Follow the adventures of the legendary king Baldwin IV and lady (Y/N) from the Byzantine Empire.
*The story can be also found on my Tumblr account - missagna*
///Do not use or adapt in any way without my permission///
''I wasn't aware that you have a son.'' - says ruminatively lady (Y/N) with her eyes focused on a round table when Sibylla comes back. ''I have to say he resembles you more than lord Guy of Lusignan.''
''Baldwin is not his son. His father died in a battle before he was even born.'' To change this sensitive subject, Sibylla nervously clears her throat and swiftly reaches out for a cup with drink before she gets to the point of their meeting: ''Tell me, lady (Y/N), why are you marrying my brother?''
''I believe I gave enough explanation to the High Court-''
''I mean your true intention.'' With a contempt smile Sibylla leans back in her seat and cocks her head, hoping to provoke her guest but to her surprise lady (Y/N) remains her calm posture. ''For what I know, you are in alliance with Tiberias. How would I know if you don't scheme something with him?''
''How can you accuse him of such a terrible thing? My uncle is loyal to the kingdom and its king. He's one of his most trusted advisors.''
''Then what about the coup he staged with prince Bohemond of Antioch on Easter?''
Her probing question takes lady (Y/N) aback. ''What coup? What are you talking about?''
''You didn't know?'' - asks in a hushed tone puzzled Sibylla, who expected a different reaction from lady (Y/N) but got a proof of lady (Y/N)'s innocence instead.
''No, this can't be true...'' Lady (Y/N) for a moment closes her eyes and gingerly touches her forehead, trying to pull herself together. ''Ah, I'm unwell at the moment. If you excuse me, I'll take some rest.'' Sibylla doesn't say a word when she watches lady (Y/N) with a stagger in her steps leave the chamber.
''M'lady!'' Elvira is first to come to her side. ''Shall I call a physician?
''There's no need. I just need to take some fresh air.''
''My lady!'' - calls Tiberias, rushing in her way. ''I'd like to discuss some matters with you.''
''Actually, me too.'' Tiberias frowns at the sudden change of her attitude toward him. ''Tell me, is it true that you recently led a coup against the king?''
''Who told you that?''
''So it's true?'' Crestfallen lady (Y/N) bits her lower lip, trying to stifle her sobbing, and in a strangled voice she asks: ''Don't tell me that all your stories about the kingdom and the king were just to lure me into your scheme?''
''It wasn't against the king! Please listen to me!'' Tiberias rapidly grasps her arm to prevent her from leaving but stands frozen to the spot when lady (Y/N) faces him with her jaw wobbling and a single tear strolling down her cheek.
''Let go of her!'' The king's menacing shout from afar startles lady (Y/N), who immediately lowers her head so he wouldn't catch sight of her teary eyes. Enraged Baldwin grabs Tiberias's wrist, squeezing it, to release his betrothed from her uncle's firm grip. ''I won't pry into your family matters but your actions have obviously made her cry. If someone hurts lady (Y/N), hurts me as well.''
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''Forgive me, my lord.'' Abashed Tiberias deeply bends his head and takes a peek at lady (Y/N) before bidding them goodbye.
Baldwin then turns to lady (Y/N) and with utmost delicacy wipes off her tears with his thumb, making her slowly look up at his masked face. Despite that all (Y/N) can see is his blue eyes which seem to be piercing her soul, she finds solace in his presence. When his fingers vaguely trails down her face until they almost reach her jaw, he says softly: ''Whatever is troubling you, my lady, you can always confide in me, I'm not only a king but your future husband too.'' As a token of gratitude, lady (Y/N) warmly smiles at Baldwin.
''Lady (Y/N)?'' - asks timidly lady Stephanie, waiting along with Elvira.
''Oh, I must be going now.'' Lady (Y/N), now that she remembers she has so much to do yet, swiftly curtsies and in a rush takes a leave. When the king is about to return to his duties, he catches a glimpse of a suspicious knight in a hood leaning against a pillar and observing lady (Y/N) from a long distance, so he turns to one of his vassals to give him an order: ''Arrange more guards for lady (Y/N).'' As if the enemy gaining strength faster than ever is not enough for the young king to worry about, now his kingdom is on the brink of being torn apart by domestic conflicts. Yet, Baldwin is bravely facing all challenges his malicious fate has to offer.
