New Rome

69. A Family Matter

Emperor Agost lay in a pool of heated water, his body lost in a sweet fog. He sighed contently and lay back, stretching his stiff muscles.

"Great and Powerful Emperor," intruded a deep, gravelly voice. Agost knew that his brief time of relaxation was over. With quiet elegance, he stood up and ascended the steps from the pool.

Water dripped from the emperor's naked body, cascading from his antlers and sliding down his flawless skin. Once he reached the top step, a maid immediately appeared from the mist – with a silvery robe held out ready to swathe him. She carefully pulled his long hair out of the way and draped it over his shoulder.

"Leave us." Agost directed. The maid bowed her head and retreated, leaving Agost alone with his Head of Security. "What have you learnt?"

"We've confirmed the culprit behind the failed assassination attempt."

"Excellent, have my torture master show them extra special attention." Agost directed, smiling cruelly.

But the Head of Security looked uneasy.

"I haven't made the arrest yet, sire." He admitted. "The matter is delicate."

The warmth left the emperor's skin. Delicate, meant only one thing. It was a 'family' matter. Agost's scowl was petulant.

"Which of my cousins, aunts or uncles – is trying to kill me now?"

**

Arly was walking down the west gallery of the palace. The long promenade was being used for a temporary art exhibition and Arly meandered slowly down the room – reading the explanation cards for the pieces.

"Princess, is it true that the Emperor has promised to gift to you any of these pieces that you desire?" Asked a formidable woman, who had introduced herself as the royal treasurer. Arly smiled awkwardly.

"Ah, I am certain he was only jesting when he said that." She replied.

"He gifted Talindra a sculpture by the celebrated Jovi. Perhaps, for you – he might give a selection of pieces worth even more."

The woman was watching her like a hawk, wanting to see how pleased Arly looked at the idea. But Arly disappointed her. She merely answered.

"I highly doubt it." And then moved on, giving only a polite nod in farewell. 

Coming to the gallery had been a mistake, Arly realised. She was no longer just the political hostage; she'd become a person of intense interest and too many eyes were on her now.

Arly quickened her steps, looking for a way out. Out of the corner of her eye, she assessed the situation. How many of these people watching her were friendly? And how many didn't want to see a human rise at court? Arly's brow furrowed and she paused mid-step, forgetting her urgency to leave.

Why were so many armed security present?

Arly continued to walk, but slower now – her posture tense. These men were not royal guards, but privately hired. They had the coats of the different noble houses. Why were the nation's powerful heightening their personal security? Did they feel threatened?

             Arly didn't retreat to her new rooms, instead she headed for grounds. The court was used to seeing her run laps in the gardens. Trying to look inconspicuous, Arly jogged down the gravel pathway. But as she did so – she kept glancing up at the palace. Men and women, were loitering at the windows – their earpieces blinking.