New Rome

67. Marriage Proposal

Graesen, the Imperator of New Rome, sat in his office – prepared for a virtual meeting with the Emperor. The old man was sat very still, with his elbows atop his desk and his hands clasped together, as if in prayer. Precisely on time, the connection engaged and Graesen was faced with a holograph of the young emperor sat across from him.

"Greetings, my great and powerful Emperor." Graesen spoke first, raising to his feet and bowing respectfully.

"Greetings Imperator." The emperor replied, gesturing for Graesen to take a seat. "I understand that there's been a delay in troops. Again." Agost's tone was cold.

But Graesen smiled easily, pretending not to notice.

"Yes, unfortunately it's the result of an unavoidable technical difficulty with the main line." The Imperator lied.

"Some of my advisors think differently."

"I cannot alter the beliefs of men."

The history between these two men was thick in the air. Graesen was far older, he'd worked with the emperor's father. The late emperor had regarded Graesen as merely a useful supplier of cannon fodder. But Emperor Agost felt differently. With his own throne in jeopardy, he couldn't so easily dismiss this wily politician. Agost studied the old man's face.

"Your granddaughter professes much about the loyalty of humans." Agost remarked. These words hung delicately between them.

"I can only match my words to hers. How fares the Princess? I hope her stay is brining you comfort."

"Certainly. It was unfortunate – the incident last month." Agost commented, referring to the failed attempt to assassinate him. An attempt that had nearly killed Arly. "It would be such a tragedy should a similar event occur again."

"A threat on your life, you mean?"

"I refer to the princess being caught up in the crossfire between others."

"One would hope," Graesen replied calmly, "that mercy might be shown to an innocent."

"Or that hunters might be wiser then to shoot with her between them."

Graesen sat back and digested the meaning behind this exchange. The threat against his granddaughter was clear. Don't betray me, or Arly will pay the price.

"Rumours from Amen have reached our ears." Graesen remarked. "Rumours centred on Arly and yourself. To avoid their mischief, perhaps the Princess ought to return..."

Agost's eyes flashed dangerously at the suggestion.

"She is my guest and will remain at my pleasure."

Graesen bowed his head.

"I understand, but to spare injury to yourself and her. One of her siblings might be exchanged in her place." He suggested, with an air of 'innocence'. Agost's gaze narrowed.

"Do you have other motives for wishing to see her returned?"

"I confess, one reason – aside from foremost my concern for yourself- does weigh on me. Arly is approaching adulthood and I have received a request for her hand in marriage. A request that I find... tricky to decline."

"Who?"

"The sole consul of New Rome, Sextus. It appears that the man fell in love with her when they met at his swearing-in ceremony. His attentions to her have been very consistent ever since."