4. Edict

True to his word, you quickly hear talk spread throughout the city of your upcoming nuptials. Though it's been nearly a month since you arrived, the whole thing feels rushed. The next few days seem to go by in haze as the Emperor's servants begin preparing for the fast approaching weekend. Alexius has made himself scarce during this time and hasn't returned to your chambers since that night. During your few run-ins with him, he's appeared distracted and slightly callous. The night before the ceremony, you find yourself unable to sleep. After tossing around in bed for sometime, you eventually get up and walk to the window. A nearly full moon illuminates the small garden outside your room. You pull the shutters back, then lean out the window and deeply breath in the night air. It's still fairly warm out, despite the darkness, but the gentle breeze blowing through feels quite nice on your slightly sweaty skin. Glancing to the side, you notice you have caught the guards in-between shifts, as the area is currently empty. Feeling restless and curious, you hesitantly climb up and slip out of the window. The soft grass below your bare feet muffles your steps as you cautiously slink forward.

You've had a few opportunities to explore around before, although they have always ended with you eventually running into a patrol. There is one area you know of that is unguarded, however, that's only because of its seclusion. You're able to make your way there before the next group of soldiers arrive and breathe out a sigh of relief. The large group of trees decorating a portion of the courtyard provide enough cover for you to remain unseen. Moving further into the center of the display, you slowly sit down and lean against a large tree trunk. Pale moonlight slips through the thick foliage above, dimly lighting the area before you. Eventually, the sound of the patrol moving about in the distance slowly fades away as you finally begin relaxing. Tilting your head back, you look up, through the branches, at the sky above you. As you're staring up into the heavens you find yourself becoming lost in a cloud of thought. A strange sense of calm slowly washes over as you begin to contemplate your peculiar future. While you're still uneasy about Alexius, you can't help but feel almost desirous of the title he will provide. You spend another hour under the tree before you hear the guards begin to disperse again. After waiting a moment, you slowly stand up and begin walking towards the clearing.

Glancing out, you see the area is empty and silently return to the garden outside your window. When you round the corner that leads there, you quickly stop in your tracks. The large man standing beside your window is unfamiliar to you and seems slightly agitated. The pale moonlight partially illuminates his sandy blond hair and stern brown eyes. As with all the other men in the city, his hair is kept short and his face clean shaven. "It wouldn't be advisable for you to try to escape." Though the man isn't recognizable, you can't help feeling as if you've heard his voice before. "If I was, why would I return?" Your gaze briefly glances over his uniform while you wait for him to reply. There's something equally familiar about it, however, it's not until he speaks again that you're able to place him. "The Emperor may trust you but don't think that you have the same sway over me." Frowning slightly, you cross your arms over chest while hesitantly stating, "You were there when he found me, you know I have nothing to hide." A helmet had been covering his face last time, but there's no mistaking this is the Centurion who had spoken to Alexius when you were at the temple. "Yes, quite convenient that you were there. Additionally, that you were somehow capable of taking down a trained soldier." Your back tenses when he begins walking towards you but you **** yourself to remain still.

"This way." He states curtly as he moves past you and towards the courtyard. Getting the sense this was not a request, you reluctantly follow behind him. Several lower ranked soldiers have returned for their post and don't question you when you walk by. Wordlessly, he continues forward and stops before one of the many exits leading outside. He dismisses the soldiers standing guard and waits until they're gone before turning around. Glancing over his shoulder, you see a path that leads down to the main road. Following it would lead to the city, and subsequently anywhere you might want. He steps aside, allowing you a full view of the open area. "Tempting, is it not?" His tone has become even and almost diplomatic. "In a matter of paces, you could be free." Suppressing your emotions, you stare forward blankly before asking, "Why are you showing me this?" The Centurion doesn't reply immediately and instead moves to stand behind you. You bristle slightly when you feel his armor brush against your back. "Talk about the Emperor has grown quite favorable with your arrival. They say your love for him inspires hope that he possesses some good qualities after all." When you try to step forward, his large hand wraps around your arm and keeps you in place.

"Is there any truth to their beliefs? Would you shed a tear, were you to see our Emperor slain?" Your eyes widen at his words as you quickly try to turn around. He releases the grip on your arm and you move to face him. "That sounds like treason." You reply, ignoring his original question. He chuckles lightly before replying, "I simply wished to see your reaction." Frowning, you shift uneasily while his dark eyes continue studying your face. After a moment, he seems satisfied and states, "It doesn't appear, at this time, you have any ill intentions. However, I do believe you are in over your head." Without waiting for a response, he turns and gestures for you to follow. Exhaling softly, you suppress the desire to look over your shoulder before moving forward. He leads you back in through the great hall before stopping outside your chambers. Feeling slightly annoyed by the whole ordeal, you push past him and open the door. His arm quickly reaches out across the doorway, blocking your path. Leaning down, he pauses for a moment before saying, "Think about what I said." There's another small pause before he straightens up and pulls his arm away. Frowning, you glance over your shoulder and watch him leave before entering your room.

A strange mix of emotions course through you as the Centurions words echo in your mind. Sitting on your bed, you continue thinking long into the night until the first rays of sunlight begin peeking in through your window. Inhaling deeply, you nervously stand and walk over to look outside. Servants are already beginning to move around outside as they prepare for the day's celebration. By the time a group of them arrive to help you get ready, several small knots have formed in your stomach. Traditionally, the ceremony would be held at the home of the bride's father. However, given your persistent amnesia, it seems the Emperor has opted to use his own residence. Following tradition, you already donned the white robe before bed. However, now a band of wool is placed around your waist and knotted around the front. The slaves remain dutifully silent while they clean dirt and grass from your bare feet. When they finish, you slip them into the sandals you're provided. After pulling your hair up, they finally drape a veil over your head. It's sheer material hangs in front of your face, partially obscuring it. You don't recall wedding ceremonies traditionally taking place this early in the day. However, it wouldn't surprise you if Alexius was simply trying to rush things again. Your nerves take over again and you begin feeling trepidatious about the upcoming events. Unfortunately, there's no time for you to try to calm down before the door is opened and you're ushered out.