̼ ֹ ⠀ ͎꒷ FINAL CHARPER ⠀ ﹙ ❤︎ ﹚⠀୨୧ __ ｡ﾟ✿ Xica X Baldwin IV
Firts, I want to thank everyone for reading this story, I know that perhaps it did not have the best writing, or the best development, I hope that Baldwin's next story is better than this one, I have learned about my mistakes, however I feel proud that I have managed to Many of you like it. I love you for dedicating your time to reading my story. I hope to see you in the following projects.
Here find the endings in this post you found the happy ending Below in the titles you will find the other endings
Final Canon
Alternative ending
Jerusalem had seen darker days, but it had also experienced moments of peace and prosperity. Baldwin and Xica, united by love and responsibility for their kingdom, had enjoyed these times of relative calm to the fullest. Life, although punctuated by the occasional setback, had become peaceful. Xica kept abreast of the state of other lands and, thanks to Balian's administration, Ibelin flourished virtuously.
However, on the kingdom's border, tensions were beginning to rise. The Knights Templar, under the command of Reynald de Chatillon and Guy de Lusignan, were preparing to attack a Saracen caravan, which threatened to break the fragile peace agreement with Saladin.
The throne room was filled with uproar. An assembly of the powers of the country had met, established as the House of Commons. The Templars and Guy's party on one side, the Hospitallers and the Loyalists on the other. King Baldwin, wearing a silver mask, stared at Guy and Tiberias, who stood before him.
—Maybe Reynald attacked a caravan. But what about that? War is inevitable. Peace... unnatural.
—It wasn't a caravan. It was an army heading to Bethlehem to desecrate the birthplace of Our Lord.
—Reynald, with the Templars, I'm sure...
—...they have broken the king's promise of peace. Saladin will come to this kingdom...
—Tiberias knows more than a Christian should know about Saladin's intentions.
The uproar among the barons increased. Tiberias approached Guy.
—That you love the Saracens.
A close moment. Tiberias very close to Guy.
—That I prefer to live with people than kill them is undoubtedly the reason why you are alive.
—That type of Christianity has its uses. I guess.
—We can't have a war with Saladin. We won't win it. And yes, we don't want it.
The room was silent. A messenger entered. He advanced and spoke to the king. Baldwin raised his masked face.
—Saladin has crossed the Jordan. With two hundred thousand men.
—He will go to Kerak first.
The king began to get up.
—Your majesty... If you travel, you will die.
Guy, upon hearing this, seemed pleased.
Xica approached her husband, worried.
—Baldwin, I can't allow you to go alone. Let me accompany you on the way. I fear for your life.
Baldwin looked at Xica, seeing the love and concern in her eyes.
—Very good, Xica. Accompany me. Your presence will give me strength.
**Meanwhile, in Kerak, Balian and his men prepared to defend the fortress from Saladin's troops. Although brave, they were few compared to the great Saracen army.**
Balian looked past Imad towards higher ground, watching the arrival of Saladin's army. A huge line of men, mounted and dismounted, in perfect order, each section with its banner.
Imad looked in another direction. In the distance, far away, I saw the gleam of steel in the dust. He climbed onto his horse to get a better look.
—Tell my lord Saladin that Jerusalem has arrived.
The army of the Kingdom of Jerusalem advanced. The king rode in his litter next to the Holy Cross, covered in gold and jewels, through the dust. Five hundred knights were marching towards the relief of Kerak, flanked and protected by five thousand spearmen and crossbowmen. The army was a moving picture, tremendously disciplined. Guy was with the army.
Imad looked through the dust. A man broke away from the Muslim line and rode beside them. A small, thin, unarmed figure, in simple clothing. He examines Balian, his wounded men, and then Imad.
The horns sounded and the Muslims retreated, leaving Balian and his men wounded and breathless in the valley with a perfect view of the events.
The Jerusalem army made an "evolution" and in one movement transformed into a battle line, facing the Muslim army, about a quarter of a mile away. Riding out of the dust... in Balian's view, the king appeared.
Baldwin, a brilliant horseman, was using every ounce of strength he still possessed to not only remain in the saddle but also to appear as if he were still a living man, when in reality, he was essentially already dead. He rode in front of his army and raised the palm of his hand when he arrived before Saladin. Xica was at the king's side, helping him in case he relapsed.
Saladin advanced himself, so that they were very close.
—I pray that you retire unharmed to Damascus.
Saladin advanced, looking closely at the dying king. He knew how much effort this had cost the man.
—Reynaldo de Chatillon will be punished. I swear. Stand down or we'll all die here.
Saladin looked at the Jerusalem army. Then to the king.
—I'll send you to my doctors.
The king lowered his head only for a moment.
The masked king returned with his army.
Parts of the Arab force were withdrawing. Balian and his surviving men, released to cheers from the battlements, rode toward the castle gates, which opened.
Balian and his men staggered in, cheered by the peasants they had saved. Reynald appeared in the crowd.
—You would have given me more mouths to feed and more shit to throw over the wall. You have a lot to learn about sieges.
Reynald patted him on the arm.
—But that was magnificent.
Balian looked for Sibylla in the crowd, but was unable to approach her. He removed the ring from his chain from the collar of his armor and kissed it. Sibylla nodded.
Reynald knew he was in for this. He drank the last of the wine.
The king painfully got up from his chair with the help of Xica. The trip had left him almost without strength. The king, walking towards Reynald, dragging one leg, took off his turban and let it fall to the ground. He walked towards Reynald and took off his mask. We didn't see the king's destroyed face, but Reynald did.
—I am Jerusalem. Will you give me the kiss of peace, Reynald?
The king extended a ruined hand, with a ring on what was left of one finger. Reynald kissed the hand. The king hit him with a stick.
The king, as a tear fell, closed his eyes.
-What are you looking at?
-A dead man. Reynald de Chatillon, you are arrested and condemned.
The king was laid down in his litter by Xica and the men. A mouthful of medicine was poured into his mouth through the mask. The king gestured to Balian.
—If you continue as you are, I will appoint you Marshal of Jerusalem. What do you think about that?
Before Balian could respond, the king's litter was taken away. Tiberias was at Balian's side.
—When a man says something on the verge of sleep, you can dismiss it. When a king says it, it will happen. Mark yourself.
Xica watched the scene with a heavy heart. Recent events had tested not only Baldwin's strength, but also his love and leadership. Baldwin's health was visibly declining, and the fear of losing him filled her. Her concern for her husband was constant, and she knew that the road ahead would be arduous and full of challenges.
But in the midst of her worry, Xica also felt a renewed determination. Baldwin's promise to make Balian Marshal of Jerusalem was a ray of hope. With Balian at the helm, the kingdom had a chance to survive the dark times ahead.
Xica decided that she would not let fear dominate her. He would accompany Baldwin every step of the way, fighting by his side until the end. He knew that, together, they could face any adversity, because their love and commitment to
the kingdom were stronger than any external threat.
As he looked at Baldwin, masked and weakened, a deep resolve settled in his heart. She would not allow her husband and his kingdom to fall without a fight. The battle for Jerusalem was not over, and with the strength of love and justice, they would continue forward, facing whatever fate had in store for them.
The return to Jerusalem was more than exhausting for Baldwin. The disease had advanced relentlessly, and the king was worse than ever. He could barely stand and each breath was a monumental effort. Xica did not leave his side, her concern was palpable. The doctors were quick to give a gloomy prognosis: he had little life left.
The room was dark, barely lit by candles. Baldwin lay in his bed, his face hidden behind the silver mask, his trembling hands gripping the sheets. Xica, sitting next to him, held his hand, her eyes filled with tears that refused to fall.
"I can't lose you, Baldwin," Xica whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.
Baldwin, with an effort, turned his head towards her. Although the mask hid his face, Xica could feel the intensity of his gaze.
"My love... my queen..." Baldwin said in a weak voice. We've been through so much. If this is my end, I face it with peace in my heart, because I have you.
—No, Baldwin. It's not your end. We will fight, as we always have. “I will not give up,” Xica stated with determination.
The days passed with anguish. The doctors were doing everything they could, but Baldwin's health continued to deteriorate. The court was in a state of uncertainty, and the tension was palpable.
Xica stood firm, not allowing fear to dominate her. He remembered all the battles they had faced together, all the obstacles they had overcome. She wasn't about to give up now.
One night while caring for Baldwin, a thought arose in her mind: love and hope were powerful forces. With renewed resolve, he began to pray, asking for strength and healing. He also organized a chain of prayers throughout Jerusalem, involving all the kingdom's religions, asking for the king's life.
Against all odds, Baldwin began to show signs of improvement. His fever subsided, and his breathing became more stable. The surprised doctors couldn't fully explain it, but Xica knew it was a miracle, an answer to her prayers and her unbreakable love.
Each day, Baldwin regained a little more strength. Xica read him poetry, reminding him of happy days, and they talked about their dreams for the future. Baldwin, although still weak, found comfort and strength in his wife's voice and the love they shared.
Time passed and the kingdom of Jerusalem changed with it. Guy de Lusignan was dethroned, and Balian, renowned for his bravery and wisdom, married Sibylla. Together, they led with justice and compassion, restoring peace and prosperity to the kingdom.
The young prince, who had been ill, also recovered and took his place at court, prepared to continue his family's legacy.
Arik and Ariella, the children of Baldwin and Xica, grew up strong and wise, ready to assume the throne. Under the tutelage of their parents and Balian, they learned the art of leadership and the importance of justice and mercy.
IN T. THE THRONE ROOM. JERUSALEM. DAY
The throne room was filled with life and expectation. It was the day of Arik and Ariella's coronation. Baldwin, though visibly aged, stood tall, his mask now only a relic of the past, his face marked by years but with an expression of deep pride.
Xica, next to him, looked radiant. They had survived every test that fate had thrown at them, and today was a day of celebration and triumph.
“Today is a historic day,” Baldwin said, his voice echoing in the room. My children, Arik and Ariella, are prepared to lead this kingdom into a future of peace and prosperity.
Arik and Ariella, both dressed in ceremonial attire, approached their parents. Ariella's eyes shone with determination and Arik held his father's gaze reverently.
—Father, mother, we have learned so much from you. “We promise to rule with justice and honor,” Arik said.
"And with love and compassion," Ariella added.
Applause filled the room as Arik and Ariella were crowned the new kings of Jerusalem. Baldwin and Xica, holding hands, looked proudly at their children. They had done their duty and their legacy would live on.
Baldwin and Xica strolled slowly through the palace gardens, enjoying the serenity of the moment.
"We have lived so long, my love," Baldwin said, gently squeezing Xica's hand. I am grateful for every day with you.
—And I with you, Baldwin. We have built something beautiful, something that will last.
Baldwin stopped, looking at Xica tenderly.
—Our love has been our strength. And now, our children will continue what we started.
Xica smiled, her eyes shining with tears of happiness.
—Yes, Baldwin. We have achieved what seemed impossible. And now, we can enjoy the peace we long for.
The two embraced each other, feeling each other's warmth, knowing that, despite all the adversities, their love had prevailed. And as they looked out over the horizon, they knew that the future of Jerusalem was in good hands, thanks to the strength and love they had shared over the years.
The sun was beginning to set, coloring the sky in shades of gold and pink. Baldwin and Xica walked slowly through the palace gardens, surrounded by flowers that seemed to bow toward them in silent reverence. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses and the distant song of birds created a peaceful symphony.
"I remember the day I met you," Baldwin said, his voice low and full of nostalgia. I never imagined that that young African slave would become the queen of my heart and this kingdom.
Xica smiled, her eyes shining with memories.
—And I never imagined that the sick young king would become the love of my life, the man who would defy death itself for his people and for me.
They stopped by a small pond, watching the goldfish swim in the clear water. Baldwin took Xica's hands in his, his blue eyes, although marked by years, still filled with the same passion of yesteryear.
"We have faced wars, betrayals, and disease," Baldwin continued. We have lost friends and gained allies. But through it all, your love has been my anchor, my guide in the storm.
Xica clenched his hands tightly, his gaze fixed on Baldwin's eyes.
—And you have been my strength, Baldwin. When all seemed lost, you always found a way to keep going. Together we have built something beautiful, something that will last beyond our lives.
Baldwin smiled, a tear rolling down his cheek.
—Our children, Arik and Ariella, will continue our legacy. And I know that they will govern with the same justice and compassion that has guided us.
They looked at the horizon, where the first stars were beginning to shine in the twilight sky. The future unfolded before them, full of hope and promise.
"We have seen so much, lived so much," Xica murmured. And now, we can enjoy the peace we have longed for.
Baldwin nodded, his heart full of gratitude.
-Yes my love. We have achieved what seemed impossible. And now, we can rest knowing that our kingdom is in good hands.
They embraced each other, their hearts beating in unison, as the world around them was filled with deep peace. They had faced every trial that fate had thrown at them, and together, they had prevailed.
A FEW YEARS LATER IN T. THRONE ROOM. JERUSALEM. DAY
The throne room was filled with dignitaries and citizens, all gathered to celebrate a historic moment. Arik and Ariella, now kings, sat on their thrones, proudly observing their parents, who sat in ceremonial chairs beside them.
Baldwin, although visibly weaker, smiled with satisfaction. Xica, at his side, radiated serenity and deep happiness. His sons had led the kingdom to new heights of prosperity and peace.
“Today is a day of celebration,” Arik declared, his voice echoing through the room. A day to honor our parents, who have taught us the true meaning of leadership and love.
Ariella stood up, her gaze fixed on Baldwin and Xica.
—Father, mother, this kingdom is a testament to your bravery and sacrifice. Thanks to you, Jerusalem is strong and its children will follow your example.
Applause filled the room as Baldwin and Xica stood, greeting the crowd humbly. The two held hands, feeling the weight of the years and shared experiences.
Later, Baldwin and Xica met again in the gardens, enjoying the peaceful sunset. The flowers, trees and the gentle murmur of the water created an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.
"We've come a long way, my love," Baldwin said, his voice soft and heavy with emotion. And now, we can see the fruit of our efforts.
Xica nodded, her eyes filled with tears of happiness.
—Yes, Baldwin. We have built a legacy that will last. And most importantly, we have found the love and peace we always dreamed of.
They sat on a stone bench, watching the sun set behind the mountains. Golden light bathed the landscape, and in that moment, everything seemed perfect.
"I will always love you, Baldwin," Xica whispered.
Baldwin took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly.
—And I will always love you, Xica. Until the last breath and beyond.
They hugged each other, their hearts beating in unison, knowing that they had fulfilled their destiny. Together, they had faced adversity, found true love, and left a legacy of hope and justice.
And as the sun faded over the horizon, Baldwin and Xica knew that, no matter what, they would always be together, united by a love that neither time nor death could separate.
Now elderly, they walked slowly along the main path of the garden. Their steps were slower, but their faces were illuminated by a smile of serenity and lasting love. Age had left its mark on them, with gray hair and life lines marked on their faces, but the light in their eyes remained the same as always.
Xica stopped next to a rose bush and tenderly touched a flower. The skin of his hands, although wrinkled, still showed an intrinsic elegance. Baldwin stayed by her side, looking at his wife with admiration and love.
“I remember when we planted these rose bushes,” said Xica, her voice soft and full of nostalgia. They were so small, and now they are so great.
Baldwin nodded, resting his hand on Xica's shoulder.
"Just like us," he replied. We have grown together, strengthening and flourishing over time.
They sat on the stone bench where they used to rest, enjoying the sunset that painted the sky with shades of orange and purple. Xica leaned against the back of the bench, while Baldwin settled next to her, putting his arm around her.
—Do you remember the day we met? Baldwin asked, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
Xica smiled, her eyes full of sweetness.
-How to forget it. I never imagined that that meeting would be the beginning of such a wonderful life. You have been my anchor and my guide, Baldwin.
Baldwin looked at her tenderly, his fingers intertwined with Xica's.
—And you have been my light in the darkness, Xica. In every challenge and every triumph, your love has been my strength.
They stayed silent, enjoying the quiet moment. The sun was slowly setting, and the sky was filled with bright stars. The garden, now a place of peace and reflection, seemed a reflection of the life they had built together.
Later, in the palace hall, Baldwin and Xica were surrounded by their children, Arik and Ariella, as well as their grandchildren. The family gathered to share a family dinner, celebrating not only life, but also the legacy that continued.
Arik, now a mature and wise man, raised his glass in a toast.
—For our parents, who have guided with wisdom and love. Thanks to them, our kingdom has prospered and found peace.
Ariella, with an affectionate look at her parents, added:
—His love and sacrifice have been the basis of everything we are. We are eternally grateful.
Baldwin and Xica looked at each other, their hearts full of pride and love. Their children and grandchildren were a testament to their life together, and the kingdom was in good hands.
After dinner, Baldwin and Xica went to the balcony of their room, where they sat down again on the stone bench. The night sky was dotted with stars, and the full moon illuminated the landscape with a soft, magical light.
-It is not beautiful? —said Xica, looking at the starry sky—. It's like the universe is celebrating with us.
Baldwin smiled, his eyes shining with a serene light.
—Yes, it's beautiful. But the most beautiful thing of all is the life we have shared, the love we have built and the legacy we have left.
Xica leaned down and kissed Baldwin on the cheek, their love unchanging despite the passage of time.
—You will always be my greatest treasure, Baldwin. And I will always be by your side, in every dawn and every dusk.
Baldwin hugged her, their hearts beating in perfect sync. They looked up at the night sky together, knowing that their love had transcended time and that, despite the difficulties, they had found true happiness.
“Together, we have lived a full life,” Baldwin said, his voice thick with emotion. And in every memory, in every shared moment, we find eternity.
They stood in silence, enjoying the peace and quiet of the night, knowing that, in the end, their love had been the greatest victory of all.
