Constantinople: Theodora

Constantinople, 522 AD

The emperor Justin has lost his mind, and Justinian is a virtual regent in the empire. Surrounded by capable political and military advisors, Justinian is being groomed for becoming emperor, but an unexpected threat approaches…

***

“I’m telling you, Justinian, it’s worth it. Hurry up.”

Justinian ran after his friend Florus up a winding street. They were a long way from the palace, and they had already lost their secret Excubitor escorts two streets ago. Justinian never did this, but Florus claimed that he had a woman that he wanted Justinian to meet. Macedonia, a dancer and spy for Justinian, had met a courtesan named Theodora in Antioch some months ago, and when she heard that Theodora had returned to the capital, Macedonia immediately sent word to Florus. Florus relayed the message to Justinian, and now the two were on their way to an out of the way brothel for a rendezvous.

Justinian was a little hesitant.

“Why a brothel, Florus?” Justinian asked. “I thought you said she didn’t dance anymore.”

“She doesn’t,” Florus replied, grinning. “It’s for secrecy. We don’t know who could be following.”

“Who would be? Who cares about some whore-turned-wool worker?”

Florus simply smiled and stopped suddenly. They were there. It was a quiet part of the city, with a handful of drunks stumbling about up ahead of them. Florus knocked on the door twice, and door opened slightly.

A raspy old voice whispered from inside the brothel.

“What do you want?”

“We’ve come to see Macedonia.”

There was a slight pause, and then the door swung open. Florus looked at Justinian, and Justinian simply shrugged. Florus entered the brothel, and Justinian followed.

The establishment was surprisingly clean, especially for Constantinople standards. Justinian had toured many brothels during his tenure as an imperial secretary, and this one would likely cater to wealthy nobles or high-ranking military officers. Justinian could not see the source of the raspy voice that had unwelcomed them, so he and Florus stepped into the atrium and waited.

A plump madame walked into the atrium from a side room and greeted the two men.

“Gentlemen, what can I do for you this evening?”

“We have someone to meet tonight,” Florus said.

“Someone special? I have many girls. What is her name?”

“We’re not looking for a whore,” Justinian cut in. He was a little impatient now, and he wanted to meet this Theodora. “We’re looking for Macedonia.”
The madame raised her eyebrows in surprise, then, in realization, she bowed slightly and beckoned them into the side room.

Florus gave Justinian a sideways glance, and they both left the atrium and entered the side room. A number of chambers were housed to the right, clearly with a salacious purpose. A few clients occupied the rooms, and it sounded like they were quite busy. Justinian had no taste for whores; his tastes were more permanent in nature.

The madame led the two men into a dark back room and opened the door, ushering them in. Florus and Justinian entered the room together.

There were two women already sitting inside the room. Justinian recognized his contact Macedonia. She was tall and graceful, which aided her skills as a dancer. She was not overly pretty, but she was attractive enough. However, Justinian’s eyes immediately fell upon Theodora, and he caught his breath.

Theodora was truly beautiful, so much so that the usually cold Justinian was completely taken aback. Theodora lithe and graceful, also like a dancer, but she was regal at the same time. Her skin was fair and clear, and her eyes were dark and mysterious. Her dark hair was thick and shining, and was so long that it hung down her back and out of Justinian’s sight. Her gown was loosely hanging around her, but it was modest and certainly different from her previous days as a courtesan. As Justinian and Florus entered, the women looked at the newcomers and observed them. Justinian’s eyes met Theodora’s, and she smiled. Justinian was rooted to the spot, unable to move.

Florus cleared his throat and announced themselves.

“May I present to you Justinian, adopted son of the emperor Justin, and imperial secretary. Secretary,” Florus now spoke to Justinian himself. “May I present to you Macedonia, dancer at this establishment, and Theodora, wool worker of the imperial palace.”

Macedonia and Theodora bowed their heads in respect, and Justinian nodded in reply. There was an awkward silence for a few moments; Florus looked between Theodora and Justinian, expecting some reaction from either person. Justinian and Theodora just stared at each other, gazing into each other’s eyes in silence. Florus broke the silence.

“Well, we’ll leave you two together. Macedonia,” Florus beckoned to Macedonia to leave. She nodded, and they left the room. Justinian and Theodora were alone.

Justinian strode over to the chair that Macedonia just vacated and sat down. He stared intently at Theodora.

“I’ve heard little about you, except that it was imperative that I meet you.”

Theodora turned her head and stared out of the window, observing the reflection of the torches from Galata onto the Golden Horn.

“What would you like to know about me?” Theodora asked wryly, looking back at Justinian. Justinian studied Theodora, and spoke.

“I’ve heard that you were a courtesan in Carthage and Alexandria. I imagine that you made plenty of connections while you were there. Including the wife of one of the emperor’s bodyguards.”

Theodora nodded. Belisarius, one of Justin’s favorite bodyguards and a personal friend of Justinian, had married Antonina, a known former prostitute.

“That is true. I have met many courtesans in my, uh, field of work. Of course, I have given up that occupation and now work for the palace.”

Justinian snorted. Theodora was crafty. If she had indeed came back from her days as a prostitute, it didn’t concern Justinian. He needed a contact, and she was perfect for the job.

“I will speak bluntly, Theodora,” Justinian said. “I don’t care if you’re still a whore or not. I need information, a report from the city. Not just the city itself, but its people. I know that you’ve only been here for a few months, but your contacts would be helpful to my cause.”

Theodora was taken aback slightly. She began to truly observe Justinian for the first time: he was handsome, that was not in doubt, and he was intelligent, far more intelligent than most men she had met. But she felt another attraction to this man. In his eyes, Theodora saw ambition and a thirst for glory; she had read about the great men of Rome, and she always imagined them having that same look.

Justinian narrowed his eyes slightly and sized up Theodora. She wasn’t a normal whore, that much was clear. She was smart, and she knew her way around a palace. She would be very useful as a contact.

And yet…

Justinian felt something that he had never experienced before. He was attracted to this woman in many ways. She was beautiful, but there were many beautiful women in the capital. It did help, as there were also plenty of ugly women here, but Theodora’s intelligence was on par with Justinian’s own. Justinian felt attraction because Theodora’s ambition rivalled his own. Together, they could do great things.

Theodora spoke softly:

“My services are at your disposal, sir. Whatever you require…” Theodora trailed off. She then put a hand to her gown and slid the shoulder down her arm. Justinian raised his eyebrow.

In truth, it was a test. Theodora wanted to see what kind of man Justinian really was, and whether the desires of glory were superseded by the desires of the flesh. Justinian did not move or make any attempt to capitalize on Theodora’s advances.

Theodora stopped, and shouldered her gown. She seemed satisfied.

“Very good, sir. Now may I speak bluntly?” Theodora snapped from seductive to professional, further arousing Justinian’s interest.

“I have heard much about you, Justinian, and your career. I want to be a part of it. When the emperor dies, you will be the master of the world. You need a woman beside you to rule, and that woman is me.”

The two fell silent for a while. Justinian eyes widened slightly, now looking at Theodora with affection. Theodora looked back with reciprocated emotions. In Justinian’s mind, Theodora had proved herself to be ambitious, but she also seemed to genuinely have feelings for him. Justinian admitted to himself that he had feelings for her. It wouldn’t be easy for them, especially considering the fact that, even if she gave it up, she was a whore, and he was the adopted son of the emperor.

But he loved her, and she loved him. Together, they would take the empire by storm.