ARESIA: Fall of an empire

CHAPTER FOUR: PLAY DATE

Early in the morning, Dante was awakened by a loud knock on the door. He turned to where Iris typically slept, but she was absent. The only other presence in the bed was Phílos, still soundly asleep.

Dante, his voice heavy with sleep and concern, called out, "Come in." The door opened to reveal Phílos' nanny, Zuri, standing in the doorway.

Zuri, the nanny who had been with Phílos since his birth, dipped her head in a respectful curtsey. "Good morning, My Lord," she said quietly, her voice always calm and comforting.

Dante, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, nodded in acknowledgment. "Good morning, Zuri. Is everything alright?"

Zuri, speaking softly, informed Dante of Iris' request, "The empress has instructed me to collect Prince Phílos for his morning bath."

Dante nodded, understanding the usual routine, and sat up in bed. "Ah, I see. Very well, take him."

Zuri, acknowledging Dante's response, moved forward into the room and gently picked up the sleeping Phílos, lifting him with care and experience. The little prince stirred slightly but did not wake, accustomed to being transferred by Zuri at this hour each day.

Dante, curious about his wife's whereabouts, questioned, "Where is the empress?"

Zuri, with her characteristic calm demeanor, answered, "She's currently in the throne room, along with Princess Calliope and the Grand Empress."

Dante, glancing at Phílos in Zuri's arms, spoke with a fatherly yet authoritative tone, "Alright, you can put Phílos down on his feet now. He's big enough."

Zuri, carefully setting Phílos on his feet as instructed, released the sleepy prince, who wobbled slightly but managed to stand up, half-asleep.

As Phílos stood on wobbly legs, rubbing his eyes and yawning, Dante couldn't help but smile at his sleepy son. He took in the sight of Phílos, still in his nightclothes, his hair messy from sleep.

Zuri, taking Phílos by the hand and guiding him, quietly led him out of the room. The little prince, still groggy from sleep, followed obediently, occasionally looking back at Dante before exiting the room.

Dante, preparing to settle back into the sheets for a moment of quiet reflection, was interrupted by another knock on the door. He sat up with a sigh, calling out, "Come in."

Cyrus, his voice respectful, entered the room and greeted Dante with a polite bow. "Morning, My Lord."

Dante nodded to acknowledge Cyrus, sitting up slightly in bed. "Good morning, Cyrus. What brings you here so early?"

Cyrus, his tone grave and serious, informed Dante of the council's request. "Your presence at the Council Hall is required, My Lord."

Dante, sensing the urgency in Cyrus' voice, sat up straight in bed. "The Council Hall, you say? What's going on?"

As Cyrus bowed and left the room without another word, Dante couldn't help but feel puzzled. Cyrus was usually talkative and forthcoming; this abrupt departure without any additional information was unexpected.

Dante shook his head, a mixture of concern and curiosity coursing through him as he began preparing himself to face yet another meeting with the council.

After freshening up, Dante donned his regal attire, completing his transformation from weary father to formidable emperor. Taking a deep breath to center himself, he steeled his heart for whatever challenges awaited him in the council hall.

With a determined stride, Dante made his way out of his chambers and traversed the grand halls until he reached the Council Hall, his mind focused and his expression resolute

Dante, crossing the threshold of the Council Hall, found his mother and Iris seated with the councilors and Cyrus standing beside Leonitus, the Council Head Consul. His eyes swept across the gathering, noting the serious expressions on the councilors' faces.

The atmosphere in the hall was tense, and all eyes turned to Dante as he entered.

Dante, his voice clear and commanding, began the discussion with a firm tone. "What brings about this meeting? What matters are so urgent that the council has summoned me this early in the day?"

Leonitus, the Council Head Consul, met Dante's gaze with a serious expression, his voice steady. "My Lord, we have a matter of great importance that we must discuss with you."

The Grand Empress, her voice firm and authoritative, cut off Leonitus mid-sentence. "Let me speak."

The room fell silent for a moment, everyone waiting for the Empress to continue. Dante shifted in his seat, his eyes locked on his mother, anticipation growing as she prepared to address the council.

The Grand Empress, in a surprising display of anger, rose from her seat with a swiftness that shocked the room. Without a word, she crossed the distance between them and slapped Dante, the sound echoing in the stunned silence of the Council Hall.

Dante, caught off guard by the unexpected blow, staggered back a step, his cheek stinging and his eyes wide with shock and confusion.

The councilors, caught off guard by the unexpected act of violence, murmured among themselves, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief. Some looked away, unable to meet the Grand Empress' gaze, while others exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain of what to make of the scene that had just unfolded.

Dante, his voice rising with anger, faced his mother head-on. "Mother, I am the emperor! I will not tolerate being treated like a child in front of my subjects."

The room held its breath, the councilors watching the unexpected exchange with a mixture of shock and intrigue. The Grand Empress, her expression unwavering, met her son's gaze with equal intensity.

The Grand Empress, her voice firm and unyielding, retorted, "Oh yes, you might be the emperor, but I am the grand empress and your mother. I will treat you as I see fit."

Dante, his anger coursing through him, clenched his fists at his sides, struggling to control his own temper in front of the council.

Dante, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and confusion, demanded, "Why did you slap me, Mother? What justified such an act?"

The Grand Empress met his gaze, her expression still stern, though there was a flicker of regret in her eyes.

"It was a necessary reminder," she replied coolly, her voice carrying a hint of authority. "You have been too complacent, a trait unbecoming of an emperor."

The Grand Empress, her voice cutting through the air, continued. "Iris informed us about the impending war with the barbarians, and how you knew all along but chose to remain silent for six years. What do you have to say for yourself?"

Dante, his expression hardening, met his mother's gaze with a mixture of anger and guilt.

"I did what I thought was best," Dante replied, his voice firm but tinged with the weight of his actions. "I believed silence would prevent panic and unnecessary conflict."

The Grand Empress, her tone stern and disapproving, retorted, "But look where it got us, Dante. Silence has led to this dire situation. We are now facing a war that you failed to prevent."

The Grand Empress, her disappointment directed towards Cyrus, addressed him with a sharp tone. "Cyrus, you're twelve years older than Dante. Shouldn't you have known better?"

Cyrus swallowed hard, his face a mask of guilt and shame, as he tried to find the right words.

The Grand Empress, her voice carrying an air of finality, announced, "Cyrus, I hereby relieve you of your duties as the palace's personal guard. Your service will end after the war."

Cyrus's shoulders slumped, the weight of his failure and the loss of his position weighing heavily on him.

Dante, his voice now a mix of anger and determination, interjected. "Mother, you cannot dismiss Cyrus from his duties."

The Grand Empress, taken aback by Dante's assertion, turned to face him. "And why not?" she asked, her tone unwavering.

The Grand Empress, her voice stern and authoritative, asserted, "I hold power over you, Dante. I am the grand empress, and my word is final."

Though Dante wanted to protest, the weight of his mother's words and position made him hesitate.

The Grand Empress, her tone unyielding, added, "And after the war, I will have you suspended from the throne for seventeen days. Perhaps that will give you time to reflect on your lack of responsibility."

Dante's eyes widened in shock and anger, but he swallowed his words, biting back his retort.

The councilors exchanged glances, some shocked by the grand empress's words, others appearing sympathetic to Dante's situation. The tension in the room was palpable as the power struggle between mother and son played out before their eyes.

The Grand Empress, her voice carrying a subtle tone of disappointment, spoke as she moved toward the door, flanked by two guards. "Your father would be disappointed in you, Dante. You are not living up to the legacy he would have wanted for his son."

Dante stood frozen, his hands clenched at his sides, as he watched his mother leave the Council Hall, the two guards following close behind her.

Iris, trying to offer comfort, approached Dante, calling out, "My love..."

But Dante, still bristling with anger and frustration, swatted her hands away. "Don't," he said coldly, his voice carrying a sharp edge.

Iris looked shocked, hurt by his rejection. She reached out again, hoping to touch him, to bridge the growing distance between them. "Please, Dante..." she pleaded.

But Dante shook his head, his jaw clenched tight. "Leave me alone," he muttered, and with a heavy heart, he walked away.

Consul Leotinus, addressing the remaining council members, spoke up. "This gathering is dismissed," he said, his firm voice signaling the end of the meeting.

The councilors slowly rose from their seats, some whispering among themselves as they made their way out of the Hall.

As the others left, Cyrus glanced at Iris, his expression a mix of sadness and resignation. Without saying a word, he turned and walked away, leaving her standing alone in the now-empty Council Hall.

Meanwhile, Consul Leotinus approached the throne room and found Dante deep in thought, sitting on the throne.

Leotinus, his voice soft but respectful, spoke up. "My Lord, may I have a word?"

Dante, his tone short and to-the-point, responded, "Speak and make haste."

Leotinus nodded, understanding the urgency in Dante's words, and began, "My Lord, the Council has concerns regarding the upcoming war..."

Leotinus, his tone growing grave, continued, "The war is tomorrow, and with the distraction caused by the drama earlier, we were unable to discuss the necessary preparations."

Dante, his resolve strengthening, responded, "You're right. I'll confer with Commander Elgin. The soldiers will begin preparing for battle."

Consul Leotinus, concern etched on his face, added, "But my lord, we are outnumbered. The barbarians have a force of 700,000 whereas our army only numbers 360,000. How do you envision us emerging victorious?"

Dante, his voice firm with determination, declared, "We will fight. I will lead the battle."

Leotinus, shocked by the announcement, protested. "But, my lord-"

Dante, cutting Leotinus off, insisted, "No buts. This is my decision. I will lead our troops into battle."

Leotinus hesitated, reluctant to argue further, but he had one last concern. "My lord, with all due respect, the emperor taking the front lines in battle is extremely dangerous. Shouldn't we consider the risk to your life as our leader?"

Leotinus, sensing the finality in Dante's words, nodded and bowed. "As you wish, my lord," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment and concern. He left the throne room, leaving Dante alone with his thoughts and preparation for the impending battle.

Dante sat on the throne, his mind racing as he prepared for the forthcoming conflict. Despite the uncertainty that loomed, he was resolute in his decision to lead his troops into battle and protect his kingdom at any cost.

Phílos, his childish energy boundless, burst into the throne room, his voice filled with excitement as he called out, "Father, father!"

The little prince's vibrant presence added a touch of warmth to the usually solemn throne room, and Dante's gaze softened as he saw his son running towards him.

Phílos, his voice filled with childish exuberance, greeted his father with a cheerful "Good morning, father."

Dante, his stoic demeanor softening, smiled at his son's energetic greeting. "Good morning, my little prince," he replied, his voice tinged with affection.

Phílos, his excitement growing, reminded Dante, "Father, remember you promised me you were going to bring River into the castle."

Dante, his mind briefly taken away from the upcoming battle, recalled the promise he had made to his son. "Ah, yes," he said, his eyes flickering with a touch of guilt. "I did indeed promise that to you, didn't I?"

Phílos nodded eagerly, his eyes wide with anticipation. "Yes, you did!" he said, his voice quivering with excitement.

Dante, his mind momentarily torn between the coming conflict and his son's happiness, sighed. "Yes, I did promise," he repeated, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation.

Dante, turning to one of his guards, bellowed, "Hmmm! Guard!"

The guard, instantly alert, snapped to attention at the emperor's command. "Yes, my lord?"

Dante, addressing the guard with clear instructions, said, "Go to the market, find Perseus the apple merchant. Ask him about the home of River, and seek her parents' permission if she can come play with Prince Phílos at the palace."

The guard, understanding the errand, nodded and swiftly responded. "Yes, my lord. I will carry out your orders."

The guard, determined to fulfil the emperor's request, bowed and quickly left the throne room, determined to carry out the errand.

Dante, turning his attention back to his son, offered a reassuring smile. "Phílos, I have sent a guard to find River and ask her parents if she can come play with us at the castle. Let's hope they agree."

Dante, a reassuring smile on his face, remarked, "You hear that, Phílos? River will be here soon."

Phílos, his eyes wide with excitement, bounced on his toes, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Really, father?" he asked, his voice filled with hope.

Dante's reply was simple but sincere. "Yes, really," he said, his hand ruffling Phílos' hair affectionately.

Phílos, unable to contain his joy, bounced up and down once again, his smile reaching from ear to ear. "Really" he repeated, his voice filled with both disbelief and unbridled excitement.

The guard, now at the market, approached the apple stall and addressed the man behind the stand. "Are you Perseus?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of authority.

Perseus, who was busying himself with his apples, looked up at the guard. "Yes, I am. Can I help you?"

The guard, getting straight to the point, asked, "Point me in the direction of the house of River."

Perseus, recognizing the urgency in the guard's voice, quickly responded with a nod. "Ah, River's house. Just go down this road, take the second left and you'll see a small stone building on your right. Can't miss it."

Perseus, having given the guard the directions he needed, watched him mount his horse and ride away. The guard, grateful for the information, thanked Perseus before setting off down the path toward River's house.

The guard, arriving at the small stone house, knocked on the door and waited for someone to answer. A moment later, a young woman opened the door, her face curious yet polite. "May I help you?" she asked.

The guard, his voice respectful, inquired, "Is this the house of River?"

The young woman, puzzled by the guard's question, nodded. "Yes, it is. May I ask why you're asking?"

The guard, seeking confirmation, asked, "Are you her mother?"

The woman, surprised by the guard's question, hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes, I am. Is there something you need?"

The guard, conveying the emperor's request, explained, "The emperor requests that River come play with Prince Phílos at the palace. They're friends and he'd like her company."

The woman, surprised but curious, asked, "The emperor himself requested this?"

The guard, confirming the woman's question, replied, "Yes, the emperor himself requested it."

The woman, a mixture of intrigue and concern on her face, hesitated for a moment before speaking. "May I inquire as to why the emperor specifically desires River's presence at the palace?"

The guard, clarifying the emperor's intentions, explained, "Prince Phílos desires her presence at the palace to play."

The woman called out, "River, come out, dear."

A young girl, River, emerged from the house, her eyes wide and curious. "Yes, Mother?" she asked, her voice filled with innocence.

The woman, directing her question to River, asked sweetly, "Do you know the prince, dear?"

River, her head tilted slightly, nodded. "Yes, I do. Prince Phílos."

River, her voice soft and sincere, added, "We met at the market yesterday. He was very kind to me."

River's eyes widened in excitement as her mother asked, "Well, he requested you come play with him at the palace. Would you like to go?"

River, hardly containing her excitement, nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I would! Can I, Mother?

The woman's tone was warm and loving as she responded, "Yes, of course, my love. But be careful and mindful of your manners."

River, her enthusiasm growing, nodded in agreement. "I will!" she promised, her voice laced with anticipation.

River, a mix of excitement and nervousness, followed the guard with her mother's blessing. The guard, scooping River up and placing her on the horse, soon mounted himself and took hold of the reins. With a gentle nudge, the horse set off at a steady pace towards the palace, River's heart racing with anticipation.

The woman bid farewell, calling out, "Bye, River. Be safe!"

River, her voice filled with excitement, responded, "Bye, Mother! I'll be back when the sixth bell rings!"

The horse, with the guard and River in tow, galloped down the path, disappearing from view. River, holding onto the horse with excitement, gazed back at her home until it faded away into the distance.

River, with wide eyes, took in the imposing structure of the palace as the horse drew closer. At the entrance, Prince Phílos and his father Dante stood waiting to welcome her. As the horse came to a halt, Phílos rushed forward, his face beaming with excitement.

Phílos, his voice filled with eagerness, called out, "River! You're here!"

River, still somewhat shy in the presence of the emperor, managed a modest bow. "Good day, Emperor Dante and Prince Phílos," she said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of nervousness.

Phílos, his tone cheerful and carefree, reassured River. "You don't have to bow to me, we're friends now!"

Seizing River's hand, he eagerly tugged her along, exclaiming, "Come, let me show you my garden!"

Dante, his demeanor softening, couldn't help but smile as he watched Phílos pull River away, their laughter filling the air. The prince, with an eagerness that only a child could possess, dragged River towards the garden, his laughter mingling with hers as they disappeared into the garden's greenery.

Phílos, with a proud smile, announced as they entered the garden, "This is the garden! Isn't it beautiful?"

The lush greenery of the garden surrounded them, its vibrant colors and delicate smells creating a tranquil, serene atmosphere.

River, her eyes wide with wonder, gasped, "Wowwwww."

The beauty of the garden, with its myriad colors and fragrances, captivated her. She couldn't help but marvel at the serene and tranquil environment that surrounded them.

Phílos, noticing River's awe, beamed with pride, pleased that she appreciated the beauty that he loved. He turned to her, eager to show her even more. "Come, let me show you my favorite spot!"

Phílos, with a mischievous grin, led River to some dandelions. He playfully hit one, sending the delicate seed heads flying into the air.

River, intrigued yet slightly startled, watched as the seeds floated gracefully into the sky, fluttering gently like tiny parachutes.

Phílos, his voice filled with laughter, called out, "Come on, let's chase after them!"

River, giggling, joined in the chase. The duo darted through the garden, running after the fluttering seeds as they danced in the breeze, their laughter filling the air.

After some time, as their laughter subsided, Phílos and River collapsed onto the soft grass, both breathless and still giggling tiredly. They laid there, side by side, gasping for air between bursts of laughter.

Phílos, pointing out a group of small, blue flowers, spoke. "Look over there, those are forget-me-nots."

River, her eyes following his gesture, admired the beautiful blue blooms, their delicate petals clustered together in a cluster of azure perfection.

Phílos, his curiosity piqued, probed, "Do you know anything about them?"

River, her knowledge shining through, responded confidently, "Yes, I do!"

Phílos, a hint of admiration in his voice, remarked with gentle humor, "Wow, you're smarter than me!"

River, flattered but modest, chuckled softly, a touch of red on her cheeks.

Phílos, his childlike curiosity getting the better of him, inquired, "Why is your name River?"

River, smiling warmly at his innocent question, replied, "My mother named me after the river near our home."

Curiosity piqued, he followed up with, "I'm six, how old are you, River?"

River, not bothered by the age gap, responded with a grin, "I'm seven!"

Phílos, slightly surprised, commented with a hint of admiration, "Oh, you're older."

The revelation that River was a year older than him seemed to give her an added mystique in his childlike eyes.

Phílos, with playful challenge, declared, "Catch me if you can!" and promptly tagged River before sprinting off into the garden.

River, taking the bait, immediately gave chase, giggling as she tried to catch up to him. They dashed through the garden pathways, their laughter echoing amidst the foliage.

Consul Leotinus entered the training grounds, a scowl on his face, and shouted above the noise, "This is pointless!"

The training soldiers, startled by the sudden outburst, quickly ceased their exercises and stood at attention, their eyes fixed on the livid consul.

"You all are useless," Leotinus continued, his voice dripping with disappointment. "Even with all this training, what are the chances we'll win tomorrow? The barbarians have the upper hand with their numbers and tactics."

The soldiers were taken aback by the consul's harsh words, their morale visibly faltering. Despite their best preparations, doubt began to creep into their hearts.

Cyrus, fuming at Leotinus' words, snapped back, "Are you insane, Consul Leotinus?"

Leotinus' eyes hardened at the challenge, but he stood his ground. "No, I'm being realistic. Look at the odds against us. We're outnumbered, and our tactics have been the same for years. It's time for some honesty here," he retorted.

Commander Elgin, his voice firm, defended the soldiers. "You can't come here and break the soldiers' spirit, Consul Leotinus. They've been training tirelessly, and they need encouragement."

Leotinus rolled his eyes, dismissing their optimism. "Encouragement won't win the battle tomorrow. We need to face the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it is."

Cyrus, losing patience, shot back, "Why don't you shut up, Consul?"

Leotinus, his tone firm, fired back, "Know your place, Cyrus."

Commander Elgin, taking a stand, asserted, "Respect your place, Consul."

Leotinus glared at him, his patience wearing thin. "I am the consul, and I will speak as I see fit."

Cyrus, determined to protect the soldiers' morale, warned, "The emperor will have your tongue cut off if you speak ill of this. And I'll make sure I tell him if you utter another word."

Leotinus, taken aback by the threat, bit his tongue, keeping silent for the moment.

The tense exchange in the training grounds weighed heavy in the air as the soldiers stood in silence, their morale shaken. The consul's words and Cyrus' threat had disrupted the atmosphere, leaving the soldiers feeling uncertain and vulnerable.

Consul Leotinus, his expression a mix of anger and disdain, spat on the ground before dramatically swooping his robe in a gesture of defiance and strode off, his footsteps echoing into the distance.

Commander Elgin, shaking his head, remarked with a mixture of frustration and disappointment, "He doesn't know when to keep quiet, does he?"

The commander sighed, running a hand through his graying hair.

Cyrus, trying to salvage the situation, called out to the soldiers with determination. "Alright, back to training, lads!"

The soldiers, though shaken, slowly regained their focus and began to resume their training, trying to push Leotinus' words away from their minds.

Phílos and River, immersed in their play, were interrupted by the toll of the sixth bell. River looked up, her expression tinged with sadness, and said, "I have to go home."

Phílos, reluctant for their time together to end, pouted a bit but nodded understandingly.

Phílos, surprised by how quickly time had passed, exclaimed, "Is it already the sixteenth hour of the day?"

River, who had also lost track of time, nodded in agreement, a hint of disappointment in her expression.

Phílos, still reluctant to say goodbye, forced a smile. "Okay," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

Phílos, holding River's hand, approached one of the guards at the gate. With a sincere smile, he asked, "Please, would you ride my friend home?"

The soldier, surprised by the unexpected request, nodded and replied, "Of course, young prince."

Phílos, feeling a bit of sadness in his heart, hugged River tightly before reluctantly letting her go. As the guard lifted her onto the horse, Phílos waved, trying to hide his sadness.

"Bye, River," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

River, perched on the horse and preparing to leave, waved back, her own sad expression mirrored Phílos'.

The guard then mounted his horse and urged it forward, carrying River away from the palace. Phílos stood there, watching as they rode out of sight, his heart heavy with the disappointment of their brief time together ending too soon.