2. Prediction

It quickly dawns on you why the man's name sounded so familiar. Despite your fugue, you vaguely remember hearing word that the late Emperor's son had recently taken over. You're unable to recall anything beyond that, however, what you do remember is alarming. Turning your head slightly, you quickly glance behind you. Alexius' broad shoulder and armor covered torso is all you're able to see, so, you slowly face forward again. The large structure before you only grows more intimidating as you continue approaching it. A multitude of questions run through your mind, yet, you find yourself hesitant to ask them. If what you can recall about the new Emperor is true, it's probably best to wait for him to address you first. Rumors of the young ruler's temper had spread outside the city limits and through most of the area. Still, you remember hearing it was this famous temper that helped him win a recent war. You had forgotten about the war until now, something to do with reclaiming lost territory, if you recall correctly. Hoping more of your memory will return, you find yourself lost in thought again. It's not until you feel the horse stop that you become aware of your surroundings again.

After Alexius dismounts, another soldier quickly helps you down. As you silently follow them in, you can't help but feel a sense of awe at the building. The stone pillars on the outside are larger than any you've seen before and are intricately detailed. However, it's what lies beyond them that is truly breathtaking. Ornate tiles cover the middle of the ground before you, and are covered in a mosaic pattern. On either side of the walkway are two large, man-made, ponds of water and are surrounded by exotic plants. The magnificence of the courtyard only makes you that much more aware of how unkempt you look. Blushing lightly, you wrap your arms around your slim frame and stare ahead at the ground. You continue past the courtyard and find yourself in a large, peristyle, garden complete with another large pool in the center. As you walk past the water, you see a strange, metal octagon surrounding the small patch of land in the middle of the pond. The majority of the soldiers disperse at this point and you're left with just a couple of guards following behind you. Eventually, you enter the covered interior of the building and see the first area is a large hall. Alexius walks to the center of the room before pausing and dismissing the guards behind you. Their footsteps echo behind you as they obediently follow his command and exit the room.

Alexius continues facing away from you and remains silent. Shifting uneasily, you look around the enormous room and feel incredibly small. "Do you have any idea why I brought you here?" His question causes you to startle slightly and you quickly look back at him. Biting your lip, you hesitate before replying, "No." He finally turns and his eyes slowly look over your body then settle on your face. He seems to spend a moment trying to read your expression before beginning to move forward. His light blue eyes seem contemplative and slightly apprehensive. Not at all the expression you would have expected given his reputation. "I had a vision, or perhaps merely a dream." He begins and you take a step back when he gets closer. "An Oracle came to me and revealed a cryptic message; 'In the place holy and untold, is the one bathed in crimson and gold. Balancing on the edge of a blade, your rule will soon be unmade. Lest you find this counterweight, then sealed is your untimely fate. In name you must be one or live to see your legacy undone.'" A small shiver runs down your spine as his words linger in the air around you. He seems to be waiting for you to respond despite the obviously confused look on your face. "I'm not a prophet," You begin cautiously while keeping your eyes on his now stern expression. "I can't translate your dream if that is what you're hoping for."

"I don't need an interpreter." Alexius scoffs lightly before tilting his head to the side. "It all became perfectly clear today." Taking a step back, you feel your heart beat increase when Alexius moves forward again. All earlier emotions of trepidation or concern on his face are gone and replaced with discontent. "I know what people like you say about me." His voice is low and agitated as he leans down towards you. "That I am merely a brute with a temper, who lucked his way into reign." He abruptly straightens up and turns before taking a few steps away from you. "They forget, my father, and therefore, I were elected by them to rule." You see him reach up and begin unclasping the shoulderplates of his armor. "I didn’t understand the Orcale's message until I saw you today." After he removes the armor from his shoulders, his hands move down to the body armor around his torso as he continues talking. “My advisors have been warning me for some time of the rift growing between my people and I. Now, it seems as if the Fates have granted me the answer to this issue.” The sound of metal falling on stone echoes through the large room when he drops his breastplate to the ground. Wincing at the noise, you reflexively take another step back.

“I don’t understand.” Alexius pauses for a moment after you speak, then turns to face you again. The slightly resentful look in his face remains as his eyes fall back on your face. “If my people are ever to accept me, I must first show them that I accept them.” He explains brusquely and motions for you to follow him. “What faster way of doing that than wedding one of their own?” Your eyes widen at his words and you quickly stop in place. Alexius seems to notice and glances over his shoulder at you. “I agree, it is rather unorthodox. However, it seems this is what the gods request.” Though his response is hardly reassuring, it feels oddly familiar, as if you’ve heard it before. Before you can ask any additional questions, you’re led to another outside area. Looking around, you realize you’re in a large bathhouse and blush again. To your relief, Alexius gives you a curt nod before leaving through another door. Despite your anxiety, you’re quite relieved to wash the grime and dirt from your body. After you're done bathing, some slaves come in and help you dry off before providing you with fresh clothes. To your surprise, the process hardly feels foreign to you. When they’re done, you warily follow them through the door Alexius had gone through earlier.

You're slightly relieved to see the next area is a large hallway, lined with several doorways. However, you're still unsure where it is you are being led. Eventually, they stop in front of one of the doors and you reluctantly step inside. The bedroom you walk into is thankfully empty, save for the elegant furniture adorning it. You begin feeling slightly out of place again as you make your way further inside and run your hand woven cover on the bed. A window on the wall in front of you is partially blocked by large, colorful plants outside. Drawing a seat up to it, you stare outside and reflect on the day's strange events. After an hour or so, the sun begins to set and the servants return with some food. You spend the rest of the evening in solitude before reluctantly retiring to bed. That night, you're plagued with strange dreams of a cloudy mountain top. A feeling of dread hangs around you as you get the sense that you are lost. Thick fog wraps around you and prevents you from seeing the path before you. A bolt of lightning flashes above you, briefly illuminating the area around you. You're dismayed to see the path beneath you branch out in several different directions. Before you can decide which way to follow, a large clap of thunder startles you from your sleep. Sitting up in confusion, you sigh softly when you see it's raining outside. The feeling of relief is only short lived when you notice you're still in the strange room as before.

Unable to fall back asleep, you spend the rest of the night anxiously pacing around the large room. The next morning, you are provided with another change of clothes. Then, you are escorted back to the large hall where Alexius revealed his vision to you. You stiffen when you see him sitting at a large table at the end of the room. To your dismay, you are led to the same table and seated a few chairs away from him. A cloudy expression remains planted on his face as he silently sits to your side. People continue bustling around the large hall as food is quickly brought out. Though the meal set out before you looks enticing, you find you have no appetite. This is one thing you seem to have in common with Alexius as his meal also remains untouched. After a while, he slowly stands up and a moment later you're also ushered to your feet. You try asking the servants where you are going now, however, they remain stoically silent. Sighing, you eventually give up, and fall silent as well, as you are brought outside. The sun is shining brightly and it's grown rather humid after last night's storm. Small beads of sweat are running down your neck by the time you reach the large chariot standing outside the large stone pillars. Alexius is already standing inside, looking impatient as he stares into the distance. Exhaling deeply, you reluctantly move forward and step in beside him.

Once you're in, the horses move forward, and you begin heading into the city. Alexius remains silent, however, you notice his demeanor change as you enter the city's main area. Once again, a large crowd has gathered to see the Emperor. Regardless of how people might feel about their leader, it was still important for them to keep tradition and loyalty. His back straightens and you're surprised when he takes your hand and slips his fingers between them. "It is important that the people know this union is wanted by both parties." He remarks offhandedly as the crowd curiously observes you. To your surprise, they seem oddly exuberant after a while. Alexius seems satisfied by this, and turns to look at you. "I must admit, I was beginning to have my doubts." Though his deep voice is low, you're able to hear him perfectly over the noise of the city. "It is true, you are quite alluring. However, beyond that I was unsure why the gods would choose you." You frown slightly at his words but remain silent as he continues. "Nevertheless, it seems perhaps beauty may be all these simpletons need." Biting your tongue, you turn your head away from him and stare ahead into the crowd. A wave of people slowly passes by and their faces all begin to meld together.

You're beginning to get the feeling that you've disappointed Alexius somehow. Though you're not entirely sure you care after his harsh words. After a while you reach the outskirts of the city and the clamor begins to die down. "I am not just some pretty face." You finally remark in spite of your apprehension and try to pull your hand away. Alexius tightens his grip around it and pulls you around to face him. "What else is it that you have to offer? I thought the gods were sending me someone of use. However, you seem to have no knowledge of their plans." Biting the inside of your lip, you flinch slightly as you realize he may be right. As far as you know, no Oracles or gods have blessed you with any visions or knowledge. Beyond that, you can't even remember who you are or where you came from. When you don't reply, Alexius lets out a slightly annoyed scoff then releases your hand. "It hardly matters now. The people appear to accept you and that will have to suffice for now." His comment concerns you slightly as it seems to imply there's an expectation you do more in the future. However, what that is, you're not entirely sure of right now. You remain silent the rest of the ride back to the Emperor's large residence. When you arrive, you're quite thankful to be quickly escorted back to your room. Though, now you find yourself plagued with a new wave of unanswered questions.