The Theodora Duology
– Learn MoreTheodora: actress, prostitute, mistress, feminist. And Byzantine Empress of the sixth-century Roman world. Stephen: handsome Syrian boy, wizard’s apprentice, palace eunuch. And Secretary to the Empress. How does this unlikely pair become such allies that one day Empress Theodora asks Stephen to write her biography?
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EXCERPT:
Theodora stood to speak now, knowing that in doing so she ran the risk of changing the minds of no one in the room, her husband included.
But her time to speak had come.
The hall fell silent, and she allowed for a dramatic pause while straightening the jewel encrusted bodice of her purple dalmatic.
“My lords,” she said, when she had all eyes upon her, “you have suffered through my brief comments and sometimes criticism in the past. Today, I will not be so brief. I cannot. You see, I sat at a table much like this in the Governor’s Palace at the Pentapolis, thinking—in vain—that a group of men would heed the words of a woman. They did not, so I know the risk I run today when I speak to those who cringe in fear. Oh, I suspect we all cringe in fear. However, in facing the supreme loss of our government, our empire, must we not consider the wisest course? Must we not do everything in our power to save Christian civilization and realize our emperor’s dream to reunite the pieces of the old empire?”
In speaking, Theodora moved her gaze from man to man, holding the eyes of each in turn, recognizing, to different degrees, the fear in them. “I do not believe flight is the appropriate response to a mob—even if it means safety. Safety at what cost? To live as a fugitive? For some, that kind of life might be tolerable. But for someone who has reigned, it is not. It is intolerable. Once, in Antioch an actress tempted me to wear the purple. I refused, for I had not the right. Today, I wear the purple as the Empress of the New Roman Empire. I am telling you, here and now, that I will not willingly part with it.”
Theodora turned slightly and tilted her head toward her husband. “Emperor, you have recalled the ship that might bear us all to safety. No doubt, beyond that window, it waits in the Harbor of Hormisdas, ready to speed us away. We might sleep tonight in soft beds in some welcoming port. The royal treasure secured in the ship’s hold promises an easier flight and perhaps a retirement of some comfort and refinement. But, take heed: after saving your life and losing your throne, you might find yourself wishing for death.
“Everyone put on this earth must die.” Facing the eyes of Justinian, gray glistening eyes, Theodora felt her heart racing and her hand went to the dimpled area at her collarbone. In mere moments, images of their years together unfolded in her mind. Not one to suffer stage fright in her acting years, she had often bolstered the courage of fellow actors so that now she took her gaze from Justinian and peered into the faces of those around the table. Turning back to her husband, she smiled, drew herself up, as if she could attain the height she once longed for, and said, “For myself, I think the purple makes the best shroud.”
