Queen Consort Of The Holy Land Chapter 3
When Sahara was six years old her father brought her to Jerusalem for the first time. He's been summoned by King Baldwin 3rd to Court. The two were accompanied by about ten of his knights for protection.
Because of how young and little she was Sahara had to ride double with her father on his horse. Next year she'd be ready for her own pony, but not just yet. Sahara was put out that she couldn't do it, but that faded when they were within range of the Holy City.
Sahara was in absolute awe of Jerusalem. All the different sites and sounds, she couldn't get enough of it. From the saddle Tiberias smiled in amusement of his daughters antics.
Upon reaching the palace the pair and their entourage were immediately greeted by the Queen and Crown Prince.
The King was busy with matters of state and Princess Sibylla occupied with her lessons. Only Crown Prince Baldwin 4th was free to accompany his mother.
Sahara found herself intrigued almost instantly with the young prince. She smiled in a friendly manner at him. Baldwin tried to keep from looking at her as much as possible while the adults were conversing. The times where he couldn't Baldwin kept turning a brighter shade of red.
Sahara giggled, batting her eyelashes at him.
The sound drew the adults to look down at them.
Getting the gist of what is going on, leaning down to their level and speaking to her son, the Queen said "That's Little Sahara."
"He's kind of bashful. Isn't he, Papa," said Sahara.
"Well maybe he wouldn't be if you said hello," suggested Tiberias, stroking a hand down her hair.
Sahara thought that's a splendid idea.
With formality's over with Sahara saw no reason not to approach him.
Taking a couple of steps closer to Baldwin, Sahara said "Hello, Baldwin."
Instead of returning the greeting Baldwin hid behind his mother, peering at Sahara from around the Queen's skirts with huge eyes.
A bit put out by his lack of response, and a little hurt by it, Sahara said "I said hello."
The steps Sahara took had him backing away more.
Brow raised in chastisement, the Queen said "Well aren't you going to answer her?"
Baldwin gapped, shaking his head.
"You're not afraid, are you," gasped the Queen.
That Baldwin didn't like that.
Baldwin frowned, stubbornly shaking his head again.
"Well then go ahead," said the Queen, moving so he's now in front of her.
The Queen then gently pushed him forward. If he weren't going to do so then she'd get him to.
Baldwin stumbled forward too close to Sahara for his comfort. On the other hand, Sahara was pretty happy about it, dancing in place.
"Go on, say hello," urged the Queen.
Shrugging, ducking his head meekly, Baldwin murmured "Hello."
That's all Sahara needed. She squealed darting this way and that around Baldwin in joy. Baldwin stood there stupefied not knowing what to do. Sahara then started chasing him. They ran around until Baldwin tripped backwards against some crates.
Baldwin shook his head trying to clear it up. Suddenly he felt a soft touch on his cheek. Turns out Sahara had kissed his cheek. She pulled back before he could see her. Sahara kept doing this over and over with him trying to pinpoint where she was. Finally, so frustrated, he got fed up and did find Sahara when her incessant giggles gave her away.
Sahara gasped at the angry expression on his face, batting her eyelashes in bewilderment.
"You," shouted Baldwin, leaping at her.
Sahara shrieked now running away from him.
They ran everywhere in the yard running in circles around their parents and the knights.
Sahara even went to squeeze in between her fathers legs. Tiberius trapped her there to add to the fun. Sahara barely escaped just when Baldwin was about to reach her.
The children were so distracted with each other that they kind of ignored all pretenses of decorum and the fact of others there watching them in this brand of entertainment.
Now as Baldwin continued to give chase, the Queen and Tiberias watching on with amused eyes, exchanging a knowing glance.
Who knew how far things would go for these two in the years to come.
Authors Note:
Happy New Year!
Hope this is a good way to begin a brand new year!
As many of you may have guessed by now this little dream flashback scene was inspired by Bambi. I thought this would be a very cute approach to how our girl and Baldwin first met.
Also, in the movie, who is older? Sibylla or Baldwin?
Heads up guys! We've got trouble. I received this alert from another fellow author.
Subject: #SAVEYOURINTERNET
Can you imagine a world without the following:
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