New Rome

64. Princess of New Rome

The Emperor's private solar was a small hexangular chamber at the top of the palace's highest tower. Arrow-slit windows were filled with stained glass that cast squares of brightly coloured light on the floor of the solar. Arly surveyed the room. It was decorated like a museum or library. Books lined the walls, interspersed with tanks that Arly was curious to take a closer look at. She fanned her face, wondering why the room was baking hot and had the smell of damp plants. And why had the emperor summoned her to meet him here? 

But these were all quick musings. She bowed formally to the Emperor who was sat in a faded armchair.

"Greetings Great and Powerful Emperor." She spoke softly and waited the appropriate time before straightening up. Court protocol was finally becoming natural for her. The emperor gestured for her to take the seat beside him.

As she sat down, Arly studied his face. This was their first meeting since Talindra had disappeared from court. He hadn't shown up at the hall for feasts and all the courtiers had been left idle in the palace corridors, with nothing to do now they weren't entertaining him. "My heart is gladdened to see you." She told him honestly. She'd been worried, picturing Amen's emperor wallowing in bed with a broken heart.

Agost reached across and prodded her cheek with his finger.

"Did you miss me?" He teased.

"Is it true what they say? Is Talindra gone?"

The emperor retracted his hand.

"It's true."

"What happened? Surely it's not really over-" Their love story had sounded so beautiful. Their love had survived even the last emperor cruelly separating them. It had survived Talindra being banished from court and her horns being shorn off. Arly had seen how in love they were, she'd seen the Emperor forgive his mistress anything.

"It is."

"But you love her."

"Look here, these are the gifts sent to me by your grandfather."

"You're changing the subject."

The Emperor gave Arly a hard look.

"It is polite to allow an emperor to lead the conversation." He reminded her. Arly considered this.

"Expressing concern isn't impolite. It's a mark of loyalty." She countered.

The Emperor leant against the armrest of his chair, angling himself to face her fully.

"Are you loyal to me, Princess?"

"Yes."

"But what if your grandfather ceased to be loyal to me. Who then would you follow?" He asked, studying her keenly.

Arly frowned, puzzling this. The correct courtier move would have been to immediately swear loyalty to the Emperor – but Arly missed this. Choosing instead to answer honestly.

"I would... work to reconcile you both."

The Emperor put a hand to his mouth, concealing his expression.

                       Arly returned from tea in the solar with mixed feelings. Curious courtiers kept trying to corner her in the corridors, wanting to ask about the Emperor, and Arly resorted to taking a winding route back to her room. She finally made it back and heaved a sigh of relief.