"Your Majesties," in the Golden Governance Palace in Constantinople, the Venetian envoy, clad in the garb of a wealthy merchant, spoke eloquently.
"Regarding the shipping loan, there has been a slight issue: given the uncertainty of your nation's war with the Seljuks, our bank's auditing team thinks it unlikely that your nation will be able to repay the remaining three installments, thus requiring an audit of the Royal Family's income stream."
"Go ahead with the audit," Theodora, tossing her fan on the table, wearily said, "but first send down those Frank Knights. How much longer do you plan to drift at sea?"
"The loan procedures for your nation are not yet complete, so, strictly speaking, the full shipping payment has not been made," the Venetian envoy replied politely. "A deposit must be paid to set sail, and full payment must be made to dock. Those are our rules."
