We return to Alphard, where matters take shape in the time of Aidan's absence.
Chapter 15: Dynasty
Mount Caelius,
Nova Roma, Alphard
Marian Hegemony
November 19th, 3011Marius barely deflected a vicious elbow strike aimed at his temple. His forearms stung from the impact, but he had no time to register the pain. Cassius, his personal defense trainer for the past two years, was already launching a knee toward his ribs.
Marius twisted, feeling the rush of air as the knee grazed past his side. He countered with a swift jab toward Cassius's jaw, but his coach weaved aside, the blow missing by a hair's breadth.
"You're hesitating," Cassius barked, his eyes fixed and unyielding. Built like a – as Posca has said – shit brick house, and gifted with lightning reflexes, the veteran was one of the best close-quarters fighters the Hegemony had birthed in the last generation.
Marius gritted his teeth, sweat dripping down his brow. He was under no illusions that he could truly beat the man. Despite his grit and efforts, the gulf would always be as wide as Landing Bight. He surged forward, feinting a low kick before snapping a high roundhouse toward Cassius's head. Cassius raised an arm to block, but Marius anticipated it, shifting mid-kick to drive his heel toward Cassius's unguarded shoulder. The strike connected, sending Cassius skidding back a step. A flicker of surprise crossed the coach's face before it hardened back into focus. "Better," Cassius admitted, rolling his shoulder. Without warning, he closed the distance, lashing out with a barrage of punches aimed at Marius's torso. Each blow was a test, probing for weakness.
Marius deflected the first two strikes, but the third slipped past his defenses, slamming into his sternum. He gasped, the air driven from his lungs, but forced himself to stay grounded. Drawing on his training, he trapped Cassius's arm against his side, pivoting to unbalance him. Cassius reacted instantly, using the momentum to spin into a backfist aimed at Marius's face. Marius ducked just in time, feeling the wind of the missed strike ruffle his hair. He released Cassius's arm, dropping low to sweep his leg in a wide arc. The older and more experienced man leaped over the sweep, his agility defying his solid build. As he landed, he launched a front kick at Marius's chest. Marius crossed his arms in an X-block, absorbing the impact but sliding back on the sandy ground.
"You're holding back," Cassius accused, his voice a growl.
Marius's eyes flashed. "You want me to hit you harder?"
"I want you to fight like your life depends on it."
Marius's muscles tensed. He steadied his breathing, centering himself -- and darted forward, unleashing a flurry of strikes - elbows, knees, punches - each delivered with calculated intent.
Cassius met him head-on. They moved in a sort of improvised, deadly dance, each pushing the other to new limits. Marius feinted a punch to Cassius's left, then spun into a spinning back kick aimed at his midsection. Cassius anticipated the move, catching Marius's ankle and twisting sharply. Pain shot up Marius's leg, but he used the momentum to his advantage, launching into a flying knee with his free leg. Caught off guard, the combat master released his grip, barely managing to sidestep the knee. Marius landed lightly, immediately closing the gap to drive an uppercut toward Cassius's chin. The coach tilted his head back, the punch grazing his jawline. A glint of respect shone in Cassius's eyes. "That's more like it. You're learning," Cassius remarked, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.
"Good teacher, I suppose," Marius replied, panting, not lowering his guard.
Without further words, they clashed again. Marius combined the direct strikes of krav maga with the fluid kicks of muay thai, his movements becoming more instinctual. Cassius matched him, their styles mirroring and countering. Marius threw a hook at Cassius's temple. Cassius ducked, driving a knee toward Marius's abdomen. Marius twisted away, grabbing Cassius's extended leg and pushing upward. Cassius lost footing for a split second, enough for Marius to capitalize with a swift elbow strike toward his shoulder. Cassius deflected the elbow, spinning to deliver a roundhouse kick. Marius brought up his forearm to block, the force jarring his entire arm. He gritted his teeth, countering with a straight punch aimed at Cassius's center mass. The combat master dodged, slipping away. Marius' own momentum pushed him forward unsteadily, and Cassius seized the opening, delivering a swift jab that stopped mere millimeters from Marius's throat.
"Dead," Cassius stated, lowering his hand.
Marius exhaled slowly. "Noted."
Cassius's expression softened slightly. "You've improved, but you need to trust your instincts. You're analyzing when you should be feeling."
Marius considered the advice, rolling his shoulders to release the tension.
"Impressive display," Posca remarked with a sardonic smile, stepping into view as he walked down the gravel path to where his master and the legionary had been buys pounding each other into a pulp in the shadow of ancient olive trees. "But if you two are quite finished trying to kill each other, there are matters that require the emperor's attention."
Marius shot him a glance. "We're in the middle of something, Posca."
"Yes, I can see that," Posca replied dryly. "However, the affairs of state wait for no man, not even one intent on getting himself bruised and battered."
Cassius stepped back, inclining his head. "I'll take my leave, sir."
Marius reluctantly lowered his guard, his muscles protesting as the adrenaline began to fade. "Very well. We'll pick this up tomorrow."
Cassius nodded. "As you wish, sir. And remember what I said—trust your instincts."
As the combat master left the gardens and Marius slumped down on the grass, panting, Posca approached, arching an eyebrow at the disheveled state of his charge. "You know, most rulers prefer less... hazardous hobbies."
"You were very keen on me giving up rock climbing, Posca. Now that I've chosen something else to take the edge off me, in a controlled environment, even, and you're still complaining!" Marius objected, his eyes closed as he took deep breaths.
"Where is the benefit of that if you just switch bashing your head in on some rocks with having Cassius bash your head in, dominus?" Posca shot back wryly.
"You're such a clucking hen, old man," he muttered. "It's either this or shooting up the Senate with a shotgun, and I guess we can both agree the latter to be in bad form."
"Be that as it may," Posca sighed, handing Marius a towel. "The universe is not standing still, and there are reports and your schedule to consider -- and you look like you've been wrestling wild beasts."
"Feels like it too," Marius admitted, wincing slightly as he dabbed at a forming bruise on his jaw.
Posca's tone softened just a fraction. "Take care of yourself, dominus. The empire needs you whole."
Marius met his gaze, appreciating the concern beneath the sarcasm. "I will, old friend. Now, what do you've got for me?"
"Your daily briefing," Posca pointed at a folder under his arm.
Wincing, Marius pushed himself to his feet again. "Alright, no sense in putting this off. Give me the gist of it, please."
"
Komes Wyslawa of Stettin is ready to negotiate the finer points to sign several trade agreements. There is also a rising interest in tourism, from both sides It was hoped you would be in attendance with her and the honorable al-Amin tomorrow."
"Not that I mind meeting with Komes Irena-"
"Easy on the eyes, she is," Posca nodded sagely.
"That, too," Marius frowned, "and she's more pleasant and productive company than most of the Senate. However, avoiding that kind of micromanaging was why I wanted al-Amin in the first place," Marius grumbled.
"And I am sure the honorable senator will do just that, dominus. Still, it will look good for the cameras and the news zines. After last year's crisis people love to see this kind of peaceful progress. Marius, the Builder," the older man shrugged.
"And here I was, hoping my little tour around the Hegemony these past three months would've been enough," Marius sighed, rubbing the sweat out of his hair with a towel.
"Your people were very happy to see their Emperor visit their home planets, dominus. Public support is up, as is stability," Posca explained, glancing at another document.
"Fine," Marius sighed. "I'll be there. In the background."
"Noted, my boy. On to the next issue. Going by recent census data, both Horatius and New Venice have seen the arrival of their five hundred thousandth colonist in the last month. A celebratory address to the nation would be in order there, too." Posca stroked his whiskers with one hand while thumbing through the stack of papers with the other.
Marius rolled his eyes. "Fine. Can you write me a speech and schedule the broadcast?"
"Already did," he waved a staple stack of papers. "Three days from now; news channels have been informed, and ComStar will manage distribution to local networks."
"You're a lifesaver, Posca. I could kiss you," Marius smiled tiredly.
"Unless you turn into a buxom petite female, I do prefer not to be kissed by you, dominus," his tutor and advisor replied dry as a desert.
"No can do," Marius shook his head and grabbed an energy drink from a nearby ice-filled pitcher. "Anything else?"
"Abroad, Marik troops have been able to dislodge the Wolf's Dragoons from both Wallacia and Scarborough, but League casualties have reportedly been steep. Blackwood's sources mention the delay and losses have put a halt to Janos Marik's offensive." Posca took a seat on a nearby stone bench and sorted his papers again.
"If it hurts the League it's good for us," Marius mused. "Besides, the more they are embroiled elsewhere the less a threat they are here. I'd rather they try to breathe down Liao's neck than mine."
"Just so. Then there are matters closer to home. The 1st Infantry Division continues to engage resistance on Illyria, but the terrain and climate still pose problems. General Volkova reports that uniforms, protective gear, and arms are inadequate. Casualties are mounting, and so far the Illyrians do not seem to be running out of steam." Posca flipped a page. "The General and your uncle are prioritizing the transport of climate-adequate uniforms, and they are fast-tracking the trials and acquisition of better armor and gear. Still, they do warn that it will be months until these can be fielded in greater numbers."
"Nothing we can do about that right now," Marius ruefully shook his head. "But Fletcher better make the most of what our people's blood is buying him."
Posca snorted. "As much as I do hate to admit it, Fletcher is on the move. Blackwood reports he has landed on Trasjkis with substantial forces, securing much of the planet's northern hemisphere. Certainly by sheer coincidence, Morgan 'Storm' O'Connor of the Bloodwraiths has been assassinated, alongside her personal bodyguard, by people who just happen to look exactly like those Deep Periphery killer-nuns in Fletcher's employ," he reported flatly
"Well, what are the odds," Marius commented sardonically, shaking his head. "The one thing this whole affair has been good for so far is pirates getting rid of each other. I take it O'Connor's people flocked to new masters?"
"Half went to Fletcher, half did go to Chen's Cavaliers," Posca acknowledged.
"I guess only time will tell if she's smart enough to throw in the towel."
"Admitting defeat has never been the strong side of any pirate I ever had the displeasure of meeting," Posca wrinkled his nose as if he had stepped into something foul-smelling. "That being said, there is one more thing. The matter we discussed earlier remains unresolved."
Marius sighed, tossing the towel onto a bench. "You're relentless."
"It is part of my charm," Posca retorted. "But in all seriousness, boy, the Hegemony needs an heir. The senators are growing restless, and alliances are-"
"I know," Marius interrupted, holding up a hand. "I can't ignore my dynastic duties forever." Even though the prospect was more than daunting. He'd failed spectacularly the first time, deposed and assassinated on his firstborn's command. To say the challenge to avoid a repeat performance was daunting would have been an understatement. Countless nights he had considered the problem, and had very little to show for it.
Posca raised an eyebrow. "Then perhaps it's time to consider ending certain... entanglements."
Marius met his gaze, a flicker of resignation in his eyes. "You're referring to Octavia."
"She's a formidable woman," Posca acknowledged. "But not exactly empress material."
"You're right," Marius admitted, sighing. "I suppose I've delayed the inevitable long enough."
Mount Caelius
The same day, laterLater that evening, Marius stood on the balcony of his private chambers, gazing out over the city. The lights of Nova Roma stretched to the horizon, accompanied by the silhouettes of dozens of ships traversing Landing at the foot of Mount Caelius. The door behind him opened softly.
"You wanted to see me," Octavia Kimura's voice floated through the warm night air. "It's been some time."
He turned to face her. She was as striking as ever, poised, elegant, alluring, her blonde hair loose over her shoulders. He felt himself drawn to her, yet stood his ground. The feeling was more unpleasant than he had imagined.
"Octavia," he greeted, offering a slight smile rather than an embrace. "Thank you for coming."
She approached, a hint of curiosity in her expression. "So... formal. Is something amiss?"
Marius took a deep breath. "I wanted to speak with you about… well, us."
Her eyes flickered, but she maintained her composure. "Go on."
Screw this, he thought, and took her hand, gently leading her to his bed. He took a seat on the edge and motioned her to sit next to him. He met her gaze steadily. "We've had... an understanding for some time now. A good time. One that I've enjoyed, probably more than I've realized. And since you've been back again and again, I've got some reason to assume it wasn't half bad for yourself, too." He gave her a lopsided grin. "But circumstances require that I consider my duties to the empire."
Octavia tilted her head, her face unreadable. "You're ending our affair."
"It seems necessary," he said gently. "For both of us."
A moment of silence stretched between them. Then, unexpectedly, she laughed softly. "I wondered when this day would come."
"Not the reaction I was expecting, but alright," he furrowed his brows. "You did?"
She took his hand and pressed a kiss on it. "We both have roles to play, Marius," she said softly. "Yours requires a wife, a family, heirs, duty. Mine requires loyalty, but not to the point of self-abandonment. I like you. A lot. And I've enjoyed every minute we've spent together. But that's all this ever was, ever could be."
He relaxed slightly. Despite that, he felt sad. Objectively, he knew it was the right step to take, and of course, she was correct. And yet… "I'm glad you understand," was all he said, a touch of sadness in his voice.
She sighed and placed her head on his shoulder. "We've had our moments, haven't we?"
"We have," he agreed, a genuine smile returning to his face. "And I value them. I won't forget them."
"You know", she continued, a glint in her eye, "I might have a proposition that serves us both."
He raised an eyebrow, tilting his head towards hers. "I'm listening."
"What if I suggested a union that strengthens both our positions?" Octavia looked up at him. "My daughter Ava."
He drew back a bit, the surprise apparent on his face, but his mind racing. All things considered, Ava Kimura would be a perfect match, on paper: young, beautiful, heiress to one of the most influential families in Marian politics. Marrying her would guarantee the continuation of his line – and he'd probably never have to fear opposition from the Traditionalists again.
Still, the idea felt… incestuous, given what he and her mother had shared during the past two years. Marius recalled the young woman from the New Year's festivities, tall, beautiful – and seemingly bored to death with the event. "Ava... she's spirited, I guess."
"That's one way to put it," Octavia smiled wryly. "She's got my intelligence, her father's stubbornness, and the good looks from both our bloodlines. A perfect match, and of appropriate lineage."
Despite a certain degree of internal resistance, he found himself considering the proposal. "Do you think she would agree?"
Octavia's expression turned thoughtful. "Ava values her independence, but she understands duty. With the right approach, she might be persuaded."
Marius, feeling a sense of finality settling in, nodded slowly. "Very well. Arrange a meeting. We'll see how it goes."
Octavia rose from the bed. He held on to her hand for a moment, then let go. "I'll send you a message once it's done," she told him as she opened the door to leave.
"Octavia!" he called after her, and she stopped. "I…," he shook his head. "I wish I could have met you fifteen, twenty years ago, as the man I am now."
"No, you don't, Marius," Lady Kimura smiled ruefully. "I wouldn't have been the woman that you've… grown fond of and-" She cut off her sentence and blinked something away. "We'll see one another under different stars now. Goodbye, Marius."
The door closed, and he was alone in his chambers.
