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!

Author's note: I'm just writing this story for my own enjoyment, not to be historically accurate in content or in speech. The romance will probably become a bit 'fluffy' in the next few chapters, but I believe that can be allowed as long as the story has a strong plot for a backbone. Hey, at least mine isn't a Mary-Sue!

My reviewers are seriously awesome people! I love you all: Navasiel, darkpoet88, Allyanna, ElvenRanger13, and any others who have been lurking and reading ;)

Jellemegg: Thanks for being a pal and reviewing! I do appreciate your compliments, and I'm glad you like my portrayal Sibylla. Balian doesn't deserve any less!

Lizzy: I had sooooo much fun going to see this with you. Thanks for the uplifting and sweet reviews!

Red Cloud Phoenix: Cool pen name; I love the B/S romance too…it's the best part!

Smithy: Wow, you gave me the longest review so far, and it was mostly about Def Leppard! Rofl…I like those songs too but my all time fave is 'Photograph'.

Rachel Sparrow: Your comment…too funny for words! Meep indeed.

Sincerely in Blood: Aw thanks! I did try to capture their emotions correctly. Balian sure isn't hard to write! 3 3 3

ImmortalWizardPirateElf-fan: I know Guy and Reynald should've been executed (because they are EVIL) , but Balian wouldn't agree to marry Sibylla if that had happened. Plus my story won't be as interesting in later chapters if they'd lived….

Ch. 3:

(Balian Pov)

The next morning, I awoke to the tolling of church bells and the pleasant aroma of incense. Sunlight streamed through the windows and onto our bed. Hanging golden curtains billowed from the gentle breeze. To my right was the still sleeping form of my sweet Sibylla. Her peaceful face and tiny smile indicated that her dreams had been good to her that night. Although I hated to wake her, I wanted to be sure that her head injury hadn't worsened overnight. I leaned over and softly kissed her lips, and she gave a small sigh of contentment. My love's pale green eyes flickered open and shone with radiance.

"How do you feel, my love?" I asked. She sat up slowly, but then winced and held her hand to her wounded temple.

"It still throbs," she truthfully told. "But it feels a bit better than last night." I helped her walk the short distance to the bathroom so she could relieve herself. When she was back in bed, I sent a guard to fetch the healer.

"You'll have breakfast in bed this morning," I assured her, as I didn't want her to over-exert herself too soon.

"Balian, ask the cook to send up a simple meal; I don't feel like eating anything heavy at the moment." I squeezed her hand in reassurance.

"Whatever you want, my dear, you shall have." Another guard left for the kitchens without a word.

"Thank you for staying last night; I'm not sure I could've gotten to sleep if you hadn't." She held out her arms, and I gave her a protective hug.

"Honestly, Sibylla, do you really think I would've left you all alone last night after all you faced?" I gave her a genuine smile. She hugged me tighter.

"Oh Balian, what did I do to deserve a man like you?" I shook my head in disbelief.

"Actually, I believe I'm the lucky one, to have such a beautiful and strong woman fall in love with me." When she still gazed at me with uncertain eyes, I continued. "You'll never have to worry again. My love will never falter, and I shall stay with you as long as there is breath in my body." We kissed again, but before I could deepen the kiss, the healer arrived. He cleared his throat, and I quickly stood up and let him tend to her.

"Here, drink this tonic; it will help alleviate the pain." She grasped the glass gratefully and drank it in a few gulps. I guess my concern showed a bit too much because when I began asking questions, Sibylla rolled her eyes.

"How long should she stay in bed? Can she have visitors? Does she have a fever? Will the wound cause any permanent damage?" The healer chuckled.

"One at a time. I recommend that the princess stays mostly in bed for today, but if she

feels better tomorrow, I don't see why she can't stroll around the palace or come down for meals."

"And what about…" He held up his hand to interrupt me.

"She'll be fine. I found no lasting damage, fever, or any other symptoms. It'd be best if only you and a few close confidants visit today." I sighed with relief.

"Thank you, kind sir, for all you've done for her." Sibylla nodded in agreement. The healer smiled.

"It was my pleasure." He paused looking at me, then asked, "Is it true that you will be come the next king when Baldwin passes?" I looked up in amazement.

"Yes, but where did you here that?" He winked and said, "You'd be surprised at how fast news travels in this fair city. But I will say this; if you treat the people of Jerusalem with such care and devotion as your fiancée, then you shall be a great king indeed." Not knowing what else to say, I replied, "thank you." He left the room with out a backward glance.

In no time at all, servants entered with our breakfasts. They brought up a steaming plate of eggs, a freshly baked loaf of bread with honey, along with figs, dates, and assorted fruits. Sitting comfortably in bed, Sibylla was able to eat her meal with the help of a portable tray. I dug into my eggs as she began making a nice dent in the fruit. As we both helped ourselves to the bread, we talked about the wedding, and our future as a married couple.

"Hmm, you're right. Ibelin would be perfect for our honeymoon," she agreed. "As you are the lord, we would not be disturbed. Besides, the people are so nice there."

"And it will allow me time to assign a few good men to oversee the farming and the accounts while I'm king in Jerusalem. I'm thinking I'll appoint at one Christian and one Muslim; I'd rather do away with the 'Baron' title for my lands."

"That sounds wonderful, to have two representatives of the two religions hold responsibility for the well being of their people. You will be a wise king, indeed." She was finishing the last piece of bread, but had somehow managed to get honey all over her fingers. I watched intently as she delicately began to lick the sweet sticky substance from each finger.

"No, let me." I reached for her hand and slowly sucked away at each honey covered digit. She seemed to savor my thorough effort for her mouth was slightly open and her eyes were almost closed.

"Sibylla," I whispered. She shivered in delight as my lips left her fingers and began to blaze a wet trail down her neck. And then someone knocked at the door. This could've come at a better time, I thought with annoyance. Tiberias appeared.

"Er, should I come back later?" I stepped away from the bed, a red tinge on my cheeks.

"Oh no, now is fine," answered Sibylla, hiding a smile. After inquiring about her health, Tiberias turned to me.

"The king wishes to see you. He wants to prepare you for your upcoming role as king; come, there is much to discuss."

"You may tell my brother that Balian will meet with him later. I am in need of his company, seeing as I cannot do much for myself. When I'm taking a nap, he can go." I shrugged.

"I'll tell him, m'lady." He strode quickly out of the room. As soon as he was gone, I returned to her side.

"Now where were we?"

"Balian, you dolt! We can't, not while my head is bothering me," she said, exasperated.

"Me! Who was the one licking her fingers, hmm? You were deliberately teasing me."

"I was not!" she protested. But we both knew she didn't mean it. She lay down and turned over on her stomach. "Would you give me a back rub?"

"Sure," I chuckled. "You sounded so pathetic."

"Hey it worked, didn't it?" I gently kneaded her soft, freckled skin as she relaxed into my touch.

"Balian?" she asked softly, "what was your first wife like?"

"Why do you want to know?" I said, sharply.

"I…I just thought we should share these personal things before we are married. You already know of my husband's character. I didn't mean to upset you." I exhaled slowly.

"Don't apologize," I mumbled. "I just, miss her still. I'll always miss Maria. Did you know we had a child, but lost him at birth?"

"No!" she gasped. "How awful!" I nodded. "She killed herself in grief. Sometimes I wonder how she could just take her own life and leave me hear, alone. But I am trying to remember the happier times that we shared. We enjoyed long walks in the countryside, and riding our horses through the meadows. She was a wonderful cook. But you and Maria are very different. She was a very kind and simple woman, but shy at times, relying on me for protection and our finances." I shifted to rub her shoulders. "You however, are much more spirited, and friendly. You have the experience and wisdom needed to become a queen, the temperament of a peacemaker, and the bravery of a knight. I could not compare the two of you."

"I hope that we will have a large family, to make up for the one that you lost." I finished massaging her shoulders.

"So do I. I'm glad you like children." Her eyes sparkled with happiness.

"Of course! I've always dreamed of being a mother." She yawned and rubbed her eyes. "Well you did your job well, my love. I'm quite relaxed and ready for my nap." I stroked her hair and wished her a good rest.

I finally found my way into Baldwin's chambers. He was waiting for me, along with Tiberias and the hospitaler. According to them, keeping the peace was the most important facet of the kingship, and that war should be avoided at all costs. I heartily agreed. But, Tiberias cautioned, circumstances may occur that leave you no choice but to fight. Until sundown I studied the strategies and devices that we'd use to defend the city. After the meeting, I felt much more prepared than before about becoming king. But I still didn't have a good feel for exactly how the people lived, what their needs were, etc…

"You should go out into the streets tomorrow dressed as a servant and mingle with the people. This way you can have a firsthand experience," the hospitaler suggested.

"That's a great idea," I thanked him. "I'll do just that." Baldwin offered to walk back with me so he could visit his sister. We were conversing about Christian and Muslim relations when he suddenly stopped walking. He had dropped to his knees but I caught him before he hit the ground.

"My king, are you alright?" I asked, terrified for him.

"Yes," he answered wearily. "I just have to stop for a moment and catch my breath." When I looked at him knowingly, he nodded. "You realize that my time here is almost finished." When I looked at him in sadness, he said, "do not despair, I have accepted my fate. I have faith that your rule shall be just, but I am sorry you must inherit the crown during such difficult times."

"You have been a great inspiration." I told him. "I will strive to be a fair and noble king like my precedent."

"You will be. I am sure of it." We continued in silence until we reached Sibylla's chambers. The three of us shared a quiet evening meal and watched as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Unbeknownst to them, four templars entered the city gates that night, holding two rather large men as prisoners. When the guards asked them why they came to Jerusalem, the templars explained that they were to escort the men to the castle dungeon and then join the ranks of the army. They were allowed to pass into the city without any further questioning.

End Ch. 3