Twilight Empress (The Theodosian Women Book One) by Faith L. Justice

Author:Faith L. Justice [Justice, Faith L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction
Publisher: Raggedy Moon Books
Published: 2017-05-11T23:00:00+00:00

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THE NEXT MORNING, Placidia, dressed in full Imperial regalia—ruby and pearl diadem, purple robes embroidered in gold and encrusted with gems—made her way to her brother’s audience chamber. Constantius came forward to escort her. They trooped through the vast hall, filled with Senators and other men of importance, all whispering about the mystery of the meeting. He led her to a purple-cushioned chair set lower and on the Emperor’s right., which normally would be Constantius’ place or that of the Augusta, if Honorius married.

Once Placidia was settled, Honorius turned to her and smiled. “I trust the morning finds you rested and cheerful, Sister.”

“How could I be otherwise, on this special day honoring both you and my husband as Consul?”

He nodded, turned to face front, and clapped his hands. A troop of Imperial scholae paraded into the room in a hollow square formation, lances held high, armor polished to mirror brightness. In the middle of the square a slim man, dressed in a plain white tunic, stumbled, his hands and feet encumbered by chains.

Attalus come back from the dead a second time—thin, with more gray than black in his hair, but alive.

Placidia let out a breath she was unaware of holding, but her heart beat an uneven rhythm. Had Constantius said she would be happy because he knew of her friendship with Attalus, or because he thought she would welcome the execution of the puppet Emperor?

Attalus caught her gaze and shook his head, warning her not to speak on his behalf. She stiffened and raised her chin. The prisoner shrugged, allowing a flicker of a smile in her direction.

The guards in the front of the square peeled off to both sides, leaving an open pathway from Attalus to Honorius. The captive threw himself prostrate on the floor before the Emperor and cried, “Mercy, my Most Wise and Beneficent Majesty. I beg your forgiveness for the crimes I have committed against you.”

“Those crimes have been terrible, indeed. The heads of the other usurpers adorn the walls of Ravenna. Why should your fate be any different?”

“Because, while I pretended to the purple, I worked on My Merciful Emperor’s behalf.”

“A bold assertion.” Honorius looked around the crowed of Senators. “Who speaks for this man, your former colleague and proclaimed Emperor?”

Blood drained from many faces in the audience chamber. Not a few Senators eyed the doors.

Before Placidia could rise, Constantius came forward. “I will speak in his defense.”

“Proceed, Patrician.”

“My Most Gracious Lord.” Constantius gave Honorius a deep bow. “This man, Attalus, has served you well and loyally in the past. He showed great ability during his term as Prefect of Rome, yet was seemingly incompetent as the Emperor promoted by his fellow Senators to treat with the Goths. I can only conjecture that it was by design he counseled the barbarians in such ways as to ensure their failure to invade Africa.”

Placidia didn’t know the truth, but the argument was clever. Even a few Senators nodded to themselves. Mutters of ‘our plan all along’ reached her ears.

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