5.2 Divisions

As the following week progressed, the feeling of calm remained. You had found yourself back in the gardens when news of Nikias' untimely demise reached your estate. It appears his jealous betrothed poisoned him after learning of his plan to break off their arrangement. Feigning the appropriate amount of surprise and sorrow, you inwardly feel a sense of thrill, knowing this puts you one step closer to your goal. Unfortunately, Alexius' line did not end with Nikias as you soon learn. It seems there is another distant cousin remaining, though you have been able to learn little information about him. From what you have gathered, Aurelius is a young man of few accomplishments or notoriety, save for his relation to the deceased Emperor. Hailing from the far north, it has been some while since his last visit. Due to the distance, it will take him a considerable time to journey to the capital. Despite this, you still question whether you will be suitably prepared before his arrival. Acting if you are merely curious about your new leader, you attempt to locate those who may have met him in the past.

As it turns out they are far and few in between. From what you have gathered, even during his few visits he remained largely distant and standoffish. Those who do recall having met the man were left with a less than favorable impression of him. Writing him off as somehow equally arrogant and indifferent. You find this news hardly reassuring as you're left with no advantageous information. As more weeks continue passing, a feeling of excitement and anticipation has built up in the city. News that their impending Emperor will soon arrive has put them in an agreeable mood. This is far from the case for you, as only apprehension and continued concern plagues your mind. Repressing these feelings you resolve to remain tactful and strategic. When the day of his advent arrives, you can only hope you are as suitably prepared given your limited knowledge of the man. A large feast has been prepared in anticipation of his arrival. While you don't much care for the presumptuous festivities, you are aware they are an expected affair.

Having heard of Aurelius' proclivity for the finer things in life, you opt for a more elegant look than you would have otherwise chosen. Intricate braids of hair wrap around the crown of your head, while the rest falls gently against your exposed back. Gold jewelry adorns your neck and more wrap around your slender biceps. You find yourself unsure how to feel about your new appearance. Frowning softly, you dismiss this and briskly make your way out. When you reach the large hall you're confused and frustrated to learn the soon to be Emperor has already arrived. Biting your tongue, you join the large crowd, acutely aware of their lack of traditional greeting. It has been quite some time since you have felt this invisible. Deciding to take advantage of the unexpected situation, you use the opportunity to silently slip away. A portion of the crowd has spilled out into the garden, however, is far more sparse and spread out. Politely nodding when you are acknowledged, you locate a secluded area to recompose yourself. The sun is beginning to set in the distance, causing the sky to turn a mix of red and orange.

Shivering slightly, you can only feel this as an unfavorable omen. The sky continues to grow dark as you lose track of time. The muffled sound of festivities in the distant fall of deaf ears as you're lost in deep thought. Eventually, you regain your perception and elect to rejoin the crowd. Having only a vague description of Aurelius, you find yourself temporarily unable to locate the man. After subtly searching around, you're met by too many unfamiliar faces to distinguish which may belong to him. Since no one approaches you to make the traditional introduction, you finally retreat in frustration. Feeling irritated and slightly defeated, you begin making your way back to your chambers. When you reach the exit leading to the hallway, you're visibly startled when a lean man moves to block your path. "Empress Kora." His voice is almost monotone, were it not for the slight edge of patronization. "I am disappointed to find you attempting to avoid me." Raising an eyebrow skeptically, you glance at the young man's form. You find it difficult to ascertain his true age, though he appears even younger than you had anticipated.

His light hair is closely cropped in an almost militaristic manner. An almost bored look covers his slim face, most notably in his pale blue eyes. He looks down at your attire, seemingly completely unimpressed. In contrast his own vestments are far more modest and unassuming. Biting the inside of your lip, you realize you may have been purposefully fed misinformation. Somewhat reluctantly, you offer him a polite smile before replying, "My apologies, I assure you it was not intentional." Aurelius looks over your shoulder at the crowd behind you. Ignoring your admission, he remarks somewhat coldly. "I expect this was your doing." Suppressing the urge to wince, you meet his hard gaze and confidently reply. "It is." He scoffs harshly before finally moving out of your way. "I believe I have seen all I need." He states dismissively, implying he is ending the conversation. Unable to stand his arrogant demeanor any further, you find yourself retorting bitterly, "The feeling is mutual." His face remains expressionless as he brusquely grabs on to your arm and pulls you into the hallway.

"I was warned of your impudence.''Aurelius mutters lowly, pinning you against the wall behind you. "I will not abide disrespect." Your eyes widen slightly at the unexpected action. Quickly regaining your composure, you attempt to push his hand off. "Release me." You demand angrily, struggling unsuccessfully to free yourself. "You may be slated to be ruler, however, I still currently hold that title." To your further surprise, he laughs coldly but does release his grip. "You may believe you are something unique." He observes as his sharp gaze rakes over your figure again. "It will be a pleasure showing you otherwise." Before you're able to reply, he straightens up and rejoins the crowd in the other room. Exhaling shakily, you rub your arm where the feeling of his touch still remains. Completely disturbed by your meeting, you quickly return to your chambers. Filled with more worry and apprehension, you spend the remainder of the evening anxiously pacing the large suite. When the rays of the following sunrise finally arrive, you are nonetheless calmed. Inevitably, you are **** to leave the confines of your chamber and resume your duties.