Fate | Baldwin IV

Tyre II [𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞]

Back at the quarters, we were greeted with a warm welcome by the servants under the patronage of the archbishop. From the moment we had split from the caravan, they had been eagerly awaiting our arrival, so it seemed. As we approached the gates, they hurried to form a neat line, bowing their heads in unison as their king dismounted. I clutched the fastening of my cloak, wrapping it tighter around my figure to hide my damp clothes as I stood next to him to greet them.

The horses were promptly led to the stables by the grooms, their hooves clacking against the cobblestone courtyard before fading into the distance. The king's own attendants approached swiftly, bowing in greeting before leading us inside, but the moment was interrupted by a high-pitched bark from behind. I turned to see Gravy barreling towards us from the stables, his tongue lolling out comically. The grooms hastily stepped aside, dodging the dog as he charged forward. My face lit up with a wide grin as I crouched to meet him, cooing while he skidded to a halt before me, eagerly jumping up and down.

"Where have you been, hm? You seem to like it here." I teased, reaching out to scratch his chin and behind his ears. He responded with furious tail wagging, his paws lightly brushing my arms as he tried to nuzzle closer. "You missed me, huh. You stinky little thing." He wriggled with such joy it seemed his whole body was wagging along with his tail.

"Go on now," I said fondly, glancing at the servants hovering nearby. They hesitated, unsure whether to intervene, until I picked up a small pebble from the ground and tossed it toward the stable yard. "Fetch!"

Without hesitation, he bolted after the pebble. One of the servants stepped forward, nodding respectfully before moving to corral the excitable dog. Rising to my feet, I dusted off my skirt and gestured toward the king, who had been watching the scene along with the others, with a faint smile beneath the veil. Together, we continued toward the tall building.

Inside, high ceilings arched above, carved with elegant patterns. Linen drapes hung over narrow windows, mellowing the golden light of the setting sun into a dreamy haze that reflected from the polished stone floors. The walls were adorned with magnificent tapestries as well, but despite their beauty, I did not stop to admire them.

For the journey had left us weary, we were led to the bathing chambers at the end of a branching corridor on the top floor—the king to one, and I to another. I barely had the chance to ask after Aisha, eager to know how she was settling in, before I was ushered into the private space—a steaming stone chamber with a gorgeous view of the sea below. The girls attending to me assured me that everything was taken care of, urging me to relax as they stripped me of my traveling attire for my bath.

"Let me know which herbs you would prefer, madam," the eldest maid said, her voice soothing as she offered me a small smile while guiding me to the raised tub.

My muscles, sore from the long journey, began to unwind as the heat enveloped me instantly. "Something strong in scent," I said, leaning back against the edge of the tub. "I shall be with the king tonight."

The girls exchanged knowing looks before fetching jars of herbs and fragrant oils, sprinkling them into the bathwater with care.

"You may relax now, my lady," one of them spoke softly. "We will see to it."

And they did. Tyrian hospitality, I noted, was no less gracious than the royal courtesy.

It wasn't until the late hours of the night, long after the maids had finished tending to me and retired for their usual evening duties, that I was finally free to return to our room and see the king.

I pushed the door tentatively, unsure of what to expect. I was yet to see what was reserved for us. At first, I squinted to adjust to the dark. It was hard to see—a rich, velvety darkness, broken only by faint streaks of moonlight streaming through the open arches. The contrast between shadow and light was harsh on the eye, but it only took a few moments to get used to it. Then, the atmosphere became softer, more inviting.