5.1 Kyros

Knowing that Kyros seems to have the majority's favor despite his lower rank peaks your interest. Heading in the direction of the city square where you know the majority of politics take place. Despite your disguise, you still find yourself standing out slightly in your finer dress. Regardless, you find people are surprisingly willing to assist you once they hear you speak to them in a more common dialect. After asking around for sometime, you finally get a lead as to where the aspiring leader can be found. At first you're a bit surprised when the directions lead you to a poorer area of the city. However, you quickly realize this may be why he has such popularity. After all, the lower classes make up the majority of the population. When you reach your destination, you find a small crowd is already gathered around a small courtyard. Taking advantage of your smaller stature, you easily slip your way through the group and make your way to the front. As you approach the edge of the crowd, a deep, confident voice can be heard. You find it difficult to make out the words until you finally find your way to the crowd's border. Standing in the middle of the group is an unexpectedly young man. Sandy brown curls frame his determined, sharp face. His green eyes dart around the crowd as he continues speaking, when the glance in your direction, you quickly turn your face away.

"No more are the days where out of touch bureaucrats sit in the position of power." He is saying, in a loud, clear voice. Giving publicized speeches is supposed to be prohibited during elections in order to focus more on policies rather than charism. Kyros seems to have completely disregarded this rule as he continues addressing the crowd. "When you elected me as your district's representative, you did so with the expectation I would represent your interests." The energy of the crowd grows as his passionate discourse progresses. "I ask that you allow me to continue my mission, by electing me as your next Emperor." The frenzy of the crowd increases as his speech ends and people begin quickly moving about. It seems they all would like to quickly disperse before any further attention is drawn to the situation. As the crowd hurriedly moves around, you are jostled back and forth while trying to get out of the way. When someone briskly pushes past you, you temporarily lose your footing. Before you stumble forward, a strong hand swiftly grabs the crook of your arm. "Are you alright?" You instantly recognize the voice to be the same that had been speaking earlier. Wincing slightly, you quickly cast your gaze down and quickly mumble, "Yes, thank you."

The grasp on your arm tightens a bit as he brusquely pulls you out of the way of the crowd. He leads you to a small alleyway to the side of the courtyard. Groups of people continue passing nearby while you find yourself situated between Kyros and a dilapidated wall behind you. "I do not recall seeing you at one of my speeches before." He comments softly, in a slightly prying tone. Exhaling nervously, you try to keep your voice even when you reply, "Perhaps you are not as observant as you perceived." Glancing at him out of the corner of your eye, you see an arrogant look come over his face. "No," He retorts directly, then tilts his head in an effort to make out your features. Blushing, you try to turn away again but are stopped by his free hand. Flinching again, you're unable to stop him from forcing you to face him. When he finally sees you, his body stiffens visibly. "Empress." His voice turns abruptly curt as he quickly releases his grip on your arm. "What are you doing here without a retinue?" Furrowing your brow lightly, you raise your chin slightly before addressing him. "What are you doing conducting illegal gatherings?" Kyros' expression hardens and his posture straightens in response. "I would hardly be the first." He scoffs irritatedly after unclenching his jaw. "However, it is unsurprising I am the only one who would be penalized for it."

Glancing at him doubtfully, you fold your arms over your chest while carefully observing his irate expression. "Why do you assume I am here to report you?" You ask, unable to mask your moderately amused tone. This only seems to exacerbate his vexation. "What else would someone of your position be here for?" Dismissing his icy stare, you take a moment to consider his words. Sensing his intensity, you decide taking an honest approach might be the most successful. "I am here to size up my competition." You reply in a light but assertive manner. Kyros smiles wryly at your response and steps forward. "If you thought I would be intimidated by your status, you are sorely mistaken." The slight edge in his voice makes you tense reflexively. Matching his sharp stare, you refrain from being as defensive as you'd prefer. "Given your popularity, I did not anticipate you being so abrasive." The young man's hard expression falters when he hears the slight dejection in your voice. Exhaling audibly, you see his jaw flex as he grits his teeth. "My apologies, Empress." His tone is less than sincere and sounds strained. The crowd has completely dispersed at this point, leaving you completely alone in the small space. The long shadow the wall casts covers the majority of Kyros' lean form.

Shifting uneasily, you swallow dryly before hesitantly speaking again. "If you hold such disdain for those in power, why are you attempting to join them?" Your question seems to catch him off guard as he takes a moment to answer. "I cannot expect to make any significant difference without the aid of a higher position." Nodding absentmindedly, you're momentarily distracted by the close proximity of his body. Your back is still pressed against the rough bricks lining the wall behind you. Forcing your thoughts to return to the topic at hand, you tentatively push further. "It it not rather arrogant to assume you are the only one who wishes to bring about change?" Kyros scoffs again, though his expression becomes almost thoughtful. However, his light eyes have not lost their intensity despite his marginally relaxed stance. "When I heard the Emperor's widow was vying for his throne, I thought it was a joke." His words are blunt but seemingly honest. "I am surprised to learn you think you stand any chance of succeeding." Frowning lightly, you bite the inside of your lip while contemplating your next move. It seems he views you as more of a nuisance than a threat. Deciding you may be able to use this to your advantage, and feign ignorance while asking, "Are my true intentions that difficult to decipher?" Kyros gives you a puzzled look when you move forward, closing the space between you. Inhaling deeply, you peer up at him through guarded eyes and wait for him to reply.