Within the halls of the Grand Palace, thousands of whale-oil candles still burned brightly. Bards danced joyfully, driving the atmosphere to yet another peak. The rebels threatening Constantinople had been imprisoned, and the shadow of war was about to fade. Everyone seemed happy.
Only a handful of Greek nobles who had not drunk too much noticed that the Crusader nobles from Eguptos, who had originally been lavishly entertained in the hall, had quietly departed at some point.
They returned to their camp, led their soldiers into the imperial palace, stepped across the sacred images pieced together from mosaic tiles in the corridors, and passed through the deep galleries. Hundreds and thousands of suits of armor made no effort to conceal their thunderous clamor as they marched swiftly.
The alarmed palace guards, infantrymen within the halls, night watchmen, and inner-court guards swiftly mobilized. They raised their shields, formed spear-and-shield formations, and blocked the newcomers' path.
Crossbowmen and archers atop the towers aimed at the arrivals.
"Are you bringing weapons and armor into the palace to rebel?"
"These damned Latins! I knew they couldn't be trusted!"
Most of Lothar's soldiers could not understand Greek and merely met the guards' insults with cold stares.
Not until the Empress's personal eunuch and chief court steward, Rufinus, stepped forward and produced the Empress's decree did the situation change. "There are rebels causing trouble tonight. The palace garrison is undermanned, so Your Majesty has summoned Basileus's soldiers to assist with the defense."
At his side, the captain of the palace guard stepped out as well. "Her Majesty personally gave this order to both of us. Everyone must remain on the highest alert tonight. If any disturbance arises, sound the alarm immediately."
"Someone intends to rebel?"
"Who exactly is the enemy?"
The crowd exchanged uncertain looks, but