Summary: You and King Baldwin share an evening with your two daughters, as you tell the story of how you met.
It was late, but not too late, your chamber was warm with candlelight dancing on the walls.
Your daughters curl close to you, small bodies tucked under embroidered blankets, their hair still smelling faintly of rosewater.
Their father sits nearby, King Baldwin, your husband, your love, wrapped as always in his layers of linen and cloth. The mask rests on his face, pale and unmoving, yet his eyes find you as easily as it always has.
You know he wants to sit with you three. You can see the longing in his eyes. But you know why he refuses to join you.
It is your eldest who talks first.
“Tell it again,” she whispers, tugging gently at your sleeve. “How you met Father.”
You smile, looking toward Baldwin. His head tilts ever so slightly, approval, and interest. As if he also wished to hear the story.
“Again?” you tease.
“Yes,” your youngest insists, already crawling into your lap. “It’s my favourite.”
You press a kiss to her temple and begin with the story.
“You must remember, I was not meant to meet your father at all. I was sent to the court for entirely different reasons. I thought him distant. Cold, even.”
A noise of amusement leaves Baldwin. You choose to ignore him and continue.
“He said very little. Watched everything. It was quite unsettling.”
“I was observing,” he replies calmly.
“You were judging,” you counter.
“I was deciding,” he corrects.
The girls giggle.
“And what did you decide?” your eldest asks.
“That your mother was the most stubborn woman I had ever met.”
You gasp softly in mock offence.
“I was not.”
“You refused to bow properly,” he continues.
“I tripped,” you argue.
“You glared at me.”
“I was embarrassed!”
The girls dissolve into laughter, clinging to you.
“And then?” the youngest prompts, eyes wide.
“And then I realised,” you say, glancing at Baldwin, “that your father was not cold at all. Only careful. Kind, in ways that were quiet and easily missed.”
Baldwin stares at you. Even behind the mask, you feel it as clearly as if his face were bare.
“And I realised that your mother saw me as I was. Not as others feared.”
Silence falls, soft and full.
The youngest shifts slightly, her small fingers fidgeting.
“Father?” she asks hesitantly.
“Yes, little one?”
“Will we ever see your face? Or your hands?”
The question hangs in the air.
Almost knocks all of it out.
Your heart tightens, but Baldwin does not flinch. Instead, he leans forward slightly in his chair.
“My sweet girl, my body is… different. It is something I must protect, and something that could make others afraid if they do not understand.”
She frowns.
“But we wouldn’t be afraid.”
“I know, I know you would not. But part of loving someone is also keeping them safe. And this,” he gestures faintly to himself, “is how I do that.”
The eldest considers this carefully.
“So it’s like armour?” she asks.
“Yes,” he says with a nod. “Something like that.”
The youngest leans into you, still thinking.
“But we know what you look like,” she says suddenly.
Baldwin tilts his head. “Oh?”
She nods, very certain.
“You have the prettiest eyes, Mama says so.”
Your breath catches, and you smile, brushing her hair back.
“It’s true. The most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.”
Baldwin is still for a moment, but you speak up before him.
“And you both have them,” you continue, looking between your daughters. “His eyes. Bright and strong.”
The eldest beams. The youngest gasps in delight.
“We do?”
“You do. Both of you.” Your husband confirms.
They look at him now, completely unbothered by cloth or crown or anything else the world might whisper.
“Then we look like you,” the eldest says proudly.
“You do,” he repeats.
You shift slightly, gathering both girls closer.
The four of you, tucked into a small world of warmth and love.
“Tell us another story,” the youngest mumbles sleepily.
“Tomorrow,” you whisper, pressing a kiss to her hair before helping them both to lie down in their beds.
And as your daughters drift to sleep, you meet his eyes once more.
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Finished this wip I’ve been carrying for ages!! Animated it and converted it into a gif!! U can see a better quality of the piece in my IG ☘️✨🫧 Tysm for sticking around to my art, I feel so well received here :’)
I have literally read all you stories and im so so impressed. Im not sure if your taking requests or if. If not than im very sorry. If yes then could you please write one where a modern doctor ends up being reborn as a Nobel princess who is about to marry king baldwin. She could then cure him.
♧ A Better Life - King Baldwin x Reader ♧
♧ Angst ♧
A/N: HELLO FRIENDS!!! I am back officially now!! Exams are over and the school year is done! I am so exited to be back!! Anon thank you so much for this beautiful request. This took me so long and I really hope you like it!!! This was an amazing one to return with, I hope yall enjoy it!!. As always this is based on the film Kingdom Of Heaven not the real historical figures. Enjoy!
TW: Leprosy, Slight mention of blood
Y/n remembered little to nothing from that night.
Simply getting into her car late, well after the sun had set, and driving. Then the lights. Then the crash. Everything else was fuzzy. Even in her life before the crash, the only knowledge she seemed to remember was what she had learnt in medical school all those years ago.
Nothing about her beautiful rooftop apartment where she lived alone. And certainly not the crippling loneliness she dreaded returning to every night after work at the hospital.
------------------------------
Y/n’s eyes flew open and she sat up with a gasp, clutching at her pounding heart. After a few seconds of panic, she looked up at her surroundings.
There was no car, no wreckage, no blood.
Just a plush, white sheeted, four poster bed that held her trembling form. The curtains that hung around the top of the bed shrouded her view of the rest of the room, but from what she could see, an open balcony window allowed sun to shine through and into the large, beautifully decorated stone room.
Confusion soon replaced fear in the young doctor's mind. Was she in a hospital? No, it wasn't sterile enough to be a hospital. There was no beeping of machines, no bustling nurses. Something she was all too familiar with.
She tried to think back to what had happened, but all she could remember was the crash. Nothing else. Y/n pulled back the covers and cautiously stepped out of the bed. She barely got one foot on the ground before the large, wooden doors opened to reveal young woman carrying a tray with an assortment of dishes that y/n had never seen in her life.
“Good morning my lady” the young woman said with a smile, approaching y/n’s bedside.
“Good morning,” the doctor replied, trying to hide the confusion in her voice.
“I hope you are excited for today my lady, everybody in the maids chamber surely is!” the young woman said, her bright eyes practically glowing.
“I'm- excited for what?” y/n replied cautiously.
“Well your wedding of course, everybody has been anticipating this day for months now! Our kingdom will finally have a queen!” she was grinning now, y/n couldn't help but smile despite her confusion.
“Oh- yes! How could I have forgotten” the doctor said, once again attempting to hide the fact she had no idea where she was.
After the maid had left, y/n inspected the food. It looked delicious but eating was the last thing on her mind, for now. She slipped out of the bed to take a look around the room. There were books stacked on a shelf, a desk, a face washing basin and lots and lots of religious imagery, painted in typical pre-renaissance fashion.
Judging by the beautiful stone walls, she was most definitely not in the twenty-first century anymore. Nothing was boring and white. No white walls, no white marble countertops. Everything was handmade. Genuine. It was certainly a changeup from the old routine.
You see, y/n was intelligent. She always had been and on top of this, her years as a surgeon had taught her to act reasonable, calm, and logical even in the most outlandish situations.
Waking up in a different time period after a car wreck was no different.
She had to think of a plan.
“It's morning, people should be expecting me somewhere soon”. Turning to the bookshelf, y/n picked up a book and opened it. Handwritten. In Hebrew.
“That should place me somewhere in Israel, perhaps Jerusalem” she thought.
“And it's definitely before the renaissance, but after the birth of Christ”.
Placing the book back on the shelf, y/n continued to think. She had to figure out where she was and fast.
Y/n turned her attention to the other side of the room. The bed, a couch, and the open balcony doors. Approaching the balcony, y/n looked outside inspecting the area around the building she was in.
Knights. Many knights.
“Medieval “ was the first word that came to mind.
“That should place me somewhere around the 12th century-” was the last thing her mind concluded before the wooden doors opened again.
Six maids came into the room, each carrying something different. Some carried jewelry, some hairbrushes and combs, and others beautiful white fabric that appeared to be some kind of dress.
“Oh my lady, you have barely touched your breakfast!” one of them exclaimed as y/n entered the room from the balcony.
“You will need your strength for today!”
“Oh I'm terribly sorry, I forgot all about it! I was just getting some fresh air, I'm a little nervous” y/n said as calmly as she could, praying that they didn't notice something was off.
“That's alright dear” the oldest of the maids said, “it doesn't matter now because we need to get you dressed! Come, sit” she gestured to a vanity mirror and chair that y/n hadn't even noticed.
--------------------------------
It felt like hours that the doctor sat in that chair, as the maids worked tirelessly on her hair and face. Braiding and brushing, applying makeup and finally helping her into the beautiful white dress robes.
They fit perfectly, just like a glove. As if they were made for just her and her alone.
“You look immaculate, your majesty,” one of the maids said, taking a step back to admire their future queen. Y/n smiled, for a moment forgetting her predicament.
It felt as though she had lived in this world her entire life.
“Come now darling, we don't want to keep the guests waiting!” the oldest maid said, taking the doctor's hand and leading her towards the door. Y/n followed blindly.
“This should be interesting,” she muttered.
-------------------------------
It was a short walk from her chambers to the church. There were already plenty of people waiting inside. Y/n barely had any time to think before a bouquet of flowers were shoved into her hands and she was walking down the aisle, people standing left and right staring at her.
Taking a deep breath, y/n steadied her hands and continued walking at a slow, measured pace.
“Come on y/n, this has to be the least nerve racking thing you've done all week”.
Looking up, she could see her “future husband” standing at the end of the aisle. It was strange, she couldn't see his face, he was wearing white robes and a veil that shrouded his features almost entirely. But from what she could see, it appeared he was wearing some kind of mask.
Then it all connected.
Not only had y/n taken a myriad of science and math subjects in highschool, she had also taken an ancient history class. One unit had specifically focused on the “Leper King of Jerusalem, Baldwin IV”. This must have been him.
As she approached the end of the aisle, her mind wandered to a patient she had treated with severe leprosy, contracted while he was on a tropical holiday. She remembered how much pain he had been in and her heart broke thinking about this poor king who had gone untreated for so long.
She was only snapped out of her thoughts when she came face to face with her soon to be husband. His eyes met hers and what she thought would have been a neutral feeling (since she did not yet know this man at all) turned quickly to a feeling that she had not experienced in what felt like years.
Love.
The doctor's heart skipped a beat looking into those eyes. Those beautiful, blue eyes. The mask he wore was polished to perfection, the metal was perfectly shaped into sculpted, masculine features.
He was beautiful.
Y/n was far too focused on just how captivating the man who stood before her was to pay any attention to whatever the priest was saying, until once again she was snapped out of thought by the large crowd cheering as they were pronounced husband and wife, in the name of the Lord.
-------------------------------
Later on, the guests had left and all had returned to somewhat calm after a day of celebration. Y/n was slightly shy at first during the celebrations, doing everything in her power to read the room and understand her place in this new world. But after a while, she began to enjoy herself.
Her “husband” had barely spoken a word all day, but she had caught him looking at her as she talked with his sister and associates. She was told by a few maids that after getting changed from her wedding attire, she would go and meet privately with her new husband.
She was nervous, but not even half as nervous as somebody else was...
Baldwin paced up and down his chambers until his legs were in agony. The day had been strenuous on his body and the pacing did not help.
The young king slumped down on his couch, cursing his frail body. He had watched her all day, his wonderful y/n. So full of life, so intelegent, speaking with everyone and enjoying her time while all he could do was sit and watch.
Oh how he had wished to join her, to dance with her, to speak with her, to hear every word her beautiful voice had to say, to look into her eyes. Those perfect eyes.
He hoped that she knew just how much he had fallen for her, even though they had not spoken a single word all day.
He cursed the mask that shrouded his emotions, forcing him to look cold and stern when all he wanted was her to know how warmly and deeply he felt for her. Baldwin sunk deeper into the couch cushions. His body craved sleep, craved a break from the pain. But he couldn't. He had to see her right this instant.
Taking a deep breath, or as deep as his failing lungs could take, the young king sat up and stared down into his hands, anticipating the moment y/n knocked on his door.
He did not have to wait long because no more than a minute after he sat up, a small knock came from the wooden door. Baldwin got to his feet, perhaps too fast. He steadied himself and called for her to enter. Y/n pushed open the door. She looked as beautiful as she did in her wedding dress.
“Good evening your majesty” she said with a graceful curtsey.
“Hello” he replied, suddenly feeling incredibly shy.
Y/n smiled. He was truly adorable. He looked so soft and warm in those robes. Good lord what was she thinking? She had barely met this man and yet she was acting like a teenager in love!
“Would you like to take a seat?” he offered, his voice gentle and kind. “Of course,” she replied. The two sat in silence for a moment. But it was not an awkward silence, more of a comfortable silence as the young couple took each other in.
It wasn't long before they got to talking. Two intelligent, young minds in the same room were bound to connect almost instantly. And that's just what they did.
Y/n tried to not say anything about her “world of the future”. That was until they were brought to the topic of his disease.
“So, you have no issue in being wed to a leper?” Baldwin had asked, his voice growing sad. Her heart broke for him in an instant, remembering how terribly people with his disease were treated at this time.
“Of course I don't” the doctor replied.
Her kind voice soothed something deep inside Baldwin. Something untouched for so many years. His eyes burned with tears but he dare not let one fall.
“Really?” he asked, his voice breaking slightly.
“Of course! All I see is a beautiful, young man with a bright future. And from what I've heard, you're a wonderful ruler, and I know you will be a wonderful husband too”.
Baldwin smiled beneath the mask. He hoped she could see the smile through his eyes. Y/n took a deep breath before her next choice of words.
“You know, where I come from, lepers can be healed,” she said softly. Baldwin’s eyes widened.
“Truely?” he said in disbelief.
“Yes, but you can not tell anyone”
“I won't, of course! Please, share this with me” the young king said in a hushed voice taking her hands in his.
“Alright. I'm going to need a few things to do it and it may take a while-”
“Please, y/n. I'll do anything” Baldwin was on the verge of tears now. “Now I have you, I have a reason to live. I need to live, please” he begged.
Y/n’s heart sank as his previously strong demeanor shattered into a thousand pieces before her very eyes. As gently as she could, y/n wrapped her arms around her husband, pulling him into a gentle yet firm hug.
At that moment, the young doctor understood why all of this had happened. She was brought here for a reason. To cure this poor young man, to show him the love he deserves and to have a better life by his side.
“I promise Baldwin, I’ll make you well again. No matter what it takes. I'll do it”
Every Frankish Crusader King needs a Byzantine princess. ⚜️
→ Yes, Rusticana's real name is Anna Komnene. Rusticana is a mix of the Latin word "rustica" (rustic) + her name, Anna. Let's say it is a nick that became her identity. Just like Caligula 😭
Anyway, she is the niece of Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, so... She is a distant cousin of Maria Komnene, Baldwin's stepmother. Haha.
He is showing his face (without a mask). She is showing her hair (without a veil). I used "Madeline after prayer" as a reference for her pose.
🌹⚔️ / ☦️✝️
From: "The Leper King and the Rose of Constantinople" the (imaginary) series
(because I am too lazy to publish my stuff).
Their playlist:
"That's the difference between us." Rusticana paused "You, Latins... You see leprosy as a curse. However, I see it as a form of proximity to the Divine."
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⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Summary : A rare shipment of exotic goods arrives in Jerusalem, you head to the market to find a gift for your husband, King Baldwin IV. But a sudden accident turns your trip into a struggle
⋆˚࿔ Genres / Warnings : female reader!, minor incident, oneshot, reader is married to Baldwin IV, historical fiction, fluff, protective baldwin IV, estabilished relationship
⊹₊⟡⋆ Paring : King Baldwin IV x F! Reader
A rare shipment of exotic goods had arrived in the city, word had spread quickly through the palace
Traders from distant lands had brought silks, jewelry, perfumes, and other stuff that were rarely seen in Jerusalem and I knew exactly what I wanted to do, find a gift for my husband, King Baldwin IV
The thought brought a small smile to my face. Baldwin never asked for gifts, in truth, he cared very little for expensive things
If I could find something that would make him smile, maybe the trip would be worth it
A knock sounded at my door " Your Majesty ? " one of my servants called
" You may enter " and the door opened, three women stepped inside carrying pieces of clothing folded in their arms
I stood from my chair and walked toward them. Normally, when I left the palace, I dressed as a queen should
One servant carefully brushed my hair while another laid several dresses across the bed. " You cannot wear your usual gowns today " she said and I nodded
If I appeared in the market dressed as a queen, half the city would know and would recognize me
All the dresses options that they gave me were made from good but ordinary cloth with basic colors. Nothing about them would immediately reveal that I was the queen or a noble
I picked the one which I liked the most. One servant wrapped a veil around my hair, hiding most of it from view
When they stepped back, I barely recognized myself in the mirror. I looked more like the wife of a merchant than the Queen of Jerusalem
But the servants seemed pleased with their work. For the first time in a long while, I looked almost ordinary
As I adjusted my sleeves, another knock sounded at the door " Enter "
The door opened, and one of the king's advisors stepped inside and bowed respectfully " I see that you are determined to visit the market today, your majesty " he said
" I am " and I smiled kindly
" The city is overflowing with visitors today " and I could hear the worry from his voice " Citizens from every corner of Jerusalem arrived...the streets will be crowded. A single rumor that the queen is present could cause chaos "
" I will not be alone " I replied back as I walked towards the window, below, I could see people moving thought the palace courtyard
" Yes " he agreed " But even with guards, crowds are unpredictable "
Jerusalem was generally safe, especially near the palace but on days like this, anything could happen but this would not stop me
" I think your Majesty should consider the risks "
" I will go " I said
He bowed his head " Then may God watch over your journey " After he left, I gathered my cloak around my shoulders
With that thought in mind, I stepped out of my chambers and began making my way toward the bustling market of Jerusalem
The palace gates slowly opened before me
People walked in every direction, merchants pushed carts loaded with stuff. Children ran through narrow alleys and I heard a few people speaking different languages
Summer meant more higher temperatures, which meant more people looking for shade
Behind me, four men followed at a distance, to anyone watching, they looked like ordinary travelers but they were actually my guards
For once, I was seeing Jerusalem through the eyes of an ordinary woman, I noticed things I normally missed.. two girls helping their mother carry water, people selling stuff everywhere, beggars
My thoughts drifted toward Baldwin, what would he like?that question had followed me all morning
I knew many people assumed gifts for a king should be expensive but I wanted something personal, something that came from my heart
Lost in thought, I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Suddenly, I walked directly into someone
"Ah!" And I stumbled backward " My apologies ! "
The old man gave me an unpleased look " Watch where you are going, woman ! "
Several people turned to look and I was not used to being spoken that way. In palace nobody dared but here, he had no idea who I was
" Apologies won't open your eyes, woman " and the man muttered a few curses to me
Before the situation could grow worse, one of my disguised guards stepped forward " My friend " the guard said with a friendly smile " It was an accident "
The angry man looked around and seemed to realize he was making a scene over a simple mistake
" Fine... " With one final hateful look in my direction, the man turned and disappeared into the crowd
" Are you alright ? "
" Yes...thank you " I said quietly, nodding. He gave a small bow and returned to his position
We entered the market slowly and it was like the whole world had gathered in one place. Voice shouted from every direction " Spices from Egypt ! ", " Silk! Fine Silk ! , " Fresh Bread ! "
People pushed past each other in tight spaces. The air was warm, the smell of cooked food, herbs an animals all mixed together
I had to stay close to my guards so I would not be separated and I could feel how easy it would be to get lost in this crowd
My eyes moved from stall to stall, there were so many things to see and go
One stall had bright silk cloths from far away lands, another had a collection of spices and a little farther, I saw carved wooden animals and small statues
I slowed down, asking myself again. What would Baldwin like ?
People brushed past me from all sides...a woman carrying bread almost hit my arm, a man with baskets on his back stepped on my shoe accidentally
I thought about how Baldwin loved knowledge. He studied battles and strategies more than anything else
A book, that would be perfect!
We continued walking until I saw a small stall tucked between two larger ones. It was not as crowded as the others
The seller was an older man with white hair. He studied me carefully as I approached, as if trying to decide what kind of customer I was
" Looking for something special ? " he asked
" Yes " I said, looking at the pile of books scattered around " Something about history.... battles, if possible "
He reached under the table and pulled out a thick book. The cover was dark leather and it looked like it was quite old
" This " he said, placing it in front of me " is a record of great wars of the old kingdoms, including the famous battles "
I opened it slightly and I noticed how the pages were old but well kept. The writing inside was neat and there were some small drawings of soliders
" How much ? " I asked
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke " 35 bezants "
The number made a few nearby shoppers turn their heads, it was a high price for a book but money was no problem for me
I reached into the small pouch hidden beneath my cloak and without hesistation, I counted out the amount
The vendor’s eyes widened slightly as he saw the full payment. He quickly pulled the coins toward himself, as if afraid I might change my mind
" Thank you for buying this book ! " and he smiled at me
" You are welcome " I took the book in my hands and it felt havier than it appeared. Baldwin will love this, I am sure
The crowd was even thicker now, people pushed past each other, laughing, shouting, arguing over prices
My guards were still behind me, I thought
" Move ! " I heard a scream from somewhere
People started turning their heads in the left, I could not see what was wrong. People in front of me blocked my view. I tried to rise a little on my feet but without success
" It's FIRE ! " Another shout was heard and panic spread quickly
I turned my head scared, trying to find my guards but I could not see them anymore
Something hit the ground nearby, a stall, maybe. People suddenly pushed forward, running in various directions
A man rushed past me and kknocked my shoulder. I almost dropped the book, but I held it tighter
Then another push came from behind, this time I lost my balance completely and I fell. My hands hit the ground first and I felt pain through my palm as my knuckles hit against the stone
People rushed past me without seeing me while I was on the ground
Out of a sudden, strong hands reached for me " Over here ! " and I heard the voice of one of my guards
One of them pulled me up quickly, lifting me from the ground. Another stepped in front of me, blocking the crowd as people continued to panic around us
" Are you hurt ? " He asked worried
" I...I will be fine "
" There’s no time " another guard said sharply, but not unkindly " We must move " and they guided me through the crowd
We moved fast, turning away from the main path of the market and ending up in a narrower street. Here, there were fewer people
" What is happening ? " I asked, still shaken, holding the book
One of the guards looked back toward the direction we had come from " A stall caught fire " he said " People panicked when they saw the flames and smoke "
" I lost sight of you " I said quietly
" You were pushed into the center " one guard replied " It was difficult even for us to reach you "
" We should take you back to the palace "
And this is when the advisor’s words came back to me. Back then I thought he was only being careful, maybe even a little too worried but...he was right in the end
He had been trying to protect me from exactly what had just happened
By the time I returned to the palace, the sun was beginning to lower in the sky
The servants had cleaned the small scratches on my arm and knuckles, and while they still hurted a bit, they were nothing serious
I sat alone at a table, the wrapped book resting beside me. Before today, I had thought I understood Jerusalem well...but walking through the city disguisef had shown me something very different
I felt a gaze on me and as I looked up, one of the servants stood in the doorway " My Queen "
" Yes ? " I replied
The servant bowed " His Majesty requires your presence "
I smiled slightly and stood " Thank you " and the servant stepped aside as I picked up the wrapped book
The book was the reason I went to the market in the first place. Despite everything that had happened, I was glad I had found it
I made my way through the palace corridors until I reached Baldwin's place
A guard opened the door for me and inside, I found Baldwin seated at a large wooden table. Several scrolls were before him and his attention was fixed on what he was writing with his bandaged hand
His silver mask covered his face as always, hiding much of the illness he carried
He wore white robes trimmed with gold, making him stand out against the darker colors of the room
The moment he saw me, his attention shifted completely " My love... " his voice was warm, though I immediately noticed that he had a hint of worry
" How was your journey to the market? "
I blinked " How do you know about this ? "
A faint sigh escaped him " I am King of Jerusalem, very little happens in this city without someone actually informing me.. "
Baldwin setted down his quill and raised slowly from his chair " And from what I heard " he continued " Your visit to the market became far more dangerous than it should have been " and he walked slowly
" And you were injured..." his eyes lowered briefly toward my arm, the scratches had been cleaned, but they were still visible
" My dear " he said softly " do you have any idea how easily this could have become worse? "
I opened my mouth to say something, but I could not, he was right...
" I spent the entire afternoon wondering whether you were safe.. "
The concern in his voice made me feel far worse than any lecture could have
He was frightened of what might have happened and I understanded his worry " I am sorry " I said quietly
For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then I remembered the wrapped package in my hands
A smile slowly returned to my face " This...this is for you " and he tilted his head slightly toward the package
Knowing that it would be hard for him to open the package because of his bandages, I did it instead
" This is for me ? " He asked as he looked at the book " Yes " I said " I thought you would like it...it speaks about the great wars of the old kingdoms "
I handed him the book and he slowly opened it, turning the first page with care " I love it, thank you " he said softly
Baldwin closed the book gently and placed it on the table, as if it was something precious " You should not have gone through all that trouble "
" It was worth it, if it makes you happy " I smiled
Baldwin reached up slightly, as if he wanted to touch my face, but he stopped halfway and slowly pulled back his hand
" Baldwin…" I whispered
He shaked his head " My condition… it's dangerous...I cannot forget this and I cannot risk you because of me "
My heart sank a little " You are not dangerous to me " I said quickly
He gave a small, sad breath " I wish that was true " and then he stepped back again, putting a little space between us
His bright blue eyes looked at me like I was something he wanted to touch, but could not allow himself to
I stepped forward without hesistation and gently wrapped the hands around him, my face rested lightly against his chest
I could feel the soft fabric of his white and gold robes and his heartbeat
" You...you should not-.. " he started again, but his voice was weaker and very gently, he placed one hand on my back
I pulled back just slightly so I could look at him
Suddenly, a knock came at the door. A servant stepped in carefully, keeping his eyes lowered " Dinner is ready.. "
I stepped back from Baldwin and his eyes stayed on me for a moment longer. He turned slightly toward the servant " Thank you " he said calmly
The servant bowed quickly and left the room without another word
And for a second, it felt like he wanted to say something else but he didn't
Instead, he gave a small nod " Come " he said softly " Let us eat "
And as we walked, I thought that today was not a simple day
