Leo's Request

"I have a request for you, Father."

"Sure thing, my son." It seemed the old emperor already knew what the boy was about to say and approved with ease.

"But I haven't asked anything yet!" Leo said, startled.

"No, you are a man. You are the next sovereign." The emperor opened his mouth again. "You shall be the one making decisions, but remember, you must hold responsibility for your decisions."

"I… Father…" Leo gulped a bit, a question forming, but he immediately shook his head and turned to the burly Varangian commander beside him. "Uncle Cerberus, how is my father's condition right now?"

"Your Highness, although His Majesty has received some level of treatment, it would be best if the emperor remained here for some time under the care of the court physicians from Constantinople. Ideally, he should stay here for about a month before continuing this trip."