The morning sun painted the Epirotian camp near Durazzo with hues of gold and warmth, gradually dispelling the cool embrace of night. Within his luxurious tent, Nikephoros, the rightful heir to the Despotate of Epirus, awoke to the gentle play of sunlight through ornate silk curtains. Its caress revealed the opulence that surrounded him – finely woven carpets beneath his feet, richly adorned furnishings, and an air of regal comfort that bespoke his status.
In his late twenties, Nikephoros possessed an aura of authority and command that complemented his chiseled features and strong jawline, inherited from his father. His dark hair, neatly combed, framed a face that exuded determination and ambition, and his eyes, a striking mix of piercing blue and yellow, hinted at the depth of his resolve.