placed her in my care when he left for Constantinople with his wife. She is an absolutely delightful child, and I have enjoyed her company immensely. It has made me look forward to having daughters of my own, some day.”
The Emperor began pacing back and forth.
“She is of good temper, and intelligent. She is also, as you can see for yourself, very beautiful.”
He stopped abruptly. “So. Tell me about the Roman Emperor Photius.”
Maurice’s eyes widened. His jaw almost dropped. “He’s only eight years old,” he choked.
The gesture which Khusrau made in response to that statement could only have been made by an emperor: August dismissal of an utterly trivial matter.
“He will age,” pronounced the Emperor. “Soon enough, he will need a wife.”
Again, the stern look. “So. Tell me
The Emperor began pacing back and forth.
“She is of good temper, and intelligent. She is also, as you can see for yourself, very beautiful.”
He stopped abruptly. “So. Tell me about the Roman Emperor Photius.”
Maurice’s eyes widened. His jaw almost dropped. “He’s only eight years old,” he choked.
The gesture which Khusrau made in response to that statement could only have been made by an emperor: August dismissal of an utterly trivial matter.
“He will age,” pronounced the Emperor. “Soon enough, he will need a wife.”
Again, the stern look. “So. Tell me