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///
''In truth...'' - intervenes shyly the queen. ''The relaxation with my dear husband here in the library is far more fascinating than their frolics.'' Beaming with cheerfulness, lady (Y/N) suddenly clasps her hands together. ''Oh! I almost forgot! It's time to change the bandages. I'll prepare the medicines.''
When she disappears behind the door, William of Tyre is about to leave as well but Baldwin rapidly grabs his arm and says in a steely tone: ''You didn't tell me the queen's father is from the County of Tripoli. Do you have any idea what does it mean?'' Receiving no response, he continues more sturdily: ''If the current sovereign of Tripoli, Tiberias, remains without an heir of his own blood, the title will pass on to my wife as the only rightful successor from the House of Toulouse and I will be the co-ruler.'' The awed archbishop slowly lifts his chin to meet Baldwin's fevered stare. ''The Levant will eventually become a united kingdom. And if God allows me to have an offspring, my son or daughter will become the most powerful monarch of Jerusalem in history.''
The gravity of the king's words leaves the scribe speechless in this tensed atmosphere, which to his relief is shortly interrupted with the queen's prompt return. He respectfully bows to the monarchical couple and taking a leave swiftly, almost bumps into a courtier, who hurries to announce with dignity: ''In the name of princess Sybilla and her husband lord Guy I wish to invite the king and queen to a musical performance dedicated to your majesties.''
''I'll gladly accept the invitation, provided that my wife is eager to participate in it.'' Baldwin next faces lady (Y/N) with a question: ''What do you say, my love?''
''I have nothing against this idea as long as I'm by your side.''
''Then it's settled.'' After dismissing his sister's messenger boy, the king raises to his feet and locking arms with his ladylove, at an easy pace heads back to their bedchamber to get prepared for the event which impatiently awaits a certain knight from Poitou...
''They will be here soon. Go bring the woman.''
''Yes, my lord.'' A hooded servant nods and strides toward a folding screen behind which are assembling female artists.
''My dear?'' - asks anxious lady (Y/N), drawing closer to her spouse. ''I have a bad feeling about this plan. What if-''
''Trust me, my princess, it'll be the most resplendent wedding gift the king has ever seen.''
''Attention!'' - the seneschal silences the entire public. ''The king and queen of Jerusalem are coming!''
There in the main entrance arrive king Baldwin and lady (Y/N) in her new scarlet red gown with long sleeves. Together they walk up the dais to take a seat on the thrones.
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''My queen, you look stunning tonight.'' - flatters her lord Joscelin of Courtenay.
''Thank you...'' It is not his adulation that causes bashfulness in her voice but the fact she's the cynosure of all eyes, including lord Guy who is ogling the young queen consort.
Meanwhile, minstrels have already begun playing middle eastern instruments and in the midst of the dance floor forms up a troupe of dancers in fancy robes. One of them, a nubile lady wearing a skimpy attire slowly approaches the king with alluring dancing moves. Aware of this obvious provocation, lady (Y/N) squeezes her fists in annoyance which doesn't overlook lady Elvira, who discreetly gestures to the mistress of the home not to meddle in that affair. In view of being incessantly watched by nobles, the queen has to put on a brave face and taking a deep breath, she closes her eyelids, trying to stay unruffled, but all of a sudden someone's fingers entwine with her own and taking a glimpse to her right, lady (Y/N) to her delight finds Baldwin keeping a weather eye on her instead of paying attention to the belly dancer, who humphs loudly when the king presses the mask's silver lips to his beloved's knuckles. Despite the seducer's multiple attempts, nothing could disrupt the twosome's unmitigated admiration for each other.
Once the first part of the extravaganza is done, lord Guy takes the floor again: ''I hope your majesties enjoyed the dance. I chose it specially for the queen who might have not seen such rarities at Byzantine court.''
Lending a sympathetic ear to his wry remark, lady (Y/N) can't help not to sneer at him. ''I believe lord of Lusignan has never visited the Byzantine court. Nota bene each year travel there dozens of artists from all corners of the world. I met in person some of them from whom I took private lessons.''
''Then the queen must be well-educated in arts. Why don't your majesty grace us all with a display of one of your skills?''
''Please do, your majesty!'' - the cheers of the exhilarated mass get louder by the minute.
''M'lady!'' - alarmed lady Elvira tries to preclude the standing up queen from accepting the dare but to no avail. Lady (Y/N) perkily steps forward, while all performers are moving aside and the bandleader, given new commands from her, promptly changes the repertuar.
''My king.'' - before Baldwin gracefully curtsies his bride. ''I'd like to present you a traditional dance that brings me back memories of my childhood, it's called Acharuli.''
Just as she earns the king's approval, lady (Y/N) straightens up and proceeds to her grand performance. The spectators, hypnotized by her smooth movements full of grace, stand frozen in their spots and scrutinize her each one step. Enthralled Baldwin reaches out to the queen when she concludes the final act with an enchanting obeisance and, clasping her to his body, he purrs: ''My beautiful (Y/N), for your magnificent dance I shall reward you.''
''My dear, your love and happiness is reward enough for me.''
Baldwin hums pensively before enjoining: ''Come with me.''
