But Talindra stomped her foot crossly before storming from the room. Shocked gasps from the courtiers punctuated the awkward atmosphere. The emperor sighed in defeat.

"Apologies, it seems I must forfeit the game."

"You're surrendering? But you are in a winning position, emperor." The ambassador pointed out, shocked.

"I must see to my sweet lady."

Arly started down at her hands, feeling deeply uncomfortable. The whole room saw the emperor hurry off after his mistress. Some of the nobles tittered condescendingly in his wake. Arly grimaced. That had been an awkward scene to spectate. Some of what the emperor said to Talindra filtered audibly back to them. "I was wrong, forgive me. Sweetling, my love."

                     "You did good not to react back there." Rube praised Arly in a soft voice once they were back in Arly's room. "I saw the emperor's steward noting down the names of those that laughed at his masters expense."

Arly's stomach twisted uneasily.

"Will something bad happen to them?"

Rube shrugged, she lowered her voice still further and whispered.

"Last week, the Lady Arwen was reportedly heard saying that the emperor has lost himself and become Talindra's servant."

"And?"

"And Lady Arwen has disappeared from court."

Arly scratched her head. Rumours of people going missing circulated frequently here.

"But can this be the emperor's doing?" She questioned. "He seems so understanding..." Arly thought about the nobleman nicknamed the Wise Frog. "Instead, I distrust the intentions of those around him."  It seemed impossible that the kind and generous emperor she'd come to know, could really be responsible for all the fear and paranoia that poisoned his palace. 

Rube frowned.

"The emperor seems to have taken a liking to you, princess. Have you taken a liking back?" She asked. Arly rolled her eyes.

"I know, I know. I should distrust everyone. But I think the emperor is a good man."

"Hmm..." Rube made no comment. But she continued to watch Arly carefully, and sent daily reports back the Castle of Red.

 **

                Arly was running through the palace gardens. She came to a sudden stop, her attention caught by something lying trapped in a bush. Carefully, she pulled out the sodden remnants of a child's doll. Arly's expression was sombre. This wasn't the kind of doll a noble would own. 

Arly raised her head and looked around at the forlorn gardens. Very few traces of the protestors remained. This doll was the last lingering evidence that people had been camping amongst these bushes – demanding that their grievances be heard.

They hadn't. 

The army had dispersed the crowd. 

Arly's grip tightened around the doll. What had happened to the child who had owned this toy? Had she been one of the causalities in the panic to leave? Or had her parents safely gotten her away in time?

"Princess." Growled a gardener, needing to get by her. Arly flinched and quickly moved out of the way. The gardener was carrying decorations that would be up in time to celebrate Moons Night.

Arly pocketed the doll and carried on with her jog. Her gaze kept flickering back to the palace's high walls. She wanted so badly to go past them, to explore the city. Her mind journeyed back to when Kaze had taken her secretly out into New Rome. Her heart constricted when she thought about Kaze. Was he still thinking about her?

She thought about him. Everyday.

                              "Arly, I think you have passed enough cups to your lips." Rube muttered, worryingly watching Arly pour herself another drink. Moons Night celebrations were in full swing with lots of dancing, music and of course drink. Arly was in the mood to drink. "Arly, what are you doing? No-"

But too late, Arly slipped out of Rube's clutches and made it to the dancefloor. Rube covered her face with her hand and prayed.

The emperor was sat on his throne, looking down at the party. His eyes were alight with humour as he watched young Arly being taught Amenian dancing. She was an enthusiastic pupil and didn't seem to be aware that anyone was watching her. The emperor watched her kick her shoes to the side, revealing her bare feet, and at last stood up from his throne. 

His gaze fixed; he slowly made his way over to her.

"I think you are rather drunk." The emperor teased. Arly grinned at him and clumsily bowed.

"I'm not much used to drink." She admitted.

"Well, you're perfectly safe to try your limits here." He lowered his voice. "I'll take care of you." Taking her hand, the emperor took over her dance training.

"Where's Talindra?" Arly asked, stumbling through the steps. 

"Talindra will be fine without me for a bit. Now, put your hand in mine and move a little closer." 

The court watched, intrigued, as Arly danced with the Emperor – without any shoes on.