Chapter 16

 

Imperial Palace, April 421

 

“SISTER, THE HUNS INVADE our Thracian borders, Persia has raised the siege at Nisibis, and their allies strike deep into our territory, threatening Antioch.” Theo sat askew on his padded chair, swinging his leg back and forth in a manner calculated to irritate her. Pulcheria had schooled him in appropriate court behavior so he would give nothing away to their enemies through nervousness or habit. Why did he show such nonchalance during such a serious time?

“I know, Brother.” She looked around the crowded audience chamber, faces studiously turned away, ears sharpened for the least discord between imperial siblings. “Should we not repair to a more private room for this discussion?”

He surveyed the chamber. “I would have Paulinus and Asclepiodotus in council with us.”

Pulcheria narrowed her eyes. Paulinus she disliked but understood. Asclepiodotus was a new factor. Some found him a man of middle ability. He had been a fixture at court in lower offices for years, showing competence but little initiative. Helion seemed to be promoting his career. Pulcheria didn’t see why. Asclepiodotus’ nephew Valerius held the prefecture in Thrace, where the Huns invaded. Maybe that’s why Theo wanted him present.

“As the Augustus wishes.” Pulcheria bowed and led the way to a small but richly appointed room just outside the audience chamber. Padded chairs clustered around a low table laid out with plates of olives, dates and cheese. A pitcher of wine, and another of water, stood on a carved sideboard, sweating. Pulcheria dismissed the servants.

“Now, Brother, what are your concerns? I recalled General Ardaburius and his army from Nisibis. He has orders to proceed north to deal with the Huns.” She tried to ignore the presence of the other two men, but Asclepiodotus cleared his throat.

“Augusta, if I may speak?”

“I assume the emperor asked you here for a reason.”

“My nephew Valerius serves the emperor as prefect in Thrace. He sent me word of a most disturbing and…delicate nature.”

She nodded for him to continue.

“It seems three silver statues were recently found at the border of Thrace. They appear to be of, uh…” He cleared his throat again. “…uh, pagan origin.” He gulped, looking at his feet.

His obvious discomfort pleased her. It was good to inspire some fear in court flunkies. Still, his nervousness seemed excessive for such a small thing. Did the man expect her to throw him in a prison for mentioning the word “pagan”?

“In what way are these pagan statues significant? We come across such frequently. If made of clay or stone, they are destroyed. If of precious metal, they are melted and remade into forms more pleasing to God.”

“These are protective statues. When they were taken from the border, the Huns invaded. The troops in Thrace believe they must be returned to their resting places before they can evict the Huns. Valerius requests they be returned to him.”

“What nonsense!” Pulcheria snorted. “Common soldiers are notoriously superstitious. Instruct your nephew to provide an example by publicly putting his trust in God, not some ridiculous statues. General Ardaburius will soon see to the Huns.” She turned back to Theo. “What else troubles you, Brother?”

“With Ardaburius in Thrace, we have only one army standing against Persia.”

“We cannot win against Persia while we fight the Huns.” Pulcheria leaned back in her chair, sipping water. “You are right. I’ve already directed General Anatolius to send envoys to King Vahram to explore the possibility of a peace. We’ve punished them for their actions towards Christians. It’s time for some magnanimity.”

Paulinus shot a knowing look at Theo.

Pulcheria knew the Hellenes considered the Persian campaign a disaster. They were quiet during the early successes, but now that Ardaburius was forced to retreat they howled about wasted lives and treasure. Both concerned her, but the war did one thing she could not do for her brother alone: it elevated Theo to the status of warrior in the people’s eyes. If the war ended now, Rome lost no territory, even if they had gained none. They could claim victory.

A slow flush started up her brother’s neck. Pulcheria sat still, waiting for him to gather his thoughts.

“Sister, no one appreciates your efforts on my behalf more than I. You have sacrificed your time and happiness to see me and the empire successful.” His eyes slid from hers, raising alarms. “It is time I took more responsibility. I am twenty, long past my age of majority. You are no longer regent. It is more than time I took the reins of government from your hands.”

“What?” Pulcheria, her mind focused on the war, was taken aback by his announcement. Theo can’t suddenly take over my duties. He’s not prepared. He hasn’t even been present at most of the council meetings these past several months… She surveyed Theo’s companions. Several clues clicked into place. She tried to calm her suspicions. “Brother, this is a matter of family, and should be discussed between us.”

“They are family…to me…as you will see.”

She sat up straight, glaring at Paulinus and Asclepiodotus. What in God’s good name were they up to?

“I wish to make some changes. General Procopius will replace Anatolius as Magister Militum of the East. He will conduct negotiations with King Vahram.”

She nodded. Not a bad choice. Procopius was a good general. However, with his marriage to Isidorus’ sister, he was firmly in the Hellene’s camp. With an army at his command, he could be a rival for the throne. She had no evidence he harbored imperial ambitions but would remain wary.

“I will appoint Asclepiodotus comes sacrarum largitionum.” Theo continued.

Pulcheria drew in her breath. That position oversaw money collected as taxes and duties, supervised the mints and other imperial workshops, and paid out salaries and donatives to civil servants and troops. Asclepiodotus’ previous service did not merit such an appointment. What the blazes has been going on while I was preoccupied with the war? She started to reply.

Theo put up his hand to forestall her. “And I wish to marry.”

“Marry?” Pulcheria pulled her wits together. “That’s a good thing to contemplate. I’ve always wanted you to marry and secure the succession.” And an imperial wedding will distract the people from other…less joyous news. “I can start looking for a suitable bride immediately.”

Paulinus finally spoke up. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve found Theo a most wonderful bride. A girl of good family…” He nodded toward Asclepiodotus.

“My sister’s daughter, sister to Prefect Valerius.”

“…and excellent education. Her father held a chair in philosophy in Athens.”

Pulcheria turned her sharp gaze on Theo.

“She’s beautiful, Sister. Golden curls, creamy skin, rosebud mouth.” His face took on the look of one besotted. “And she’s learned. She’s studied the early church fathers as well as the classics. I’m sure you two will get along famously. You’ll have much to discuss.”

“I’m sure we will,” she muttered. “Does this paragon have a name?”

“Athenais.”

“Named after a pagan goddess? Is she even Christian?”

“Bishop Atticus instructs her personally. She’ll be baptized before the wedding and take a more suitable Christian name. We discussed a variation on our mother’s name, such as Eudocia.”

“Meaning ‘good reputation’?” Her mouth twisted in an ironic smile. Especially since Eudoxia’s reputation had been anything but good.

“In honor of our mother. I thought you would be pleased.” Theo frowned.

“Of course it’s an honor, and I am pleased.” She would have words with Bishop Atticus for keeping such a thing from her. Although he might not have known the girl was to become part of the imperial family. “So, you’ve already proposed. I suppose we can plan for the wedding next year.”

“We’re looking for an auspicious date in June.” Theo’s face took on a dreamy look.

Pulcheria’s face stiffened. “So soon! That gives us only a few months to prepare.” And for me to convince Theo this is folly. “When will I meet your intended bride?”

“I’ve invited her to dine with us, at your pleasure.” He leaned in close to take her hand. “You will be such good friends. I know it.”

Paulinus smiled over Theo’s shoulder. A challenge.

We’ll see.

 

*****

 

PULCHERIA DIDN’T SEE THEO alone until shortly before evening prayers. “Join me in the gardens.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that really necessary?”

“They are beautiful this spring and calm my heart.” She hooked her arm in his. “Come. I wish to take exercise.”

They walked in silence among budding roses and date palms. Early herbs, such as lavender, scented the air. Pulcheria brushed a rosemary shrub with her hand and sniffed the soothing fragrance.

As they moved deeper into the garden, the silence grew more tense.

“I know you wish to dissuade me from this marriage, Sister.” Theo set his jaw. His gaze wandered over the sea. “It will do you no good.”

“Oh, Theo.” She reached up to tuck a stray lock of hair behind his ear. “When did you grow so tall? When did you become a man?”

“While you ran the empire for me, dear sister.” He clasped her hand in both of his. “Don’t you want to give up that burden? Wouldn’t you be happy tending your charities and building churches? You have served me well. I want your happiness as well as mine.”

“Theo, who put these notions in your head? Who told you I was unhappy in my role at your side? They can’t have your best interests at heart, if they wish to sow discord between us.”

“It doesn’t matter who.” He turned his head away. “I’m not a complete naïf. I know men…and women…befriend the emperor for their own gain.”

“And who gains from this match?”

“That’s the point, Ria. No one. Athenais is an orphan.”

“She has a brother and an uncle in government, who will expect favors as part of the family…”

“Two brothers.”

“What?”

“Athenais has another brother, Gesius, who is prefect in Illyricum.”

“Two brothers, then! Men who have wives who have fathers and more brothers. A marriage brings a skein of tangled relationships into the palace that need to be sorted out.”

“I can’t stay unmarried forever. I did not take a vow of chastity, like you.” He dropped her hand and leaned on a low wall. “Besides, I must have a son. Athenais warms my heart and stirs my soul. She will be a fit wife and mother.”

“I’m sure she will.” Pulcheria sighed. “I just want you to go into this match with your eyes open. There are men in the court who wish to control you. They couldn’t control me through marriage, but they might try to control you through a wife.”

“Paulinus is my oldest friend. He has never asked anything for himself. I don’t believe this marriage is a plot.”

“Paulinus asks nothing for himself, because he doesn’t have to. You heap honors on him before he can suggest them. You have ever been generous to your friends.” Her tone grew bitter.

“Why do you dislike Paulinus so?”

“I don’t dislike him.” She joined her brother looking at the sea. “His kind is of the past. The Hellenes hark back to old Greek traditions where power is shared among the elite, an oligarchy. We build something new based on God’s word and our sacred right to rule. They draw their power from family names, wealth, and tradition. We draw ours from God’s anointment and the approval of the people. It will take a people united behind a strong leader to weather the coming storms. The Holy Scripture tells us the End Times are coming, and they are ones of chaos. We must be ready.”

“If the End Times are coming, I want a wife at my side who can love and sustain me. Athenais is that woman. I see no plots from Paulinus or Aclepiodotus.”

“I hope with all my heart you are right. I pray with all my strength you are happy, content, and safe; but I cannot save you from your own follies. Be aware, Brother.”

He turned an angry glare on her. “This marriage is no folly. I love Athenais and will have her as my wife. Be aware yourself, Sister. If you choose to get in my way, I will set you aside.”

“Theo, how dare you talk to me in that way! I’ve sacrificed everything for you.” Unaccustomed tears threatened to spill from her eyes, as pain squeezed her heart.

“I didn’t ask you to! You chose this life. Don’t blame me for wanting more.” He lowered his voice. “Sometimes I think you love power too much, Pulcheria. You talk of it constantly, judge others by their threat to yours, and don’t want to give it up even into my rightful hands.”

Shock shuddered through her. “Is that what you think? That I want to keep the throne for myself? Poison,” she choked. “Someone has been pouring poison in your ears, while I labored on your behalf.”

She turned on her heel, leaving him in shadows, then flung over her shoulder, “Think on it, Theo. Who benefits from our estrangement?”