Disclaimer: I don't own anything KoH related; movie rights belong to 20th Century Fox and the great Sir Ridley Scott. Although I wish I owned Balian!

Started on 5-10-05

Rated R

Romance/Action-adventure

Summary: What happens if Balian accepts King Baldwin's offer to marry Sibylla and to become the next king of Jerusalem? Will Balian be able to keep the peace with fanatics like Guy and Reynald plotting against him?

(Balian/Sibylla)

Chapter 1: The King's successor

(Balian PoV)

Baldwin's army had finally returned to Jerusalem. The long, dry journey from Kerak Castle had made me weary – and not just from traveling through the desert. Reynald de Chatillon had been brought back in chains, on charges of attacking defenseless Saracens. By punishing the portly Reynald, Baldwin was just carrying out his oath to Saladin. Yet I feared that locking up the evil Baron had only served to anger Guy de Lusignan, the future king and husband to my love.

Sibylla and I slowed our horses to a walk as we rode into the royal stables and carefully dismounted. My sand-covered skin burned with exposure to the sun and wind; my parched throat begged for a cool drink of water. All I wanted was a long soak to cleanse my body of the dirt and grime, and a night of uninterrupted rest.

"Balian, I cannot stay much longer," she said, sadly. The last sun rays faded as night blanketed the city.

"I know, Guy is expecting you." A single tear trickled down her cheek and I caressed it away, smoothing her beautiful dark hair. "You are a princess, you must be strong," I encouraged her as she melded into my strong embrace.

"Then I shall be," she promised. "But, know this: even though I'm bound to Guy by marriage, it is you who is in my heart."

"As are you in mine," I affirmed, softly kissing her forehead. I let her go and turned to leave when she called back, "Balian, would you do anything for our love?"

"You know I would, as long as other people would not come to any harm." She bowed her head, shoulders shaking while she silently sobbed. Confused, I called after her.

"Sibylla, wait! What do you mean by that!" I shouted at her retreating form, her shiny orange cloak trailing behind her. Yet before I could run after her, someone tapped my back. I turned around and was met by the kindly face of the hospitaler. He'd been my father's old friend and I looked to him for council during these difficult times. I knew he'd overheard us, but he did not pry to my great relief.

"The king will see you now." Reluctantly, I followed him down a dimly lit corridor to Baldwin's lavish chambers.

"Come in." Tiberias motioned for me to sit. "The king and I were discussing the future of Jerusalem. We've decided that if Guy were to wear the crown, the peace between Christian, Jew, and Muslim would be shattered in a matter of days. So we have thought of an alternative."

Baldwin spoke, "Remember when I asked that I may need you help one day?"

"Yes, my king," I responded. "You need only to ask and I shall serve."

The leper shook his head, and light gleamed upon his silver mask. He held up his hand. "Wait until you've heard it all before you agree. I want you to lead the army. But more importantly, I ask that you marry my sister Sibylla, so that you will assume the throne after I am gone."

"And Guy? What is to become of him?" I wondered.

"He and his templars are to be executed," Tiberias growled. They looked at me expectantly. I sighed and shook my head.

"Every man has the ability to save his own soul. Who am I to play God? I will not be the cause of those murders." The king stared at me in disbelief.

"Guy would kill you right now if he had the chance! Why do you protect someone who wants you dead?

"I do not protect him, I just don't believe it is my choice to kill him. It is against my ethics. You have my love, and my answer." I left them to contemplate my words.

"Balian!" Tiberias raced after me. "The king has no use for a perfect knight. Would it be so hard to marry Sibylla?"

"No," I answered truthfully. "I love her; it is a tempting offer. Even more so than the power I would be granted. But I cannot go against my knight's oath. If only there was another way."

The king's military adviser thought for a moment. "Maybe there is. What if instead of killing Guy, we'd banish him instead?"

My eyes widened. "That's brilliant! We'd be saving the people from a tyrant, and my conscience will be clear."

"We must inform the king. Hurry!" Tiberias and I dashed back to the king's bedroom. He whispered our idea to Baldwin, who heartily agreed.

"Hospitaler, bring my sister to me at once," commanded the dying monarch. The seasoned soldier left his post at the door to find her.

I could not fathom that I was getting to propose to the woman who'd brought me out of my depressed stupor from losing my wife and child. The one who showed me light in my life, where I had only seen darkness. My lover, friend, and companion, who knew me more than I knew myself. This was all happening so fast; my head was reeling from the events of the day.

"She couldn't have found a better man. I've noticed how she looks at you," teased Baldwin. I blushed and grinned.

"Yes, I am very lucky to have her love," I agreed.

A few moments later, Sibylla entered the room. Her very presence radiated royalty; her head was held high commanding respect. I was mesmerized by her feminine ways as she slowly sank into the plush divan, adjusting her ornate skirts.

"You wanted to see me, brother?" Sibylla asked.

"I did," said the king. "I'm afraid your husband is plotting some inexcusable acts. Therefore, he must be banished, along with his fanatical band of templar knights." At this, she brightened. I knew how much she loathed Guy and how he mistreated her. "But that leaves us with a problem. With him gone, there will be no one to rule after I die. Lucky for us, someone has agreed to rule, if you will have him."

Striding across the floor to my princess, I got down on one knee and proposed. My throat seemed to close up, but thankfully I was able to say the words every girl dreams of hearing.

"Sibylla, will you marry me?" I waited nervously. Her mouth was slightly open in shock.

"Oh yes, Balian, yes," she joyfully cried. I stood up and we shared a long kiss. My brown eyes locked onto her green ones and we knew this was meant to be. Baldwin, Tiberias, and the hospitaler clapped softly when we were finished.

"But how can this happen? Won't I still be legally married to Guy?" she pointed out. Baldwin and the hospitaler exchanged looks.

"Well, yes that's true," the hopitaler affirmed. "But if we can prove that Guy's actions go against God's teachings, the bishop shall be able to grant you a divorce, leaving you free to marry Balian.

"Just exactly how are we going to prove this?" I asked. Tiberias looked sheepish.

"We were hoping you could find a way."

"Any ideas?" asked Baldwin. He was answered with silence.

Holding my princess in my arms, we savored the quiet moment while we mulled over how to trick Guy into revealing his violent plans for when he became king.

After awhile, Sibylla spoke up. "I know Guy. He loves having his ego stroked. There is only one way to learn exactly what he and Reynald are plotting. And I must be the one to do it." We nodded.

"Go on," I prodded.

"I shall offer myself to him tonight, pretending to be in search of comfort." I started to protest, but she shook her head. "He has not seen me in some time; while he is distracted with my body I can ask him about his plans to rule Jerusalem." Baldwin frowned.

"How can you be sure that he will divulge that information to you?"

"That won't be too hard. I'll convince him that Balian has broken my heart, and he'll gladly tell me how he'll get rid of him and any others who stand between him and his quest to kill the 'infidels'. You know, he is quite jealous of you, Balian."

"Sibylla, you don't have to put yourself through this," I told her. She laughed,

"Nonsense, Balian. I think I can stand him one last time. Then once his evil plans are overheard, I shall be yours forever."

"So it is settled," concluded Tiberias. "I'll go wake and bring the bishop, you go to Guy, and the rest of you should wait outside in the hall near their room." He quickly departed.

"Sibylla, be careful," I cautioned. "Don't let him hurt you." She nodded mutely. I saw a brief flash of fear come over her face, but she quickly mastered it.

"I'll be thinking only of you, my sweet knight," she said. I held her close and told her I loved her. "I'll see you all soon," she muttered as she slipped into the shadows of the night.

Although I was still doubtful of God's existence, I prayed just incase. "Please let our plan run smoothly, and keep my Sibylla safe."

The princess of Jerusalem went to couple with her arranged husband for what she hoped would be the last time.

End Ch. 1