Romanos' captivity gives John the opportunity to…

Romanos' captivity gives John the opportunity to return to court at the request of Eudokia Makrembolitissa.

Joining forces with Michael Psellos, the Caesar makes the Empress share power with her son, and then forces her to become a nun and retire from court affairs in October 1071.

He soon becomes the de facto head of the Government in the name of Michael VII, ordering the empire not to acknowledge Romanos as emperor, declaring that Romanos had been elevated to the throne to act for Michael, who is now able to administer the empire.

Alp-Arslan's goal is not to destroy the Empire: he is content with the rectification of boundaries, the promise of tribute, and an alliance.

He allows Romanos to buy his freedom after signing a treaty.

The Caesar sends his sons Andronikos and Constantine to capture Romanos IV, who had been released from captivity, and thus ensures the sole rule of his nephew Michael VII.

John Doukas initially agrees to allow Romanos to resign the purple and retire to a monastery, but his hatred of Romanos is so great that he reneges on the agreement and orders that Romanos be blinded and exiled to the island of Prote in the Sea of Marmara, sending him a mocking message congratulating him on the loss of his eyes as he lies dying from the infected wound.

With the elimination of Romanos, John and Michael Psellos are supreme at court.