Golden Face

Chapter 3

"From the first day on the job I see" Raymond laughed

"My father never talked to me about politics and what he discussed with the other nobles. He told me that I would know when the time came. That time came earlier. It is my right to know what is going on in the kingdom that I was given to command. Am I wrong?"

"And a diplomat from such a young age. I'm sure you'll make a great statesman my king. Yes, it's true you should know the situation. It's a shame your blessed father didn't inform you sooner" he held out his hand beckoning meaning "Shall we walk while we talk about this? There are many who want to meet you"

They walked among the guests who bowed, kissed his hands or introduced themselves. William did not leave his side, watching him and observing his every move and telling him.

"Amarlic I managed to bring peace to the states of the Middle East, with the help of the crusaders. Even with the enmity that existed between Christians and Muslims, he managed to keep the balance. But now things in Egypt may lead to another war"

"Why? What's going on in Egypt?"

"The Fatimids, caliph of Egypt died and his vizier, Saladin, ascended the throne, claiming the title of Sultan in the Egyptian lands"

"Is Saladin that dangerous?" He asked, turning his head towards William

"Saladin is stirring up the Muslim states of the Middle East," explained William. "I don't know how long it will take for the flame of revolution to ignite."

"Leave it to me, your majesty" Raymond bowed "As regent, allow me to speak to Saladin and calm the rebels down"

"I allow you and since William trusts you, you also have my trust"

"Thank you, Your Highness," he said without raising his head from the bow

"Let's continue our fun" said William "This day is very important"

"Balduine" they heard a familiar female voice. They beheld a blonde woman, her hair was the color of sand, like Baldwin's hair. She approached Baldwin and placed her palm on his left cheek, the one without the mark. Beside her stood a dark man, tall, unknown to the young king and his aides.

"My son, my brave arslan (lion), I missed you" the woman said and approached him with a fake smile "Thank you for inviting me to your coronation. I wanted to see you again"  Placing her hands on his shoulders "I was hearing news from you only from the letters your father used to send"

“Mother…” Sibylla was standing in the crowd, when she saw her, she let out a sigh of sadness and nostalgia, running into her arms “How glad to see you again”

"Me too, my beautiful Sibyl. As you grow older you become more and more beautiful, we must find you a husband before long"

"Not yet" said Baldwin and walked towards them "She will not marry yet, I want her to stay by my side"

"But honey, that's what the law wants"

"No, because if she marries, she'll leave me like you" Agni backed off and Sibyl moved closer, placing her hands on his shoulders.

"It is not mandatory that I leave the palace after my marriage. I promised you that. I will stay with you until the end of your reign."

"You are welcome in the palace yard, whenever you like, mother," Baldwin said, leaving Sibyl's side and walking closer to her, taking her hands in his. That was the last time he felt a motherly touch.

Agni pulled her hands from his, in an abrupt manner, Baldwin was surprised by her behavior. Her mask fell and her true intentions emerged.

"No, we won't stay here. Me and Hugo must go back to Edessa. Maybe better this way. I don't want to stay here with a sick child who will die soon" Baldwin felt the world crumble around him. Raymond entered in front of him and William approached Agni.

"I would suggest you leave now, before you burden your position"

"I'm telling the truth. This kid is sick. Don't tell me he doesn't know it."

"He knows it, but don't forget that he is not a sick child, but the king of Jerusalem"

"Not my king. And certainly not my child. My son died when Amori sent the letter."

"You did not deserve Amori, nor Jerusalem and certainly a son like Baldwin. Be sure, that Baldwin will become a good and right king that Jerusalem has not seen until now"

"It will be seen" he said, he approached Sibyl, taking her hands and kissing her in the cross "Goodbye, my love" he bowed and left with her husband.

Baldwin had his head down "William" he whispered and his mentor leaned close to his ear to hear him "I'm going to the valley of Lazarus?"

"No, Your Highness. That's why your blessed father asked that this be kept secret. Perhaps it's best that your mother left, without saying anything that would jeopardize your position on the throne."

"I hope so" he clenched his fist "If she believes it, then others will too" He tried to forget his mother's words, listening to Raymond's information about politics and war.

When the reception was over and the guests had left in their carriages, Baldwin returned to his room. He opened the wooden chest that William had brought him in the morning,

"A golden mask, instead of a golden crown" he said and took the mask in his hands.

He approached the mirror and touched the leprosy mark on his right cheek. To those who did not know it looked like a sign of chicken pox or acne, so it had gone unnoticed, in relation to his left arm where the leprosy was obvious. He put on the mask and stood in front of the mirror. Despite the coldness of the golden mask, his good-natured blue eyes could be seen through the unique openings of the mask.