Episode XXXIX: Sic Semper Tverannis Part II
‘So this is what it has come to, Elena?’
Lady Elena Rurikovich smiled as only an evil Russian can.
‘I’m afraid so, Aleksandra. Well, that is a lie. I am glad that it has finally come to this.’
‘So you kill me, the rightful ruler of Tver, and then what?’
‘And then, Aleksandra, I will be lauded by the people of Tver as the one who delivered them from your tyranny.’
‘The people love me, Elena.’
‘The common people. Not the ones who matter. You have been useful, though – your centralisation of power has had its advantages – and now I will be the one to reap them.’
‘So you kill me for being a tyrant, then continue in the same vein?’
Don Pedro smiled. ‘Absolutely. There will be unrrrest in the wake of your trrragic assassination – a perfect excuse for the extension of Imperial power.’
‘I shouldn’t be surprised, Don Pedro. Treachery seems to be in your nature.’
‘It’s a family business, my
Czarrrina You promised me riches and power if I helped you to the crown - and I received rejection and humiliation.’
Elena nodded. ‘You are unworthy of being an Empress, Aleksandra, but after I save this nation from anarchy – I may,
reluctantly, be persuaded to take the Imperial crown.’
‘While exprrressing a desire to rrremain as a mere Queen, of course.’
‘Indeed, Don Pedro. Come, Aleksandra – it is time for a change of leadership…what do they call it, Don Pedro?’
‘A hostile takeoverrr?’
‘Precisely.’ Elena grinned. So did her cat. ‘Don’t worry, Aleksandra. Caesar’s fame was far greater after his death. So shall be your
infamy…’
‘You’ve all got it in for me.’
‘Nothing personal, Aleksandra.’
‘Liar.’
‘All right. It
is personal. I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time.’
‘So have I,
Czarrrina.’
‘
And so have I.’
‘What the hell arrre you doing?’
‘My duty, Don Pedro.’
‘Duty? You agreed to help us!’
‘You asked if I was
behind you, Don Pedro.’
‘Since when could you talk?’
‘Always. But unlike you, I can keep my mouth shut when it’s prudent.’
‘How can you betrrray me? I brrrought you here, Mijado! You owe me morrre loyalty than her!’
‘On the contrary, Don Pedro. I was fortunate that you found me during my studies. That I impressed you in your search for a chaplain. But I’ve been loyal to the Czarina all my life – and your enemy for almost as long. ’
‘Ouch! The Czarina? You’re Spanish, Mijado!’
‘Ah, yes.
Mijado. I adopted it when I was studying in Seville. Sounds much more Spanish than
Mirin…’
Janusz…
Dobczyński.’