Chapter 76: What future holds for us
The next day, Rostam came into Yazdegerd's office upon his personal invitation. He found Yazdegerd already sitting behind his table, drinking wine from a cup. On the other side of the table sat another man – Farrukhzad. They were chatting and drinking from the two jugs of wine they had on the table. After they noticed him, Farrukhzad called out to him.
"Hello there, brother. Come join us! Sit down!"
Rostam hastily accepted the invitation as he sat down and downed an entire cup of wine. Then he poured another one.
"Rostam, I need you to think rationally today so calm down, alright?" said Yazdegerd jokingly. Rostam laughed.
"Of course. Is this about yesterday?" asked Rostam, even though he pretty much knew it was.
"Naturally. I heard from Piruz that you talked with him. Good job. We need to have someone close to the border to report what is actually happening there. Also, I ordered to have garrisons of larger settlements on the eastern border bolstered, so they can defend themselves in case of an attack."
Rostam was listening to Yazdegerd intently, absorbing every word he said. Meanwhile, Farrukhzad was wine sipping from his cup.
"I think this and Piruz' arrival to the vicinity should help mitigate any possible threats. Any other suggestions you might have?" asked Yazdegerd. Rostam looked like he is deep in thought, while Farrukhzad simply continued sipping his wine. After a brief moment, Rostam spoke.
"I have thought about sending an emissary to the Chacha Empire. Let us show them that we do not wish to fight them, and perhaps negotiate a truce, instead of only bolstering our borders in silence."
Farrukhzad stopped sipping his wine, since they were entering field in which he had expertise. He held his hand up
"I would volunteer for this, my Shahanshah. I believe my brother to be correct, that we should show them our good will and arrange a negotiation. It's much better than to live in fear of war constantly." The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.
Yazdegerd looked at both of them, then his eyes stopped at Farrukhzad.
"Farrukhzad, my friend, from the moment Rostam spoke about an emissary, I knew you would be perfect for that role. If you are so excited, you can ride with Piruz to the border, then continue with a small retinue into the Chacha territory, or however you arrange it. I will put my trust in you."
"Your Highness, what an unexpected visit. What might you need? We are in the middle of a lesson." Said Adonis with a smile.
"I would like to speak with my daughter. Could you finish today's lesson early today?" asked Heraclius. Even though it sounded like a request, Adonis knew he can't really decline.
"Of course we can. But please, I beg of you, talk some sense into her. Lately, it's as if she is in clouds. I can't teach her when she doesn't concentrate. Don't you know what happened to her?" Said Adonis, pleading. Heraclius smiled.
"I do. She was charmed." Said Heraclius, still smiling.
He left the room together with Roxane, and they went towards his chambers, talking about this and that. When they reached their destination, they sat down and made themselves comfortable. Heraclius then smiled and patted Roxane on her head.
"What was sir Adonis talking about, my dear? What is up with you? You never had issues with concentration. What happened?" asked Heraclius. Roxane remained silent and appeared to try to hide her face.
"Did you perhaps hear rumours of a certain someone arriving here to visit us in the upcoming weeks?" asked Heraclius devilishly. Judging by her reaction, he hit a bullseye.
"Is it true then?" burst Roxane out, before realizing how embarrassing what she said was, painting her cheeks red. "Will he really come?" she continued, this time more silent and meek.
Heraclius wanted to hug her immediately, for he saw her behaviour extremely cute. But he restrained himself.
"Yes, it is true. He sent me a letter informing me of his intent. By the way, do you remember how you made me promise you that should you not like him, I would break the engagement off?" asked Heraclius with a soft smile. Roxane looked at him, embarrassed.
"Yes." She said, as quiet as she was.
"And? Now that you've seen him and had the time to think about it, do you wish to proceed with this request?" continued Heraclius.
"No." she said, this time very softly.
---
Thank you for reading! Sorry for the pause, I had to take one. I wasn't able to write and couldn't come up with ideas. Guess I still am burnt out a bit, but I am trying to write as much as I can. Sadly, it's not as easy as it used to be.