Siege

'Why would a cup that has held only wine smell of almonds?' she asked. 'I merely tasted the residue left in the bottom of the cup and became violently ill.'

'But why would Neophytus want Helena dead?'

'He would not, but Gennadius would,' Sofia said. 'Neophytus is in contact with him, and Gennadius would do anything to stop the Union, even kill.'

'I see,' Notaras murmured as he examined the cup. 'What would you have me do?'

'Tomorrow, we will confront Neophytus together,' Sofia replied. 'You will do whatever is necessary — threaten, bribe or torture — to persuade him to turn on Gennadius. When he does so, we will go to Constantine. You will turn Gennadius over and tell Constantine that you no longer oppose the Union.' Notaras began to protest, but she cut him off. 'I do not ask you to accept the pope's decree, but at the very least work for compromise. You have given your oath to Constantine. If you truly believe in honour, then keep your oath. Rally the nobles behind your emperor.'

'And if I refuse?'

Sofia stopped and met Notaras's gaze. 'Your friendship with Gennadius is widely known. If you support the practices of those who fight the Union, then you will share in their punishments as well.'

'Is that a threat, Princess?'

'Yes, Megadux, it is.'

Notaras paused for some time, staring silently at the cup. 'I will do as you ask, Princess,' he said at last. 'And if what you say is true, then I will turn Gennadius over to Constantine and give my support to the Union. But know that I do so only because I believe it to be best for Constantinople. I do not take kindly to threats.'

'So long as you help me, your reasons are your own concern,' Sofia said. 'Until tomorrow, then. Good-day, Notaras.' She turned and walked away, leaving him holding the cup. Sofia and Notaras left for the Haghia Sofia early the next morning, accompanied by Sofia's maid. Notaras did not wait for someone to greet them in the narthex. He headed straight into the great hall of the church, and Sofia followed, her maid trailing. They crossed the nave and emerged into a dining hall, where Notaras grabbed a young acolyte and ordered him to guide them to Neophytus's chamber.

When they arrived, Notaras tried the door but found it locked. He pounded on the door and called out in a loud voice, 'Father Neophytus? It is the megadux, Lucas Notaras!' There was no response. Notaras called again, then turned to the acolyte. 'Are you sure that Father Neophytus is in there?'

'Yes, My Lord,' the acolyte said. 'He has not left his cell since the visit of Father Gennadius, last night.'

Notaras reared back and kicked the door hard. The wood around the lock splintered, and the door swung open. The cell, dimly lit by one guttering lamp, appeared to be empty. 'Father Neophytus,' Notaras called out. 'Are you here?' Again, there was no response. Sofia stepped into the chamber and, peering into the dimness, she saw Neophytus.

'There,' she said and pointed to where Neophytus sat with his head on his desk, unmoving. He appeared to be sleeping.

'Father Neophytus,' Notaras called loudly, but the priest did not move. While Sofia tended to the lamp, Notaras went to the priest and shook him. Neophytus slumped and then fell from his chair, landing with his face towards Sofia. As the room brightened, she saw that his lips were black and his eyes were rolled back into his head. Sofia's maid gasped. Neophytus was clearly dead.

Notaras bent down to inspect him. 'The body is still warm.' He shook his head. 'Why would he kill himself?'

'Perhaps he didn't,' Sofia replied. 'Look, he is holding something in his hand.'

Notaras prised Neophytus's hand open and held up a small, empty vial. He held it to his nose. 'Almonds. I think you are right, Princess. Helena was poisoned. I have seen this vial before in Gennadius's study.'

'If Gennadius knew enough to dispose of Neophytus, then he will also know that I took Helena's cup,' Sofia speculated.

'Then you are in great danger, Princess,' Notaras warned. 'You have seen what Gennadius is capable of.'

'But without Neophytus, we cannot accuse Gennadius.'

'There are other ways,' Notaras said, touching his sword.

'No.' Sofia shook her head. 'I do not wish to make a martyr of him. That would only strengthen his cause.'

'Then I will have my men watch the church of Saint Pantocrator,' Notaras said. 'If Gennadius attempts some treachery, then I will know of it.'

'Thank you.'

'It is the least that I can do for my betrothed.'

Sofia frowned at the word. She looked Notaras in the eye. 'You know that I did not choose to become your wife, Notaras,' she began. 'And I have made no secret of the fact that I do not look forward to our marriage. Perhaps I was wrong to judge you so harshly.'

'I did not choose to be your husband either, Princess,' Notaras replied. 'The emperor offered you to me in marriage. It is an honour that I could not refuse, but it was never my desire to marry you against your will. Believe me, if I had my choice, I would not have chosen a woman with such a sharp tongue.' He smiled. 'Nevertheless, we will be married, whether we like it or not. I would like to have your consent, if not your love. I am willing to wait until I have it.'

'Help to make union a reality, and you will have earned my consent,' Sofia told him. 'Perhaps then, you can win my love as well.'

'I ask for nothing more,' Notaras said and bowed low. 'Until union is complete, then, no more talk of marriage. Agreed?'

'Agreed.' Constantine stood at the window of his audience chamber and looked out on the evening sky while folding and unfolding the letter that he had received earlier in the day from Lucas Notaras. After weeks of worry and unanswered prayer, Notaras's letter had finally eased his mind. The megadux had written that he would support union, so long as it was achieved in accordance with certain compromises. With the backing of Notaras, Constantine could accept the Union without worrying about facing down a rebellion the next day. It was the miracle that he had been hoping for. He could keep his promise to Helena, and more importantly, keep the support of the Latins. Constantine wondered what had made Notaras change his mind. Perhaps, Constantine reflected, his prayers had not gone unanswered after all.

He opened the letter again and looked to the second part of the message. It seemed that Notaras had also had a change of heart regarding Gennadius. He insisted that the monk was not a proper choice for the patriarchy. However, even though Notaras might have turned against Gennadius, Constantine would not dismiss him so readily. If he could win Gennadius's support for union by offering him the patriarchy, then it would be a small price to pay. With both Gennadius and Notaras in support, Constantine was sure that he would have little trouble with the remaining bishops and nobles.

The tolling of bells told Constantine that it was eight o'clock. Gennadius would be here soon. Constantine had summoned him to the palace that very night to offer him the patriarchy. He folded the letter one last time, slipped it into a pocket, and then took his place on the throne. 'Please, Lord God,' he prayed quietly. 'Grant me one last miracle today.' Gennadius arrived at the palace in a festive mood. He was sure he knew what the summons meant: finally after years of waiting, he would be Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, with no one over him but God. He hurried to the audience chamber and found Constantine seated upon the throne. Gennadius approached and bowed low. 'Welcome, Gennadius,' Constantine said.

'I am honoured that you would call a humble monk such as myself into your august presence,' Gennadius replied.

'I have called you here to discuss the situation of our Church,' Constantine told him. 'As you know, Patriarch Mammas is in Rome. Our Church is without a head. This situation cannot last.' Constantine paused, as if searching for a way forward. 'The Union has been a source of bitter disagreement between us, Gennadius, but we are not enemies. I have brought you here to ask for your help.'

'I will do all that I can.'

'Good. The Synaxis looks to you as its leader,' Constantine said. 'If anybody can unite them behind my rule, it is you.' Gennadius bowed his head graciously, thinking it best not to reply. 'Would you be willing to lead the Church,