Dawn Empress by Faith L. Justice

Author:Faith L. Justice [Justice, Faith L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction
Publisher: Faith L. Justice
Published: 2020-04-20T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

Imperial Palace, August 423

“THOSE DAMNABLE HUNS are raiding in the north again.” Theo slammed the report down on Pulcheria’s worktable.

She looked up with a weary smile. “Asclepiodotus brought down the wrath of the holy men and the ire of our people. Isidorus fails to stop the Huns ravishing our borders in Illyricum. How many of these convenient Christians will fail you before you understand they are not worthy of your trust?”

“‘Convenient Christians’?”

“Those who convert or profess greater zeal than they feel in order to curry favor with our court. They don’t feel God’s grace as we do, in here.” Pulcheria placed a hand over her heart. “They look to the ancient philosophers for reason, rather than the Word of God for belief.”

“Do you count Athenais among these ‘convenient Christians’?”

Theo’s scowl warned Pulcheria she was treading on dangerous ground. She shrugged. “She observes the forms but reads more frivolously than I’d like. I caught her and Placidia giggling over those wretched love poems by Ovid last week. Really, both grown women with children! How can they stand that rubbish?”

“Dearest Sister, they have taken no holy vows of chastity.” Theo’s mood shifted. He leaned to kiss her on the cheek. “I would be most upset if my wife did.”

“Placidia is a widow twice over and of sufficient years she should have no interest in the urges of the flesh.” Pulcheria turned her attention to the report of Hunnish activity.

“Placidia is only ten years your senior. Hardly a decrepit elder.”

Pulcheria looked up in time to catch the tail end of a smile on Theo’s face. “Other than the sin of enjoying love poems, how do you feel about our aunt? You’ve had over four months to observe her and winkle out her secrets.”

Pulcheria leaned back. “She and her children attend daily prayers and exhibit modest behavior. She keeps the fast days.”

“Is Placidia one of your convenient Christians?”

“No. I sense a genuine religious devotion in her. Placidia is troubled and seeks something. She turns to God for solace.” Pulcheria tapped a fingernail on the desk. “Maybe the rumors are true.”

“You think our gentle aunt capable of gutting an enemy?” Theo’s eyes lighted with interest at this possibility.

“Never underestimate the strength of a woman in a righteous cause.”

“Are you speaking of Placidia or yourself?” Theo smiled.

Pulcheria raised an eyebrow, answering with another question. “What do you think of Athenais’ proposal that you betroth your Eudoxia to the young Valentinian?”

“It’s not a bad idea, but my daughter is still an infant. I don’t like to think of her leaving us.”

“The idea comes from Placidia. She has not given up her ambition that her son rule in the west. I’m sure she thinks the betrothal will make you look more favorably on her petition.”

“Of course the proposal comes from Placidia!” Theo snorted. “Sometimes I feel you treat me as a lack-wit, Sister.”

“Never, Brother.” God give me strength! I wish he weren’t so prickly on that subject. She rose to rest a hand on his shoulder. “Your wits are sharp, but your heart is tender.

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