9.3 Chambers

The night has grown uncharacteristically cool given the time of year. A gentle breeze blows through the hallways, sending a shiver down your back. The day's events have taken their toll on you, leading you to desire rest above all. Deciding to forego a bath for now, you turn in the direction of your chambers. Your guard follows in an uncharacteristically dutiful manner. It appears despite their annoyance, your speech may have resonated with them. After all, the current militia is on a voluntary basis. Meaning those that chose to serve did so out of a sense of duty for their country. While Nereus had merely spoken of his own militaristic accomplishments, you had focused on the unit as a whole. Along with general praise of the land they desire to protect.

Thankful that your bold decision was not completely in vain, you retire to your room. Wearily, you take a seat at the foot of your bed while servants begin removing your jewelry. Once they have finished you impatiently dismiss them from the chamber. Enjoying the moment of silence, you absentmindedly begin loosening your hair. Another soft breeze enters from one of the open windows, brushing against your now tanned skin. You've just reached for one of the ties on your chiton when there is a loud, urgent knock at your door. Standing quickly, you're surprised to see it swing upon before you can speak. Frowning, you're confused to see Damasus enter the room swiftly.

"I can only assume," You state curtly, nodding for your guards to exit. "That you have a good reason for this intrusion."

The nervous man's dark eyes glance at you somewhat apprehensively. His narrow face is flushed from what appears to be exertion. His reddish brown curls hang limply around his head, weighted down by the sweat running down his brow.

"Empress," He breathes out in a strained tone, wiping his face with a hand. "It is urgent we speak."

Your own eyes look over his ragged form when he tentatively steps forward. His olive skin glistens in the candle light that illuminates the large room. During your first visit, you hadn't noticed just how aesthetically pleasing his body is. Though it's not as impressive as the late Emperor's, it appears he has spent some time performing physical labor. Lean muscles flex against the fabric of his tunic as he moves, causing you to become somewhat distracted. A light blush creeps along your face when you realize your unexpected attraction to the man. The wary, almost sheepish demeanor he holds only adds to your curiosity.

"What news do you bring?" You inquire absentmindedly while moving to one of the many tables surrounding the area.

You pour wine into a chalice before quickly taking a large sip. Hoping that its contents will help distract you from your unwanted thoughts. The man takes a step forward before stopping abruptly.

"Your previous assessment of me was correct." He admits haltingly, a rather conflicted look coming over his face. "I did have another benefactor."

A frown creases your brow when his words trail off. You understand some of the implications of his words but not yet to the full extent. Taking another sip, you feel a knot forming in your stomach. The acidic drink only adds to your discomfort. Ignoring this, you down the rest of its contents before setting the cup down.

"I am aware." You half lie, as you had fully expected this was the case. "What of it?"

An almost pained look crosses over the man's face. He runs his hand along the back of his neck nervously while appearing to search for his answer. Growing impatient, you refill your glass while continuing to await his reply. His dark eyes shift away restlessly while he clears his throat sharply.

"Kora- I mean, Empress." He quickly corrects himself, clearly shaken up by what he is about to say. "He has found out about our arrangement."

"I see." You sigh in exasperation, having foreseen this possibility. "And what does he have to say about it?"

"He is not pleased." Damasus replies anxiously, still running his hand along the back of his neck. "Nereus is not used to losing."

Your brow rises in interest upon learning the name of your foe. You had rightly assumed he would be the more likely of your two opponents to resort to bribery. Still, you've only gained some fleeting knowledge of the man during your studies. It seems he had served in the military for quite some time before turning to politics. Other than a few noteworthy victories, there didn't seem much to attribute towards the man. However, given Damasus' increasingly restless state, you wonder if there is more to the man than you're aware. Giving the man before you another look, you take a drink before addressing him.

"Why does that trouble you enough to interrupt me at this hour?" You question softly as your own nerves begin to grow.

Damasus' gaze finally returns to yours, looking unexpectedly cold. His jaw flexes as he clenches down on it in anger. Your eyes widen in surprise at the sudden change in demeanor. It appears as if you have struck some nerve with your question.

"It seems you are unaware of his temper." Damasus responds sourly through gritted teeth. "Consider yourself lucky."

"Please," You ask softly, attempting to keep the man's own temper at bay. "Enlighten me."

"I had heard rumors of it before, yet was foolish enough to dismiss them." Damasus begins in a dark tone, his eyes shifting away again. "Then he found out about our arrangement and I became all too familiar with it."

"What happened?" You demand trying to restrain your impatience.

"He showed me what he has done to those that cross him." The man explains in a low voice, his expression growing increasingly troubled. "And told me what he has planned for you. I am risking my life being here now to warn you."

"You need not fear." You reply, trying to reassure yourself as much as him. "My guard will not let harm befall me."

"That is the problem, Empress. "Damasus exhales sharply, now running a hand through his hair. "He has all but turned your guard against you."

A cold shiver runs down your back at his words. It has not escaped your attention that they have become increasingly less responsive to your commands as of late. Though they had never held you in the same regards as the Emperor, their insubordination has taken a sharp increase as of late. You had attributed this to the assumption they assumed you would lose the election. However, now you suspect it is due to far sinister means. Perhaps even their perceived dedication towards you this evening was due to malice rather than respect. Frowning, you take another drink as you slowly come to terms with the new threat.