1. Disconcert

"I know what you all must be thinking at this moment." You begin in a strong, confident voice after rising from your seat. "Now that my husband is gone, I will gracefully bow down for the next ruler." The patrician's shift around uneasily, exchanging somewhat annoyed glances. Ignoring these looks, you step forward and continue, "However, that is far from the case. As I'm sure you're well aware of, I have been spending a considerable amount of time studying in our city's vast libraries." You're quickly cut off by one of the older patricians who haughtily quips, "Then you should know a woman cannot inherit the throne." Several of the other politicians nod in agreement but you dismiss the remark. "That is true." You concede before going on to add. "Yet, there is no specific law banning one from running in an election." There's a brief pause while your words sink in before the room erupts in laughter. You raise your chin in defiance and continue staring at the men unwavering. Finally, the patrician who spoke earlier chimes in again, "That is only because no one would be foolish enough to ever vote for one." Just as you’re opening your mouth to retort, another one of the politicians speaks up. “All of that is beside the point.” He states unaffectedly and the room grows quiet again as he continues, “The Emperor already has a successor, his cousin, Nikias.”

After hearing this new information, you find yourself growing rather annoyed. “When can I meet this man?” The partricans seem slightly caught off guard by your question. “I assumed you had, at your wedding.” One of them finally says somewhat insolently. Blushing lightly, you watch in frustration as the men begin departing the room. As one of the last patricians walks by, he closely brushes past you and slips a piece of parchment in your hand. Stifling your surprise, you tighten your grip around the item before also departing the room. After being escorted back to the palace, you quickly return to your chambers. Though the room looks exactly the same as when you left, you feel rather uncomfortable after stepping inside. The new knowledge you hold weighs heavily on your mind as you slowly sit back down before your desk. Sighing deeply, you take a moment to gather your thoughts before opening the parchment you were given. You’re slightly confused when it reveals just one word scrawled across the middle. The name ‘Iason’ is unfamiliar but you can only assume it holds some significance. Assuming it may be a reference to an author, you hope to find more answers in one of the libraries. Unfortunately, you find your free time cut short as preparations for a funeral begin. Since there was no body to prepare, the day of the event arrived quickly.

The funeral is held before daybreak, in the same mausoleum built for Alexius' father. When you enter the building your attention is immediately drawn to a prominent looking man. His curly hair is a light brown color, almost matching his hazel eyes. A grim expression covers his tan face which bears a small resemblance to Alexius. You presume this to be Nikias, though you still don't remember meeting him before. However, you had been introduced to a great deal of people that day. A group of people coming up to greet you draws your attention away from the man. You slowly forget about him as you solemnly converse with your constituents. Eventually, there's a lull in-between groups approaching and you have a moment to yourself. You take the opportunity to move towards the back of the room and further out of sight. Just when you're beginning to relax slightly, a voice to your side addresses you. "Kora, I wish to offer my condolences." Turning, you're surprised to see Nikias regarding you with the same stony expression as before. "Thank you." You reply, tentatively and return the gesture. He nods appreciatively then continues to say, "It is good to see you again, though regrettably under such unfortunate circumstances." His words confirm you had indeed met him at some point during your wedding. "Likewise." You fail to see any point in bringing up you failing to remember said meeting.

Nikias pauses for a moment before looking around the mausoleum at the crowd. "There is a rumor going around town that people mourn for you and not the Emperor." Frowning, you also glance over at the group of people while he continues speaking, "It seems they do not wish to part with their beloved Empress." His tone sounds almost contemptuous and his body stiffens slightly. This reaction initially concerns you, until you notice the concern in his eyes. "And as the new ruler, that worries you?" You keep your expression neutral but are unable to mask the slight amusement in your voice. The expression on Nikias' face falters briefly before turning more stern. "I am aware of your speech to the patricians of your fantastical ambitious." He steps forward and his voice lowers as he continues, "If you attempt to stand before me and my rightful claim, you will fail." Without waiting for a response, Nikias turns and brusquely returns to the rest of the crowd. You're left standing behind, marginally amused at his effort to intimidate you. His hard exterior couldn't mask the apprehension you sensed from his words. You consider this implication as you rejoin the group when the ceremony begins. The thoughts continue to occupy your mind as the rites and traditions are performed. It isn't until you notice Nikias move up to the front of the crowd that you momentarily set them aside.

The room grows quiet while he begins his eulogy for Alexius. This custom has slipped your mind and you wonder why you were not reminded beforehand. Moving up to stand beside one of the patricians, you quietly ask, "Am I to speak next?" The man snorts slightly before quickly replying, "And displease the gods? It's not a woman's place to speak during such times." Exhaling in frustration, you move forward to the edge of the crowd, arriving just as Nikias is finishing. Steeling your nerves, you briskly step forward once he has departed. The crowd mutters softly and regard you questioningly. "'The beginning of all things are small.'" You begin, quoting something you read in one of the many scrolls you've poured through. "The beginning of a life is small but yet, so is ****." The group of mourners stir slightly and you see the guards glance at each other warily. "However, it's not the birth or **** of a man that makes him." You quickly continue in a stronger, more commanding voice. "Rather, it is his impact on the world around him. Though his time as our Emperor was sadly cut short, his memory will live on forever." The crowd murmurs in agreement and the guards noticeably relax their stance. It was a gamble to assume the crowd would be sympathetic to you as a widow and Empress. However, it seems to have paid off despite the angry looks you receive from the politicians. When you finish speaking, you do your best to avoid them for the remainder of the ceremony.

You notice Nikias slip out as soon as the event ends and are relieved he decided not to confront you again. The crowd slowly disperses shortly after and you join the progression making their way through the city. As the next few days progress things only grow more tumultuous. When news quickly spreads through town that Nikias has come down with a sudden, unexpected illness, you're filled with anxiety. It's not long before his untimely **** is pronounced and the city mourns again. The patricians quickly attempt to label you at fault, citing your break of tradition as the reason. Regardless of their accusations, the people stand behind you and their opinion is not swayed. Next in line to Nikias was another cousin, Aurelius, who met his demise on the road to Rome. After his ****, the patricians became increasingly paranoid and distrusting. Meanwhile, your favor with the people only seemed to grow. After the third heir in line also ended up passing away, talk of an election began circulating. After biding time for a bit you decide it's finally time to approach the patricians. They're less than pleased to see you but surprisingly grant you an audience. After some brief formalities, you begin to address the group. "I understand elections are to be held soon. I'm here to announce my candidacy." You can feel the tension in the air as the men regard you. "This nonsense, again." One of them mutters angrily and shakes his head.

Bright sunlight pours in through large windows that line the upper portion of the walls. Stepping forward into the warm rays, you raise your head slightly and continue, "You, yourself said it before, no one would be foolish enough to vote for a woman. Therefore, you have nothing to fear." Several of them seem to be forming a rebuttal when a sudden crash of lightning pierces the otherwise clear sky. While everyone else appears startled, you're more anxious than anything and hardly react. The men seem to grow uneasy and very apprehensively acquiesce. Smiling in satisfaction, you quickly leave before they change their minds. Since it is tradition for those running to remain distant from the public, you're **** to sequester at home the majority of the time. The remainder of your time is spent brushing up on politics in the library. Though, even this activity has grown difficult with your increasing popularity. The news of you joining the election spread like wildfire throughout the land. While the general consensus appears to be confusion, there are some completely opposed to the idea. Therefore, your security has increased seeing as you are still technically Empress. Concern for your wellbeing leads to the decision to have the libraries cleared out during your visits. The quiet was somewhat enjoyable at first but quickly grew to become rather lonely. One remaining positive, however, is the freedom to roam around parts of the buildings unsupervised. After your guards assume their positions around the interior of the library you begin searching around.

You're not entirely sure what you're looking for but hope something may help you in your quest. Moving deeper inside, you enter a less visited area of the library located on one of the many mezzanines. Dusty stacks of weathered scrolls cover the first rows of shelves along the wall. Walking around to the other side, you stop in surprise when you see a man seated on the ground. He's too engrossed in the scroll he's reading to notice you at first, allowing you the opportunity to observe him for a moment. His wavy black hair is a bit longer than is the current style but it fits his angular face. Serious, blue eyes scan the parchment before him in an almost anxious manner. Despite your higher status, you feel compelled not to disturb the man. When you start to turn, he finally seems to take note of you. Looking somewhat taken aback, the man quietly rises to his feet. "Empress." He mumbles softly, avoiding eye contact. "I see my guards weren't as thorough as they thought." You comment, more to yourself than the stranger. The man winces slightly then finally raises his gaze to meet yours. "My apologies, however, your use of these facilities has made it rather difficult for the rest of us to utilize them." He keeps his voice low but the annoyance in his voice rings through clearly. "It's hardly my choice to deny others entry during my visits. Nevertheless, I am sorry if it has interfered with your personal studies." The man still seems apprehensive and regards you warily as you continue speaking, "I am actually rather glad to have some company..." Trailing off, you look at him expectantly and wait for a response. After a moment he hesitantly replies, "Iason."