Constantinople, 1095
The Basileus remained at his desk after Makedonios had left. The man's accusations and guesses at who would be Anna's husband convinced Aleksios that the matter needed to be dealt with as soon as possible, before rumors leaked out. Summoning a messenger, he sent for his daughter.
A short while later, Anna entered the room and performed a polite bow. She was dressed informally, in a light pink short sleeved tunica, complemented by a blue woolen stole and her hair were draped loosely on her shoulders. She addressed her father with proper respect.
"You wished my presence?"
Aleksios rose and embraced his daughter.
"Yes I did, I'm sorry for the perfunctory summons, but some information has come to light which I must deal with before tongues begin to wag."
Motioning to Anna to sit he spoke again, "I have just spoken with Grandmaster Makedonios. He pressed his claim to your hand. In doing so he made some rather startling accusations about Ioannis Kalameteros. The worst of which is that he is trying to have you killed."
Taking a seat himself, the Basileus continued, "Now, I think the man would say anything to marry you, but such rumors usually have a kernel of truth. Do you and Ioannis have some sort of conflict?"
A short time passed before Anna had fully taken in all of her father's words.
"Ioannis Kalameteros you say? Conflict would hardly begin to describe it. He has little respect for our family and more precisely, me. Makedonios fears he will harm me, but I do not think he would go so far."
Aleksios smiled ruefully, "Ah, to hear Ioannis tell it, you two were pooling information on various Senators and despite some conflict had a 'good relationship, based on trust and respect'. He also seems some how involved with the serving women who tried to kill you. Which perhaps is what Makedonios was ranting about. Would you like to elaborate on this Anna?"
Anna shrugged. "Was is there to say? Save that I discovered my most trusted servant was spying on me and then tried to kill me. It is a topic I would rather avoid. Suffice to say, Kalameteros did not ask her to take my life."
The Basileus sighed, "Very well, the reason I asked is that Senator Kalameteros has asked for your hand in marriage as well. I wanted your opinion on him as he is now an Antypatos and head of the Asteri. The Asteri have more land in the Empire than any other House. With the fall of Kosmas, your Brother's protege, we need to bind them to us once again. A marriage would accomplish this."
Aleksios leaned back in his chair, doubt crept into his voice.
"However, the more I learn, the less ideal such an arrangement sounds. After Makedonios's accusations, I needed to speak with you about Kalameteros, and your response has not added to my confidence. What are your thoughts about this Anna?"
She was tempted to lie in order to make the wedding less likely. Yet, that would be going against her duty to her family and the Empire, it would be going against her destiny. She steeled herself to maintain a cool and detached facade.
"It is as you said father, the Asteri must be once more bound to our family. In the long run, it does not matter what I feel about Kalameteros, we need him as an ally and above all we need to watch him closely. This, I can do for you father. For your sake and for our family's sake, I will endure Kalameteros and play the role of the loving wife and I will make sure they never betray us."
The Basileus looked relieved and saddened at the same time. He stood and crossed to his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Anna, you are perceptive as always. I am sorry that duty and happiness could not be intertwined in this. I hope Ioannis will be a better husband than you give him credit for and that the match will eventually bring you a measure of happiness."
Aleksios gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder.
"It gives me little joy to marry my children to barbarians, the Rus Eupraxia your Brother never mentions, or political allies, but it must be done. The Empire must be secured, our family must be secured."
He spoke again, more quietly, "So watch Kalameteros, Anna. I hope for the best, but if he betrays our trust, if he hurts you in any way. . .I'll bring the Empire down on his head."
Anna's voice echoed his. "I know you will." She seemed on the verge of shedding a tear but quickly returned to an impassive state. "How soon?"
Aleksios rubbed the bridge of his nose, "I'll let Kalameteros know and then announce the engagement publicly. The timing of the wedding is up to you."
She gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. "I shall make the arrangement with him, I am sure he will be pleased with me if I show myself to be considerate."
Aleksios grunted and knelt to be face to face with her, "Don't be too considerate Anna. You are my daughter, a Princess of the Roman Empire and born into the Purple, he's marrying up. He would do well to remember that, to be reminded of that, lest he grow complacent."
He kissed her forehead.
"I am proud of you."
Those words illuminated Anna's features with a bright smile. "Is there anything else?"
The Basileus shook his head, "Nothing at the moment. I have some rebels to put down and I'm sure you have some battles of your own to attend you. Let me know if you need anything."
With a few steps backward, she bowed curtly, before finally exiting the room.
After his daughter left, Aleksios sat down heavily in his chair. He bowed his head and sighed. Looking up across his desk, he noticed the silver cup Makedonios had drunk from still there. With a growl, he lashed out, sending it flying across the room. Crashing against the wall, the cup fell to the floor and began to roll, spilling water as the Basileus started another letter.
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