Chapter 36

The Council Chamber of the Palace of Blachernae was unusually silent, its lofty stone walls amplifying the soft crackle of flames in the hearth. Shadows danced across faded images depicting imperial triumphs of a bygone age—battles fought and won, alliances forged, and emperors crowned. Once vibrant with crimson and gold, the images had dulled over centuries, much like the empire itself. The faint scent of burning wood mixed with the tang of old parchment and beeswax candles, grounding the room in an air of antiquity and solemn purpose.

The Palace, perched on the northwestern slopes of Constantinople, was a testament to the shifting tides of Byzantine/Roman history. Once a peripheral residence, it had become the seat of imperial power since the days of Alexios I Komnenos, its fortifications expanded to merge with the mighty Theodosian Walls. The palace's strategic location near the Golden Horn offered protection and swift access to the Marian shrine of the Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, where emperors often sought divine guidance.

Emperor John VIII Palaiologos stood at the head of the long oak table, his robes of deep crimson and gold pooling around him like the tide of an ebbing empire. His hand gripped a letter, the parchment crinkling slightly under his fingers, while the other rested on the edge of a map spread across the table. The map, annotated with faded ink and a scattering of lead figurines, detailed the sprawling Morea—the fractured, contested heartland of Byzantine control.

To his right stood Demetrios Palaiologos Kantakouzenos, his chief advisor and trusted mesazon. The lines on his face seemed etched as much by the weight of empire as by age, his keen eyes scanning the emperor's expression for any sign of hesitation. Clad in a dark, high-collared robe adorned with subtle embroidery of the double-headed eagle, Demetrios radiated quiet authority, his hands clasped behind his back in a gesture of restraint.

At the emperor's left stood Joseph II, the venerable Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. His flowing robes of white and gold shimmered faintly in the firelight, a stark contrast to his austere expression. The patriarch's long beard, streaked with silver, brushed against his chest as he inclined his head slightly, his presence a steadying force amidst the uncertainty. His staff, crowned with an ornate cross, rested against the table, its polished surface catching the light like a celestial beacon.

The chamber's high-arched windows were shrouded by heavy, faded draperies, blocking the encroaching chill of the winds outside. Only the faint howl of the breeze penetrated the stillness, its mournful sound a distant reminder of the storm gathering at Byzantium's gates.

The emperor's sharp intake of breath broke the silence, drawing the advisors' attention fully to him. His eyes—shadowed by sleepless nights—moved between the letter in his hand and the map before him. The weight of the empire seemed etched into his furrowed brow, the corners of his mouth pulling downward in a reflection of the burdens he bore. The candlelight caught the faint threads of gray in his hair, lending him an air of both dignity and weariness.

Demetrios shifted slightly, his leather boots brushing against the stone floor. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice measured and calm, "shall we begin?"

Joseph II, ever patient, inclined his head in a subtle gesture of encouragement. "The news you bring will guide us, Your Majesty," he intoned, his voice deep and steady, like a bell tolling in a cathedral.

For a moment, John VIII remained silent, his fingers tapping lightly against the map. The distant echoes of the empire's glory seemed to linger in the room, a stark contrast to the fragile present. Finally, he spoke, his voice a blend of pride, resolve, and underlying tension.

"The letters from the Morea bring tidings of both triumph and turmoil," he began, his words carrying the weight of both the moment and the centuries of history that preceded it.

John cleared his throat and continued, "Constantine has won a great victory against Turahan Bey. His forces repelled the Ottoman raid decisively."

A murmur of approval rippled through the room, though John held up a hand to quiet them. His lips curved into a rare smile. "He utilized cannons that played a pivotal role in the battle. He speaks highly of their effectiveness."

"Cannons?" Joseph asked, his voice tinged with cautious interest. "Those are costly and difficult to maintain. How did Constantine acquire them?"

"Likely Venetian craftsmen," John replied, his tone contemplative. "Or perhaps Genoese. Either way, they proved their worth. Imagine what such devices could do here, on the walls of Constantinople." He gestured toward the map, his fingers tracing the outline of the city's formidable defenses. "The thought of cannon fire supplementing our walls... it gives me hope."

He paused, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It seems Constantine's venture into book sales has been more lucrative than I anticipated. Clearly, he's managed to amass enough gold to acquire such weapons—and wisely, it seems." His expression grew serious again as his gaze returned to the map. "Perhaps we could learn from his example. Gold, after all, can sometimes build what faith alone cannot."

Demetrios leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "If the Ottomans know of Constantine's victory, they may redouble their efforts against him—or even us. Turahan Bey's defeat will not go unanswered."

John nodded, his smile fading. "Indeed. That is why we must tread carefully. But Constantine has shown ingenuity. This victory reminds us that we are not powerless."

The patriarch inclined his head, his tone measured yet tinged with concern. "A victory against the Ottomans is a blessing," he said, "but troubling rumors have reached me—whispers of an attack on Mystras, led by Constantine. Do the letters speak to such matters? Turahan's forces are not the only challenge in the Morea."

The emperor's expression darkened, his hand tightening on the edge of the table as he set the letter aside. Reaching for another piece of parchment, he spoke gravely. "Yes, it's true; there is discord among my brothers. Constantine writes of treachery. He accuses Theodore of orchestrating an ambush—an attempted assassination."

Gasps erupted from the two men before him. "An ambush?" Demetrios echoed. "Do we have details?"

"Scant," John admitted. "The ambush occurred on Constantine's journey back to Glarentza after attending Thomas's wedding. It was a failure, but not without cost. In response, Constantine first turned his forces against Turahan Bey, repelling the Ottoman raid with a decisive victory. Bolstered by this success, he then marched on Mystras, seeking to unseat Theodore."

"And the result?" Joseph asked cautiously.

John's tone grew heavy. "The attack faltered. Mystras remains intact, its walls strong, and Theodore entrenched. Constantine withdraws, but not without damage to his reputation—and mine." He glanced at the letter again, his jaw tightening. "Meanwhile, Thomas seems aligned with Constantine."

Joseph's face was a mask of measured concern. "This is dangerous, Your Majesty. If the Morea descends into chaos and civil war, it invites the Ottomans to exploit the discord."

"I know," John snapped, then softened his tone. "But this feud is not easily resolved. Constantine claims Theodore provoked him, and the ambush lends credence to his words. Yet Theodore is adamant that Constantine's aggression is unjustified."

Demetrios frowned, leaning forward slightly. "How sure are we that Theodore is truly behind this ambush?"

"It's the word of Constantine against Theodore," John replied, his voice steady, though his expression betrayed his inner conflict. "However, I am inclined to believe Constantine. He would not resort to such measures without provocation. Besides, Theodore's opposition to my plans for unification with the Latins is well known."

Demetrios leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "If Constantine has shown strength against the Ottomans, we must not alienate him. He is proving to be a capable defender of our lands. Yet Theodore controls Mystras, the heart of the Morea. His defiance cannot be ignored."

"Theodore's defiance is rooted in fear," John mused. "Fear of Constantine's growing influence—and perhaps fear of me. The brothers know I will not tolerate betrayal, but their actions test my resolve."

Joseph's voice was steady, almost soothing. "Your Majesty, the Church would urge reconciliation. Command your brothers to cease their hostilities. Summon them to Constantinople if need be."

John shook his head. "Bringing them here would strip the Morea of leadership. I cannot risk leaving those lands ungoverned. And yet, I must intervene—decisively."

Demetrios gestured toward the map. "Could you compel Theodore to yield? Offer him an alternative role, perhaps in Selymbria, where his ambitions might be tempered by proximity to your court?"

John's eyes narrowed as he considered the suggestion. "A clever thought. Constantine remains in the Morea, a proven defender, while Theodore—removed from the conflict—could serve a purpose here."

"And Thomas?" Joseph pressed.

John sighed. "Thomas's allegiance is solid. He may prove a useful counterbalance if Constantine becomes too bold."

The room fell into a brief silence, the weight of the emperor's decision hanging thick in the air. John broke it with a sigh, his gaze momentarily drifting to the map of the Morea. "You were all aware of my plans to visit the Morea this year," he began, his tone heavy with regret. "To see my brothers and address these issues directly. But with the heavy presence of Ottoman ships in the Hellespont, those plans are no longer feasible. Such a journey would be far too risky. Even letters must now pass through Venetian traders, and every step carries a cost."

Demetrios inclined his head in understanding. "A prudent decision, Majesty. The risk is too great."

Finally, John straightened, his expression resolute. "Draft my responses. To Constantine, I will commend his victory and remind him that his loyalty to the empire must supersede his quarrels. To Theodore, I will make it clear—he will be removed from Mystras and reassigned as governor of Selymbria. This will remove him from the heart of the conflict while giving him a role to serve the empire directly under my oversight."

Demetrios nodded. "Wise, Majesty. Shall I prepare an envoy to carry your words?"

"Yes," John replied. "And ensure they move quickly. This discord must not fester."

As the advisors departed to carry out his orders, John remained by the table, his gaze fixed on the flickering candlelight. The triumph over Turahan Bey should have been a moment of unbridled pride, but the shadow of fratricide darkened it. His empire's salvation depended not only on victories against the Ottomans but on quelling the turmoil within his own bloodline.

A single oil lamp burned low in the chamber, its orange glow revealing more shadows than light along the old stone walls. There was a studied austerity about the room, as though each object—icons of saints, a worn prayer book, a gilded frame housing the Virgin Mary—had been curated to speak quietly of both faith and fragility. The residual grandeur of Blachernae lingered but did not intrude. Here, it seemed, one might speak truths better left unsaid in the polished corridors of power.

Seated by the window, the dowager empress—once Helena Dragaš, now Sister Hypomone to those who cared to observe her monastic vow—held her beads in a manner that suggested more habit than piety. She was veiled in black, her face marked by a lifetime of cautionary triumphs and solemn retreats. Still, for all the sober dignity of her station, something maternal remained, unguarded, in her eyes.

The door opened with a hush, and John VIII slipped in. He paused as though the crossing of a threshold required permission. Emperor or not, he stood before his mother like a boy who'd mislaid his confidence. Helena's gaze acknowledged him with a measured softness.

"Come, John," she said, her tone as gentle as the flicker of the lamp. "You look like a man burdened by a legion of cares."

He moved closer, cloak of crimson and gold trailing on worn stones. He settled on the low stool opposite her, the formalities of his imperial station reduced to a quiet slump of shoulders. For a moment, neither spoke, both content to watch the lamp's unsteady dance.

"News from the Morea," he finally said, resigned. "It's a mixed bag—victory and venom bound together. My brothers, Constantine and Theodore—" He stopped short, as if confiding in his mother might betray an imperial duty to keep suspicions private. Yet he continued. "They're at odds again, Mother. Badly so."

She listened in practiced silence as he recounted troop movements and ambushes, suspicious loyalties, and the creeping dread that threatened his lines of communication. He spoke of Ottoman ships crowding the Hellespont, of Venetian couriers demanding high risk fees, of a personal trip to the Morea—one he would not take, not safely. In short, of a fracturing family that might well crack the empire.

Helena let her eyelids close against the gloom. Her beads rustled as she tightened her hold on them. When she looked at John again, the weariness in her was matched by a certain unyielding compassion. "An empire can survive many things, John," she said, voice quiet. "But bloodshed between brothers? That's a cut that never truly heals."

He gave a nod, laced with frustration. "Constantine wins battles, but he's prone to letting success go to his head. Theodore sulks in Mystras, stirring trouble like a cook adding too much spice to the broth. I can't afford to have them at each other's throats."

There was a beat of silence that felt almost conspiratorial. Helena's steady gaze took him in. "Constantine is the sword arm of this family. He has a taste for danger—he always has. Theodore, on the other hand, hesitates, calculates. It's fear, mostly, though with him it's often disguised as ambition."

John's mouth pressed into a thin line. "He might even fear me."

"That, too," Helena said with a tiny lift of her brow. "Fear is easy to stoke, harder to extinguish. If you cannot go there in person, you must find a way to be present by proxy. Compromise is still on the table, however distasteful they find it."

He cleared his throat, shifting on the stool. "Kantakouzenos proposed removing Theodore from the Morea. Appoint him governor of Selymbria—draw him closer to me, let Constantine manage the Morea alone."

She weighed the words as if they were delicate goods in a contraband deal. "Clever. It gives Theodore proximity to your seat of power, a sense of prestige. Far enough from Constantine's domain to cool tensions. And Constantine?" She gave a mild shrug. "His best self emerges when he has a fortress to defend."

John watched her carefully. "He's done well against the Ottomans. He fights wholeheartedly, but sometimes I wonder if he sees the empire's precarious position clearly. He can be... aggressive."

Helena placed her hand lightly on his arm, as if cautioning him not to speak too freely. "He's proved his worth. Remember Italy? You trusted him then, trust him now. But guide him, John, or he will set half the world alight in your name. As for Theodore—if you dress up Selymbria as a promotion, he may accept it without further rancor."

A tight sigh escaped John's lips, a signal of fleeting relief. "And Thomas?"

The corners of Helena's mouth curved in a faint, knowing smile. "Thomas is the boy who wants to run before he can walk. He wants your approval, and Constantine's. He's more impetuous than malicious. Keep him in the Morea, give him responsibilities with clear purpose. He needs to feel valued rather than relegated, or he'll search for meaning in all the wrong alliances."

John studied her, feeling a trace of warmth in his chest—an emotion dangerously close to hope. "You make it sound achievable."

She offered him a level look. "Achievable? Perhaps. But you're juggling dragons here, John. You're not simply their brother; you're their emperor. You may claim to rule them with a crown, but they'll sense every flicker of doubt in your heart. Show them none, and they will follow."

Slowly, John rose. In his posture, Helena could see the faint outline of the boy he had been, overshadowed now by the man he was forced to become. "Mother," he said, voice subdued by gratitude, "I see now why Father turned to you so often. Thank you."

Helena inclined her head. "Write to them. Use all the authority of your station and all the sincerity of your blood. And pray," she added, with a touch of regret. "For them, for you, for all of us. I'll write, too. Sometimes a mother's plea finds a gentler path than an emperor's command."

John bent to kiss her hand and withdrew. When the door shut behind him, the hush seemed to deepen. Helena resumed her prayer beads, letting the lamplight play across the icon's gilded edges. In that dim chamber, she prayed not with saintly serenity but with the taut, unspoken vigilance of one who knows how precariously an empire—even a family—can tilt toward ruin if the right word is not spoken in time.