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charliedawn · 9 days

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Tiberias x Reader

Part 2

A lot of people have been asking for part 2 so…Here you go. Hope you’ll like it.

You smiled on your way to the market place. It was the first day outside of the castle since you were brought forth before the king and you had missed the busy streets of Jerusalem. You took a long inhale and smiled to yourself at the familiar smell of almond pastries and pipe smoke. You belonged. It was your home.

And then, another smell mixed with the others...one of iron and sweet musk. It commanded your senses and lead you forward towards its source. When your eyes fluttered open, you smiled. Here he was.

The champion of Jerusalem.

The kind one.

Your knight in shining armour.

...Tiberias.

His unwavering gaze fixed on you, but no hostility in his eyes full of unspoken wisdom built on years of service...and great sadness. His eyes spoke of years of suffering, serving a cause he didn't believe in, but following his heart into battle. Oh...A knight at birth. A hero born in the womb. One of the true ones.

Your bare feet almost danced on the rough stones when you made your way to him and even though he didn't speak, his eyes spoke for him. You could recognize a begging soul.

"...You once told me you didn't need a healer, my friend. I helped your king. As you wished. Will you let me help you now, kind one ?", you asked with a kind smile on your face. Your fingertips brushed against his cheek and your face was just a mere inches from his. He refused to speak, but what a pity...He had words the world needed to hear. His eyes spoke loud enough however. They were begging you so sweetly to free him. He opened his mouth, but another cut him.

"Almaealij Aleazim ?"

You snapped your head towards the person who had just called you and your eyes widened as you found an old woman before you with a small snake in her hands. You tilted your head quizzically at her as she handed you the animal with care and asked with tears in her eyes.

"Please...This snake was the last gift of my husband. He is dying and...I want him to stay with me."

You looked down at the snake in your hands and you rubbed its little head. But, it was too late. You could feel that it was too late. You didn't want to tell her, but your tears spoke for themselves. The old woman could feel your sorrow and before you even said anything, she broke into tears. You looked around and saw a small crowd forming around you and frowned before shielding the poor woman's face from the crowd. Tears were personal. No one had the right to see them unless they were invited to.

"I am sorry. A snake is a beautiful creature. It shows your husband loved you very much...", you whispered and the old woman nodded before wiping her tears and smiling up at you. You didn't see resentment in her gaze, but acceptance.

"...I know. That snake was the only thing I had left from him. And it was always so faithful to me.", she murmured while gently stroking its silver head and you could feel her pain through her broken voice. You kissed her cheek and asked her if she wanted you to relieve the pain. She didn't know what you meant by it, not until you opened your mouth and black ashes started billowing out of her before being swallowed by you. Some people came to you to relieve them of their physical pain, but some had much deeper scars, woes that needed to be forgotten before festering and becoming destructive calamities.

Your gift didn't only work on diseases, but pain. You relieved the innocent of their pain and it was the reason why some thought of you as a drug. They had once locked you away for this power out of cupidity. But the old woman deserved to be relieved of her pain—if only for a little while. She shivered in your grasp, but didn't resist. You could feel Tiberias' eyes on you, but didn't pay it any mind.

The old woman smiled and a single tear rolled down her face as she squeezed your hands.

"Thank you...", she whispered and you smiled back. She then dropped your hands and proceeded to walk away.

The pain would come back. It always did. But, you had at least given her a moment of respite. You didn't notice when the crowd started to surround you with their hands raised towards the sky. They all wanted to be blessed. And if you could, you would take away all of their pain. But, unfortunately...You were exhausted and knew that if you were to try to heal one more unfortunate soul...Yours would be lost.

You staggered backwards and thought you would pass out on the floor, but your back hit a strong and sturdy chest. You looked back to find Tiberias, holding you up and his gentle eyes met yours. And in a hazy moment of delusion, your brain made you utter desperate words to the old soldier of your heart.

"...Don't leave me." You pleaded and Tiberias' eyes softened significantly. He gently pulled you closer and stroked the back of your hand soothingly.

"...Believe me, princess. Nothing could possibly tear me away from you. I will be there until you—and only you—decide that my services are no longer required."

You smiled and couldn't help but laugh before daring taking his hand and kissing the back of it—forgetting all about the public around you. They all suddenly fell silent and if you had been in your normal state of mind, you would have realized what you had just done...But, all you could was smile in bliss as Tiberias' fingers trembled in your hands. To think the man would be so affected by such an innocent gesture...

You fell unconscious in his arms.

He held you closer and his eyes then gave a circular glace at the gathered crowd. But, they didn't seem to mind the gesture and, even worse...some cheered.

"CONGRATULATIONS TO ALMA AND THE KIND ONE !", they chanted and knelt at your feet. Tiberias sighed before shaking his head. Of course they would misunderstand...The girl was just too naive and he was too old to waste his time with arguing. However, you were promised to the king. And he wouldn't let it be heard that you were unfaithful.

"QUIET DOWN ! THIS WOMAN IS NOT MINE ! SHE BELONGS TO THE KING !"

The crowd suddenly fell silent, but one man stepped forward with a frown on his face as he saw the way you were holding onto him. You seemed so peaceful in his arms, and yet...

"Almaealij Aleazim doesn't belong to anyone."

The people around the both of you raised to their feet and started muttering between themselves. Tiberias' eyes widened as he realized the mistake he had just committed.

"Of course not. Forgive my words. I only meant...", he tried to correct himself—but the man shook his head and smiled.

"We know what you meant, kind one. Your king has made sure to keep our Alma to himself forever by asking for her hand. But, Alma hasn’t given him her answer yet, has she ?"

Tiberias’ jaw twitched. The fool didn’t know what his impertinence would lead to. But, he decided to change subjects. before the people of Jerusalem took his words to heart.

"....Alma ?", he asked with a curious tilt of his head and the young man looked at you significantly.

"Her name. Alma. Our healer." The man replied.

The way the young man's 'our' sounded almost possessive didn't go unnoticed by the old soldier who narrowed his eyes suspiciously at him.

"For a man who pretends that this woman doesn't belong to anyone...You seem very keen on what side she belongs in."

The young man's expression darkened and his smile felt fake as he answered.

"Because she belongs to her people. Not to the white devils."

Tiberias narrowed his eyes at his very treacherous smile, the smile that hid the truth. His jaw twitched again as he held you closer to his chest.

"I won't allow her to get hurt. Not anymore...", he answered with certainty—but the man didn't seem convinced. He took a step forward, but Tiberias didn't even flinch as the stranger leaned forward and his smile became malicious.

"Are you sure about that, kind one ? Do you really think your own kind will remain gentle when they see where your true loyalty lies ?"

Tiberias took a step back at the man's accusations and suddenly, he felt surrounded. It was suffocating. He gazed down at the girl in his arms and held her closer.

…His true loyalty ?

He scoffed and took a circular glance at the people before thundering, his voice alone commanding respect.

"Your Alma shall be returned to you soon enough. My king is a just one ! And the girl will not be harmed. Not as long as the truce between our two people shall stand !"

The young man—who seemed to be the leader—scoffed before taking a strand of your hair in his hand.

"And how long will this truce last ? You took something of ours, kind one. And we want it back."

Tiberias’ expression hardened as he grabbed the man’s arm and forced him to let go of you. He only understood the young man’s intentions when the muttering around you became louder and louder and the eyes became judging and menacing. He immediately released the man’s arm. However, the harm was done. They were know looking at him with distrust and suspicion while Tiberias’ heart beat a thousand miles a minute at the realisation that he had just unintentionally made an enemy out of the people of this city…

"This city knows her heart. We trust our Alma will take the right decision." The young man said and disappeared in the crowd while Tiberias got back on his horse to return to the castle with you in his arms.

He looked down at you and sighed.

So much trouble for just one woman…He couldn’t even imagine how hard it must have been for you all these years without anyone to protect you…But, he was here now. He would never let you suffer again.

"…I will protect you, Alma. I promise."

A few hours later :

When you woke up, you were disappointed not to see Tiberias in the room with you. He had covered you with a blanket and left you to get some rest. However, you found him before dinner and he was taken aback when you suddenly took his hand. He was about to admonish you for already having forgotten his earlier request about physical affection in public when he noticed you frowning in worry. He found it puzzling and dropped on one knee to look you in the eyes, just to make sure you were alright.

"What is wrong, Almaealij Aleazim ?", he asked and you took a deep breath. You had healed the king, but what was to happen now that he had what he wanted ? He was no longer sick. Therefore, you were no longer needed.

You blinked your tears away before answering truthfully.

"I...I would have liked to stay with you." You confessed and Tiberias' eyes widened as he looked at your hands in his. He bent forward to press his forehead against your knuckles in reverence. His eyes softening as he sought to reassure you.

"I would never ask you to leave, princess."

Your brother was a great leader, but you had never been called princess before. You blushed a little and found that from his lips, it didn't sound as much a title as a term of endearment. At least, you liked to think so. Unfortunately, your moment was cut short by laughs in the corridor and you both turned to find three of the nobles standing there.

"Here. The bitch and her hound." One of them had the audacity to say and you flushed in embarrassment. You didn’t mind their hateful words, but you didn’t want it to tarnish your knight’s reputation. You tried to pull away from him, but it was Tiberias who refused to let you go this time around. He glared at the nobles who suddenly lost their smiles.

"She saved our sovereign. She deserves respect. You were all so frightened to fight for our sick king, when all she did was fight for him. Next time you dare open your mouths, your tongues will be cut off."

You gasped in unison with the nobles at his words. The nobles glared at him, but didn't dare utter another word. Tiberias was Baldwin's most trusted advisor and the finest swordsman in the whole city. He commanded respect by breathing alone, so the nobles only nodded and walked away—but not without throwing you one last nasty glare first.

You stayed by Tiberias’ side and looked up at him with nothing but admiration in your gaze.

"Wise Tiberias, tell me..What would it take for you to become king ?"

He was surprised by the question. You had never actually taken an interest in him or his life..But, he smiled and decided to indulge your curiosity nonetheless.

"It would take a very special princess to let me into her heart."

He thought of Sybil and laughed. What a funny thought..Him. King. Sybil had been born on the same day as Baldwin, but everyone knew that Sybil had came first. For him to become king, he would have to ask Baldwin for her hand and he'd rather cut his own dominant hand than lower himself to ask for the poor girl to marry him. But, your cheeks coloured red as you thought about it. You knew he wasn’t referring to you, but you were technically a princess. And you wouldn’t see anyone but Tiberias worthy of leading your people.

You seemed to ponder on it and Tiberias shrugged, not paying mind to the way your fingers seemed to grasp his even tighter. He didn't think more of it. He thought you would drop it and it would be another forgotten question.

He was wrong.

You suddenly stopped walking and Tiberias frowned as you lead him towards your bedroom instead. He didn’t question it though. When you were both in the room, you closed the door behind you and invited Tiberias to sit at the circular table in the middle of the room.

He sat. He sat and wordlessly looked at you—studying each of your movements carefully. He quickly understood that you were preparing him tea and he relaxed. He remembered the first time you had served him tea and the sweet taste of orange blossom that had filled his senses. He had missed it…

Thereby, he took off his sword and waited patiently as you stirred the tea in an elegant pot and poured it in two cups. You quietly sat down in front of him and gave him one of the fuming cups. He gratefully accepted it and took a long inhale of the soothing sweet scent of orange blossom, jasmin and other plants residing at the bottom of the cup. He then took a careful sip and his eyes closed at the sweet taste…such lovely fragrance and such enticing aroma.

He had asked multiple times for the recipe in order to learn how to prepare it himself, but you had always insisted on making it for him instead. You knew that giving him the recipe would be preventing you from having a reason to have those little private moments you treasured so much. You smiled as he took a second sip and seemed blissful for a while, his shoulders lowering and his features softening.

He was the perfect painting of an old soldier tired of war. And you wanted to give him the peace he so desperately craved.

You couldn’t wait any longer.

You had to ask.

"Marry me, Tiberias." The older man almost choked on his tea as he heard your request and opened his eyes with the furrowed expression you had grown accustomed to. It meant confusion with a mix of disapproval.

You thought he would laugh. He didn't.

He seemed to gather his spirits rather quickly and find the right answer to give you as your cheeks burnt bright red.

"…I am old.", he stated matter-of-factly after a few seconds and looked you up and down with a skeptical expression. But, you shook your head.

You cared for him. Deeply. And that was all that mattered to you.

"Age is of no importance to me. And it shouldn’t be of any importance to you either. The many books I have read on your marital customs taught me that an age difference is of no consequence over a union in your country."

His eyes widened and he was about to answer, but hesitated. It was true. It was of no importance to his kind. But…still.

"…The king already asked for your hand," he reminded you and you sighed.

"...I respect him. But, he is not you." You replied in a mere whisper, lowering your gaze in shame. It was true. You held the king in high respect. But…You couldn’t lie to your own heart. "I respect and value you more than any man in this entire castle."

Tiberias clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white and took a long and sharp inhale. Sybil had received many demands and it was normal for a young girl your age to feel discouraged when not receiving any. But, it was more than that.

A few days ago, Baldwin had officially announced that he would marry you in front of your own brother in exchange for peace. It was part of the peace treaty. And he would be a fool for not acknowledging that fact.

"Not enough to value my intelligence it seems. I won't sacrifice the kingdom and a possible peace for some childish crush, Alma." He said knowingly and your face became livid at the accusation. You had waited a long time to ask him, and he now wished to undermine you by calling your love a mere child’s game. You felt ashamed and humiliated.

However, it didn't stop your determination. You would marry Tiberias. You would marry Raymond the III of Tripoli.

"You are wrong, Tiberias. This is not a game. I will refuse the king’s demand. My heart already belongs to someone else..."

He frowned and was about to ask what you meant when one of your servants came to warn you that dinner was served. You nodded and both you and Tiberias stood up. You arrived in the throne room and Baldwin's face lit up at your arrival.

"TIBERIAS ! ALMAEALIJ ! WELCOME !"

You both sat down by his side and it was quite the sight to see Baldwin in such a good mood. He was given a second life and he seemed to enjoy it immensely. However, Tiberias was still thinking on your request to marry him. He sighed and looked around the table before whispering to you.

"If you wish to marry so badly, marry the king. Save your kingdom, Almaealij."

He mildly gestured to them both as he was talking, but you didn’t even look their way. You didn’t seem to be interested in his suggestions. You merely hummed absentmindedly.

"I respect and trust King Baldwin. But, I only wish to give my to heart to one man." You gestured towards the people around table idly, your attention solely focused on him.

He frowned.

"You shouldn't." He replied shortly and you raised a quizzical eyebrow at him.

"And why is that ?"

You were genuinely curious. Tiberias seemed so serious all of a sudden. He knew he ought to keep his mouth shut, but he needed you to understand.

There was no such thing as a good man.

"Because men are foul beasts. And I'm no different. I just happen to hide it better than most." He answered you with a slight smirk and took a sip of his drink.

"I do not believe you." You said assuredly and your breath hitched when Tiberias' eyes darkened and he shook his head in disbelief.

"Then you are naive."

Your eyes widened at his cruel answer. He had never insulted you before. But, he seemed more honest than he had ever been with you too.

"You are the kind one. Everybody knows you." You insisted. He was kind. He had proved himself over and over to you. Why wouldn’t he see his own value ? He held back an eye roll at the familiar nickname and looked back at you with a mocking scoff.

"Kind one...It is but a name. One I never agreed to." His eyes then lowered to your dark purple dress and the way you looked absolutely stunning. You had grown from the little wildling he had brought to his majesty months ago. He looked around to make sure everyone was too busy eating to pay attention to what you were doing. And as if to prove his point, he snaked his arm around you and whispered in your ear—alcool untying his mischievous tongue.

"What if I tell you I have carnivorous desires as much as any man ? What if I told you I would be the first to bend you over this table and fuck you raw in front of all those noble men if it weren't for decency and etiquette ?" He squeezed your thigh meaningfully and you bit back a sound. "I am a hound, Almaealij. Never forget. I was bred to be vicious and merciless."

"I...I..." You tried to answer and he let out a mocking snort before leaning back in his chair with his cup in hand. He knew you were too young to realise…but, there really wasn’t such a thing as a good man.

"Do not worry, Almaealij Aleazim. I am still a man of my word and I promised I would protect you. I would never do anything to bring you harm." He finally released you and you stayed silent for a moment. His words rang in your ears and caused chills to run down your spine. Was it true ? Did Tiberias really have such impure thoughts in his mind ? Tiberias thought he had finally provoked fear in you—he was wrong.

He started eating and you tried to eat a few bites for appearance when another appetite had suddenly made itself known at the bottom of your stomach. You were looking at Tiberias with more hunger in your eyes than if he was one of those rare delicacies your brother would sometimes bring back from his trips…

Once dinner was over, you were the first to stand up.

"...Bring me back to my room, Tiberias." Your tone seemed so cold now, it was enough to sober up Tiberias who wondered if he had gone too far ? He lowered his cup and nodded dutifully.

"Yes, Almaealij."

He then stood up too and offered you his hand, but you ignored it. You bowed your head at the king who nodded in return. You then took your leave and Tiberias followed you—even though quite puzzled by your sudden coldness. He thought it good though. It was enough daydream for you. You were a really nice woman and he wanted you to understand that your feelings weren’t good for you.

But, still…

He had dared touch you and tell you things he shouldn't have...He opened his mouth to apologize, but no sound came out. You remained silent all the way and Tiberias groaned to himself. He usually never drank in company for that exact reason. Why...Oh why had he decided today was the best day to change that rule ? Once you arrived, he couldn't wait to run back to his room and gulp down his jar of red wine and go to sleep...But then, he heard your soft voice.

"Wait here."

And, he did.

He waited.

Because he could lie to everyone else, but he knew where his true loyalty lied. It was at your feet, waiting to be trempled or brought up to full glory...So, he waited. He waited and when you told him to come in—he did.

However, he didn’t expect to find you laid down on your bed and with your beautiful dress...You looked like an Ancient statue. He stopped dead in his tracks and frowned.

"Almaealij…What is the meaning of this ?"

You wordlessly patted the empty spot next to you and he suddenly understood what you wanted. He sighed and shook his head.

"I cannot…"

You frowned.

"I am asking you to sleep by my side. And I shall have you rest here."

Tiberias hesitated.

"It would be improper." He tried to decline. Your scoffed in return.

"Since when was I ever anything but improper ? Now, come. Come sleep beside me."

He could leave. It was the right thing to do. But, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He took a step forward. And another. And another. Until his legs hit the edge of the bed. You then sat on your knees and started taking off his armour. And he let you. You took off his shoulder plates and torso plate easily…You then proceeded to help him with the rest of his armour patiently and diligently. He was almost surprised by such an endearing display.

When he was finally rid of his armour, he felt almost ashamed. He was a soldier. He was meant to protect and defend. Not…sleep in front of the very person he was meant to watch over. But, you patted the empty spot once more and he had no choice but to comply…He laid down on your bed and closed his eyes. It was best to not let his eyes wander, or he would lose himself and whatever shred of dignity he had left.

You scooted closer to him and stared at him and his peaceful resting face. You leant a little closer and in the dark of the night, found relief in his comforting breathing. Your eyes dropped to his lips and you licked yours. You raised a trembling hand to your mouth and pressed the fingertips to your lips and slowly reached forward for his. An indirect kiss. A kiss which meant a promise.

You knew Tiberias to be wise and loyal to the ones he cared about. He was also trustworthy and had always been a good and loyal friend to you. He would make a good spouse, and you didn't intend to wait for Baldwin or your brother to find you another suitor to marry you off to. You wanted him.

"Tiberias. I want you."

He didn’t answer and you sighed. Was he already asleep ? You were about to move back when Tiberias grabbed your arm. He then spun you around to face him once more and pulled you flush against him—mumbling some incoherent muttering. You wanted to back away, tell him he had no right to touch your person and play petty so he may feel the pain you felt when you couldn't...But, the look he gave you made you lose all of your words.

"You...You want me, Alma ?"

Of course. Of course he would hear you. You hid your face in the crook of his neck and linked his breathing with yours. He had called you Alma. The name sounded so foreign, and yet fit you in some strange way...You would love him to call you that again. It sounded like "love". As if he shared the same special connection you felt, that distorted need for him which made you weak in the knees and want to cling to him, knowing he'd hold you steady.

"I want you, kind one." You confirmed. "…Do you want me ?"

There was a moment of silence where you were both unsure of what to say or do. You wanted him to reassure you…Tell you he loved you. But, Tiberias thought about what kind of future he would be offering you…He was old and tired. He barely counted as a man anymore. He was not worthy of you. But, he wanted to be.

"I want you too," He finally confessed. "I want you to be by my side and give me those sinful smiles of yours. I feel like I am losing my mind. I want to make you feel good and kiss you breathless every night. Have a family with you. Take you away from this war and make your laugh my only purpose. But, I am long past my prime, Alma. You should be with a young and valiant knight who will take care of you and..."

You didn't let him finish as you grabbed him by the collar and yanked him down so your lips met. His mouth was still open and you took the opportunity to deepen the kiss and devour the inside of his mouth as if it was one of those da pastries you enjoyed so much.

Tiberias seemed lost for a second as his hands hovered haphazardly over your hips and he hesitated before kneeding the flesh there. He was surprised when a low moan made it past your lips and a blush spread across his cheeks. He hadn't even thought of the possibility that you could feel pleasure in his company. But, he suddenly seemed to get more confident and fisted a hand in your hair so he may kiss you with passion.

He was almost taken aback by your passion and enthusiasm. When you rubbed your leg against his crotch area, he almost let you fall. Dear Lord...Give him strength. He thought you would be shy, even quite prude on your first night together. But, he was wrong. He barely had the time to appreciate the smooth fabric of your silk nightgown that it was off and discarded. You were quick and seemed to know exactly what to do. You didn't hesitate before starting to unbuckle his belt. Tiberias' jaw almost fell slack as you didn't seem to be the young and innocent maiden he had discussed with at dinner. You acted impatient and ruthless. He thought to remind you of your manners, but was once more surprised when his hands were guided down to your mouth.

You kissed his knuckles and his breath shuddered as he felt his hands become putty under the care of your lips. He was surprised by the gentleness and innocence of the gesture..until you decided to lick his palm. He sought to retrieve his hands, but couldn't as you started sucking on the tip of his middle finger. He had seen literal bloodbaths, but the sight of his beloved Almaealij doing such a sinful action made him incredibly hot and bothered.

He had been married once. He had loved his wife dearly, but he had never felt such fire in the pit of his stomach during their nights together.

"Stop !" He finally told you and pinned you to the bed, not hard enough to truly hurt you, but enough to make you stop. He didn't expect when you threw your head back and let out a louder moan.

He then understood.

He had been bewitched by a cannibal. A man-hunter. A girl of sin..You were after his immortal soul and he gritted his teeth. He wrapped his hand around your throat and your eyes snapped open to stare at him.

"T-Tiberias..." You breathed out his name and Tiberias thought he was going to lose it. He claimed your lips and tried to trap all of your tempting words inside. But, he was unsuccessful as the moment his lips left yours, you dragged him right back to you and whispered all types of sinful obscenities in his ear. "I want you to ravage me. Make all those nobles know just how much you are worthy of my love. Make all those nose up court ladies turn green in jealousy upon discovering all of their jeering was misplaced. I chose the best husband. Now, show me how you would treat the best wife."

Wife...You wanted him. And oh...Did he want you...It burned his soul. This desire. This lust. He opened his mouth to speak, but stopped. His hold on you tightened as he sat down and effortlessly lifted you up to make you straddle his hips. He then tugged the hair out of your face to look at your eyes, your beautiful eyes darkened by lust and need. It was enough to make him hold his breath.

"Almaealij...I cannot marry you. My life is done. Yours just begun. I couldn't possibly...", he started—but you cut him off.

"Tiberias...Please." You pleaded and your lips hovered above his as you fisted his tunic—the wretched thing the only obstacle between you and what your heart desire.

"...Let me devour your pain."

His eyes widened and a single tear rolled down his face—one you licked away. You were starving and even though it was dangerous, you had dedicated your life to devouring other people's pain. It fed you. It made you whole. And Tiberias...Tiberias' pain was endless. You wanted him. Oh god forgive...There was no depth to this desire you felt for the man. It didn't make any sense. You had refused a crown for him. You had told Baldwin no because your eyes had already settled on the worthy one, the only man who had defended you when all of the crusaders called for your impending death.

"You...You really want this, don't you ?", he asked and you could see the sliver of uncertainty in his eyes. You held back a snort before stroking his cheek. How could such a man ever doubt a woman's desire for him ? Not only was he strong, he was kind and compassionate and...

"More than anything. Please.", you whispered and lowered yourself to place a chaste kiss on his lips. He closed his eyes and let out a defeated sigh before intertwining your fingers, suddenly pinning them over your head. You gasped in surprise and he kissed you again before slowly slipping his hand underneath your skirt...And then, he felt the scars.

His eyes lowered and sorrow filled them at the sight of your damaged flesh. To think someone had dared force you to do such a thing...He released your wrists to stroke the skin of your ankles with gentle care and you tried to stop him—but the look he gave you froze you on the spot. He then continued his ministrations and you let out a relieved sigh, but you soon felt tears run down your face and tried to hide them from him. However, he grabbed your arm before you could cover your face.

"Ssh...Almaealij. You are beautiful."

You looked up at him and the sight of his eyes on you burned and felt like heaven at the same time. You wished for it to never end, but couldn't wait any longer as you jumped on him and started unbuttoning his shirt.

"Alma...Please. Don't..."

But, you were far too gone to listen. You wanted the pain to disappear. To feel wanted. And not just because you were the great healer of Jerusalem...No. You wanted to be needed. To be felt. To be seen. As a woman. Tiberias seemed to understand and didn't protest when you pulled his shirt off him and marveled at the rippling muscles hidden underneath.

"Kind one...You shall make me the happiest woman tonight.", you whispered and Tiberias felt his heart hammer in his chest at the look of utter adoration in your gaze. But, then...You felt the pain and leant forward to kiss him—but also suck all this sadness out of him. You wanted him to be happy, and as much as Baldwin...You could see the darkness inside and wanted to feast on it, make it so only Tiberias remained. Tiberias felt as if he was dying, but desperately grasped you and pulled you further against him. You wanted his pain ? He'd be more than happy to give you everything he had and more...He then started to gently unclasp all of the restrains of your underdress with surprising ease. You brought one of his hands to your face and placed a gentle kiss to the palm. His eyes widened and he panted as he felt like a young man again, just after his first kill, his hands covered in warm blood and this strange feeling in his chest...He then eyed your throat and let his mind run wild.

He kissed it and then, in the spur of the moment, bit it. You were all gentle gasps and soft mewls...It shouldn’t make him cry. He had slayed men before, but what he wished to do to you ? No man could ever imagine...

"I shall ravage you, Almaealij Aleazim. Do you understand what I mean ? You shall be mine and mine alone...You shall be linked to an old soldier who gave up all of his attempts at happiness years ago. I shall feed on your youth, as you shall feed on my misery. I shall steal your life, as much as you'll give me life."

Your eyes widened at the sadness in Tiberias’ eyes. He seemed sorrowful. As if he couldn’t believe it and was trying to scare you away. He seemed incapable of comprehending your love for him.

"Tiberias...", you muttered—your eyes softening upon his words. You slowly stroked his cheek soothingly and kissed him again. He had so much pain in him…It made him so much more valuable in your eyes. He had suffered so much—even though in silence.

But then, he grabbed your wrists and and you felt him thrust into you and all thoughts seemed to leave you. You whimpered and grabbed onto him for dear life.

"You brought this upon yourself. I tried to push you away. But, you kept coming back like...hmm...like a lost child. Like a...a lovesick puppy. They tell me I am the hound, but they haven't seen the size of your claws..."

To think he had the strength to speak while all coherent thought had left your brain the moment he had entered you. You clawed at his back and thrashed as he kept his movements very slow and steady—as not to hurt you.

"I...I need...", you tried to speak—but he slammed back into you and Tiberias even teased you as he raised his eyes up to meet yours.

"Yes, dear one ? What is it that you need ?"

You opened your mouth and surprised yourself by finding your words back.

"Tiberias. I need you."

"Is that so ?" He smirked and for a moment, his eyes seemed to shine with a streak of gold as his hand tenderly stroked your cheek. He hummed and went at an agonizingly slow pace purposefully to see your features tighten in frustration. He was admiring the woman writhing under him, who could have chosen every man in the kingdom...But, had settled for less.

It made him think of the first time you had met. He had been surprised by the fact that you were living in such a small house when you could have been living in a palace with that gift of yours. You could have chosen everything. Your beauty could have been enough to satisfy any man, but you had settled for this old run-down house, this shipwreck of an old time long forgotten. And he adored you all the more for it.

"T-Tiberias...", you called for him and sought him out with your hands—your eyes glazed by tears and your mouth parted slightly...He couldn't resist. He bent down and kissed you longingly and his hold on you tightened.

"Do not hide yourself from me. I want to hear you. Be as loud as you can. Make it so even heaven shatters with your screams alone..."

Your eyes watered and you obeyed. You let out a huge scream and Tiberias smiled. He then started nibbling on the skin of your neck. He knew the room was far away from everyone else's. You could be loud and let out all the pain you felt inside. He would hear it all...He would hear you.

"My princess...Mine. My lovely and terribly sweet princess.", he uttered in the darkness and you held on to him, seeking out his words as if they were the source of life itself.

"Tiberias...My heart sings for you. Can you hear it ?", you asked and he stilled in his movements. He stayed perfectly still for a few seconds when only both of your heavy pants filled the room and finally, he smiled. Your eyes widened, as you had never seen such a smile on him before...

"I hear it. It sings the same tune as mine."

He placed your hand above his heart and your eyes watered once more, but they were tears of joy. The music...It was beautiful. You slid your hand upwards and secured it at the back of his neck to suddenly crash your lips together. He responded with the same ferocity and resumed his movements before holding himself up by the elbows to look at you.

"Almaealij...My Alma. Mine and only mine..."

Your name sounded so sweet on his tongue and your ears reveled in the way he pronounced it. It was foreign to you. And even though you were sweating and feeling as if you were about to give any time now, you ran your thumb over his lips. You wanted him to speak again. If he was to be yours, then he'd have to speak to you everyday. What bliss...What joy...

"Marry me, Tiberias.", you reiterated your request and Tiberias suddenly stilled.

"Marriage...Would you really be willing to share a life with me ? For whatever time I have left on this world ?", he asked and you smiled at his puzzled expression.

"I would have asked you the exact same question if you had had but a few minutes left. I can't think of someone I would rather spend my life with."

"Such a great shame we won't be able to attend his majesty's breakfast tomorrow morning...", you said with a small playful smile and Tiberias responded with a small amused smile of his own.

"Do you really intend to keep me up all night ?"

You chuckled.

"Me ? Oh...If it were up to me, I'd make sure you stay in this bed with me forever."

Tiberias smirked before suddenly kissing you again.

"~What a shame indeed."

The very next day :

Tiberias mounted his horse very early in the morning and went to see your brother. The moment he was in the camp, he was surrounded by his soldiers, but they surprisingly let him pass.

They knew why he was here.

When he entered, Saladin was waiting for him.

"I know why you are here, Tiberias of Tripoli. My sister has spoken very highly of you and has already shared her plans as to marry you."

Tiberias nodded understandingly, but before he could ask what conclusion he had made…Your brother smiled.

"However, I am still undecided. So, I’ll ask you. How far are you willing to go for her ?"

"I would die for her.", Tiberias declared without hesitation—but your brother didn’t seem satisfied by the answer.

"That wasn't my question. I am asking you if you'd betray your own kingdom and moral code for her ? I know you, kind one. Your loyalty is not to be questioned. But...I want my sister to count on you. So I’ll ask you another question. If you had to choose between your kingdom and my sister ? Who would you choose ?"

Tiberias frowned at the question and he seemed to ponder on it…His kingdom was his home and you were his love. Who he’d be without them both ? Nothing.

"…I would fight until both of them are safe. I cannot choose because one cannot choose family over family", he admitted and was scared his answer might not be sufficient. But, he was surprised when he felt your brother’s hand on his shoulder. And when he looked back up, your brother was smiling.

His eyes widened when he heard Saladin chuckle and finally answer him.

"You have my blessing. Kind one." And with that, Saladin was out of the tent. Tiberias hadn’t noticed—but he was trembling.

He had his blessing.

But at what cost ?

A dark voice whispered at the back of his head. He had Saladin’s blessing and he knew what it entailed. He had earned himself a new home, but would his motherland forgive him for the treachery he was about to commit out of the name of love ?

He looked up.

He hoped his god was as merciful as the texts made him out to be…

#kingdom of heaven #tiberias vii calore #tiberias #tiberias x reader #king baldwin iv #fanfic #imagine #fandoms

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