Constantine XI Palaiologos looked over the smouldering remains of his city. The legacy of his forbears was in ruins. The Byzantine Empire, a constant power for the last 1500 years, was over. He was filled with anger ,rage & bitterness. The words of the Sultan at the start of the siege reeled thought his brain “Surrender the city to me & I will let you live”.
Young Upstart! He looked down to his men; a minuscule collection of Greeks, Genoese & Venetians, of the original 7000, only about 1000 remained. Against the hordes of Ottomans it was no use. What’s the date he thought? It was the 28th of May 1453 tomorrow all would be lost. Constantine retreated to his war room; here he was joined by his generals. He told them briefly of the situation, none of them looked shocked. They know. He welled up in pride at their courage. They were going to fight to the last man and he would fight with them.
He thought of his dead wife Caterina Gattilusio & of his mistress Sophia Xanthis. He took comfort from the memories of his wife. Sophia was the daughter of a minor merchant turned noble. What she lacked for in heritage she made up for in aesthetics .She was a beauty beyond compare, soul piecing brown eyes and chocolate brown hair. Constantine smiled.
His generals where all looking towards him wondering what was going on in his brain “Emperor how can you be smiling, all is lost” shouted a voice from the back of the room. The Emperor put on a brave face, but that man was right, all was truly lost. A truly mad thought came into the emperor’s head. “Tell Sophia to come to me and fetch a priest” said Constantine XI.
A young Genoese captain then walked into the room. His name was Giovanni Giustiniani. “What’s this then emperor?” Constantine held out his arm in the old roman fashion. Giovanni accepted the gesture. Giovanni Giustiniani was a young Genoese captain, a member of one of the greatest families of the Republic. He had brought 700 Genoese soldiers to fight in the battle. During this time they had become inseparable. “I’m going to marry Sophia”. He allowed the shock to resonate thought the room. It was not unheard of to marry a minor noble but now of all times? Giovanni replied “I’m happy for you but now of all times? Are you sure that’s wise your grace?”. “Giovanni we are like brothers, please do not question this”. He nodded. Athanasius II the patriarch of Constantinople rushed in. “You have some need of me your grace?” he murmured. Constantine silenced him with a hand. Smiling he said “Ahh a goddess walks among us”. Sophia looked happy, happy & beautiful. She also had a brain; she was not just some wench for the Emperor’s pleasure. He loved her with all his heart. It was sentiments she shared. “What do you what from my love?” Her face fell. “Have we fallen?”. “No my dear we are to be married”. “Constantine my darling”! She ran & embraced her lover.
First chapter is POV may change in future. Hope you enjoy




