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///
The king lets out a deep sigh while he is fighting an inner battle after what he raises to his feet and draws so close that lady (Y/N) can feel the brush of his cloak's hem on her own clothing. ''Get to the bed.'' - he commands in a whisper. The queen obediently snuggles down in bed, pulling on a counterpane to cover herself up to her neck, while Baldwin is taking off his outer robes, leaving only a silk nightshirt and the head covering. Just as he takes a seat by his wife's side, into the chamber comes a group of nobles together with William of Tyre who has to bless the royal matrimony. Intimidated by numerous stares of the king's relatives surrounding them, including the proudly smiling queen mother, lady (Y/N) bits her lower lip and Baldwin, detecting her discomfort straight away, discreetly takes her hand into his own to hold it firmly so he can suport her in this inconvenient time.
Impatient Tiberias, being inconspicuously given a sign by the king, speaks up suddenly: ''Father William, we won't be listening to your harangue the entire night! Just skip to the blessing!'' And astonished archbishop William without hesitation does as he has been told.
Countess Agnes hands over a goblet filled with some cerise juice which arouses the king's suspicion. ''My dear, take a sip. It's a special drink for royal brides.''
''Ah, it's spicy.'' - comments slightly coughing lady (Y/N) after tasting the odd beverage.
Baldwin at once takes the drink from his wife's hold and facing the guests, he raises his voice at them: ''Everyone leave! Now!'' When the door closes after Elvira with Tiberias's help has compelled visitors from the bedchamber, Baldwin shyly glimpses at lady (Y/N) and says despondently: ''I will make sure tomorrow you have your own bed-''
''Please don't. I feel much safer when I'm with you.''
''Doesn't it bother you to sleep with a leper?''
Baldwin's sorrowful tone has saddened the queen but even so lady (Y/N) doesn't feel discouraged. ''I was once told that if your love for the other person is strong and true, you will overcome any obstacle in your life. If you wish, I'll always stay by your side like a guardian angel to together withstand your leprosy and our fickle fate.''
''Then become my guardian angel.'' Baldwin moves a strand of his wife's hair behind her ear and though he isn't able to smile broadly as others, deep down he beams with euphoria. ''But I warn you, difficult times full of challenges are ahead of you.''
''I'm aware of it.'' Lady (Y/N) presses lightly the king's hand stroking her cheek while gazing at him with admiration.
Their tranquil moment, however, is shortly interrupted by a sudden clang of heels followed by Elvira's shouting. ''How dare you eavesdrop on the king and the queen?!'' The abrupt turmoil soon abates as the chase continues in further parts of the castle, leaving only a faint echo of the fuss.
''Someone was eavesdropping on us?'' - asks in disbelief the queen.
''It often happens.'' - answers indifferently Baldwin and cautiously lies down on the pile of pillows, struggling against the faintness that has begun to spin through his head. He reaches to the carafe with some water but due to his blurry vision accidentally overturns it. ''What have you all given to me?'' - mumbles drowsily Baldwin as an unknown herb added to his medicine begins working.
''Ah, what a sweltering night.'' The queen unloosens the tie on her rapidly rising up and down chest. How much she would like to rip apart her robe in this unbearable heat. Instead, lady (Y/N) rests her head on Baldwin's shoulder and cuddles up to him as if she is seeking alleviation in his presence. ''My king...'' - calls him in a weak voice lady (Y/N) and just as Baldwin with his solicitous stare bends over her, she faintly caresses his neck, making him close the gap between them. It will be their last not expunged memory of their wedding night, the moment when lady (Y/N) kisses passionately the mask's silver lips. The moon casts its light on the royal couple tightly embracing each other, the only witness of uniting two lonely hearts which were for years longing for love and now are bountifully rewarded for their patience...
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Early in the morning lady (Y/N) languorously lifts her eyelids and the first thing that comes into sight is Baldwin with his arms wrapped around her waist, sleeping so soundly that even a rumpled veil entirely enshrouding his face doesn't bother him at all. Not to wake him up, lady (Y/N) warily releases herself from his secure hold but instantly pauses after noticing a few dried off blood stains on her legs. Presuming that something tremendous has happened to her, she lets out a gasp in dismay and on tiptoes runs out to find royal physicians but in lieu of them meets Elvira preparing a bath for the queen. ''M'lady?'' - asks bewildered the chief lady-in-waiting.
''Lady Elvira, I need your help...''
Elvira's eyes widen when the queen shows crimson smudges on her cloth and at once takes lady (Y/N) under her arm to take her to a midwife.
