kingdom of nations

Chapter 312 New Life (Part 2)

The hesitation of the nobles and the archbishops was understandable. Byzantine Emperor Manuel I's fleet had already arrived in Kyrenia, only a day's journey from Nicosia. Given the attitude of the Knights Templar, the cities along the way would be completely undefended, and their army could arrive at the gates of Nicosia at any time.

The emperor's reasons were also quite valid. They had initially held a Catholic wedding, officiated by Patriarch Alassa, and the marriage certificate was also in Catholic form. However, under Alexander III's excommunication, his wife could only be considered to have had an affair with him, and their children could only be illegitimate. This was true for both Anna, the former Byzantine princess, and Portia, the niece of the current Doge of Venice.

A strange smile appeared on Portia's face: "Indeed, my husband had a Catholic wedding with Anna, the Byzantine princess," she glanced at the archbishop, "You can speak now."

What did he say? The Archbishop of Cyprus was completely baffled.

"They also had a secret, traditional wedding, didn't they?"

The archbishop was stunned, but before he could react, Portia continued.

"I believe you still have a document in your trunk that should not be made public without permission. Right after that marriage that was recognized by the people, Princess Anna of Byzantium had another orthodox marriage with the Count of Edessa, the Knight of Bethlehem, and the Lord of Cyprus, presided over by you."

Although this wedding lacked the grand ceremony and numerous witnesses of previous weddings, it was still conducted under God's watchful eye and thus held both religious and legal significance.

Her hand rested on a box that had been placed to the side.

At the time, no one noticed, assuming it was a reliquary used to protect pregnant women or a jewel used to bribe the papal envoy. Portia reached out and fiddled with the latch, but found she no longer had the strength to open it. She could only signal to Natia, who opened the box for her and presented the document to the archbishop.

The archbishop took a look and was utterly incredulous. He wondered if he had gone mad or was dreaming—he had indeed seen a complete document, a marriage contract issued by the orthodox church. It not only detailed when and where the couple would be married, who the officiant was, how many witnesses there were, how they made their vows and entered into the contract, but also included his handwritten blessing. In the section for witnesses, besides himself, there were several nobles from Cyprus.

Moreover, he saw a name in the witness section that chilled him to the bone—Theodora Komnen. Yes, this was Emperor Manuel I's de facto concubine and his blood niece. As a member of the Komnen royal family, her signature and testimony could refute any doubts.

This heavy weight pressed down on the scales of the archbishop's heart. "Archbishop? Archbishop?" Portia asked softly. "Do you need me to send someone to the cathedral to retrieve the copy of the contract you kept?"

Or would you like to pick it up yourself?

The Archbishop of Cyprus looked up at the two women on the main seat with a sigh. He could guarantee that if he nodded, either the priest he sent or the knight Portia sent would bring another identical marriage certificate.

Although César is not here now, converting to Christianity is something that only requires the consent of the person being converted and the recipient, and all other formalities can be postponed.

The only thing that makes the Archbishop of Cyprus hesitate now is whether he should accept the decree of the Byzantine Emperor, but the thought of that arrogant decree makes him furious.

He was not an archbishop appointed by the emperor, nor did he come from a family in Constantinople; he was a Cypriot through and through.

Over the course of those decades, he witnessed the Cypriots' growing disillusionment with the emperor and the gradual decline of the Byzantine Empire. They didn't need incompetent rulers, but capable ones wouldn't come to them either. They also constantly faced threats from the Saracens and even the Crusaders. They had once placed their hopes on the eldest prince, Alexius, but Alexius's foolish actions proved how ridiculous their expectations were.

And their new lord...

Even though he once caused the entire Cyprus to grieve for seven days and seven nights because of Princess Anna, now that the opposition has been eliminated, the remaining people are much more at ease. As long as he does not show any fondness for bloodshed and tragedy, a resolute ruler is exactly what the Cypriots need now.

His subsequent actions indeed proved him to be a good lord worthy of following. He did not harm the innocent, did not levy exorbitant taxes, did not force people to convert, and treated everyone fairly. The only thing that concerned the archbishop was his faith—damn it, he was a Crusader knight, a Catholic.
Although not so fanatical, he still had to be wary of him giving more benefits to Christians than Cypriots.

But is Emperor Manuel I really trustworthy?
The information Theodora was able to obtain also came from the Archbishop—he even knew who had been appointed Governor of Cyprus—a mediocre and greedy man.

This is not surprising. If someone is truly capable, a good official who knows how to balance and govern, or a general who is good at fighting, why would they be willing to accept the emperor's extortion? Fifty thousand gold coins are just the price of this official position. After that, he has to pay tribute and taxes on time and cannot delay even for a moment. The emperor may further extort and blackmail him.

Would the new governor, like their current lord, be willing to sacrifice his own interests rather than harm the people of Cyprus in the slightest?
How can it be? !
He could only intensify his exploitation and oppression of the people in order to satisfy the emperor's appetite and make up for his losses.

Moreover, even from the Archbishop's personal perspective, he had to consider the matter of the First Prince Alexius—yes, he was also one of the First Prince's former supporters, and the Emperor must know that they intended to support Alexius to replace him.

If the new governor were to gain complete control of Cyprus, could he truly remain a carefree archbishop? At that point, being exiled to a monastery would be a good outcome. More likely, he would be strangled to death by eunuchs sent by the emperor, and perhaps his clergy position could even be sold for a considerable sum.

Thinking it over, he no longer hesitated and immediately raised his head: "Yes, this is the document. You don't need to get my copy anymore."

They did indeed have an orthodox church wedding at the Cathedral of St. Lazarus, and this is confirmed by everyone.

Portia relaxed slightly upon hearing this, but this was only the beginning.

"Finally, I have some good news to share with you all. The Venetian fleet has set sail and will arrive in Cyprus in a week. They will ambush the Byzantine fleet. Nicosia is a huge and strong fortress, and I believe it will not be difficult to hold out until that day, as long as you all work together with my husband."

My husband, the Lord of Cyprus, has shown you all his kindness and generosity… I swear here on the oath of my grandfather, my parents, and the child in my womb, that he will convert to the orthodox Church and, thereafter, justly reward all who are loyal to him.”

If it weren't for the previous year, Portia's words would have only been met with disdain by the Cypriot nobles who were fed up with the emperor and governor. However, the achievements and order that Cesar had established were evident to all – even when Portia later invited the heads of the families to stay overnight at the governor's palace to discuss the defense of the city, it did not cause much of a stir.

The last nobleman bowed to Portia and took his leave. Portia watched him walk out the door and the door close before she stood up with the help of her maids and Nadia. As soon as she stood up, she felt a warm current flowing down her skirt, and her face changed. She looked down and realized that her velvet dress was completely soaked.

The priests all said she should have given birth last month, but there was still no sign of labor. If it weren't for César's personal letter to reassure her, telling her that the child was more likely to be born at the end of this month or the beginning of next month, and Natia examining Portia as César had instructed, and telling her how to listen to the baby's heartbeat and feel the baby's movements, she might have already completely collapsed from anxiety.

Just as a maid was about to scream, Natia slapped her across the face. At this moment, the Cypriot nobles were probably still in the corridor. If they discovered that Portia was about to give birth, who knows what would happen.

"Quick, get to the delivery room!" It's been prepared long ago, and there are people wiping and cleaning it every day. It's private and safe.

But before anyone could bring the sedan chair, another knight rushed over to report.

"what?"

Natia's expression immediately changed. "Who leaked the information?" Before the knight could answer, she quickly waved her hand. "Don't tell me..." Anyway, there was no point in finding out. Generally speaking, before a war, people would only flee into the city, not the other way around.

"Someone is inciting citizens to flee to other cities or the countryside..."

In siege warfare, cities and castles generally try to take in the surrounding population, unless food and water supplies are already scarce. Nicosia is a large city with countless merchants, so there is no need to worry about food and water. The more residents that can be kept and accommodated, the better. When defending the city, the citizens are the real main force.

Moreover, as people continued to flee the city, the city gates could not be closed—if they were kept closed, the people would certainly clash with the garrison.

Portia regained some consciousness after a sharp pain, and struggled to sit up. "Natia?"

Portia?

"Go... carry me to the city wall..."

"what are you saying?!"

“At this moment, I… must let the people of Nicosia see that although their lord is not here, his wife and children are still in Nicosia. We have not left; we are with them—whether we are met with hell or heaven.”

"That's too dangerous! There might be someone in the crowd who wants to attack you!"

"If that's the case, then it's the fate I chose myself."

Portia was pale and sweating profusely, but her attitude was more resolute than ever before.

And so the people of Nicosia witnessed... an incredible parade.

Servants and squires led the way, while knights, carrying torches and gleaming lances, escorted the heavily pregnant Lady of Nicosia out of the secure governor’s palace and through the streets and alleys of Nicosia.

Portia lay in a palanquin carried by four men, the curtains drawn back to reveal her face. Natia, the lord's sister, sat beside her, her arms around her shoulders. Both were dressed in opulent velvet gowns, the deep purple of which concealed the bloodstains, and the scent of perfume was dispelled.

Portia had a small box full of gold and silver coins at her side. Every few steps, she would grab a handful and throw it forcefully at the crowd on both sides of the street: "Fight for my husband!" she cried weakly, and the silence of the people ensured that everyone could hear her voice, "Fight for your lord!"

He had treated you with more leniency than any ruler who had ever ruled here before; he loved and cherished you as he would his own flock of sheep—now, as he has left his lands to fight for his king and God, a band of shameless charlatans and thieves are trying to take advantage of the situation to raid his lands, castles, and homes…”

Portia choked back tears, digging her fingers deep into the coins, gripping the hard little discs to sting another sudden, sharp pain. "I...I don't demand a thousandfold repayment; that's what the Isaac did. I only hope that at this moment you can think about how he treated you, and I hope you can treat him the same way—"

If you are afraid, or if you are old, or young, or if you are tired, then you may rest and eat. Today, until the enemy is defeated, everyone will have food and drink.

Merchants, please come to the Governor's Palace. Whatever goods you have, and how much you have, bring them to me, and I will buy them all...

But please... stay here. Please believe me, it's only more dangerous outside..."

Having said this, Portia was too weak to stand. She turned her head and buried her face in Natia's arms to hide her distorted face from people. Just then, another commotion came from the streets. The Archbishop of Cyprus was rushing over. He was riding a large mule that was no less than a warhorse. He was dressed in ceremonial robes, holding a scepter and wearing a tall hat. Such solemn attire seemed rather strange at this moment.

"He has converted!"

The archbishop shouted, "She has converted!"

"This is the son of the lord of Cyprus!"

He placed his hand on Portia's stomach, and Portia could no longer bear it and finally let out a scream that she tried her best to suppress, but which still sounded like she was in great pain.

(End of this chapter)