Reentering the chamber halfway through Kalameteros' words, Ioannis speaks after him.

How can I rule when this most esteemed body insults me endlessly and my father does nothing. Now he condemns me too. I have always been loyal to my father, but now that loyalty ends.

I trusted Kalameteros, I even promised you the position of advisor to me when I ascended the throne, because you were one of the few senators I could trust. Now it seems your confidence is meaningless. You speak of your high expectations in me, yet now I cannot even be sure they are spoken sincerely.

For too long have I had to bear the insults of that fiend, Makedonios. I hereby declare war upon him. I care not what my father thinks, as he has constantly refused to defend my honour. This is a private quarrel, and I ask that the rest of the empire leave us to it. If they do not, then I will not back down.

Ioannis hurls his glove in Makedonios' face and marches out of the Magnaura.