The Real Barenziah , Book III Summary . This book is part of a five - volume series on Barenziah : Content . For several days , Barenziah felt a weight of sorrow at her separation from her friends . But by the second week out her spirits began to rise a little . She found that she enjoyed being on the road again , although she missed Straw ' s companionship more than she would have thought . They were escorted by a troop of Redguard knights with whom she felt comfortable , although these were much more disciplined , and decorous , than the guards of the merchant caravans she had spent time with . They were genial but respectful toward her despite her attempts at flirtation . Symmachus scolded her privately , saying a queen must maintain royal dignity at all times . " You mean I ' m never to have any fun ? " she inquired petulantly . " Ai . Not with such as these . They are beneath you . Graciousness is to be desired from those in authority , Milady . Familiarity is not . You will remain chaste and modest while you are at the Imperial City . " Barenziah made a face . " I might as well be back at Darkmoor Keep . Elves are promiscuous by nature , you know . Everyone says so . " " ' Everyone ' is wrong , then . Some are , some aren ' t . The Emperor - - and I - - expect you to display both discrimination and good taste . Let me remind you , Your Highness , that you hold the throne of Mournhold not by right of blood but solely at the pleasure of Tiber Septim . If he judges you unsuitable , your reign will end ere it begins . He requires intelligence , obedience , discretion , and total loyalty of all his appointees , and he favors chastity and modesty in women . I strongly suggest you model your deportment after our good Drelliane . Milady . " " I ' d as lief be back in Darkmoor ! " Barenziah snapped resentfully , offended at the thought of emulating the frigid , prudish Drelliane in any way . " That is not an option . Your Highness . If you are of no use to Tiber Septim , he will see to it that you are of no use to his enemies either , " the general said portentously . " If you would keep your head on your shoulders , take heed . Let me add that power offers pleasures other than those of carnality and cavorting with base company . " He began to speak of art , literature , drama , music , and the grand balls thrown at the Imperial Court . Barenziah listened with growing interest , spurred on not entirely by his threats . But afterward she asked timidly if she might continue her study of magic while at the Imperial City . Symmachus seemed pleased at this and promised to arrange it . Encouraged , she then said that she noted three of their knights escort were women , and asked if she might train a little with them , just for the sake of exercise . The general looked less delighted at this , but gave his consent , though stressing it would only be with the women . The late winter weather held fair , though slightly frosty , for the rest of their journey so that they traveled quickly over firm roads . On the last day of their trip , spring seemed to have arrived at last for there were hints of a thaw . The road grew muddy underfoot , and everywhere one could hear water trickling and dripping faintly but steadily . It was a welcome sound . They came to the great bridge that crossed into the Imperial City at sunset . The rosy glow turned the stark white marble edifices of the metropolis a delicate pink . It all looked very new and grand and immaculate . A broad avenue led north toward the Palace . A crowd of people of all sorts and races filled the wide concourse . Lights winked out in the shops and on in the inns as dusk fell and stars came out singly then by twos and threes . Even the side streets were broad and brightly illuminated . Near the Palace the towers of an immense Mages Guild hall reared toward the east , while westward the stained glass windows of a huge tabernacle glittered in the dying light . Symmachus had apartments in a magnificent house two blocks from the palace , past the temple . ( " The Temple of the One , " he identified as they passed it , an ancient Nordic cult which Tiber Septim had revived . He said that Barenziah would be expected to become a member should she prove acceptable to the Emperor . ) The place was quite splendid - - although little to Barenziah ' s taste . The walls and furnishings were done in utter pristine white , relieved only by touches of dull gold , and the floors in dully gleaming black marble . Barenziah ' s eyes ached for color and the interplay of subtle shadings . In the morning Symmachus and Drelliane escorted her to the Imperial Palace . Barenziah noted that everyone they met greeted Symmachus with a deferential respect in some cases bordering on obsequiousness . The general seemed to take it for granted . They were ushered directly into the imperial presence . Morning sun flooded a small room through a large window with tiny panes , washing over a sumptuously laden breakfast table and the single man who sat there , dark against the light . He leapt to his feet as they entered and hurried toward them . " Ah , Symmachus our most loyal friend , we welcome your return most gladly . " His hands held Symmachus ' shoulders briefly , fondly , halting the deep genuflection the Dark Elf had been in the process of effecting . Barenziah curtseyed as Tiber Septim turned to her . " Barenziah , our naughty little runaway . How do you do , child ? Here , let us have a look at you . Why , Symmachus , she ' s charming , absolutely charming . Why have you hidden her from us all these years ? Is the light too much , child ? Shall we draw the hangings ? Yes , of course . " He waved aside Symmachus ' protests and drew the curtains himself , not troubling to summon a servant . " You will pardon us for this discourtesy toward yourselves , our dear guests . We ' ve much to think of , though that ' s scant excuse for hospitality ' s neglect . But ah ! pray join us . There ' s some excellent nectarines from Black Marsh . " They settled themselves at the table . Barenziah was dumbfounded . Tiber Septim was nothing like the grim , grey , giant warrior she ' d pictured . He was of average height , fully half a head shorter than tall Symmachus , although he was well - knit of figure and lithe of movement . He had a winning smile , bright - - indeed piercing - - blue eyes , and a full head of stark white hair above a lined and weathered face . He might have been any age from forty to sixty . He pressed food and drink upon them , then repeated the question the general had asked her days ago : Why had she left home ? Had her guardians been unkind to her ? " No , Excellency , " Barenziah replied , " in truth , no - - although I fancied so at times . " Symmachus had fabricated a story for her , and Barenziah told it now , although with a certain misgiving . The stable - boy , Straw , had convinced her that her guardians , unable to find a suitable husband for her , meant to sell her off as a concubine in Rihad ; and when a Redguard had indeed come , she had panicked and fled with Straw . Tiber Septim seemed fascinated and listened raptly as she provided details of her life as a merchant caravan escort . " Why , ' tis like a ballad ! " he said . " By the One , we ' ll have the Court Bard set it to music . What a charming boy you must have made . " " General Symmachus said - - " Barenziah stopped in some confusion , then proceeded . " He said - - well , that I no longer look much like a boy . I have . . . grown in the past few months . " She lowered her gaze in what she hoped approximated maidenly modesty . " He ' s a very discerning fellow , is our loyal friend Symmachus . " " I know I ' ve been a very foolish girl , Excellency . I must crave your pardon , and that of my kind guardians . I . . . I realized that some time ago , but I was too ashamed to go back home . But I don ' t want to return to Darkmoor now . Excellency , I long for Mournhold . My soul pines for my own country . " " Our dear child . You shall go home , we promise you . But we pray you remain with us a little longer , that you may prepare yourself for the grave and solemn task with which we shall charge you . " Barenziah gazed at him earnestly , heart beating fast . It was all working just as Symmachus had said it would . She felt a warm flush of gratitude toward him , but was careful to keep her attention focused on the Emperor . " I am honored , Excellency , and wish most earnestly to serve you and this great Empire you have built in any way I can . " It was the politic thing to say , to be sure - - but Barenziah really meant it . She was awed at the magnificence of the city and the discipline and order evident everywhere , and moreover was excited at the prospect of being a part of it all . And she felt quite taken by the gentle Tiber Septim . After a few days Symmachus left for Mournhold to take up the duties of a governor until Barenziah was ready to assume the throne , after which he would become her Prime Minister . Barenziah , with Drelliane as chaperone , took up residence in a suite of rooms at the Imperial Palace . Several tutors were provided her , in all the fields deemed seemly for a queenly education . During this time she became deeply interested in the magical arts , but she found the study of history and politics not at all to her prefer ence . On occasion she met with Tiber Septim in the Palace gardens and he would unfailingly and politely inquire as to her progress - - and chide her , although with a smile , for her disinterest at matters of state . However , he was always happy to instruct her on the finer points of magic , and he could make even history and politics seem interesting . " They ' re people , child , not dry facts in a dusty volume , " he said . As her understanding broadened , their discussions grew longer , deeper , more frequent . He spoke to her of his vision of a united Tamriel , each race separate and distinct but with shared ideals and goals , all contrib uting to the common weal . " Some things are universal , shared by all sentient folk of good will , " he said . " So the One teaches us . We must unite against the malicious and the brutish , the miscreated - - the Orcs , trolls , goblins , and other worse creatures - - and not strive against one another . " His blue eyes would light up as he stared into his dream , and Barenziah was delighted just to sit and listen to him . If he drew close to her , the side of her body next to him would glow as if he were a smoldering blaze . If their hands met she would tingle all over as if his body were charged with a shock spell . One day , quite unexpectedly , he took her face in his hands and kissed her gently on the mouth . She drew back after a few moments , astonished by the violence of her feelings , and he apologized instantly . " I . . . we . . . we didn ' t mean to do that . It ' s just - - you are so beautiful , dear . So very beautiful . " He was looking at her with hopeless yearning in his generous eyes . She turned away , tears streaming down her face . " Are you angry with us ? Speak to us . Please . " Barenziah shook her head . " I could never be angry with you , Excellency . I . . . I love you . I know it ' s wrong , but I can ' t help it . " " We have a consort , " he said . " She is a good and virtuous woman , the mother of our children and future heirs . We could never put her aside - - yet there is nothing between us and her , no sharing of the spirit . She would have us be other than what we are . We are the most powerful person in all of Tamriel , and . . . Barenziah , we . . . I . . . I think I am the most lonely as well . " He stood up suddenly . " Power ! " he said with sublime contempt . " I ' d trade a goodly share of it for youth and love if the gods would only sanction it . " " But you are strong and vigorous and vital , more than any man I ' ve ever known . " He shook his head vehemently . " Today , perhaps . Yet I am less than I was yesterday , last year , ten years ago . I feel the sting of my mortality , and it is painful . " " If I can ease your pain , let me . " Barenziah moved toward him , hands outstretched . " No . I would not take your innocence from you . " " I ' m not that innocent . " " How so ? " The Emperor ' s voice suddenly grated harshly , his brows knitted . Barenziah ' s mouth went dry . What had she just said ? But she couldn ' t turn back know . He would know . " There was Straw , " she faltered . " I . . . I was lonely too . Am lonely . And not so strong as you . " She cast her eyes down in abashment . " I . . . I guess I ' m not worthy , Excellency - - " " No , no . Not so . Barenziah . My Barenziah . It cannot last for long . You have a duty toward Mournhold , and a duty toward the Empire . I must tend toward mine as well . But while we may - - shall we share what we have , what we can , and pray the One forgives us our frailty ? " Tiber Septim held out his arms - - and wordlessly , willingly , Barenziah stepped into his embrace . " You caper on the edge of a volcano , child , " Drelliane admonished as Barenziah admired the splendid star sapphire ring her imperial lover had given her to celebrate their one - month anniversary . " How so ? We make one another happy . We harm no one . Symmachus bade me be discriminating and discreet . Who better could I choose ? And we ' ve been most discreet . He treats me like a daughter in public . " Tiber Septim ' s nightly visits were made through a secret passage that only few in the Palace were privy to - - himself and a handful of trusted bodyguards . " He slavers over you like a cur his supper . Have you not noticed the coolness of the Empress and her son toward you ? " Barenziah shrugged . Even before she and Septim had become lovers , she ' d received no more from his family than bare civility . Threadbare civility . " What matter ? It is Tiber who holds the power . " " But it is his son who holds the future . Do not put his mother up to public scorn , I beg you . " " Can I help it if that dry stick of a woman cannot hold her husband ' s interest even in conversation at dinner ? " " Have less to say in public . That is all I ask . She matters little , it is true - - but her children love her , and you do not want them as enemies . Tiber Septim has not long to live . I mean , " Drelliane amended quickly at Barenziah ' s scowl , " humans are all short - lived . Ephemeral , as we of the Elder Races say . They come and go as the seasons - - but the families of the powerful ones live on for a time . You must be a friend to this family if you would see lasting profit from your relationship . Ah , but how can I make you see truly , you who are so young and human - bred as well ! If you take heed , and wisely , you and Mournhold are like to live to see the fall of Septim ' s dynasty , if indeed he has founded one , just as you have witnessed its rise . It is the way of human history . They ebb and flow like the inconstant tides . Their cities and dominions bloom like spring flowers , only to wither and die in the summer sun . But the Elves endure . We are as a year to their hour , a decade to their day . " Barenziah just laughed . She knew that rumors abounded about her and Tiber Septim . She enjoyed the attention , for all save the Empress and her son seemed captivated by her . Minstrels sang of her dark beauty and her charming ways . She was in fashion , and in love - - and if it was temporary , well , what was not ? She was happy for the first time she could remember , each of her days filled with joy and pleasure . And the nights were even better . " What is wrong with me ? " Barenziah lamented . " Look , not one of my skirts fit . What ' s become of my waistline ? Am I getting fat ? " Barenziah regarded her thin arms and legs and her undeniably thickened waist in the mirror with displeasure . Drelliane shrugged . " You appear to be with child , young as you are . Constant pairing with a human has brought you to early fertility . I see no choice but for you to speak with the Emperor about it . You are in his power . It would be best , I think , for you to go directly to Mournhold if he would agree to it , and bear the child there . " " Alone ? " Barenziah placed her hands on her swollen belly , tears forming in her eyes . Everything in her yearned to share the fruit of her love with her lover . " He ' ll never agree to that . He won ' t be parted from me now . You ' ll see . " Drelliane shook her head . Although she said no more , a look of sympathy and sorrow had replaced her usual cool scorn . That night Barenziah told Tiber Septim when he came to her for their usual assignation . " With child ? " He looked shocked . No , stunned . " You ' re sure of it ? But I was told Elves do not bear at so young an age . . . " Barenziah forced a smile . " How can I be sure ? I ' ve never - - " " I shall have my healer fetched . " The healer , a High Elf of middle years , confirmed that Barenziah was indeed pregnant , and that such a thing had never before been known to happen . It was a testimony to His Excellency ' s potency , the healer said in sycophantic tones . Tiber Septim roared at him . " This must not be ! " he said . " Undo it . We command you . " " Sire , " the healer gaped at him . " I cannot . . . I may not - - " " Of course you can , you incompetent dullard , " the Emperor snapped . " It is our express wish that you do so . " Barenziah , till then silent and wide - eyed with terror , suddenly sat up in bed . " No ! " she screamed . " No ! What are you saying ? " " Child , " Tiber Septim sat down beside her , his face wearing one of his winning smiles . " I ' m so sorry . Truly . But this cannot be . Your issue would be a threat to my son and his sons . I shall no more put it plainly than that . " " The child I bear is yours ! " she wailed . " No . It is now but a possibility , a might - be , not yet gifted with a soul or quickened into life . I will not have it so . I forbid it . " He gave the healer another hard stare and the Elf began to tremble . " Sire . It is her child . Children are few among the Elves . No Elven woman conceives more than four times , and that is very rare . Two is the usual number . Some bear none , even , and some only one . If I take this one from her , Sire , she may not conceive again . " " You promised us she would not bear to us . We ' ve little faith in your prognostications . " Barenziah scrambled naked from the bed and ran for the door , not knowing where she was going , only that she could not stay . She never reached it . Darkness overtook her . She awoke to pain , and a feeling of emptiness . A void where something used to be , something that used to be alive , but now was dead and gone forever . Drelliane was there to soothe the pain and clean up the blood that still pooled at times between her legs . But there was nothing to fill the emptiness . There was nothing to take the place of the void . The Emperor sent magnificent gifts and vast arrangements of flowers , and came on short visits , always well - attended . Barenziah received these visits with pleasure at first . But Tiber Septim came no more at night - - and after some time nor did she wish him to . Some weeks passed , and when she was completely physically recovered , Drelliane informed her that Symmachus had written to request she come to Mournhold earlier than planned . It was announced that she would leave forthwith . She was given a grand retinue , an extensive trousseau befitting a queen , and an elaborate and impressive ceremonial departure from the gates of the Imperial City . Some people were sorry to see her leave , and expressed their sadness in tears and expostulations . But some others were not , and did not .