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!
A/N: Sorry it's been so long since I posted, but I was on vacation in the Bahamas, being extremely lazy. Atlantis resort is so awesome!
To my lovely reviewers – thank you from the bottom of my Orlando love-sick heart.
Red Cloud Phoenix: I couldn't do that to you all! I can't even imagine myself writing that, it was hard enough having him sick…
Jellemegg: Yeah, it was meant to be angsty, but I had fun writing Sibylla chewing out the bishop. Does that guy really get on anyone else's nerves?
Staci: Thank you! I'm glad you've kept on reading.
EverVengeful: Wow. I'm on your favs? I'm honored…now I've got to make sure the story is extra good!
Warning: This chapter contains mild sexual content.
Ch. 7: Eternal Vows
(Balian PoV)
After I awoke to Sibylla's tearful greeting, I realized that I'd cheated death not only once, but twice. To survive the shipwreck on my journey across the sea to Jerusalem was a miracle in itself. But to live after being bitten by a supposedly lethal snake was almost unheard of. While I couldn't fathom exactly how I'd conquered the deadly poison, I relished my new chance at life; one that I would spend with my beloved.
For the next week, she had doted on me, as I slowly regained my strength. Although I knew it was necessary, allowing others to care for me had made me feel quite helpless. And I had no qualms telling Sibylla about my wounded pride.
"I don't like you to see me this weak and pathetic," I said, my back resting against the headboard. She laughed softly and smoothed my hair away from my forehead.
"You are always so brave and strong, my love. Let others serve you, just until you are well. Try and relax." I grumbled unhappily, reluctantly accepting that I would remain bedridden for a while longer. She was right, I was not completely better. My left ankle still ached where the snake had sunk its fangs. Also, when I tried to stand alone, I was too weak to remain upright. Sibylla climbed into bed next to me and sat up, laying her head on my shoulder.
"Don't worry, Balian. As soon as you have recovered, we shall have our wedding." I beamed at her.
"Well, that certainly gives me an incentive to get well." Pulling her onto my lap, she leaned back on my chest, sighing contentedly.
"Your brother told me that you stayed by my side day and night while I was beyond aid. Why?"
"Because I wanted to be near if you woke. I talked to you, held your hand – anything that I thought might pull you through." She shifted positions and looked up at me. "The second night you had terrible nightmares. You were calling out for me and you didn't respond when I answered you. The healer did not think you would last the night; the fever and chills almost consumed you. It was awful watching you suffer!" She buried her face in my chest and tried to stifle her shaking sobs.
"Shh, sweetheart," I consoled, lovingly stroking her long, thick curls. "I'm going to be fine." I held her close, grateful for another chance at a life with her.
"I couldn't have gone on without you," she choked out. "Did you know that I was already being pressured to choose another husband so he would be the next king?"
"No," I replied uneasily.
"Even Tiberias didn't think that you'd live…"
"That doesn't matter now," I gently interrupted. "I'm here, so I'm afraid you are stuck marrying me." She nuzzled my neck and softly answered, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
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Meanwhile, Guy and Reynald were beginning to feel quite frustrated. They only had three remaining templars, two of which were utter morons. Word on the street was that Sir Balian had survived an anonymous attacker and had recovered from a lethal snake bite.
"Damn it, Reynald!" Guy swore. "Balian still lives; we must find another way to get rid of that loathsome Baron."
"And we'd better do it quickly," said Reynald. "Those imbeciles (Gerard and Henri gulped) have managed to spend almost half of our remaining finances on food at the marketplace." He shook his head in dismay.
"My lords, if I may, don't forget that you still have the allegiance of the templars," a new voice interjected.
"That's true," Guy mused. "At least Lucien here was able to carry out his orders without making mistakes." He glared at the other two knights, who were now cowering in a corner. "But I do not wish to reveal our biggest secret until we have done away with Balian, for he is our most prominent threat." Lucien nodded.
"Balian must not be crowned king!" thundered Reynald.
"Calm down, my lord. I have something in mind for the coronation," Lucien slyly proposed.
"Tell us!" Guy urged. The men discussed Lucien's despicable idea late into the night.
"Sleep well," yawned Reynald as they went off to bed. "After all, how much longer can the leper king last?"
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(Sibylla PoV)
"Oh my lady, you look positively stunning."
"Thank you Ariana," I told my favorite handmaiden. She had laced up the back of my off-white gown, and clasped my diamond necklace at the back of my neck.
"The ceremony will begin shortly; good luck my lady." She curtsied and left.
It had taken another week for Balian to make a full recovery. But I enjoyed watching him regain his strength, and seeing his delight at being able to do things for himself. Balian – marrying him was so right. Excitement coursed through my veins in anticipation of being officially untied with my love.
Memories of my first wedding surfaced and I unsuccessfully tried to push them away. When I was fifteen, walking down the aisle to Guy seemed like I was headed for a death sentence, or worse; a life in chains. I'd taken the solemn vow of obedience and Guy reigned over me like I was one of his tenants. Ah, no matter. Balian had let me omit that vow, for he saw me as his life partner and equal; not a subservient wife.
I carefully put on my lacy veil and glanced in the mirror. The green-eyed girl who stared back gave me a secret smile. Hitching up my dress and petticoats, I made my way down the long corridors to the church entrance.
"Princess, you look beautiful," Tiberias said as he handed me my bouquet.
"Thank you. Are you ready to give me away?"
"It is an honor, my lady," he said gruffly. Originally my brother was to give me away, but his illness had progressed to where he couldn't walk without assistance. Baldwin came over to me, a guard at each side. When he saw me in my wedding regalia, his eyes became misty. He hugged me fiercely and whispered,
"You are glowing. He will bring you great happiness."
"I know," I told him, my voice breaking. He released me and his guards escorted him to the throne.
Suddenly, the choir started to sing its joyful processional anthem. Tiberias offered his arm and I calmly accepted it. Two knights opened the intricate church doors and we slowly began our walk down the lengthy aisle. Sweet smelling pink and yellow flowers decorated the stain glass window panes and petals covered the aisle. As we approached the altar, I saw the familiar faces of friends, nobles, and the hospitaler, who was presiding over the ceremony. (Balian and I had refused to let that irksome bishop marry us.)
And there he stood. The choir was barely audible and the people became a blur as I closed the distance between us. He proudly wore a sleek black robe with golden silk trim. Never before had I seen such an intense look of love, admiration, and hints of desire in Balian's beautiful brown eyes. Tiberias gave him my hand, and then took a seat in the front pew. As we stood before the hospitaler, I tried to focus on the timeless words that would bind us together for all eternity. But Balian was making that rather difficult. His fingers were subtly caressing mine, causing me to shiver involuntarily. A sly smile formed on his perfect lips as he noticed the effect he was having on me. All too soon, we had reached the most important part of the service.
"Do you, Sir Balian of Ibelin, take Sibylla to be your lawful wife, to love and cherish, in sickness or in health, as long as you both shall live?" the hospitaler asked.
"I do," Balian firmly answered.
"And do you, Princess Sibylla of Jerusalem, take Balian to be your lawful husband, to love and cherish, in sickness or in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," I said, squeezing Balian's hand.
"Then by the power vested in me by holy God, I now pronounce you man and wife." We gazed at each other for a long moment in mutual adoration. The hospitaler abruptly brought us back to the world that held more than just us. "You may now kiss the bride!" Balian lifted my veil and gave me a soft and gentle kiss. The crowd roared its approval. The choir sang a lively hymn as we recessed out the church doors.
"I can't believe it! We're actually married!" I exclaimed, giddy with elation.
"Neither can I," grinned Balian. "I love you so much." He led me behind the building and passionately kissed me. After eagerly reciprocating, my lips still tingled when I broke away, desperate for air. Panting, I teasingly asked him,
"Where did that come from?" You kissed me so gently before…"
"A special someone once told me that everyone has two faces – one for the world and one that they wear in private." He smirked knowingly at me.
"Save your private side for later," I giggled. "There'll be plenty of time for that tonight." Holding hands, we contentedly made our way to the wedding feast.
Before we could sit down and eat, we were swarmed by well-wishers. Finally Balian was able to guide us through the crowd so we could reach the food. The atmosphere was light and cheery as the wedding guests mingled, ate, and drank the palace's finest wine. In breaks between conversations I'd share secret looks with Balian. I wondered if he was as impatient to be alone together as I was. He gaze of desire seemed to confirm that he was.
Eventually, after Tiberias' toast to a happy and fruitful marriage, we could leave the feast. I thanked everyone for coming and Balian escorted me away from the long tables. As soon as we were out of sight, I yanked off my uncomfortable shoes and raced towards my bedroom, Balian at my heels. Just as I reached the doorway, Balian caught up to me.
"You can't outrun me, Princess," he panted, trapping me in his powerful arms.
"I almost did, my lord," I breathed.
"Don't think you'll be escaping me tonight. After that torturous bedridden week, would you deny your husband? Sibylla, I've wanted you all week." His voice thickened with lust. Oh heavens, that voice. Even if I had wanted to, I wouldn't have been able to resist him.
"Well, what are we waiting for?" At those words of permission, he yanked open the door, pulled me inside, and forcefully shut it. We rushed into an embrace and planted our lips together. Tongues dueling, he flattened me against a wall, his hands roaming across my front. I soon pushed him away. "Dress," I gasped out, "ties in the back." He grunted in acknowledgement and deftly undid the ties to my restrictive bridal gown. We slid it over my head and tossed it on the floor. I tugged at his sash and the robe opened in one fluid motion. It was discarded on the floor as well – wrinkled clothing was not important at the moment. Quickly, we yanked off our own remaining undergarments until our bodies were completely bare. He led me to the bed and climbed in after me, straddling my hips.
"Sibylla…so beautiful," Balian whispered in between kisses that he trailed down my chest. We let our actions speak for us as we made slow love through the night. It seemed like forever since we'd become one. As much as I loved the blissful feeling, I also enjoyed watching him writhe over me, knowing that I caused him to feel such pleasure. Afterwards, he flipped me over and held my sweaty body to his. Feeling the thumping of our hearts, I had never been so complete. Reluctantly, I rolled off so that we could have our proper rest. I fell asleep smiling, exhausted but sated.
End Ch. 7
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