Chapter 21: Bringing the good news
Jabalah finally arrived in Ikonion, central Anatolia. Heraclius, Roman Emperor awaited him there, as promised. He went to meet Jabalah halfway, so he didn't have to go all the way to Constantinople. In Ikonion, Basileus' servants already waited on Jabalah at main square to bring Jabalah to him. It was a delicate matter they would discuss, after all. They led him through a suspicious alley in which one would think all sorts of criminals gather. But it was actually a route to Emperor's city chambers, strictly guarded and maintained. They entered some building through a door in the alley and went up the stairs. Then, they emerged from a door in the chambers, which were disguised as a wardrobe. And there sat the Emperor, in all his might and glory. But there was also one other person. A girl, long brown hair, emerald eyes, delicate facial features. Like a picture. But she wasn't bright and cheerful. At that moment, she was grim and depressed. Jabalah knew why probably. Heraclius stood up and went to greet him.
"Jabalah, my friend, I am glad to see you. Come sit with me. Would you care for a cup of wine?"
"Gladly, my Basileus. But, please, was it necessary to bring her here?" said Jabalah and gestured on the girl. Heraclius also turned around and looked at her. His expression stiffened.
"Yes. It was necessary for her to know who she will marry and whose wife will she be. So I brought her to hear the conclusions herself. Now, enlighten us, dear friend."
Jabalah was a bit anxious about it but proceeded without complains. He knew it must be hard for a girl to have her husband decided so early in her life, especially without her consent. When she comes of age, she was supposed to marry a man from different culture, of different religion and from different country. I must've been hard on her. Actually, now that he thought about it, he was a bit surprised by how Yazdegerd wasn't really opposed to the idea, even though he knew nothing of his future wife and Empress. It made a good impression on him. Even Jabalah thought the young princess wouldn't have it bad at Yazdegerd's court. Her sister, for example, was promised to G?ktürk ruler to secure their assistance against Persians, when they still fought against them. She would've had it much harder at G?ktürk court, weren't it for the news that her husband died, thus breaking the marriage.
"Very well, my Basileus. Yazdegerd III., Shahanshah of Iran and Aniran responded to your offers positively. He seeks to cooperate and ally with our nation, furthering our mutual interests. He also agreed to your proposal of marrying off princess Roxane to him."
When mentioning her name, girl, Roxane, stiffened herself and looked in the direction of Jabalah. He felt her gaze but didn't mind it. Dice had been cast and fate of this young girl was sealed. Such was a life of basically every girl of noble blood – to be married off for political purposes.
"That's it? Any report or further information?"
"Persian Emperor gave me a letter citing "for your hands only." Here it is."
As he said that, he took out the rolled letter, still sealed as a proof no one opened it yet. He handed it to Basileus, who took it from him and promptly opened it. Then he read its contents. His face didn't change a bit, but the aura around him did.
"Is he really a nine-year-old?" asked Heraclius a bit reluctantly. Jabalah was instantly interested in what was written in the letter.
"I too don't know, my Basileus. When negotiating, he completely stole my every chance of gaining upper hand and eventually it was me who was played by him."
Jabalah completely understood what was Heraclius thinking. He also felt it – that mature atmosphere that surrounded the young Shah. He was completely overwhelmed by the authority he emitted when he first met him. It was Shah's surroundings that made him to look dominating at that time – window shining on his back, thus not revealing his face. Elevated throne, making him to look inaccessible, almost divine. And his own very crown, that made him look taller and more powerful. All these little details combined, they formed an impenetrable atmosphere of a domineering ruler around him. And Jabalah understood it very well.
"My dear Roxane, I think you will be in good hands with this young boy. I sure think you'll be."
Roxane was looking a bit perplexed by what her father said, but he didn't elaborate. He simply took the letter, rolled it again and gave it to Jabalah.
"Dispose of this. And you may go. I need to digest it all."
Jabalah was led by Basileus' servants yet again into a room that was assigned to him. Once he was inside and had privacy, he couldn't hold on his curiosity. He opened the letter.
"Heraclius, Emperor of Romans, I am happy you about your offers. I wish our countries will cooperate with a goal of pulling our Empires out of the after-war situation we were pulled into by our predecessors. I have but a one request to make. We, and surely even you, have got the reports of Arabs maneuvering around our borders. But fear not. According to our intel, which validity I guarantee myself, Arabs are preparing an invasion into Persian lands first. They aren't really secretive about it either. So, the request is – don't send your armies until I personally ask. I know it is a selfish request, but a necessary one.
And I also thank you for offering your daughters hand to me, even if as a means of forging the alliance. I believe you have already been told about my answer, but I'll say it here again. I graciously accept. I shall arrange a meeting with her when the time comes – in a few years. Until then, make sure she takes care of herself and make sure she arrives in her full beauty. If I will not be charmed by her when I meet her, I will consider it that your envoy lied to me. And if that would be the case, have his head cut off.
Sincerely,
Yazdegerd III., Shahanshah of Iran and Aniran."
Jabalah suddenly had to worry about his life much more than before.