"Summon my Varangians, the royal guards, and Khalid's cavalry!"
"Yes, your Majesty."
Abdullah responded, bowing deeply before retreating to execute the emperor's orders. The chamber, once a symbol of imperial power and majesty, now felt like a prison of solitude and betrayal to Antonius. He was left to confront the tempest of his emotions alone, his legacy and the very soul of his empire hanging in the balance.
This insurrection was a betrayal of the highest order, shaking the foundations of his reign. It was Elassona, a trusted commander, a brother-in-arms, who had now turned against him. The thought pierced Antonius's heart like a dagger. Had his display of military might in Bulgaria, which had solidified his claim to the throne just a year prior, been so easily forgotten? How could Elassona, under the guise of quelling corruption, muster a private army right under his nose?
