Imperial Passions--The Great Palace by Eileen Stephenson

Author:Eileen Stephenson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Eileen Stephenson

Romanus decided that it would be helpful if Michael Psellus joined the army on campaign that year. The bureaucrat could advise him as well as gain an understanding of the progress of the war on the Turks. Psellus had been in service in the Great Palace for over twenty years and knew how the government worked, but nothing about the military. The emperor also thought the man’s distance from the city would diminish his connection with Caesar John.

Psellus had lived in Byzantium since birth, rarely venturing outside its walls. Even so, it came as a surprise when it turned out that he had a terror of horses.

“Mama, you would not believe how frightened that man is of horses. He’d better get used to them, or he’ll wear out all those fine shoes he has for the paved city streets while marching with the infantry,” said Manuel the day before the emperor planned to leave. “The emperor threatened all of us with demotion if we laugh at him, but he looks ridiculous trying to mount, much less hang on while the meek little palfrey he’s been given is at a slow canter.”

I had a hard time trying not to laugh out loud at the thought of him, in his proud courtier’s dress and hood, trying to mount a horse. Humorous as that might be, I had a more serious subject to discuss with Manuel.

“You’ll need to keep an eye on him. He and Caesar John have worked too closely for Psellus to foreswear that loyalty for loyalty to your father-in-law. I worry Romanus might be too busy or too trusting, maybe won’t see what mischief they might be conjuring up.”

Manuel gave me a more sober look and nodded. “I agree.”

“Just keep an eye on them. Write to me as you did last year.”

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