Coronation

"Out of private friendship, and given our thus-far pleasant history of cooperation, helping Her Majesty the Empress stabilize the situation would be good for both of us."

Although Lageia faced considerable constraints, she had Anna's support. With the two so tightly bound together, both their credibility and abilities were worth Lothar's investment. It was not simply for that title and the territory of Cyprus.

Cherinina frowned. "But we'll have to leave eventually."

Lothar fell silent for a moment before saying, "If she can't settle the situation before we leave, then she couldn't possibly hold the Imperial throne for so many years as a widow."

The Empress was naturally a capable woman. If not for her excessive pride and her insistence on clinging to the Empire's mess, she could have relinquished power when the time was right and stopped acting as regent. She would never have encountered so many difficulties.

The party landed at the Golden Horn and proceeded all the way to Hagia Sophia, where the Grand Patriarch and a host of clergy had long been waiting to conduct a ceremony of considerable scale.

The Grand Treasurer, Eusebius, hurried over and said, "Your Majesty the Basileus, Her Majesty the Empress awaits your audience at the Palace of Blachernae."

Seeing Lothar nod, he cautiously added, "You have endured a long journey. Would you care to wash and change first? Her Majesty has ordered new robes fitting your status to be prepared. Your soldiers will likewise be received by dedicated attendants, and after bathing, there will be a grand banquet."

Lothar had no objection. Fresh water was always scarce at sea, and they had not stopped for a single day since departing Cyprus. A bath would naturally be welcome.

Together with Prajna, Jeanne, Fringilla, and the others, he followed Eusebius to the