10.1 Security

Your head is throbbing painfully when you regain consciousness a moment later. Your vision is still readjusting when you feel someone helping you up. Warily, you place a hand against their frame for support while you try to steady yourself. A group of attendants try to rush to your aid, only to be dismissed by a wave of your hand. Blood runs down it and along your forearm in the motion, yet you're hardly aware of any pain from the wound running across it. Looking around in confusion, you do not see Nereus anywhere in sight. The figure to your side shifts slightly, drawing your attention towards them. You reflexively pull away in surprise when you do not recognize the guard. Frowning, you glance over his large frame and note the sigil pinning his cloak in place. It seems as if he is a tiro, otherwise known as a new recruit. Blood that you presume to be your own stains his already red cloak and is trickling down the front of his armor. Before you can question him, your regular guard returns and swiftly escorts you away. It seems the attack has led to the end of your festivities. Your protests are ignored as you're **** to return to your chambers where your wounds are tended to.

When the physicians are finished, you pull one of the guards aside. He is somewhat **** to speak at first, but soon acquiesces given your status. It seems the new recruit was the one who apprehended Nereus before quickly rushing to your aid. It's quite apparent he is less than pleased to have been outdone by someone of such a lower rank. Nodding to the man in thanks, you curtly inform him of your desire to meet with this recruit.

"What, now Empress?" The guard questions hesitantly, indicating he is against the idea.

"Yes, now." You reply back sharply, tired of the subtle insubordination that lingers with your men.

The guard quickly moves to follow your command, leaving you temporarily alone in your chambers. Sighing, you pace around anxiously for a moment before moving over to a table. You absentmindedly pour yourself a glass of wine and **** yourself to sit down. Eventually, the guard returns with the new recruit. It seems as if he has yet to change, as the blood on his uniform remains, though has dried out somewhat. Your guard looks as if he is going to protest when you dismiss him, but thankfully holds his tongue. Once he has exited the room, you turn your attention to the young man before you. His dark hair has been cropped short, a style often used for tiros. His tan skin looks slightly rough and weather worn despite his young age. Dark, serious eyes look back at you rather emotionlessly. Frowning, you slowly stand and step towards him.

"What is your name, recruit?" You ask while continuing to observe his stoic expression.

"Tiberius." He replies in a deep voice, his eyes never leaving yours.

Feeling unexpectedly nervous, you take a long sip from your chalice before moving to set it down. Inhaling softly, you cautiously turn to face the man again. He remains in place, still quietly observing you. Pushing past your unease, you address him again.

"I understand you are the one who apprehended my attacker." You state slowly, carefully gauging his expression.

It remains neutral as he nods in affirmation. Upon closer inspection you have noted that his eyes are an unusually dark shade of blue.

"I thank you for your bravery." You continue and step forward cautiously. "Though I am curious as to why you stepped out of rank."

"I was not aware a certain rank was needed to protect one's Empress." Tiberius replies curtly, seeming unhindered by your question. "Had your guard been quicker, my assistance would not have been necessary."

Your brow raises in surprise at the man's bold statement. Regardless of his forwardness, you cannot deny the validity of his answer. It occurs to you this loyalty is one you have yet to see from current guards. If he is as devoted as stated, he could be a valuable asset to you.

"And that is your goal?" You question him carefully, feeling slightly emboldened from the wine. "To protect me?"

You straighten up slightly when the large man slowly approaches you. His dark eyes look down at you intently, causing you to feel somewhat nervous again. Trying to dismiss these feelings, you match his gaze while awaiting his response.

"That is why I enlisted." He answers stoically, his deep voice resonating in your ears. "The gods have spoken to me. It is my duty to serve and protect you."

Frowning softly, you quietly regard the man thoughtfully. The last time you were told of the gods speaking to someone, it did not end well. Still, this message appears to be more positive and favorable. You contemplate your next question for a moment before finally asking it.

"Were I to make you my personal guard?" You begin cautiously, wondering whether you are making the right move. "You would swear your fidelity to me?"

"I would swear it regardless." Tiberius' words sound slightly muffled due to the loud sound of your heart beating rapidly. "You have my word, Empress. I will do anything you bid."

Blinking in surprise, you slowly nod in affirmation. A strange feeling has begun stirring inside you, only made more distracting by the man's words. You feel your cheeks grow slightly warm but attribute it to the wine. Turning away abruptly, you quickly inform the man his duties will begin this evening. The thought of being alone after the earlier attack is less than favorable. Leaving the rest of your guard at their usual station, you instruct the man to take post near one of the many large windows surrounding the room. Though you're sure it would be nearly impossible for someone to sneak in, you feel far safer knowing someone will be at guard. Suddenly exhausted from the previous events, you slip behind a dressing screen and change into a casual tunic. When you're done, you glance over to see the man's eyes are fixed ahead. You're not sure why this bothers you, as it shows he isn't easily distracted. Keeping this in mind, you quickly slip into bed and try to clear your mind.