Arranged Marriage

Part 13

Just as lady (Y/N) finishes swathing Baldwin's face, to the chamber arrives a courtier announcing that their dinner is being served.

''Bring it to my chamber. From now on I'll be having meals together with my wife, of course if she's willing to.'' Glancing with admiration at his wife, Baldwin holds her hand with their fingers entwined, not ashamed of showing a growing affection between them.

''How could I refuse my love?'' The giggling lovers keep cuddling each other despite gaping servants who are astounded to witness a great change in their monarch. Baldwin's life once secluded in the prodigious castle called home is now filled with love and elation as if his fate at long last has shown some mercy to his wearied soul.

All of a sudden, in the doorway Baldwin halts in his tracks to take off his cloak and next tuck the queen up with it. ''It's a bit cold outside.'' Before she could protest, he leans down to archly whisper into her ear: ''Even in this plain robe you look appealing. Such alluring views shall be restricted only for the king, don't you agree?''

''Then I will change into a daily gown since it's improper for a queen to make an appearance in public wearing just an undergarment.'' Lady (Y/N) smirks saucily after emphasizing the last word and in the company of a few maids takes a leave to soon come across countess Agnes, who is baffled to see her daughter-in-law in a familiar clothing. ''Oh, countess Courtenay.''

''Call me mother, my dear child. We're family now.''

''Yes, mother...'' The honor of obtaining a formidable ally like the queen mother doesn't, however, smother the perceptible in lady (Y/N)'s tone discomfort with being treated dubiously amicable.

''Isn't it my son's cloak?''

''Oh, yes. It's because my robes have been taken away. If you excuse me, I will return to my bedchamber.'' When the queen without hesitation passes by, rushing toward the royal chambers, lady Agnes with her eyebrows raised in incredulity, lets out a gloating snort that her so believed failed attempts to bring the newlyweds together are not de facto all washed up.

Now the entire royal court seems to be living and breathing the adventitious love story of king Baldwin and lady (Y/N). Henceforth it'll be a tale passed through generations of the local inhabitants as well prettified with arcs of fantasies by minstrels until history won't be inclined to put an end to their legendary legacy. For the present Baldwin and his wife aren't fretting what the future is hatching for them and they continue fulfilling their duties, especially when it's the second day of their wedding celebration.

''My court, I give you a queen!'' - exclaims loftily Baldwin, presenting the queen to the gathered nobles.

A stilted applause fills the hall as some of the guests sardonically observe Baldwin gently enfolding his beloved, who in response rests her head on his shoulder.

''Is she drunk or incredibly stupid to beguile a leper?'' - ironically comments in a muffled tone lord Guy, who is instantly hushed by princess Sybilla's prod in his arm.

''May God bless you two!'' - calls grinning lady Agnes, the most rhapsodic of them all. ''Now that you're married, some matters have to be discussed. Have you already chosen your heir?''

The king takes a glimpse at lady (Y/N), encouragingly rubbing her back. ''Let's ask my wife first.''

''As the Queen of Jerusalem I'll support my husband's primary declaration that his successor to the throne shall be his nephew, crown prince Baldwin V.''

''We have the answer then. I'll announce the news at the next session of the High Court.''

''Is she truly on our side?'' - mutters under her nose the princess who unlike others finds her sister-in-law's statement implausible.

''My dear.'' - says placidly Baldwin as he turns to his wife. ''I have some important matters to attend today, but I might return late.''

''Actually, I was about to take some rest. It's been a long day, after all. I'll be waiting for you in our bedchamber.'' Gracefully curtsying, the queen bids him farewell and heads out to change into a chemise, the same she wore on her wedding night. Instead of enjoying the banquet together with her new family, lady (Y/N) prefers to stargaze while resting on the porch swing outside the bedchamber. The translucent curtains shielding the arched entrance flutter as a gentle breeze sweeps across the chamber, blowing off some letters left on the desk. Enchanted by the full moon casting its silver light upon Jerusalem, she takes a lyre to play songs which brings back memories of her childhood and the familial palace in the Byzantine Empire. Her angelic voice, echoing throughout the hall and part of the courtyard, engages the attention of the already returning king. Enthralled by the queen's marvelous singing, Baldwin steps onto the terrace and freezes in his spot, speechlessly leering at the lady until she notes his serendipitous arrival. ''...Baldwin.''

''...(Y/N)...'' - he purrs, wrapping his arms around the queen's waist, and brushes the silver lips of his mask against her uncovered shoulder, making her shiver with thrill. ''My dear (Y/N), pray tell me it's not a daydream about to disperse like a mist at dawn.''

As a retort lady (Y/N) gingerly places his palm on her heart, not averting her full of passion gaze from him. ''Can you feel my heartbeat? It gets louder when a loved one is near. My love, I'm here and will always be for you. I'm yours.''

Baldwin, suddenly, picks her up, not minding his feeble muscles. ''God must've sent you to me. What else can I call it if not a blessing?'' Still in his hold, lady (Y/N) kisses him softly on the mouth. ''(Y/N), I love you.'' Being kissed repeatedly, the king carries her to the bed. The night is going to be long...