12.1 Advent

A considerable amount of time has passed since you were informed of your maintained status. Though it had been an increasingly difficult journey to securing your title, it was equally burdensome in defending said title. Though the populace had voted in favor of your reign, there are still those who seek to overthrow you. Thankfully, with the aid of your army and allies it has been fairly easy to keep your enemies at bay. However, despite the threats you are still **** to remain civil towards those that brought you to power, along with your country's allies. This in itself would appear to be a somewhat effortless endeavor. Yet, to your dismay it appears as if said allies are more demanding than your own citizens. The most vocal of the lot being from the furthest distance. Despite your vast knowledge of your own land, you find yourself lacking in the region known as Aegyptus.

These long held allies haven't been called on for aid in quite some time. Though, they had been surprisingly eager to assist when summoned. You assume, that is likely due to the large list of orders thinly veiled as requests that have followed since their support was rendered. So much you're hardly surprised when you learn news of a large group of them arriving unannounced. You can only imagine they will be expecting to lodge in the regia. Far too weary to deal with the mess, you instruct your servants to tend to their needs while keeping them away for the night. There are still a great deal of things to sort, which are more important than entertaining foreign guests. In fact, after several hours at work they have completely slipped your mind. Feeling rather mentally fatigued, you find yourself in need of distraction.

Somewhat aimlessly, you make your way down one of the long corridors. Eventually, you wind up in one of the many small gardens surrounding the outside of the structure. Sighing softly, you realize a bit of nature may do you good. However, upon entering the area further you quickly realize you aren't alone. Frowning, you turn to face the unexpected company. Your brow creases further as you take in an unknown man. The first thing you notice is his large, imposing figure. Next are his piercing eyes, a light brown, almost honey color that stand out strikingly against his deeply tanned skin. They give you a small sense of ease despite the otherwise imposing sight. His head looks as if it had been recently shaved, however, a light stubble now covers it. Your eyes tentatively make their way down his large, yet sharp nose before settling on his pursed lips.

"I was told I could not have an audience with you today." You visibly startle when the man's deep voice reaches your ears. "Yet, here you are not appearing as busy as I had been led to believe."

To your surprise and annoyance a light blush creeps its way across your cheeks. Trying to dismiss this, you hesitantly look back meeting the man's somewhat uncomfortable gaze. Before you can reply another voice harshly speaks up in response.

"You would do well not to question the Empress."

You have grown so accustomed to Tiberius' unrelenting attendance that you often forget about his presence. You see the man take a step forward, indicating he is more than ready to move at your command. Biting the inside of your cheek in annoyance, you turn your head to him.

"I am capable of speaking for myself."

You can sense his irritation despite his lack of response. Thankfully, he remains in place as you move forward. It only took one look at the foreign man to surmise he is one of your unwanted guests. Though you're not entirely familiar with Aegyptus you know enough to figure out he is also someone of high ranking. With this knowledge, you begrudgingly offer the man what you hope appears to be a warm smile.

"My apologies." You state in an even tone, trying not to sound as unprepared as you are. "I had several items in need of attending and just finished."

"At least you were decent enough to pay your respects to me now."

You can't help raising a brow at the brusque reply. It seems whoever the man is, he is certainly confident in himself. After all, he hadn't bothered turning his gaze away from you when Tiberius spoke.

"Respects." You echo placidly, the ego of your allies never ceasing to surprise you. "Yes, I am sure you played a pivotal role in battle, so my thanks."

The corner of the man's mouth tugs upward in apparent amusement. You feel your confidence waning as his eyes continue to bore into your own. Though he has made no move you find yourself increasingly at unease.

"You do not know who I am." He remarks thoughtfully as his head tilts ever so slightly to the side. "Do you?"

You can feel Tiberius' frustration building behind you, almost like heat pressing against your back. This only causes your tension to rise as you regret ending up in this situation to begin with. Taking a deep breath, you **** yourself to feign confidence. You are the ruler of this land after all, no matter how often those around you may forget it.

"Unfortunately," You retort with a friendly yet poignant smile. "Any news of your visit failed to arrive before you."

You see the man's expression waiver for a moment, briefly switching to annoyance before returning to one of ease. You feel your breath catch in your throat when he takes a step forward. All at once everything else seems to fade away as you're faced with the man before you. The loud thumps of your heartbeat echo all around you, seeming to make your hearing muffled.

"That is disappointing to hear." He states, his deep voice appearing to be the only sound heard clearly. "Then you have not heard why I am here."

Your frown returns at you quickly get the sense his reason for being here is not what you had anticipated. His pale eyes continue to draw you in almost hypnotically as he takes another step forward. You're tangentially aware of Tiberius' presence behind you though it's far from your focus.

"And what is that?" You question almost breathlessly, seeming to be lost in the moment.

The man's smirk briefly returns as his head cocks to the side again. He looks as if he's considering his options before moving back. Your brow continues to furrow as you try to gain some understanding of his strange mannerisms.

"In time you will learn." He answers vaguely, seeming to have lost interest in the conversation.

His gaze finally briefly flits behind you, observing Tiberius with an air of arrogance before turning away. Still completely caught off guard by the whole situation you stand wordlessly as he exits the area. You remain motionless, attempting to make sense of the meeting until Tiberius clears his throat.

"Empress," He addresses you in a sharp tone, though you're quite aware the harshness is not directed towards you. "What shall you have done?"

"Done?" You repeat absentmindedly as you turn to face your loyal defender. "Nothing for now."

"Nothing?" He questions in uncharacteristic insubordination. "Who is he to speak to you in such a manner?"

"I might ask the same of you." You retort bluntly, unwilling to lose what little command you've gained.

Tiberius looks as if he is going to speak again but instead turns his head in frustration. His dark eyes are unable to hide the clear anger he holds. You suppose you should be experiencing the same emotions. However, instead you feel an odd sense of intrigue regarding the stranger visitor. Something about his demeanor and speech imply there is far more to him than meets the eye. Longing for a moment of solitude you inform the guard to go learn more about the man. Nodding in eager understanding, Tiberius motions to escort you back to your chambers.