Chapter 33

 

Imperial Palace, January 444

 

“MOST NOBLE AUGUSTUS.” Chrysaphius bowed low.

Theo, in his specially built scriptorium, looked up from his calligraphy. He enjoyed these quiet moments with his hobby, copying holy texts in his flowing script. Today, he copied one of his favorites, The Life of Anthony, about the third century Egyptian saint who founded the monastic movement. Reluctantly he put down his quill. “You know you needn’t be so formal in my presence when we are alone.”

The eunuch dropped to his knees, bowing again. “I bring you grave news, my emperor.”

“Are we under attack?” Theo rose, looking out on the bleak winter garden with alarm.

“Not the city, Sire, but your own person. I have uncovered a treasonous plot hatched right here in the palace.”

“What? Who?” Theo threw anxious glances at the doors and windows.

“Your wife conspires with your Master of Offices, Paulinus. They have conducted an adulterous affair for months, possibly years. They now plan to assassinate you and put him on the throne.”

“My wife and best friend?” Blood drained from Theo’s face. His vision grayed. He dropped to his chair.

“Drink this.” Chrysaphius held a cup to his lips. “It will revive you.”

Theo took a sip of strong red wine—unwatered—and coughed. He feebly pushed the cup away. “I’ve had enough.” He straightened as the initial shock wore off. Disbelief set in. “This can’t be true. What proof do you have?”

“I’ve observed the Augusta and Paulinus many times in intimate conversation.”

“They are great friends. Paulinus introduced us. It is not unusual for them to speak or spend time together.”

“I’ve observed behavior that speaks of more than friendship: intimate touches and kisses. I would not trouble you with only disturbing rumors, Augustus, or just my observations.” The eunuch pulled sheets of parchment from his tunic. “Here is sworn testimony from one of the Augusta’s servants that Paulinus frequently comes to your wife’s rooms and stays the night. One of his men swears the same.”

“How was this testimony obtained?” The missives shook in Theo’s hands.

“The servants are slaves, Augustus. Their testimony was got by torture, as prescribed by law.”

“I still do not believe it.” Theo put the papers face down on the table, his heart rejecting what his eyes just read: the slaves’ testimony that his wife and best friend plotted his death. “Athenais and Paulinus would not betray me. She is a pious, God-fearing woman, and he my best friend.”

“May I bring up a delicate point?” Chrysaphius bowed again.

“Of course.”

“The Augusta is a most beautiful and desirable woman. You had three children together. Are her…needs…satisfied?” He extended his hands, palms up. “Everyone knows women are the font of evil, and carnal lust is one of the devil’s most potent weapons. To have an affair with the Augusta is punishable by death. Paulinus doubtless plans your assassination to protect himself and the Augusta. Your death has the added advantage that he can take your place both as emperor and in your wife’s bed.”

Theo sat back. Athenais, earlier in their marriage, startled him with her sexual desires. He had complied and enjoyed their intimacy until God punished him for his lust by taking two of his children. His wife pleaded with him to return to her bed, heaping recriminations on his head, until her return from Jerusalem. He had thought her reconciled to a chaste marriage dedicated to God. Was he wrong? Had she fallen back into her old lustful ways? If so, did she really seek his death? He wanted to deny the accusations, but doubt crept in.

“I know this is difficult for you to believe, Augustus. Perhaps if you observe them yourself for a day or two you will be convinced.” The eunuch glanced over his shoulder. “For your own sake, do not take too long. I will double your guard and taste your food myself. Do not be alone with either of them.”

“Go!” Theo cried, desperate to sort through this bewildering situation in solitude.

The eunuch bowed out the door. Theo clutched his chest in pain. If true? No. His wife and best friend would never…His thoughts whirled and his breath came in ragged gasps. Why did God constantly test me with such betrayal? First Cyrus, then Pulcheria, now Athenais and Paulinus. Who can I trust?

His shoulders shook with unexpressed sobs.

 

*****

 

OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS, Theo studied his wife and friend. They did seem much in each other’s company. If there were an explosion of laughter in the quiet court, it came from them. They shared glances over meals and smiles across the room. Still, Theo could not find it in his heart to believe them capable of betrayal. Affection? Yes. But not murderous plots.

He took his doubts to Chrysaphius. “The Augusta and Paulinus share some levity, and perhaps their conduct in public is not as circumspect as it should be. But treason? Murder?”

“It grieves me beyond measure, Your Serenity, to be the one to bring this to you.” The eunuch wrung his hands. “I have had the Augusta watched night and day. There are rooms which are observable.” Chrysaphius coughed delicately.

“I’ve known of the secret passageways and spy holes since I was a child.” Theo waved his hand. “Continue.”

“When the Augusta feels safe, she meets Paulinus and they…couple.” The eunuch blushed. “I saw them myself just this afternoon and overheard their plans. Paulinus proposes he poison you slowly, so it looks like a natural sickness and death. After a suitable time of mourning, the Augusta will marry Paulinus and declare him Augustus.”

“And Athenais agreed to this?” He clutched the eunuch’s arm. “No. You must be mistaken!”

“I understand this is a blow.” Chrysaphius shook his head. “The Augusta is probably under your groomsman’s thrall. He seems to be the instigator. Master, I would never suggest you lower yourself to spy on your wife personally, but I’ve devised a test that, with my testimony and that of her own servants, should convince you. After…uh…being together, the Augusta likes to give Paulinus small gifts. He is currently in residence, having injured his foot, but the Augusta is unaware. I have a plan…”

 

*****

 

“GOOD DAY, MY DEAR.” THEO FELT THE SMILE ON HIS FACE START TO CRUMBLE. He pinched his thigh to focus his attention. How could he go through with this charade?

Athenais looked up from her reading. “Theo, what a wonderful surprise. I thought you held audience all morning.”

As he approached, she offered her cheek for a kiss.

“I have a present for you.” His voice cracked.

She met his eyes and her smile died on her lips. “Are you ill, my love? You look pale.”

“No! No!” He felt chill sweat drip down this back. “I have trouble sleeping, that is all.”

The smile returned. “That is easily remedied. I can speak to the physicians and have a draught made up. Paulinus recommends warm red wine, with a drop or two of poppy juice.”

A draught? That would be convenient! “No need, my dear.” Was it concern or disappointment that shone in her eyes?

“Sit, Husband, and talk to me. We see so little of each other these days.” She patted the blue silk divan.

His mouth dried. He needed to get this done and leave before he broke down.

“I-I can’t stay.” Theo clapped. A servant by the door glided to his side to present a prodigious golden yellow apple on a silver tray. “An embassy from Phyrgia gave me this, in celebration of Epiphany.” He handed the apple to his wife with trembling hands. She needed both hands to hold it.

“This is wondrous!” She examined the fruit. “It’s huge! Its skin has no blemish. How did they grow such a marvelous, perfect apple?”

“The man said a local priest blessed the tree with holy water and promised a bumper crop. This is the result.”

“Thank you, Husband, for such a miraculous gift. I’ll treasure it.”

Theo dipped his head to his wife and her ladies. “I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of the morning. I’m practicing swords in the armory later. Care to watch?”

“You know I have no interest in the martial arts, my dear. But go!” Athenais made shooing motions with her hands. “Go get sweaty. I’ll stay here comfortable with my book.”

He fled her apartments, heart pounding. Eve has her apple. What will she do with it?

 

*****

 

“MASTER OF OFFICES PAULINUS sends his regrets, Augusta.” Chrysaphius bowed to Athenais. “He cannot visit you as promised. He injured his foot.”

“Oh, the poor man!” Athenais turned a worried gaze on the eunuch. Paulinus must be in considerable pain to miss their afternoon visit. She couldn’t remember the last time he failed to attend her when he was in the palace. “How did this happen? Is he at his home in the city?”

“He stumbled in loose gravel. It is a bad sprain, but not broken. The Augustus insisted he stay in the guest apartments in the Daphne.”

“I must see he is being properly attended to.” Athenais rose, then hesitated with a vague sense of disquiet. “Why bring this message yourself, Chrysaphius? A messenger page could have done as well.”

“The emperor knows of your fondness for Master Paulinus. He sent me personally to reassure you.” He pointed to the giant apple on its silver platter by divan. “That’s a remarkable piece of fruit.”

“And just the thing to cheer up my friend.” She commanded, “Show me to his quarters. Bring the apple with you.”

They hurried down halls and through courtyards of two complexes to reach the oldest part of the palace, just off the audience chamber, where foreign embassies resided. It was far more luxurious than the emperor’s own spartan quarters, sporting gilded furniture, intricate mosaics and frescoes of classic themes, paintings and statues by Greek masters. It was too early in the year for flowers from the garden, but a faint scent of sandalwood incense pervaded the rooms.

Athenais entered one of the guest suites to find Paulinus on a padded divan, right leg elevated on a silk cushion and wrapped tightly. The physician nearly ran into her on his way out.

“My apologies, Augusta.” The doctor ducked his head.

“Is the Master of Offices well?” Athenais looked past the physician, noting lines of pain pinching her friend’s face.

“It is a bad sprain, but he should be on his feet in a few days. Until then, I recommend he rest, and use a crutch when he must move.”

“Is he in much pain? What have you given him for ease?”

“It throbs but a little, Augusta.” Paulinus answered for himself. “Let the poor man go. He can do no more for me.”

The physician bowed out.

Athenais flew to his side and placed a hand on his forehead. Anxiety fluttered in her chest. What would she do without her most intimate confidant?

“I don’t have a fever. It’s just a sprain.” His eyes flicked over her shoulder. She remembered Chrysaphius.

She motioned to the eunuch. “I brought you a present to take your mind off your injury.”

“Thank you.” Paulinus took the fruit from the tray and turned it round. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an apple before. Remarkable, and welcome.” He set it aside. “Though not as welcome as you.”

She blushed. “Chrysaphius, you may go. Send in this apartment’s servants. I have specific instructions for the master’s care.”

“As you wish, Augusta.” The eunuch bowed out.

“I don’t trust that eunuch.” Paulinus said after Chrysaphius left.

“I know you have doubts, but he’s been a good friend to me.” She settled on a chair by his side. “It was his idea I suggest to Theo that Pulcheria take holy orders.”

“That’s just what I mean. Why not make the suggestion to Theo himself? He is constantly in the emperor’s presence.”

“Perhaps he thought Theo wouldn’t take his advice when it pertained to family.”

“Pulcheria refused the trap,” Paulinus grumbled.

“And got caught in another. Theo was hurt and furious when she refused. After all he did to bring about her happiness, she threw his gift back in his face. It finally proved to him Pulcheria wanted power only for herself. She’s no better than those sycophants she constantly decries. I’m glad he finally sees her for what she is. And…” she giggled, “…Theo gave me her staff! I’m happy. Chrysaphius is happy. All ended as planned.”

“I still don’t trust that eunuch. I feel like I have a target on my back in his presence. He waits only for me to turn so he can throw a knife into it.”

“Don’t fret so!” She pushed hair back from his forehead. “You are Theo’s oldest and dearest friend. He values you above all other men. If I were a courtier, I should be envious of his love for you.”

“Then I’m extremely lucky you are a beautiful woman and not a courtier.”

“Silly man!” She leaned in to give him a light kiss on the forehead, starting back guiltily as the requested servants trooped in. Athenais gave them their orders and left with a renewed sense of calm. Paulinus was in no danger. She could visit his quarters as easily as he could visit hers.