 As Alexander II was reluctant to engage in this conflict, Constantine, accompanied by a sizable Persian entourage, arrived in Kakheti, being honorably met by his father and elder brother George at a camp near the town of Zagem (Bazari).On March 12, 1605, during the negotiations, Constantine murdered Alexander and George, and declared himself King of Kakheti.However, his subjects refused to recognize a patricide and revolted.