EMPIRE REWRITTEN [Isekai ? Alt-History ? Strategy]

Chapter 35: Dreams and Duties

"Will you stay?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

He tightened his arm around her, his hand tracing soothing circles on her arm. "Always," he said. "Not even the day's battles can draw me away from this."

Her lips quirked into a soft smile. "The day," she murmured. "Sometimes I fear what it will bring."

He gazed toward the window, where the sun's first rays illuminated the horizon. "The day will bring what it must," he said. "But we'll meet it together."

Her voice, still tinged with uncertainty but steadier now, broke the quiet. "Together," she echoed.

The morning sun was well above the horizon when George Sphrantzes found Constantine in the castle's study, bent over maps of the Morea. The heavy oak door creaked as it opened, and Constantine glanced up, irritation flickering across his face before he tempered it with a polite nod.

"George," Constantine said, gesturing to a nearby chair. "What brings you here so early?"

George inclined his head as he stepped inside, closing the door softly behind him. "Despot," he began, his tone careful, "I thought it wise to speak with you before the council convenes. There is a matter I feel warrants your attention."

Constantine leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "A concern? Let's hear it."

George hesitated, his sharp gaze flicking toward the door as though ensuring their privacy. When he spoke again, his voice was low and deliberate. "It is about Maria."

At her name, Constantine's posture remained calm, though his eyes sharpened. "Go on."

"Whispers have begun to circulate," George said, choosing his words with care. "Her presence in your private chambers is no secret. And her joining you at formal dinners, sitting in the place that once belonged to Theodora..." He paused, letting the weight of the observation sink in.

Constantine inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the truth. "It was bound to attract attention."

"It was," George agreed, his tone steady. "And now it has. To many, it appears as though Maria is stepping into the role of your wife—not just in private, but in the public eye. It is too soon, Constantine. The court questions the wisdom of such an informal arrangement."

Constantine considered this for a moment, his fingers lightly tapping the edge of the table. "They do not question my attachment to her," he said finally, his tone measured. "They question what it signifies for the realm."

"Exactly," George said, his gaze intent. "Maria's presence, while understandable, is beginning to overshadow the expectations the court has for you as a ruler. There are alliances to consider, Constantine. Marriages have always been the foundation of power in the empire. To some, this"—he gestured subtly—"appears not just impulsive, but reckless."

Constantine stood, his movements deliberate, and began to pace the room. "Do you think I do not see the value in an alliance?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm. "I know what a marriage can secure—troops, wealth, political ties. I know the weight it carries."

"Then you also know," George said, stepping forward, "that this is the time to act. A union with a royal house, especially one with power and influence, could strengthen your position here in the Morea—and beyond."

"And Maria?" Constantine asked, his tone cool.

George's expression softened. "Maria is a fine woman, Despot, and she clearly brings you solace. But the court sees only what you show them. Her presence at your side, so soon after meeting her and with no formal recognition—it invites uncertainty. If she were merely a private companion, the court could accept it, even if reluctantly. But you present her as something more, and that stirs discontent."