Last King of Kings

Chapter 68: In the Palace of the Black Sea

The journey to Trebizond was far less enjoyable than Yazdegerd thought. Despite the occasional surge of happiness and enjoyment from crossing the border and discovering strange and foreign cities, he felt extremely bored on his long and tiresome journey. He often wanted to stop and enjoy the sights, although he himself knew that they have no time to lose. For example, in Damascus, he wanted to take a peek into the Cathedral of Saint George, as he was curious about how Christian cathedrals and temples looked like.

Of course, because he was a powerful ruler of a neighbouring Empire, he was respected and treated honestly and well, even by Roman citizens. When they left the Royal highway and entered the centre of Anatolia, Yazdegerd felt as if the whole world changed. From the deserts, plains and generally flat terrain out of nowhere arose towering mountains, rocky ridges and colourful valleys. He could swear he saw snow on some peaks – which wasn't an uncommon thing in Persia, but it was for Yazdegerd, as he saw snow only a few times in his life.

Once they reached Ikonion, the biggest in the area and their last stop before Trebizond, he was dumbfounded. The city was based on a large plateau between the mountains, surrounded by large walls and towers. It was clear that it guarded an important passage through the mountains and was treated accordingly. It's not like he never saw a city this fortified. Istakhr, Susa or Ctesiphon were all cities that had multiple layers of huge defensive walls. But seeing it in a foreign land and built in foreign architecture was charming at least, and astonishing at best.

Once they arrived to Trebizond, he was even more astonished. The city was build on the side of a mountain overlooking the coast of Black Sea. The port was huge stretching far into the sea and along the coast. Many ships were docked there, and the port was obviously busy. After all, it was the biggest port on the Black Sea coast, the gate to the Roman Empire from Georgia, Crimea and the traitorous steppes. But what charmed Yazdegerd more was the place where they were supposed to meet. The Palace of the Black Sea – its construction was finished merely few years before, so it was still relatively new. It was built from white marble with black accents, giving it a striking appearance against the blue waters of the sea. The palace had large windows and balkonies, offering spectacular views on the harbour and the sea. The entrance gate was gilded with gold and silver.

Once they entered the city, they were immediately recognized by the guards at the entrance, who, already aware of their arrival, welcomed them, together with Bonus, who was supposed to guide them into the palace.

"We welcome you, your Excellency, in Trebizond. My name is Bonus, Basileus' advisor. He is already awaiting your arrival, together with the princess, in the palace. Please, follow me, I will lead you into your chambers, where you can rest. But before that, I believe my Basileus wants to have some word with you first. Is that possible?"

"I thank you, Bonus, for your hospitality. Of course, I will meet with your Emperor gladly."

Bonus simply smiled and lead the way through the city in his cart. Yazdegerd and his retinue followed through the bustling city, attracting attention from everyone around. People wondered who was inside the lavish carriage that rode through the city with such a large company. Most of them didn't even knew who ruled Persia, so it was no wonder they wouldn't even imagine a small boy being the rich and powerful person in the cart. Yazdegerd enjoyed the sights despite the circle of pushtigban on horses surrounding his cart. The city was bustling with people and commerce. Yazdegerd heard a the people speak language which he could swear was just strange Greek. Most likely a local accent, he thought. He could read most of the writings that were on signs and walls.

As they closed in on the palace, they entered more noble part of the city. Buildings here, built in a typical Mediterranean style with terraces were big and tall, though very few of them could be called a palace. Perhaps villa would be more fitting description. The road was also noticeably smoother, which was no wonder. The palace itself became bigger and bigger as they neared it.

Once they arrived into the courtyard, Yazdegerd's carriage stopped right after Bonus'. His servants then opened the door for him, and he left the carriage, happy that the long journey is over. The palace was certainly big, especially considering the fact that it wasn't the main royal palace. Large gardens could be seen from the sides of the palace, as well as fountains, exotic plants and other decorations. Bonus approached Yazdegerd, who was still recovering a bit from the ride and bowed.

"Your excellency, welcome to the Palace of the Black Sea. I shall guide you and your closest company to your chambers."

"That would be welcome, as I am tired from the journey. Thank you." Answered Yazdegerd in the best Greek he could muster.

"You're welcome, your excellency."

It didn't seem like Bonus knew Persian, so Yazdegerd felt a bit relieved. He called to Rostam to come with him and ordered the servants to lead the horses to the stables and to park the carriages somewhere. Bonus then ordered some of the palace servants to show the Persian ones where the stables are and where they can park the carriages.

"Very well, follow me." Said Bonus as Yazdegerd, Rostam and 4 pushtigban members started to follow him. Yazdegerd turned to Rostam in the meantime to ask him few questions.

"So, what do you think, Rostam?"

"The city is well fortified and very defensible, both from surface and sea."

Yazdegerd smiled. It was like Rostam, to instantly think about military-related things.

"I meant what do you think about the Romans? The meeting? Your overall thoughts?"

Rostam looked like he was thinking deeply about it for a moment, but then he answered.

"I haven't noticed anything off. The palace seems to be in a good state, and they show their hospitability well. Bonus also seems like decent and reasonable man."

Yazdegerd simply nodded as they walked down the palace corridor, attracting attention from many servants and courtiers. Yazdegerd was wearing his finest robe, embroidered with silk and golden threads to create a golden symbol of simurgh, a mythological symbol of Persia. On his head rested purely formal, yet still good-looking and respect imposing crown of his own. The crown was made of light metal, only covered in gold layer and inlaid with some less-precious gemstones. It was made to look like the ceremonial crown as much as possible, but to remain practical and easy to wear.

Bonus led them into a richly decorated chamber that could be prepared only for one person from Yazdegerd's group. Yazdegerd looked over the room, pleasantly surprised at how much he likes this room. Bonus then lead Rostam to his own room and then showed the four pushtigban members the common room they will share. After that, he came back, followed by Rostam, to talk to Yazdegerd.

"Your excellency, I hope you will enjoy your stay and the hospitality of my Basileus. Now, before I go, I mentioned that my Basileus wants to meet with you first, before the meeting itself. Would that be possible?"

"Of course. Come back to me in about three hours, so I can rest a bit, and take me to him. Oh, and, could you send for some servants? We'd like some refreshments."

"Of course, your excellency. I will come in three hours. Make yourself comfortable until then."

With those words, Bonus left, leaving Yazdegerd and Rostam alone for a while. Rostam immediately called two of the pushtigban members they had with them and searched Yazdegerd's room thoroughly for any hidden mechanism or traps. After all, one can't be too cautious, even if hosted by their soon-to-be allies.

After a while, the servants came with some refreshments, just as Yazdegerd asked. He also told them to bring the pushtigban members some too. As he enjoyed the food and drinks, three hours passed in a blink of an eye and Bonus knocked on the door.

"Your excellency, my Basileus is awaiting you in his chambers. Shall we?"

"Of course. Surely his Highness won't mind if I bring Rostam with me, right?" answered Yazdegerd, gesturing to Rostam that he should come with him.

"I believe he won't. Very well, follow me."

Bonus led them, once again, through a long corridor, until they reached what was without a doubt an entrance to Heraclius' chambers. As they neared the entrance Yazdegerd felt himself become more and more tense. Sweat poured down from his forehead. He could feel himself become hotter and hotter. Then suddenly, Rostam put his hand on his shoulder and simply smiled. That small gesture helped Yazdegerd calm down. He cleared his mind and started thinking rationally once again.

As the huge door opened, richly decorated room with sculptures, statues and paintings greeted them. Inside, an amply dressed man with a crown sat on upholstered silk chair, in front of him stood a table covered with jugs containing wine, plates decorated with cheese, meat and fruit. Then there stood a solitary glass of honey, together with a spoon.

As the man noticed the visitors, he promptly stood up and greeted them, as if they were old friends.

"Greetings, Yazdegerd, Emperor of Persia. How do you say it? Shahanshah, right? I am sorry, for I know very little Persian."

Yazdegerd simply stood there, stunned by how casual he was with him.

"Oh, I hope I wasn't being too informal. I thought that since we are allies now, we could skip those boring steps of formality, and start off as friends. What do you say?"

Rostam eyed Heraclius sternly, but Yazdegerd simply smiled. He actually quite liked this idea. No need to bother with formal introductions or speech. Let's just talk, like friends. All three of them sat down on the comfortable chairs.

"So let's begin again." Said Heraclius with a smile. "I am Heraclius, Roman Basileus. You are in my palace, but feel free to treat it like your second home."

"I am Yazdegerd, Persian Shahanshah. And this is Rostam, my spahbed. I think in Greek you call that position 'magister militum.'"

Rostam bowed and mumbled "Greetings." In broken Greek.

"Forgive him, for he isn't well-versed in your language."

"It's quite alright. But who is well-versed in Greek is you, Yazdegerd. It surprised me how fluent your Greek is. You even have proper pronunciation. Truly a welcomed surprise."

"Welcomed? How so?"

Heraclius made a difficult expression, loudly inhaled and exhaled and then looked Yazdegerd right in the eyes.

"I suppose it's time we talk about why we are both here. You see, I had my daughter, Roxane, learn Persian so she could communicate better with you. But, seeing how you are bilingual at least, it now looks like a wasted effort."

Yazdegerd was confused.

"Wasted effort? It's never a waste to learn a new language."

Heraclius chuckled. "You're right. But the issue was that she hated it. She hated, and most likely still hates the very concept of arranged marriage. And I, a failure of a father, had promised her that should she not like you, I will call the marriage off. Of course, I would never do that, but I just felt like you should know. Because you will be the man she will spend the remainder of her life with. And because we are allies."

Yazdegerd was simply startled by the words that ran and ran from Heraclius' mouth. He talked about his daughter and how he failed as a father more than anything else until now.

"I just hope you aren't offended by all this. I just have a weak spot for her, and I hope it won't interfere in the marriage proceedings."

Yazdegerd wasn't sure what to say and sought wisdom and advice from Rostam, who couldn't engage in the conversation, so he observed the surroundings. Yazdegerd explained quickly what Heraclius told him. Rostam thought for a while, but then answered.

"While normally this would be preposterous, you yourself have no issues with that, right? I say let us greet his excellency halfway and also behave like friends. It doesn't hurt anything, and as long as the alliance goes through, what else matters?"

Yazdegerd let his head swallow Rostam's words. He watched Heraclius become visibly nervous. But Rostam was right. It doesn't matter what deals and promises Heraclius gave his daughter, nor does truly matter his relationship with her, or even what she thinks of the marriage. It doesn't matter, for world doesn't work that way. Individual wants and desires are put away in favour of things that benefit the whole nation. While the marriage may not please the individuals involved, it will strengthen both nations, thus creating a worthy arrangement. And Yazdegerd understood that ever since he began ruling. That he'll have to put his needs and desires away for the benefit of the nation. It was all a daily routine for him at this point.

Yazdegerd smiled on the nervous Heraclius. He was surprised how trustful he was, showing such weakness to a man he just met. Or perhaps he simply calculated the risks.

"I see no issue. As long as the marriage proceeds accordingly, I do not think of it as a problem."

Heraclius slumped as the tension disappeared from his body.

"Thank you, Yazdegerd. I am glad I gave my daughter to you."

After they discussed the important, they began talking about other, less important and formal things. Yazdegerd saw in Heraclius a friendly and talkative man. He believed they could become good friends, which he very much endorsed. They drank some wine and ate whatever was on the table. After a few hours, Heraclius became a bit drunk, and it seemed that he became more and more talkative the more he drank. He started to communicate with Rostam, who was still there, sitting, quietly drinking his cup of wine. Heraclius, in his drunken madness, started to teach Rostam some basic Greek. Although the words he used couldn't be described as "basic," it had a sense of heartfulness from Heraclius, as he wanted to bring Rostam into the conversation.

Not long after that, Bonus returned, probably to check on not only the group itself, but mostly on Heraclius. When he saw the state in which he was, he urged him to go to sleep. Yazdegerd and Rostam, both also fairly tired, supported Bonus and the discussion was over. Before they left, Bonus wanted a last word with them.

"Your excellency, a moment, please. Do you want me to send servants to wake you up for breakfast, or do you have other preference?"

"No, it's quite alright. Just send a servant."

"Very well. Another thing. The meeting with the princess will take place during lunch. Is that alright?"

"It's perfect. Thank you, Bonus."

"My pleasure, your excellency. Have a good night."

With those words, Bonus left, leaving Yazdegerd and Rostam alone.

"Do you want me to wake you up tomorrow morning?" asked Yazdegerd in a jest.

Rostam chuckled. "I'll be up before those servants even reach your room."

"So, your thoughts on the Basileus?" asked Yazdegerd, now fairly serious.

"He seemed like a trustworthy man. The type I like. He was also very jovial, and talkative. I think he's a good man. And he'll definitely be a good friend."

"I was surprised by how friendly he was. I wonder if his daughter will be the same." Said Yazdegerd in a quiet voice. Despite that, Rostam heard him and chuckled. "Already thinking about your destined one? Heh."

Yazdegerd felt a bit embarrassed, but despite that, he was calm. He was surprised by this.

"You should work on your Greek a bit. You can't be friends with our new ally other way." Said Yazdegerd to repay Rostam's joke. Rostam simply smiled. They reached Yazdegerd's room.

"Well then, have a good sleep, Rostam. I hope you will be ready to stand as my company during the meeting."

"Of course I will, my Shahanshah. Have a good night."

And with that, they both went to sleep, preparing for what was to come.