Zoe felt the need for an emperor, and was able to circumvent any objections of Theodora. Zoe first summoned Konstantinos Artoklines who, it was rumoured, was having secret assignations with her. He had been banished from the palace by Michael IV on the pretence of a more important office. But her plan to marry him and make him emperor failed when his wife poisoned him so that she would not be deprived of him. Konstantinos Dalassenos, though tonsured, was brought to the palace, being summoned for some other reason. But he spoke abruptly and expressed high-flown ideas about the empire, uncompromising in his attitudes. He was thought dangerous. Zoe therefore tended towards Konstantinos Monomachos, who was willing to mould his character to please her. She revealed her choice to more and more people, and all found him suitable