Chapter VII Matrimonium Politicum [Political Marriage]

"I want you to be my wife."

I looked shocked. As both Ragnar and Astrid go to draw their blades. I raised my hand in protest. "NO DRAWING WEAPONS! we are guests." I look at him. "You're shitting me. We're 20 solar rotations apart."

"I know Neapolia, but look at it this way. I spent 20 Years in the Legion. I have connections. Your Imperial Blood I'm a simple Pleb. We both have things to gain here."

Ragnar speaks up, "You can't. She's from Imperial Blood. This is an outrage and I won't stand for it." I ,now infuriated, look at Ragnar, "Speak for me again First Centurion and I'll have you flogged. You hear?" He recomposes himself. "As you wish, Domina" I look at him. "Fucking Gods." He states," Well I'm Chalcedonian but I will not even ask of you to convert, and you promised me a blank favor. This is my favor." I look at him.

I know I'm 16 and old enough to wed. Hell even expected to since I'm of Imperial Blood. I'm the Lowest of my house so my likely hood to get the lands is low, but my father declared me heir. Though my Siblings can contest. If I wish to continue to have a solid seat. I need a powerful Husband. He seems to have connections. I don't doubt it because he's 36 and has done 20 in the Legions, but I never expected to wed someone 20 Solar Rotations my Senior.

So I ask, "Kids?"

Astrid speaks up ,which is rare, "You can't be considering..."

"Hush, Astrid. I've given his favor. He's cashing it in. I will not tarnish my name if I can help it."

He speaks up ,"One, 14 Years of age. No, Shes 15."

I say, "Fuck. Matrilineal or not?"

He states, "You're born in the Purple. It's only right for it to be matrilineal"

"I will accept Engagement. In the end my Uncle and Father have to approve."

He smiles, "Well then let's go ask."

"If we have kids. Unless mine is daft. You daughter will not be heir. She will be heir until a child of mine is born"

He said, "That's not my intention"

I get up, "Then the deal is made. Your favor was cashed. Welcome to the CCCCLI Legio Europa, Prefectus Evocatus"

We all exit after he grabs his armour and make for the Imperial Palace. I requested an audience which was relatively immediately approved. As we walk in I take a knee so do my Companions (Minus the extra Praetorians). "My Uncle, I bring to you a proposal. I have recently been engaged to Prefectus Evocatus Decimus. And I'm wishing for your blessing." He looks at me blankly. "Rise all of you." He looks at Decimus. "What's the meaning of this ploy." He replies "No ploy... Your grace. Your Great Niece is beautiful, smart, cunning, witty, and talented. I only wish to help her maintain her Inheritance from her siblings whom may try to use their political might and connections to ostracize her from it. I have agreed to Matrilineal, and my daughter be heir only until we bear a child whom is not daft. I wish to take none of her titles or tarnish her name, but to protect the white eagle so she may grow." The Emperor looks clearly impressed.

He looks at me, "Great Niece, are you pressured into this wedding?" I reply, "Honestly Uncle. I offered him a favor for anything and this was his return. His claims may be true. My love for this man does not exist, but neither does my hate. His connections and experience can prove to be useful for the Imperial Court." My uncle ponders. "I will bless only if your father does so. Word is he has returned from his patrols against piracy in the asteoid Belt. He has returned to Roma. I was to meet with him after this, but I will summon him now to deal with the matter." He points to a Court Aide, "Go fetch Procuratores Centenarii Maximus Lucanius Quintillicus of XX Classis Neapolia." The aide rushes off.

We wait some 10 Minutes then my father walks in. He takes a knee and is told to rise. He sees me and my entourage then looks at his Uncle. "Imperator Ceaser. What have you summoned me for so early?"

"Your Daughter ,Maximus, wishes to marry Praefectus Evocatus Decimus." He says with a grin.

My father looks at us two, "Neapolia are you serious at this attempt at marriage?" I reply, "Yes Pater" He looks at Decimus, "Do you attempt to tarnish her name or vye for her titles?"

"No, Sir"

"Will you love her? Protect her to the best of your ability, and Honor her at every chance? Will you defend her person, possessions, honor and name?"

"Yes to them all, Sir"

He looks back at me with a slight look of worry. "Well Neapolia I will support it if you think this is a good call for you." I look at him, "I do Pater" (Father). The Emperor looks at all three of us and says, "Well... it's a risk, but I'll allow it. We will have the wedding in Half a Solar cycle from Today. Is that all Legatus Neapolia?"

"Yes your Grace"

"Then all but Procuratores Centenarii Quintillicus are dismissed"

Me and my entourage Leaves.