The next day at noon, the imperial throne room glittered with pomp. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass dome high above, painting kaleidoscope colors across marble pillars. John sat on the gilded throne of Arslan Rûmî, clad now in full imperial regalia—robes of indigo silk embroidered with gold, the lion-crested crown upon his brow. It was a far cry from the dusty leathers of yesterday. At his right stood Safid, every bit the proud general in formal uniform, and to John's left, Magister Salim stroked his gray beard, observing the proceedings keenly. Ministers, courtiers, and palace dignitaries lined the hall in two neat ranks, anticipation rippling among them.
Trumpets sounded as the envoys of Qarthas were announced. A dozen men entered, led by the Qarthene ambassador, Lord Atash. They wore flowing robes of emerald and white, with turbans pinned by opal brooches. Their lead guard carried a tall standard depicting a silver stallion – the sigil of Qarthas.
Lord Atash was a slender, sharp-eyed man whose polite smile never left his face. He approached the dais and bowed deeply. "May the light of heaven shine upon Emperor Arslan, Lord of the City of Light, Scion of the Lion Throne," he intoned. "I am Atash of Qarthas, bearing greetings from my sovereign, King Jalal."
John inclined his head regally. "Lord Atash, you are welcome in our court. We have heard much of Qarthas' honor and prosperity." His voice carried across the hall, calm and cordial. "Rise and speak freely."
The ambassador straightened. "Our king sends not only words, but tokens of his esteem." He clapped his hands. Servants of Qarthas entered bearing chests and platters. "First, fine gifts: ten matched Akhal horses from our royal stables, swift and strong."
At that cue, grooms led in a parade of magnificent horses, their coats shimmering bays and grays, tack glinting with silver. John's eyes widened slightly—Qarthene horses were famed indeed. Even Safid allowed an appreciative grunt seeing the quality of the steeds.
"Also," Atash continued, "thirty bolts of our finest silk, dyes of Tyrian purple and indigo, for the looms of the City of Light." Attendants unveiled yard upon yard of luxurious fabric, drawing murmurs of admiration from the court.
John nodded graciously. "Your king is most generous. In return, we have prepared gifts for him as well." He gestured, and Rashid—stationed nearby—signaled to imperial servants. They brought forth items: finely wrought goldwork lamps powered by small glow-stones from the Nexus, an illuminated manuscript of imperial lore, and casks of rare spices from the southern provinces.
"Our humble offerings," John said, "to celebrate the friendship between our realms."
Lord Atash and his retinue bowed again as the exchange took place. "King Jalal will be honored by these treasures," the ambassador declared. "And he extends his desire for a lasting accord. Peace between Qarthas and the Empire, open trade along our borders, and cooperation against any who would threaten our mutual prosperity."
John listened, fingers steepled thoughtfully. "These are worthy goals. I share King Jalal's hope for enduring peace. We have had enough of strife. Let our peoples ride together on the road of friendship."
A light applause rustled through the hall at the Emperor's gracious words. John signaled assent to his Grand Vizier to begin drafting the formal agreement with Qarthas's scribes later. The tension in the room eased; it seemed the negotiations would conclude on a warm note.
Just then, Lord Atash raised a hand. "If I may, Your Majesty, there is one more gift our King entrusts to you—a very special token of goodwill." He clapped again sharply.
From the envoy's entourage, five figures stepped forward, previously obscured behind the rows of officials. As they glided into view, a ripple of astonishment passed through the assembly. They were women—five young women of striking beauty, dressed in veils and jewels that marked them as nobility of Qarthas. Each was attended by a chaperone who now guided them gently ahead.
John felt his stomach tighten in surprise. He kept his face carefully neutral, but inwardly he had not expected this. Not in the least.
"These ladies," Lord Atash proclaimed, "are of the noble houses of Qarthas. In King Jalal's name, I present them to Your Imperial Majesty's harem, as a sign of our king's desire to bind our realms in kinship."
A hushed silence fell. Even Safid raised an eyebrow. Magister Salim's hand paused mid-stroke of his beard. Court whispers swirled. It was not unheard-of for nations to seal alliances by exchanging members of their nobility as consorts, but five at once was an extravagant gesture—practically a small harem unto themselves.
John forced a diplomatic smile. He rose from the throne and descended two steps. The five women each performed a graceful curtsy. John noted in a blur of impressions: one had hair like spun copper and proud, assessing eyes; another was raven-haired with a demure expression that might veil a keen intellect; a third, willowy and confident, looked him straight on with a hint of challenge in her smile; the fourth, with golden tresses, clutched a stringed lyre—perhaps musically talented, her gaze lowered in shyness; the fifth, dark of hair and olive-skinned, had a subtle smile playing on her lips, her stance poised and calm.
John's mind raced. He could not refuse such a gift without causing grave insult—the women were highborn, and Qarthas would take offense if their offering of kinship were spurned. Yet accepting meant complicating his already fraught situation with a harem he barely interacted with. He felt a flash of the old John Sullivan's discomfort at the idea of receiving people as gifts. But the Emperor in him knew what politics demanded.
With a voice steady and warm, he addressed the ambassador. "King Jalal honors me greatly. I accept these noble ladies into my household with gratitude." He turned to the five women, inclining his head. "You are welcome here. May you find our palace a happy and prosperous home."
The lead woman with coppery hair spoke softly, "We are honored to serve Your Majesty." The others echoed similar sentiments quietly.
Rashid smoothly stepped forward with a benevolent smile and clapped his hands for the palace eunuchs. "The Emperor's new guests shall be escorted to the harem quarters and given every comfort. Lady Yvara and the senior wives will see to their needs," he announced. The chief eunuch's voice rang out efficiently, ever the master of court logistics.
As the formal audience concluded, John exchanged final pleasantries with Lord Atash, agreeing to a celebratory banquet that evening. The throne room gradually emptied, courtiers abuzz with gossip about the unexpected bounty of concubines bestowed upon their monarch.
Chapter 19: Whispers in the Harem
Late that night, after the banquet had ended and the Qarthene envoys retired with treaties nearly finalized, John found himself wandering into the Garden of Whispers. It was a secluded corner of the palace grounds enclosed by high lattice walls and fragrant with night-blooming jasmine. He often came here to think. The cool air was a balm after hours of feasting and political theater.
He was not alone for long. Soft footsteps sounded on the flagstones. John turned to see Yvara approaching. A lantern in her hand cast a gentle glow on her red hair, which tumbled loosely over her shoulders. She wore a simple peach-colored gown, and her green eyes held concern.
"Majesty," she greeted, dipping a graceful curtsy. But she was perhaps the one person in the palace John least wished to stand on ceremony with. He gave her a weary smile.
"Yvara. It's good to see you." He beckoned her closer. She stepped to his side, their stroll continuing along a moonlit reflecting pool. A pair of white peacocks roosting in a magnolia tree stirred as they passed.
"You returned only yesterday, and already you've been thrust back into courtly chaos," Yvara said gently. "You must be exhausted."
John chuckled under his breath. "Between battling bandits and battling wits at the negotiating table, I'm not sure which drained me more."
Yvara's hand lightly touched his arm in sympathy. John slowed his pace, savoring the uncomplicated comfort of her presence. In many ways, Yvara had become a trusted friend in this strange new life. With her he could drop the imperial facade, at least a little.
They reached a stone bench beneath a flowering archway. John sat, and after a hesitant moment, Yvara sank down beside him. Her closeness was warm in the cool night. For a moment they listened to the burble of a small fountain and the rustle of leaves.
Finally, Yvara broke the silence softly. "Sire... the new ladies from Qarthas. They arrived in our quarters today."
John had suspected she wanted to discuss this. He let out a slow breath. "How are they faring?"
"As well as can be expected on their first day in an unfamiliar place," Yvara answered. "They put on brave faces. I helped them settle in—showed them the garden, the music room. They're all very accomplished. Parissa already charmed everyone with a poem she recited. And Darya played the lyre beautifully at sunset." Yvara smiled a little, then that smile faded. "But... they are also anxious."
"Anxious?" John prompted, though he could guess why.
Yvara looked down at her hands folded in her lap. "They came here with high hopes. To be chosen as gifts, they had to be ambitious. Each likely dreams of becoming a favorite of the Emperor, perhaps even an Empress if fate smiles." She glanced up at him with honesty in her eyes. "Today, after the formalities, you did not so much as speak with them privately. You haven't visited the harem at all. They notice these things."
John winced internally. He had avoided even thinking about the five new concubines all day by burying himself in treaty details. "I... didn't want them to feel overwhelmed on their first day," he offered weakly.
Yvara gave a soft, rueful laugh. "You're kind, Sire, but that is not how they will see it. In our world, when a ruler receives concubines, he—well, he usually selects one that very night to honor with his attention." Her cheeks colored slightly at spelling it out, but she continued, "The Qarthene ladies have been raised to expect they will serve Your Majesty. To be ignored... it wounds their pride. And it's already causing whispers."
John rubbed a hand over his face. "Whispers that I'm a neglectful host? Or questioning my... masculinity?" He could easily imagine the rumor mill churning—an Emperor who never visits his harem must be impotent or bewitched.
Yvara bit her lip. "Some sly jokes among the servants, perhaps. Nothing too widespread. Rashid does his best to quash such talk. But the ladies themselves... I worry what they might do if they feel spurned."
John raised a brow. "What might they do?"
Yvara hesitated. "Try harder to attract your notice. Perhaps start rivalries, schemes to prove their worth. It could unsettle the harmony of the harem. Already I sensed tension today—each of the five is trying to position herself. And they look to me for clues about you."
John turned fully to face her. "And what did you tell them?"
"I said... that you are a different kind of Emperor," Yvara replied softly. "That you value companionship beyond the physical. That seemed to puzzle them. They asked if you have a secret lover hidden away, or if you disdain women of Qarthas." She shook her head. "I tried to assure them that wasn't the case, but I could tell they were not convinced."
John grimaced at the predicament. "So they think I've insulted them on purpose, or that something is wrong with me."
Yvara reached out and gently took his hand—a bold gesture that made John's heart skip, but here in private he welcomed the honest touch. "They just don't understand you. They've only known powerful men who take what they want. You... you show restraint and respect. It's why—" she stopped herself, a faint tremor in her voice. "It's why those who truly know you hold you in such esteem."
John squeezed her hand. "You included, I hope," he said quietly.
A shy smile curled Yvara's lips. "Yes. Me most of all, perhaps." She drew a breath, gathering courage. "Your Majesty—John—," she used his given name in barely more than a whisper, "I know it's not my place, but I think you will have to address this situation with the new concubines. They came all this way and gave up their old lives for a chance at influence here. If you deny them even a fair chance, it will feel like a humiliation they don't deserve."
Hearing it put that way pricked John's conscience. He had been so wrapped in avoiding the issue that he hadn't considered it from their perspective fully. These women were political pawns, yes, but also individuals with hopes and fears. And he was inadvertently hurting them.
"You're right," he said, sighing. "I can't just ignore them outright. But nor can I... become what they want in the way they expect. It's not who I am."
"I know," Yvara whispered. "And I would never want you to become something you're not. There must be some compromise."
John stared at the ripples in the pool, brows knit. "If you have any ideas, I'm all ears."
Yvara gave his hand one more comforting squeeze before releasing it as footsteps echoed down a nearby colonnade. A palace steward was approaching, respectfully keeping his eyes averted from the intimate tableau.
"Your Majesty," the steward said with a bow. "Forgive the intrusion. The new Qarthene ladies humbly request an audience with you at your convenience. They... seemed most eager."
John and Yvara exchanged a knowing look. "I see," John replied. "Tell them I will receive them in the Morning Hall tomorrow after breakfast."
The steward nodded and withdrew.
Yvara rose, her expression a mixture of relief and sympathy. "I suppose that's for the best. Good luck, John. I'll be praying for your wisdom."
He stood as well, impulsively reaching to tuck a loose strand of red hair behind her ear. "Thank you," he said sincerely. "For everything, Yvara."
They parted in the moonlight with much left unspoken, but an understanding flowing between them like the quiet music of the garden fountains.
Chapter 20: A Delicate Petition
The following morning, John waited in the Morning Hall, a sunlit chamber adjoining the imperial library. It was a more intimate setting than the throne room, with cushioned chairs arranged in a semicircle and latticed windows overlooking a courtyard. He had chosen it hoping the informal atmosphere might ease the awkwardness to come.
Rashid stood discreetly by the door as the five Qarthene noblewomen were escorted in. They glided forward in their finest day robes, jewels glinting. Today they were unveiled, revealing youthful, elegant features touched with apprehension. John rose to greet them, motioning for them to sit on the low divan opposite his seat. They did so, exchanging nervous looks with one another.
"Good morning, ladies," John began gently. "I trust you slept well and are settling in?"
They murmured polite affirmatives. John could sense the tension; formal pleasantries would not suffice for long.
It was the copper-haired woman who spoke up first. As John surmised, she seemed the natural leader. "Your Majesty," she said with a respectful dip of her head. "We thank you for granting us this audience. I am Lady Soraya, daughter of Lord Kamin of Qarthas," she introduced herself, voice poised. She then gestured to each of her companions in turn, offering their names: Lady Leilah (the raven-haired, doe-eyed one), Lady Parissa (willowy and self-assured), Lady Darya (she of the golden hair and musical talent), and Lady Nasrin (the olive-skinned beauty with the subtle smile). Each inclined her head as named.
John inclined his head in return. "It is a pleasure to formally know you all. I hope our home can become yours, and that you find happiness here."
A silence fell. The women exchanged glances. Soraya cleared her throat softly and continued, "Your Majesty, we have come to address... a delicate matter."
John steeled himself, nodding for her to continue.
Soraya's carefully composed face tightened with an emotion—pride, perhaps hurt pride—she was struggling to contain. "Sire, we worry that we have in some way failed to please you, or offended you. Since our arrival, you have not called upon any of us. We fear…" She paused, choosing words. "We fear we have been found unworthy."
Leilah, the quiet raven-haired lady, added in a soft rush, "If there is any flaw in our comportment, please, we beg to know it so we might improve." Her dark eyes were moist with worry.
John immediately raised a hand in gentle protest. "No, no—there is no flaw. You are all most refined and lovely. The fault is mine if any."
Parissa leaned forward slightly, bold enough to meet John's eyes. "Then may we ask, Your Majesty, why you have...avoided our company? It is known that a new concubine normally receives the honor of a visit at night from her lord." Though phrased deferentially, her tone had a razor's edge of challenge. "We realize five arrived together, an unusual circumstance, but none of us has been granted so much as a private dinner or conversation."
Nasrin spoke up as well, her voice laced with an undercurrent of pain. "Back in Qarthas, our families celebrate that we were chosen to serve the great Emperor of the City of Light. We carry their hopes and pride. What shall we tell them now? That we languish unseen, as if cast aside?"
As the words poured out, John felt the full weight of their humiliation. His chest tightened. He glanced toward Rashid, who gave the barest nod of confirmation; he too knew how serious this was.
The Emperor rose from his chair and took a step closer to the women. They all looked up at him, a mixture of desperation and expectation in their faces. "Ladies," John said, as sincerely as he could, "I owe you an apology. You have done nothing wrong. The truth is... I have been preoccupied with affairs of state and did not consider how my lack of attention would be interpreted."
Soraya's eyes flashed with something like disappointment. "With respect, Majesty, even the busiest of rulers spares a moment for those in his inner sanctum. We were sent to strengthen bonds between our kingdom and yours. If we cannot even speak with you, how can we fulfill our duty?"
John nodded gravely. "Your point is well taken. I intended no insult, nor to question your worth. Please believe me."
Darya, the golden-haired one clutching a small ornamental lyre in her delicate hands, spoke timidly, "In Qarthas, people will gossip if they hear we are...unfavored. They will say King Jalal's gift was spurned. Our families will lose face." Her blue eyes brimmed with tears at the thought.
John felt a stab of guilt. A political slight—unintentional but real—could indeed sour relations. This was bigger than personal discomfort now. "I never meant to create such a situation," he said quietly. "The last thing I want is for any of you or your kin to feel dishonored."
He looked around at each of them. Soraya held her chin high, but her fists clenched in her lap betrayed frustration. Parissa's lips were pressed tight, Nasrin frowned slightly as if puzzling out the enigma of this aloof emperor, and Leilah kept her gaze downcast, cheeks flushed with embarrassment at having to beg for attention.
There was a time not long ago John would sooner have faced armed insurgents than a room of hurt, expectant noblewomen. Give him a battlefield over a boudoir any day, he thought ruefully. He drew in a breath. Honesty might be his only card.
"You are right that I have been distant," he conceded. "Perhaps it's hard to understand, but... I was not raised in a palace as you were. My views on the harem and such relationships may seem unusual." He chose his words carefully, acutely aware of Rashid listening and these foreign ladies hanging on every word. "Where I come from, a man typically has one wife. The idea of keeping many concubines is... new to me. I have struggled to adjust."
The ladies exchanged surprised glances at this candid admission. Soraya blinked, clearly not expecting the Emperor to admit to any personal struggle. Nasrin tilted her head, studying him with renewed interest. "Your Majesty, are you saying you do not desire a harem at all?" she asked.
John let out a slow breath. "Desire or not, I accept that as Emperor I have a duty to care for all within my household. Including a harem." He ran a hand over the armrest of his chair, gathering his thoughts. "I do not see you as objects to be possessed or discarded on a whim. I see individuals—with talents, intelligence, dreams of your own. It was never my intent to slight you. Rather... I wanted to avoid treating you as mere prizes."
A stunned silence followed. The concept seemed to be sinking in. Leilah's lips parted in wonder; Parissa looked momentarily at a loss for a sharp retort.
Soraya, ever the quickest to recover, offered a small, wry smile. "A noble sentiment, Sire. Yet ironically, by holding back, you have made us feel like we failed to even be seen as women at all." Her tone was not accusatory now, but almost imploring him to reconcile the contradiction.
John raked a hand through his dark hair. "I truly am sorry. I have been a poor host and... an awkward Emperor in this regard." He began to pace slowly, an unconscious habit from his soldier days when thinking under stress. The women's eyes followed him. "I know what tradition expects of me. And I know what you likely expected. I have to find a way to meet those expectations without betraying who I am."
Rashid coughed gently. "Your Majesty, may I speak?"
John paused. "Of course, Rashid."
The chief eunuch stepped forward, hands clasped. "Might I suggest a path? Perhaps Their Ladyships might be given the honor of accompanying Your Majesty in more public or cultural engagements—an evening of music, a poetry recital, or a royal hunt—so that all may see they have your favor. Such gestures would alleviate the sting of neglect without..." he trailed off delicately, "without forcing Your Majesty into immediate... ahem... intimate obligations you are unready for."
A flush crept up John's neck at Rashid's polite phrasing. Trust the wily eunuch to propose a diplomatic half-measure. "That is a wise idea," John said. He turned to the women. "Would such activities be acceptable to you? It would give me a chance to know each of you better in a setting of your choice—music, riding, conversation—while showing the court and beyond that you are valued."
The women looked at each other, considering. Soraya answered carefully, "It would be a start, Majesty." But her tone carried an undertone that this was, at best, a temporary compromise. "Of course, ultimately... we hope to truly be valued by you." The implication was clear: they still aimed to win his heart or at least his bed in time.
John gave a slow nod. "I cannot promise what the future holds. But I do promise to treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve. And I will endeavor to spend more time in your company henceforth."
He managed a faint, sincere smile. "Parissa, perhaps you might share that poem you recited with Lady Yvara—I hear it was lovely."
Parissa blinked, then bowed her head with a pleased blush. "It would be my honor, Your Majesty."
"And Lady Darya, I look forward to hearing you play the lyre soon," John added, offering the shy musician a kind glance. She smiled softly, relief creeping into her expression.
One by one, he addressed them with a personal remark, letting each know he had taken interest: complimenting Nasrin on the Qarthene embroidery of her gown, noting Leilah's famed skill at calligraphy and suggesting she might help transcribe some rare texts in the library—a task which made the bookish young woman brighten perceptibly. And to Soraya, he entrusted a subtle duty: "Lady Soraya, your leadership among your peers is evident. I will rely on you to counsel me on any matters where our Qarthene and Imperial customs differ, so that I may not offend unwittingly." It was a gesture of trust and flattery, acknowledging her status.
Soraya placed a hand to her heart. "I am at your service in all things, Sire," she said, bowing her head. Yet her eyes, lifting to meet his, still smoldered with determination. John could tell she was far from mollified—she would not rest until she achieved the influence and intimacy she aspired to. But at least, for now, she would wait.
After further polite exchange, the audience drew to a close. The five women rose and curtseyed deeply. "We are grateful that you have heard us, Majesty," Nasrin said quietly. The others voiced agreement. There was a palpable sense of relief in the air, though tinged with lingering uncertainty.
As the concubines filed out, John let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. That had been one of the most delicate negotiations of his life, and nothing was even truly resolved. He could only buy time and hope a better solution would present itself.
Rashid remained behind as John moved to the window, staring out at the training yards below where soldiers sparred, oblivious to the drama unfolding in the palace. "Well handled, sire," Rashid said softly.
John gave a half-smile. "I feel I just walked a tightrope over a pit, but thank you."
The eunuch tilted his head. "If I may, Your Majesty... it might ease matters if you eventually did choose one of the new ladies to elevate, even if only symbolically. The court expects an Empress or at least a favorite Consort in due time. It has been murmured that the Lion Throne grows lonely."
John's smile faded. An Empress. He thought of Yvara's kind eyes, of Soraya's fierce ambition, of the weight of tradition pressing on him. "In due time, Rashid. Right now, there are other priorities."
"Of course, Padishah," Rashid said, bowing. The hint was given; it need not be pressed today. He excused himself, leaving John alone with his thoughts.
John flexed his fingers, realizing they had tensed into a fist behind his back. He unclenched them deliberately. The truth was, he didn't have a solution. He could try to juggle appearances, but sooner or later, his aversion to the harem status quo would cause conflict. Perhaps he could find husbands of high rank for some of the women, quietly releasing them from service without insult. Or institute some new custom of concubines having more autonomous roles at court. But any such move would be fraught with risk, challenging centuries of tradition.
For now, all he had done was postpone the crisis. The women's disappointed faces lingered in his mind. They had been trained to play a part in a grand game, and he had changed the rules on them without warning. No one was truly content.
He exhaled slowly, turning away from the sunlit window. How strange that he could face assassins, cults, and warlords without fear, yet quake at the prospect of fulfilling the intimate expectations of an emperor. John almost laughed at the irony.
Chapter 21: The Call to Expansion
That evening, John convened a small council in his private study. Around a heavy oak table strewn with maps stood General Safid, Magister Salim, and a few senior ministers. Candles flickered over their intent faces. They had been discussing plans that had brewed since before John's provincial tour – plans now ripe for action.
"The treasury reserves are low," noted Minister Halim, the finance vizier, pointing at ledger figures. "Rebuilding the Nexus infrastructure and providing relief in the provinces has been costly."
"And our revenues, even with trade reopening via Qarthas, won't cover the ambitious projects His Majesty proposes," added another minister. They referred to John's ideas for roads, schools, and more—ideas inspired by what he saw on his journey.
John steepled his fingers. He already knew the conclusion these advisors were circling. It was one he had been contemplating himself since returning from the hinterlands and facing the intractable traditions of the court.
Safid, never one to mince words, laid his gauntleted hand on a map spread before them. "Here," he said, tapping a valley region on the empire's western border. "Zull Framents. Rich in iron and silver. Once under imperial control, but lost in the civil wars a generation ago. Now held by a patchwork of petty warlords squabbling among themselves."
John leaned forward. He recognized the strategic value instantly. Mines to fill the coffers, and fragmented enemies that could be picked off one by one. "We could reclaim it."
Safid nodded, eyes gleaming with a warrior's anticipation. "A swift campaign before winter, with minimal resistance if handled sharply. The local peoples would likely welcome stable rule again, given the alternative they've had."
Salim interjected, his deep voice echoing in the chamber. "Also, beyond Zull lies an ancient ley-line juncture. If we secure it, the Nexus network's reach could extend farther west with some arcane work." Ever the scholar, Salim could not resist mention of magical benefit.
John's decision crystallized. Here was purpose—expanding the empire's borders to bring security and prosperity, and infuse the treasury with wealth and resources to fund his envisioned reforms. It would also, he admitted privately, grant him a reprieve from the thorny personal entanglements at court. On campaign, he knew his role and his worth.
He straightened to his full height, the firelight casting resolve across his face. "Then it's decided. We march on Zull."
Safid grinned fiercely. The ministers bowed in assent, relief in some of their faces that the Emperor was choosing an age-old imperial solution: expansion.
"Mobilize the Western Division," John ordered. "Three thousand cavalry, two thousand foot. General Safid will command under my oversight. We move within a fortnight."
Salim cleared his throat respectfully. "Your Majesty, if I may accompany—"
John offered a small smile. "Your place is here, Master Salim, continuing your work on the Nexus and advising the regency council. Fear not, we will send word via mirror runes of our victories." The mage nodded, accepting the wisdom in keeping the realm's arcane linchpin safe in the capital.
Plans were laid swiftly. Orders dispatched by courier that night. The capital buzzed with preparation in the days that followed—smithies pounding out swords and arrowheads, granaries packing supply wagons, stables teeming with restless horses.
On the morning of departure, John donned his battle armor once more. Polished steel plate etched with protective runes gleamed in the early light. Over it he wore a scarlet cloak bearing the gold lion of the empire. At his side hung the lion-hilted kilij, its edge honed and ready.
In the palace square, an army waited. Rank upon rank of soldiers stood at attention, pennants fluttering in the breeze. The people of the City of Light had gathered as well, lining the main boulevard to see their Emperor off. Some remembered the last time an Emperor rode to war—Arslan's father, years before. Others simply came to cheer the man who had relit their city and walked among them in disguise righting wrongs.
John strode down the palace steps. Safid was already mounted, armor-clad and magnificent on his war stallion. The general saluted, fist to chest, a proud smile on his scarred face. John returned the salute and moved toward his own horse, a powerful white charger caparisoned in imperial colors.
At the foot of the steps, a small cluster had gathered to bid him farewell. Rashid stood with moist eyes, offering a deep bow. "May victory and fortune favor you, Majesty. We shall keep the home fires burning." The eunuch's voice wavered slightly, emotion breaking through his poised exterior.
Yvara was there too, veiled but unmistakable with her red tresses falling at her shoulders. She stepped forward impulsively. In her hands she held a small bundle wrapped in silk. "For luck," she said softly, presenting it. John unfolded the fabric to find a kerchief embroidered with a lion entwined with a blossoming rose—Yvara's own handiwork. He met her eyes, and a thousand unspoken words passed between them.
"I'll return," John assured her quietly. He tucked the kerchief into his breastplate over his heart. Yvara nodded, blinking away a tear, and backed into the fold of watching concubines – the five newcomers among them. The Qarthene women, clad in splendid dresses, observed with polite smiles, though Soraya's eyes followed the exchange with keen interest.
John pulled himself into the saddle. The charger pranced, sensing its rider's resolve. General Safid wheeled his horse to John's side. They made an impressive sight at the head of the host.
John raised his right arm. Trumpets blared a brassy fanfare that echoed off the palace walls. The army's standard-bearers dipped the imperial lion banners forward. In a single motion, the regiments began to march, boots thudding and hooves clopping in steady rhythm.
"Forward!" John commanded, his voice ringing out. He clicked his tongue and his white charger surged ahead at a stately pace. Safid and the other commanders followed, then the long sea of soldiers.
As they passed through the city gates, the morning sun broke free of the clouds, bathing the imperial army in golden light. The people erupted in cheers and shouts of blessing. Children waved, and elders bowed their heads in prayer for victory.
John Sullivan—Emperor Arslan Rûmî—looked neither left nor right as he led his men out onto the open road beyond the city. His mind was clear, focused on the horizon. Ahead lay fresh battles to win, challenges that could be met steel to steel, where right and wrong were drawn in stark lines. Behind him, within the palace walls, remained the murkier war of hearts and customs, a conflict he had yet to resolve.
But that would be for another day.
For now, the Lion of the Empire rode to war once more, determined to carve a brighter future from the world with his own two hands. His cape snapped in the wind as he spurred his horse into a gallop, the thundering heartbeat of his army following in his wake—an Emperor in action, unbowed and unbound, charging toward the dawn of a new conquest.