Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
This is a co-op between myself and TheFlax.


Constantinople 1126:

Time ambled by as Anna poured over a plethora of texts, if only to keep up with current events and her duties in the University of Constantinople. Nowadays, when she was not reading some missive or report, she found herself busy writing a score or so. Yet, she relished the challenge and could not be more content, if only more time could be spent with her children.

With a sigh, she lifted her gaze of the scroll and noticed most of the candles on her simple wooden desk were nearly depleted, signifying she had once more spent most of the day in her study. Anna decided she would read only two more letters before retiring for the evening meal, as always it had been an exacting day.

Makedonios walked through the halls of the university. He saw a plaque on the door and knew he found it. Opening the door, he saw her sitting at her desk. As always, his heart fluttered a little and his breathing changed. For the first time in weeks, his features softened.

"Greetings Your Highness."

Recognizing the familiar voice, Anna ceased writing and lifted her gaze to him, a friendly smile across her features. her pampered face had changed little since her youth, yet her eyes had lost their past glimmer.

"Makedonios, I am glad you could make it. I understand how busy you must be these days."

He nodded and came in. But since he had not yet been invited to sit, he kept standing. He had aged much in the past few years. His eyes had circles and his face had more lines. As always, a napkin was at hand if his sickness caused him to cough.

"It's a busy job Your Highness. I see why so few people run for it. But I'm still glad I did. Gives me the chance to do some good."

He paused for a moment and looked at her. To him, she hadn't changed at all. He suspected he would see her as he did then. Before the pause became awkward, he spoke.

"I appreciate the invitation to talk. The past few weeks have been... hard."

The smile faded from her face.

"Yes... Iakovos will be missed."

Any possibility of a smile creeping onto his face died at the mention of Iakovos's name. His death had weighed heavily on Makedonios. He stared at some invisible point on the wall. With a quiet voice, he said, "He was the first one of mine that I lost you know. I had a couple people retire but even with all the battles I had never lost one." He looked up at her. "He was my responsibility."

"Yet you were not responsible for his death." Anna motioned him to sit. "You cannot be expected to watch after every one of them incessantly. Casting blame on yourself is woefully unfair."

He sat heavily. "But these people joined me because they believed in what I was doing. And he didn't die in battle. He was killed in his sleep by a coward. I knew people were after him. He almost bled out on the Senate floor last year."

His head shook as he realized he hadn't actually made a point yet. "Bah, I'm just rambling. I apologize."

"No need." A faint reassuring smile appeared on her lips. "You can speak freely here."

He thought for a few seconds before speaking. "It was that Organization that did it. I just know it. One side or the other, it doesn't matter. I'm convinced they are all bad. His own brother created a monster and it finally killed Iakovos."

"We always knew they amounted to no good, but we are poorly equipped to fight them." She sighed. "Somehow, I always expected you or I would be their victim... not Iakovos."

His head nodded. "I always worried that they would finally get to you. For some reason you've always been a magnet for crazies. But Iakovos... he was always so innocent. He had this naive idealistic view of the world. But it was refreshing. You stay in politics long enough, and it is easy to get cynical. But for some reason, the stench of the Senate never touched him. We are truly the worse off without him."

Anna nodded in understanding. "Now all we can do for him is to bring his killer to justice."

He grunted in agreement. "Oh that we will do. I am tired of people bickering over which side of the Organization is 'good' and which is 'bad'. I see both sides trying to fan the flames of conflict in the Senate. I am certain that Iakovos was killed by one of these men. And, despite what side they claim to be on, both factions in this group are responsible for the current situation."

She rose and passed Makedonios. "But, I am certain you did not simply come here to hold such a dreary discussion." The door closed, locked.

His heart skipped a beat when she moved past him. He caught a whiff of her scent and he swore that part of her outfit brushed his arm. He waited until she moved back around to where he could face her.

"No, I wanted to see you again."

"I also wanted to see you again." The words came out as a mere whisper. "I find myself continuously worried for your wellbeing."

He grunted. "Funny, but I've always been worried about your wellbeing. You've been threatened and attacked more times than I can remember. I am flattered that you are concerned about me Your Highness, but I am a crusty old soldier. I'll be fine."

"I wish I could share your certainty." Anna hesitated. "I hope your term as Megas will not give you more enemies."

Makedonios chuckled slightly. "I'm not sure if I could possibly have more enemies than I already do. No, once people see that I am fairly distributing the Empire's wealth, they'll see I am not that big bad bogeyman I am made out to be."

While saying the next, he flashed the Princess a small smile. "At least some of you have always been there for me."

She smiled lightly at his comment, but her features rapidly returned to a more somber note. "Do you think I have erred in naming Methodios as a scholar? I had no idea he would go against the law, whatever his motives may be. Somehow, I feel I should have known better, given my dislike of most of his previous actions."

Both his eyebrows went up in slight surprise at the subject change and in thought. "Methodios? Nah, I don't think you erred. He's not as bad a guy as people say. He just needs some of the snobby crust rubbed off of him. He should be punished but his head shouldn't be on a pike or anything. Your brother broke multiple Rules and nothing ever happened to him. Hypatios exterminated at least 6000 people and he is doing all fine in dandy in his new House."

Anna considered his words and sat down again. "I hold neither in higher regard than Methodios, as you surely know."

Makedonios nodded. "I know. I think I can safely say that Methodios is a cut above those two. So, how is it being Dean?"

"Constant preoccupations and responsabilities." She gave Makedonios a faint smile. "Although it permits me to make sure there is some sort of equity in the University, and for that I am glad."

He returns her smile. "And for that I'm grateful. I'm glad the position hasn't become blatantly partisan. Education should be for everyone."

Anna gave him a nod. "Hopefully that will be true for all of the Empire's institutions."

Makedonios laughed. "With your brother ascending the throne soon, that won't be likely." He chuckled for a bit. "Your Highness, thank you, I needed to laugh and talk for awhile. As always I thank you for your time and sympathetic ear. But I should get going back to my office. A pile of letters has probably materialized in my absence." He gets up to leave but pauses so she can reply.

"I fully understand." She indicated the stacks of papers on her desk. "I have to take care of these. Stay well Makedonios."

"And you do the same." With a smile and a nod, Makedonios left the office.