7. Exigency

Despite your continued attempts to change his mind, Alexius remained unwilling to postpone his reckless journey. A deep feeling of dread had filled you as you watched his vessels sail off towards the horizon. Though the voyage had been advised against by many, the city still honored their Emperor by gathering around the docks to see him depart. You had continued staring out into the sea long after the ships disappeared beyond sight and the crowd had slowly dissipated. The uneasy feeling remained for several days and you spent the majority of them shut way in your chambers. Eventually, you were **** to set these feelings aside as you are now the face of the domain until Alexius' return. To your annoyance, you quickly learned it appears that being a face is all that's expected of you. Though you're present for the majority of the patrician's meetings, it's immediately impressed on you how little you actually participate in discussions. This, coupled with the unexpected loneliness you've been experiencing, has left you feeling quite unattached. It's not until you're brought to one of the city's library's that you feel a spark of life return. It took some time, however, eventually you were able to convince the patricians to allow you more access to it. Your argument being that if you are to be the face of the Emperor during his time away, you should have some knowledge beyond basic schooling. It's undoubted you had some type of education in your past, given your small knowledge of history and ability to read.

Once they agreed, you found yourself spending all your free time pouring through the vast collection of scrolls. While many of the myths and poems are interesting to read, you're more drawn to the political and philosophical accounts. After a month or so of spending the majority of your days studying, you're beginning to feel more confident. The patrician's start to grow restless as you slowly become more vocal during their assemblies. It's not long before you're pulled aside and somewhat rudely reminded that women are technically not allowed in politics. Your presence at the meetings is more of a formality as it's customary for the head of the state to sit in for them. Refusing to let this be a deterrent, you choose to bite your tongue and temporarily give into their demands. Your decision proves to be wise since they pay little mind to your increased study in laws and politics. One of these scrolls is laid out in front of you as you hastily comb through its contents. Just as you finish it and begin reaching for the next one, the door to your chambers is thrown open. The breathless messenger blushes quickly when he realizes his lack of manners. "My apologies." He stammers nervously and looks down to avoid your gaze. Setting the scroll down, you turn and gently reply, "It's alright. What news do you bring?" The messenger hesitates for a moment then answers, "You're to come to the Curia before I can read my message."

A deep frown spreads across your face as the feeling of dread returns. The public building in the middle of the city is where the patrician's gather for their meetings. Exhaling shakily, you slowly stand and follow the young man outside. It only worries you further when you arrive and see the patrician's gathered around, looking equally troubled. Taking your seat, you wait anxiously for the messenger to begin speaking. After a moment, the room grows quiet as he relays his message. You find yourself growing numb when you hear the news of Alexius' vessel being destroyed by a storm. The messenger goes on to explain that how the ships that made it through the storm returned recently. His words become muffled as you begin wondering what this all means for you and your position. With no heir to continue the line, it's likely an election will be held for the next ruler. However, until that time you are still technically Empress. This detail feels especially crucial when you become aware of the patrician's eyeing you. Their shifty glances are hardly discreet and cause the pit in your stomach to grow deeper. You've held your tongue for sometime and know this may be one of your last chances to speak. The only question is; what is it that you want to accomplish. A couple of scenarios quickly come to mind based off your recent reading. Though both options have their pros and cons, you find yourself leaning more towards one specific choice. Feeling emboldened with your decision, you loudly clear your throat and hear the room grow silent. The patricians look somewhat dubious as you inhale deeply and begin speaking.