Comes out from behind rock... Had some severe writers block with this chapter. I had originally intended it to be longer, however I couldn't make the scene work. So I've now decided to cut the scene and you'll find out what happened over time in the following chapters. I'm on the fence whether to let this story end in a way that fits into history or to rewrite history even further. Thoughts? Please share them in a review.
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
10. An Answer
Though Kalare had made her decision when she spoke to Emir, she did not yet share it. She allowed herself a day to see if she would change her mind. Only then did she seek out her father, who was now spending most of his days regaining his strength through sword practice with his men.
As such, she found him in the courtyard, where some months past she had observed Emir and Tamir. This time Almaric crossed swords with Basim, one of lord Kadir's younger sons. They were observed by many of the men who were temporarily residing in lord Kadir's keep.
In hope not to draw the attention of all those present, Kalare tried to make eye contact with Balian from the opposite side of the courtyard. Her efforts, however, were fruitless. Quietly, Kalare moved around the edge of the courtyard. Yet, her brightly coloured robes quickly drew the attention of many. Kalare felt their gazes follow her movements until she stepped before her father.
"Daughter," Balian greeted, "have you come to observe as you have done in the past?"
"Not this time father. Yet I hope I find you willing to walk with me," Kalare replied.
As she spoke Kalare saw Balian realise why she had sought him out.
"As no one can fault me for choosing the fresh air over the stench of sweating men, I shall gladly accompany you," Balian replied.
Together they walked to the gardens, a place which had proven to offer privacy. When they had wound their way through the gardens for some time Balian prompted Kalare to speak.
"Daughter, was I wrong to assume you had made a decision concerning the sultan's offer?" he asked.
"No father, you were not wrong. I only wish I knew my choice to be right"
"What decision have you come to?"
"I will marry lord Emir and be queen where mother once was. I shall try to make the world better," Kalare said.
"That is a noble choice. Yet nobility is not why your mother wanted you to have the opportunity to choose. Will you choice make you happy?" Balian asked.
"I cannot predict the future. However, I know the life which awaits me back in France. That life will never bring me happiness. Here, at least, there is a chance at happiness," Kalare explained. "I know, too, that the life I have now chosen comes with its own perils. I hope you and your men will stay."
"Though I know Saladin to be a just man, I shall not leave your safety in his hands," Balian vowed.
"What of Serica and Sidra?"
"I will send for them to join us in Jerusalem. They have been on their own for too long already."
"The men you send for them should return Ilarya to her home," Kalare suggested, taking her father and her maid by surprise.
Ilarya had dutifully been walking a few steps behind her mistress but stepped forward quickly to address her.
"Milady, have I displeased you?" Ilarya asked.
"Not since we arrived here. Yet you did not want to come here. In choosing my own happiness I shall not keep you from yours," Kalare explained.
"I will do as you wish milady. Though, like you, I have grown to believe my happiness lies here," Ilarya replied.
Kalare looked towards her father, only to find he had stepped away. Ilarya was Kalare's maid and she would have to decide how to deal with her.
"If you truly believe that you will have a long journey ahead of you. You will return to France. There you must decide whether to escort my sisters to Jerusalem or to find another willing to do so," Kalare answered. "If you do return, you will be maid to my sisters."
"Yes milady," Ilarya responded before returning to her previous position, allowing father and daughter to continue their conversation.
Later that day Balian met with Saladin and lord Kadir to inform them of Kalare's decision.
"Sultan, lord Kadir," he addressed them. "It has been five days since you presented me with an offer of marriage for my eldest daughter. Today I will give you our answer," Balian spoke calmly.
"I wonder," lord Kadir said, "if the speed with which we receive this answer is favourable."
"You can rest assured, my lord, that my daughter has considered all aspects of this proposal and that she is not of a changeable nature," Balian replied.
"Very well, lord Balian. If you are convinced that this decision has not been rushed, we will hear it," Saladin answered.
"My daughter, Kalare, will marry lord Emir," Balian announced.
"Very good. Perhaps, lord Balian, we will see peace in our time," Saladin replied.
"Let us hope so. As this peace depends heavily on the safety of the young couple, I will grand my daughter a personal guard of a hundred men," Balian continued. "Earlier today I send out riders to recruit men who will swear fealty to Kalare when she enters Jerusalem, where I assume our party shall travel shortly."
"I appreciate your quick action and agree that Jerusalem shall be soon host to our party," Saladin replied before addressing lord Kadir. "I know, my lord, that you are not fond of the city. Yet I hope you will join us there."
Throughout the meeting Kadir had been quietly observing the two men before him as they attempted to bring peace where there had only ever been war.
"Of course, my king," Kadir answered. "I will escort my son to this new life."
That evening it was Emir, not Balian, who awaited Kalare outside her room to escort her to the dining room.
"I hope my presence here does not offend you," Emir said as Kalare approached him.
"If it did, my mistake would be grave," Kalare replied as she placed her hand on his.
"What mistake would that be, milady?"
"Your question, my lord, leads me to suspect my father gave you no reason when he asked you to escort me this evening."
"Should I have asked for a reason in your opinion?"
"No, my lord. I believe his reason was to allow me to tell you of my decision myself."
"You have made your decision and have shared it. I admit I did not expect you to decide this quickly when you told me of you doubts."
"It is not in my nature to delay even when a decision is difficult. Time does not make the choice easier, it may even limit your options."
"Your words sound true, though you have not informed me of your decision yet," Emir pointed out.
"That is true and it is time for me to tell you," Kalare replied. "I hope, my lord, that you approve of my choice. As I have decided to accept the offer, to become your wife."
"Then, milady, I am pleased to inform you that I approve of your choice," Emir replied as he softly squeezed Kalare's fingers.
Together the couple walked into the dining room and found that already something had changed there. When Balian had joined the dining party after his sickbed, Kalare had been placed between him and lord Imad. Now Kalare and Emir found themselves placed together, between their fathers. Though their seating arrangement made it clear that their betrothal would be swiftly announced to those present, no one else at the table seemed to notice the change.
As was his way, lord Kadir waited patiently throughout dinner for the most opportune time to announce the news.
"What is this, all are silent? At such a time a host must speak. I will happily oblige, as there is news to share," Kadir said, though when he had started to speak it was not silence which filled the room at all.
Having gained the attention of all those in the room, Kadir continued. "The time has come to inform you all that my eldest son shall soon be married."
At these words Tamir and Basim, Emir's younger brothers, looked instantly at him, surprise filled their faces. Emir did not notice this as he looked at his father to continue. But Kalare looked around the table to see everyone's reaction to what was to follow.
"With our king's blessing, Emir shall marry lady Kalare, eldest daughter of lord Balian and Sibylla, former queen of Jerusalem," Kadir ended his announcement with a smile as he sat back to take in everyone's response.
At first his words were met with silence, until Saladin spoke.
"May their union bring peace to our people as they rule over the Holy City together," the sultan said, making the intended purpose of this marriage clear to everyone at the table."
Many at the table congratulated the sultan, Kadir and Balian on the clever match.
Yet no one addressed the newly betrothed couple directly on the subject throughout the rest of the meal. It was only afterwards, when Emir escorted Kalare back to her room when someone spoke to them about their marriage.
It was Tamir who followed them out of the room and addressed them in the hallway.
"Emir, brother!" he called out. "How could you sit there without saying a word while father demands you marry a Christian woman? And not just any but her," Tamir sneered. "Her, whose family ruled our enemies for decades and have caused many deaths among our Muslim brothers, whose mother's previous husband had our mother killed."
"Tamir, hold your tongue. You know not what you speak of," Emir admonished before turning to Kalare. "Milady allow me to, once again, apologise for my brother's careless words."
"Of course, my lord, such reactions were expected from both sides," Kalare replied.
Emir tried to respond but his brother interrupted.
"You expected such reactions? You knew then? And before tonight's announcement?" Tamir's shock was evident in his words and stance.
"Tamir, let me escort the lady. I will find you later," Emir answered curtly, as his brother lack of manners became evident once more.
"She knows where her rooms are. Talk to me now," Tamir insisted.
Emir's eyes moved between his brother and his betrothed, uncertain whether to follow proper etiquette or talk to his brother.
"Lord Emir, you spoke of bringing peace to our people together. Let us start now. When we are married your brother will be my brother," Kalare offered.
Emir remained uncertain as he doubted Tamir would soften his words.
"I shall not be offended by whichever words your brother uses. I doubt his words will be the last harsh words I hear," Kalare answered his thoughts.
"Very well," Emir replied.
