amor et imperium

1

William, the princeps hereditarius of Byzantium, rose from his slumber with a heavy heart. Today, he would accompany his father, the ailing emperor, as he distributed lands to the noble families of the empire. Though it was his duty as the crown prince, William felt a sense of dread settle in his stomach. He wondered if he would ever be able to rule with the same grace and wisdom as his father. Even so, for now, all he wanted was to escape the palace and walk around on the open fields. It wasn't that he didn't like the palace. Quite the opposite: he loved living at court and spending all day surrounded by books and history and art. His tutors were very good people and had taught him all about art and architecture and architecture, and his favourite subjects were astronomy and mathematics. He loved to study them, up until his mother passed away a few years ago. Then he had stopped going to lessons and just serve as prince.As he dressed in his finest regalia and made his way to the emperor's chambers, he couldn't help but think of Héloïse. She was the reason for his restless nights and daydreams. A simple maid, working at the nearby manor, she had captured his heart with her gentle smile and soft laughter. He longed to see her, to hold her hand and whisper sweet nothings in her ear. But alas, their love was forbidden. And William knew his duty: he would fulfill the wishes of his father as best he could, but there would always be some part of him that longed for more. For someone to love him back. Someone who would care for him no matter what. Someone to take him far away from this horrible place where he spent all day serving others. Someone whose love he wouldn't have to hide or conceal.

The doors to the emperor's rooms were pushed open without ceremony. The servants bowed low when the prince walked through the doors with his father. In the distance, the sun shone brightly on the snow. He smiled softly as his father raised his arm, and with the strength reserved only for royalty, they ascended the steps of the imperial dais. William followed suit and bowed before his father. Emperor looked tired today; even the color drained from his face. "Gulielmus," the elderly emperor said softly, "please take a seat. Your breakfast will arrive momentarily." When William remained standing, his father continued, "It's been months since you last attended an audience. We must begin getting used to your absence..." He trailed off, as if uncertain how to finish.

William bowed again and took his position on the left side of the dais. As soon as he had seated himself, one of the eunuchs came forward to pour wine into the goblets at either end of the table. "Thank you," said William. "Your Majesty", he added. When he was sure the eunuch was gone, he lifted the cup. "Cheers." He clinked his glass against his father's with more force than necessary. The emperor nodded weakly. After several gulps, William impatiently ate his food. The taste was nothing special: boiled eggs and bread. He hadn't yet grown accustomed to the bland foods his father ordered brought to them daily. They tasted much better in the company of his beloved Héloïse. He forced himself to stop thinking about her. That was something he was determined to do. He did not want to become attached to any woman. Not after what his family told him about marriage...he was too young and too inexperienced for such things. So he needed to focus on the business matters he had set out to attend.

The emperor's chambers were filled with the hum of conversation as the noble families awaited the emperor's arrival. William took his place at his father's side, trying to calm his racing heart. If he could make it through another hour without losing control of his temper or making a scene, the meeting would most likely be over sooner rather than later. 'Please, let me survive the rest of the day', he prayed silently to whatever god was listening. 'Just keep my head above water. Just remember the importance of business, which is why I need to be here.' He sipped his wine quietly, avoiding the eyes of his relatives. One by one, other people started arriving, filling the room with sound. He glanced out the window and caught a glimpse of Héloïse in the distance. She was working in the fields, her sun-kissed hair falling in waves down her back. William sighed, longing for a different life, one where he could be with Héloïse without fear of punishment. At least there he knew that, despite her status as a servant girl, Héloïse would never treat him badly.