The Byzantine Wager

Chapter 76 - A Fifth Wager

Chapter 76

A Fifth Wager

Mariapitkee waited in the kasthima for Emperor Andronikos' arrival, but she did not wait alone. Also present to greet his elder cousin was young Emperor Alexios II and his betrothed Anna. They wore ornate robes of state and perspired in the day's heat. Mariapitkee was clad in the cool cotton drape which Andronikos preferred to see her wear. It was light, clung to her curves in the front, and flowed in the back when the slight breeze caught it.

Unobtrusively, to the left of the rear archway stood Alexios the cupbearer, with a side board of wine, oysters, pastries, and other refreshments. The Imperial box was not a large space and no more than ten people could crowd in comfortably. After the Basileus' triumphant arrival, one by one, or in small controlled groups, as their station (or bribe) permitted, visitors would be briefly allowed in to congratulate and petition. To the right of the archway stood the leering verangian captain Mariapitkee did not like. He was always trying to pinch, squeeze, and spank - not only her, but all the concubines - when Andronikos was not looking.

Mariapitkee sought to catch the eye of the cupbearer, but he avoided her gaze. Was he now embarrassed by his earlier confidence in her in the garden, or merely vacantly regaining sobriety? She could not tell. She wanted to scream for him to warn his brother (or half brother) of his imminent doom. Why could the masters not be open and honest with one another? Why must they always conspire and connive? Why must she stand silent and unmoving, with no place to address any of them beyond a demure curtsey and "Thank you, your Majesty" (or 'your Grace', or 'Most Noble One', as the situation required.)

At the bottom of the circular stairs, in the octagon courtyard, more hulking varangians, with double headed great axes held port arms, barred a press of greybeards. Men with high office elbowed and scrummed along with toadies, eunuchs, supplicants, and functionaries of station. After even only a few months away many sought the approaching Emperor's attention. Some had dire concerns, some only wanted to be seen smiling and cheering. ('Please notice me. I support you. I am not your enemy. I wish to congratulate you on this auspicious day.') The sound of their hails preceded Andronikos' arrival up the stairs. The handsome officer of the guard, the one she had come to think of as 'loyal to the boy,' led a scowling Andronikos followed by his sons Manuel and Ionnes. Yes, the box would be crowded today, Mariaptikee thought.

"Oh you're here." Andronikos seemed surprised to see his co-ruler. His countenance darkened further.

"I greet you coz, on your victorious return." The teen Alexios looked unsure, but extended his arm.

Mariapitkee watched closely. Did a slight shudder pass over Andronikos before his countenance brightened? Was that a sly smile now partly hidden by his fantastic mustache?

"Thank you coz, it was a very simple victory - hardly worthy of the triumph - over foes who were fighting for...? Remind me. For whom were they fighting? Why, you my coz. These rebels were fighting to kill me. In your name."

The teen was speechless. Awkward silence and tension filled the kasthima.

Eventually Alexios stammered "I - I nuhknew nuhnothing of their uprising. They have abused my nuhname."

"I know coz, you are innocent of their over zealous persecution of what they mistakenly thought were your interests. They thought that by killing me, you would become beholden to them and thus fall under their sway. The nobles will always seek to divide and overthrow the Imperial family. You must learn this, if you are to rule. I am here to instruct you."

Andronikos sat on the larger of the two thrones, and directed his attention at the twelve year old girl on Alexios' right. "My dear, you look like a rosebud about to blossom." In terms of color, the comparison was apt given Princess Anna's seafoam green silk robes accented with pink lace. Her fashion was accessorized with a feathered fan and parasol of the same hue. "You have come along so nicely in the few months while I have been absent. How you have grown. It is delightful to see you again. You must do us the honor of dropping the mappa." Little Anna smiled and her cheeks turned the color of her fan. The Emperor's grown sons took their seats as the attendant page ushered forth the first notable to be presented, "Most Noble Sebastocrator, Ionnes Ducas."