At his desk, Magnus sat calmly writing a letter. Outside, it had snowed softly overnight, the change in weather happening quickly. Getting up, he walked to the fireplace and threw in another log.
"WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!" Cassius threw open the door and stared daggers at Magnus.
"Good morning, cousin." Rubbing his hands to warm up, Magnus didn't turn to face Cassius and went back to his desk.
"Don't give me that shit." Cassius strode forward and slammed his hands on the desk, "What are you thinking. Inviting Theodosius to the wedding. I thought we had to keep a low profile."
"You have to keep one," Magnus said coldly. "As I have explained time and again, he will find out that I am marrying my daughter to his bastard. By doing it this way, I can make my intention to the entire Empire clear and make people choose a side. If I'm going to declare war on the Emperor Cassius, I need to at least look confident. Any sign of weakness and no one will support me."
