Constantinople, 1192

Ioannis glanced nervously over to his young wife, Theodora. Today they would march into Constantinople at the head of the first Roman legion in many centuries - Legio I "Thracia". Ioannis hoped this rather motley force would help restore order in the rioting metropolis.

As they approached the Golden Gate, a Komnenoi flag was waved over the battlements and the gate was flung open.

Immediately, the Roman horseman thundered through the gates to secure the safe passage of the legion through the city.

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Later that afternoon, Ioannis and his wife explored the Imperial Palace of Constantinople together.

As they sat down to dinner, Ioannis turned to Theodora.

"You don't hate me, do you?" he asked.

"No of course not." she responded quickly, "Why do you ask?"

"Well, you are the wife of a man who has labelled your father and brother as traitors, cast off the authority of your brother, and who has nothing to boast about save his family lineage."

"But I love you, Ioannis, and even though our marriage was arranged by your late uncle, it mirrored my heart's wishes exactly."

Standing up, she moved to her husband's side.

"Come, let us take an early night - you will have much to organise in the morning.