Strolling around in the midst of the coliseum, Ioannis began his reply.

You must forgive me, Methodios, if my decision seemed unfeeling to you and your daughter. But the fact is that you are Caesar. You are the second greatest man in the empire, and thus it is necessary for your daughter to be wedded to a man whose character, loyalty, and ideals that are known to both of us. I understand the pain and sacrifice required in fulfilling one's duty, but our elevated position requires this of us. I married a woman I had not set my eyes upon - a princess of royal blood from the Rus. But love came after marriage and I did my duty to the empire.

I am afraid to say that you do not help your case with your words. Even the meanest beggar on the streets of Constantinople knows that I have difficulties in maintaining the support of the nobles of the empire. That is exactly why emperors, even such of a generous and forgiving nature as myself, cannot tolerate such acts of defiance. The marriage, it is true, was announced in the Magnaura. It was official, and I fully intended it to take place. You were consulted, and it is unfortunate that my wishes were in conflict with yours. However, I must admit I was disappointed that a man of your standing would defy me over an issue which has been Roman law and tradition for over 500 years.

It is ironic that you claim that capturing Mecca was not the action of a rebel, when I had expressly ordered a cessation of hostilities against the Fatimids.

However, our meeting here in this arena is not a fight to the death but rather a coming together to heal wounds and restore unity to the empire.

I will present my terms for the cessation of the conflict.

I. Methodios Tagaris, Caesar of the Romans, must humbly apologise in the Magnaura for disobeying the Basileus' command and marrying his daughter off without his permission. There must be no excuses given, else the apology is meaningless.

II. Methodios Tagaris, Caesar of the Romans, must surrender the city of Cairo over to the Basileus.

If the Caesar agrees with and acts upon these two points, he will be fully pardoned and a ceasefire will be accomplished. He will also be invited to join the Basileus in the invasion of Italy as a show of unity.

As for peace with the Order of St. John:

I. They must fully apologise for their disloyalty and their insults directed at the Basileus' person. Again, this must be an unreserved apology.

And concerning Michail Arianitis:

I. He must surrender Durazzo to the Basileus, who will grant it back to him on receiving a full oath of personal loyalty.

II. He must apologise unreservedly to the whole Magnaura for his act of disowning the empire.

I await your word, Caesar.