A few days after his father's death, Ioannes II could allow anyone in and out of the palace, feeling secure. He divided offices fairly among his relatives: his brother Isaakios, already sebastokrator, was allowed to share power almost equally. Ioannes Komnenos became parakoimomenos and Gregorios Taronites protovestiarios: Ioannes behaved overbearingly and was replaced, Gregorios governed well and remained longer. He was joined by a namesake, Gregorios Kamateros, able though not of good family. He became rich by assessing taxes, married an imperial relative and was promoted logothetes of the sekreta. But the most influential administrator was Ioannes Axouch, a Turkish prisoner from Nicaea brought up with Ioannes II. He was made Megas Domestikos, and was both respected and popular