Lady Philippa was preoccupied with her upcoming trial. She was placed under house arrest for a day, but she was frequently visited by her godfather, William of Tyre, who paid her a visit using the sacrament of penance as an excuse. They’re both working against Count Tripoli. Her devoted servant, Abu, on the other hand, had only recently received her letter and was already planning her next move.

She was brought to trial the next morning for humiliating an esteem noble count, being a seditionist for encouraging women to rebel against the authorities, and committing perjury for breaking an oath.

Her long soft curly hair flowed behind her back as she entered the castle hall, dressed in a pastel blue gown bodice adorned with crystals. Emma, her maid servant, accompanied her to the high court hall, where her stepparents and other notable nobles from a powerful family await her verdict.

All eyes were on her as she entered the High Court. Lady Philippa looked around the court and noticed Count Tripoli standing next to her stepparents. She rolls her eyes and walks to the centre hall, where she greets the king with a graceful curtsy.

“Greetings, your Highness,” I said as I slowly raised my head and looked at the king, then turned my gaze and smiled at my godfather, William of Tyre, who was standing beside King Baldwin and nodded and smiled at me.

I looked confidently around the high court, which was mostly made up of men from different noble families who were vassals of the king; the only women I saw were my stepmother and maidservant. The trial then begins with Henry, Bishop of Toulouse, delivering an opening speech.

“Today we have gathered here to judge the crimes committed by Lady Philippa house of Antioch against Count Tripoli; she will be judged according to her crime, which includes sedition in encouraging both noble and peasant women to deify man with powers, perjury in breaking an oath of promise to marry the champion of the archery tournament,” he asked, looking at Me. Do you enter a guilty or not guilty plea? ” he inquired.

“Not guilty,” I responded calmly. My response to the bishop elicited gasps from the audience.

“I see… no remorse in any of your actions; do you know what punishment awaits you, my lady?” the bishop asked as I stood confidently in front of the noble’s judgemental gaze.

Before I could say anything, Count Tripoli interrupted, saying, “I would like to ask permission to speak, Your Eminence, because I am the victim,” and the Bishop nodded, allowing him to speak.

“I understand that the lady was not in her right mind, because I heard she lost her memory due to shock, and the action that was so unladylike was explainable, and I know she is still young and reckless, and there is no need to punish this lovely lady if she just asks for my forgiveness and we will go on with the wedding, because I am still willing to take her,” he said confidently with a smirk on his face.

As I stood silently, the crowds continued to gossip, and I looked at my stepparent and Count Tripoli, both of whom had a smirk on their faces.

I scoff as I stare at Count Tripoli, who was taken aback by my cold stare.

“Well, what do you say if you lady Philippa apologises to the count, and we forget everything that happened, and we go ahead with the promised wedding?” the bishop asked.

“Nay,” I said. Whispers flooded the high court hall.

“With all due respect, your Eminence,” I say, “I have no intention of apologising, and I certainly have no intention of marrying Count Tripoli because I clearly won that tournament.”

“This is absurd, you promise to marry the champion!” exclaims Count Tripoli.

“yes, your absolutely right my lord, this is absurd, since I clearly won and everyone in this room witnesses that I challenge you and you accept, with the king’s permission of course.”

The murmuring gossip continues to grow louder, and Count Tripoli’s face turned sour, as did my stepparents’.

“Do you realise, my lady, that you organise the Archery Tournament and promise to marry the champion? But now, after winning the said tournament for your hand in marriage, you refuse to acknowledge Count Tripoli!” exclaimed the bishop. “You just broke your family’s oath! Do you understand the consequences that your family may face as a result of your action!” On top of that, you engaged in outrageous behaviour by inciting women to fight men in positions of authority? Do you know what you’ll be punished for? he enragedly inquired

“In my defence, your Eminence, yes, I arranged the archery tournament in exchange for my hand in marriage, and yes, I intended to marry the champion, but no, I did not violate the oath; Count Tripoli was not the champion of that tournament, It is I,” I explained.

“That’s outrageous! How can you tell such a thing with a straight face!”

“It appears you did not hear what I just said earlier: “The king was present when the challenge was accepted, and count Tripoli lost fair and square, and I did not encourage any woman to fight authorities; I simply won.”

“Now tell me, does the king have no vote in these matters? then what is he doing here?” I sarcastically added. “He is the main witness; are you not going to question him, or do you think he is more unqualified to be questioned?”I quickly rebutted.

A dark raven-haired knight standing among the crowd burst out laughing. “Ahem… I am sorry… I totally agree with the Lady, your Excellency, the King agrees with the challenge that was made by so why not ask King Baldwin on what really happened so we can prove their claims,” he said coolly as he winked at me, and I rolled my eyes at him.

When the king’s name was mentioned, the bishop’s face went completely white, as did my stepparents’ faces, especially my stepfather’s.

“Is that true, your Highness? Did you accept the lady’s challenge to Count Tripoli?”

“Well.. she did ask me if there is a rule for a woman to join and challenge the victor, and I said I don’t see any rule for that,” King Baldwin explained.

“King Baldwin specifically said that very word before Count Tripoli accepted the challenge with his highness as a witness,” I added. “Proving my innocence and that I did not break any oath”

“I can support this claim, I’ve heard clearly Count Tripoli accepting Lady Philippa’s challenges, which may I say was agreed upon by both parties,” William said, defending Philippa as he nodded at Lady Philippa.

“Now that you’ve heard my witness, why don’t you ask Count Tripoli what he has to say about thy claim?” as I challenge the Bishop

The trial continued, but this time Count Tripoli was driven to the corner after I revealed some of his misdeeds to the entire jury and council with the help of my godfather William of Tyre, for plundering against his nephew without his consent and adding to his case his massive debts to other noble families.

The trial concluded with me emerging as the clear victor, and Count Philip Tripoli was ordered to be returned to Tripoli to face his crimes. “Your crime has been expunged, my lady, and you are free to go,” the bishop said. But the Trial isn’t over because I came here for a different reason.

“Not so fast, your Excellency…” I demanded.

“What is it, my Lady?” the Bishop asked as he turned to look at me.

“This trial isn’t over yet,” I said.

“I, Philippa Princess of House Antioch, formally make a claim against my stepparents, Lord Raynald of Chatillon and Lady Stephanie De Milly, for negligent guardianship and larceny.”

The nobility at the high court, which included the Bishop, my godfather, and King Baldwin, were taken aback by my statement.

“That’s ridiculous! What are you thinking?! ” yelled Lady Stephanie.

“I’m demanding what is legally mine; do you think I’m unaware that you’re embezzling my inheritance on your own, using and neglecting my wellbeing when I was sick?” I protested.

My stepparents’ eyes widened in surprise as they were unable to speak. “My, Lady, those allegations are serious; do you have any evidence to support your claim?” asked the Bishop.

“Yes, I do,” I said. I summoned Emma and Abu, who went to the centre hall and handed over certain papers to the Bishop, who passed them on to William, who passed them on to the King.

“As you can see, these are copies of my last will and testament that those two made up when I was on my deathbed and even forged my signature against my will, plainly indicating that they wanted me dead so that they could have my fortune all to themselves,” I explained.

“Unfortunately for them, I regained my health, and they devised another scheme in which they hurriedly intend to marry me off in return for my husband, whom they chose from the start, giving them half of my inheritance.”

“that’s not true! your grace, my King! I am your devoted liege! I will not do such! m-my stepchild doesn’t even realise what she’s saying!” Lord Chatillon kneels before King Baldwin.

“Then can you explain these?” I asked as I threw a scroll paper in front of him. “It’s an agreement between you and Count Tripoli that after I marry him, the dowry and land will be given to you in exchange for a promise that he will be made Duke of Antioch, you even mention that my brother wishes for this but clearly you are lying to him, once I marry him you might plan to execute him and put me in an abbey,” I said.

“That’s untrue! don’t listen to her, your majesty! I am not planning to execute Count Tripoli! I never intend to do that! I was only planning to get her fortune but never to execute a nobleman, especially one of your kin,” he pleaded to King Baldwin, and there he realised he had made a mistake, confessing his true intention.

As he unwittingly confessed, his face turned pale, and my stepmother staggered, covering her mouth in horror. “Oh my… I never said you were going to execute him; I just suggested you might plot it,” I grinned.

My stepfather was unable to move due to shock after confessing, and King Baldwin ordered that he return all of my money twice as compensation, that my stepfather be stationed at the border in a faraway land in the west as punishment, and that my stepmother be placed under house arrest until my stepfather returned. Everything went smoothly during the Trial, and I triumphed, but there is one more thing I require before the day is done.

As my stepparents were led outside by Royal knights, I looked at them. “My Lady, now that the Trial is over, is there anything else you want to discuss?” King Baldwin inquired. “I understand that today was difficult for you because Lord Chatillon was your only family member here; we will bring you to Antioch to your brother Prince Bohemond because your stepmother is being held prisoner until your stepfather returns; if you prefer, we could prepare a carriage for you and accompany you back to Antioch.”

“The thing is,” I told the king, “I don’t intend to return to my brother in Antioch.”

The King gave me a glance. I promptly responded, “I would like to stay here in Jerusalem and be with you.”

“P-pardon?” the King stuttered, dumbfounded.

I felt blood rush to my cheek from embarrassment, I realised I might have given the king the wrong impression. “It’s not what you think; I- I just like to serve his Grace, and since I have no other family here except…,” I explain to King Baldwin, looking at William of Tyre. “My Godfather, I would like to propose Lord William of Tyre as my legal guardian, as he is a very close family friend and should be able to care for me in my family’s absence,” I continued.

“My- my King, the child is certainly my godchild, and I am concerned for her well-being,” he stuttered as he looked at me. “W-we could send her to an abbey that can surely watch over her,” he added.

“I am no longer a child, uncle… I am capable of caring for myself, and I thought you would be able to look after me as my godfather, to think that I was wrong, and you also wanted to send me away,” I pondered. “What would my poor deceased father say, his only friend couldn’t help her precious daughter?” I pouted as I tried to guilt trip him.

“Please… don’t do that… you know that I am a clergyman and I am not capable caring for a girl and…” as he tried to explain but I still looked at him with puppy eyes, he sighed, “you are truly your father’s daughter,” he said, “alright, I will do it, but you will have to stay with a female governess in the palace,” William added.

“Thank you, uncle,” I said with a smile.

As I turned to face his highness, I remarked, “Your Highness, I really have one more thing to talk with you,” as I stared at him.

“Please go ahead and tell me,” King Baldwin replied.

I took a deep breath and clasped my hands as I stared at him. “I’d like to make three requests of you, my King; please hear me out,” I said.

“Well, since I was planning to compensate you for what happened today,” King Baldwin replied, “please continue.”

“My first request is that you accept me as a member of your royal court,” I said.

King Baldwin was taken aback since he was unable to respond as quickly as possible.

My godfather was also in disbelief of what I’ve just requested ” are you sure my child on what you’ve just requested just now? I just wanted you to know that there is no woman that was ever part of the royal court” William explained

“Yes, I understand that women have no significance in this time and are constantly looked down upon by men; we are simply a flock that produces offspring for you man; it is not just a simple request; it is a demand in exchange for something that our King will require,” I explained.

“Then tell me why you want to be a part of my royal court and what you have to offer in exchange,” King Baldwin inquires, intrigued.

“To put it simply, I want to be independent, and being a member of your royal court will allow me to do so; this is also for your benefit, my King, because what I am about to give you is a remedy that will prevent further harm from your leprosy,” I explained.

The Court was bewildered by what I had to offer His Highness; it was silent, but I could tell that they were judging me and looking at me with scepticism.

“This is scandalous! Everyone knows that leprosy cannot be cured! What atrocity are you saying? Leprosy is a divine punishment from God it is not something that can be easily spoken here especially since you know that our King has these diseases. you should be punished for heresy and trying to deceive his Royal Highness,” the enraged Bishop yelled.

King Baldwin demanded, “Tell me what do you mean you can help me,” “Your Eminence Henry, Bishop of Toulouse, please calm yourself and let Lady Philippa explain.”

“Thank you, your highness., it appears that his Eminence is not paying attention to what I just said, so let me say it again: I am here to treat what I can to prevent further damage from the leprosy of his Highness. ” I said

“I absolutely agree that Leprosy are cannot be cured in other means But we can prevent or cure further damage. For example, his Highness suffer in painless wounds but if we left it untreated in the worst case scenario, additional complications could include painful or tender nerves, redness and pain around the affected area, a burning sensation in the skin, paralysis and crippling of the hands and feet, shortening of toes and fingers due to reabsorption, blindness and disfigurement, and eventually death. I want to stop it from happening, so I’m offering my services to help” I added

Everyone was in awe of what I had to say; the bishop himself was surprised.

“If you’re wondering where I got this information, I read Arab medical books because they’re more advanced than ours,” I explained in an effort to convince them. “I’ve always believed that prevention is better than cure,” I added.

William remarked with concern, “But my child, I hate to interrupt. His highness is seeing the greatest Arab physician the empire can provide.”

“This preposterous! Your highness, please don’t listen to her any longer. She is delusional! How can we even believe her, she has no evidence that she can help in preventing damage to leprosy. It’s all talk. William is right. We have Royal physicians who are more experienced in this matter why listen to amateurs like her,” the Bishop said.

“I am aware that they can assist his highness due to their medical knowledge, but if they are the greatest, why can’t they properly cure him and stop the progression of his leprosy?” I inquire.

William and the other were unable to respond to my query: “If his highness permits I can assist him; there is no problem with their skill as physicians; the only difference is that they don’t approach it from a different perspective.”

“How confident are you that you can help me?” Baldwin asks coldly.

“I know you’ll ask that, Abu,” I said when I called.

Abu led a young girl next to me, and thanks to a week of preparation before the banquet, I was able to help her.

I was busy creating antibiotics, but once I had one, I needed to find a subject to test its effectiveness on; it seemed strange to use lab rats; I needed a human as soon as possible. Abu and I travelled to the outskirts of the city to look for a leprosy village until I found one; everyone there has severe leprosy and wears a bell around their necks so that people will be aware that they are approaching. One of them was this small child; she had no name or family, and when I came across her, she was malnourished and ill. Since no one in the leprosy community recognised her parents, I decided to take her in.

After a week of treatment, she gradually gained weight and her skin condition is getting better. Most of her sores are already drying up and closing. She had mild to severe leprosy, so I named her Sara and fed her. I also used the first antibiotic on her.

“Her name is Sara, and she is one of my people; she has leprosy, like his highness, but because I prevent and cure everything I can to prevent further damage, her condition is currently improving; the disease is still present, but the medication I made helps her condition and improves her health.”

The bishop said, “You bought a leper! here in the royal court.”

I thought to myself as I was trying to control my temper, “Bloody hell, this bishop is really bothersome one more time. I might punch this son of a bitch back to his coffin.”

The angry-looking black-haired knight remarked, “You should be careful with your remarks, your Eminence, that child is not the only leper in this chamber.”

William of Tyre remarked, “I am sure that his Eminence did not intend what he just said. Lord Roger, please calm yourself down.

You asked for a proof, so I provided one, I added.

“Your offer is tempting, my Lady, but it is not that I do not trust you, but the Bishop is right. My disease is something that cannot be cured, both the Saracens and the royal physician cannot cure my illness, and I do understand your willingness to help, but I cannot accept it because I have already accepted my fate, and I do not want to hope for nothing,” King Baldwin explains.

“All right, your highness, how about giving me six months to prove my worth?” I insist.

“But, my lady, what are you attempting to prove?” the King inquires.

” I’m trying to prove you that I can help you,” I said as I looked him in the eyes.

“But, my lady…” he reasoned, but I didn’t wait for his highness to finish his sentence. “Just give me a chance to prove myself, and if I fail to heal you within six months, I will gladly give you my head,” I said.

” Philippa! don’t be unreasonable!” William exclaimed. “Your Highness, don’t listen to her, please spare her recklessness!” William begged King Baldwin.

“I am dead serious, and I will prove it to you, my king, and that is a risk I am willing to take.”

“Philippa, enough of this!” William begged out of concern.

King Baldwin raised his hands as the nobles began to speak and the noise from the court hall became unbearable. “Silence!” he demanded.

The court hall fell silent as the king catechized me, “My, lady, why are you so determined to help me? that you are willing to give your life to prove you can heal me?”

“I truly believe that you are not what your illness is, having a leprosy my king is not a punishment from God or to your people, it is a disease that can be acquired and treated, it would be unfair to be treated indifferently just because you have it, that is why I wanted to help you because you my King is Jerusalem, your people need a good King like you and I do believe that I can help you,” I said as I looked him in the eyes without hesitation.

As he looked at me, His Majesty took a deep breath and said, “Well, six months… I will give you six months to prove your claim.”

“Thank you, your grace,” I said, smiling and lowering my head.

“However, if you fail, you will be punished accordingly,” he added.

“I understand, my King,” I said. “And I promised you that I would do everything I could to help you,” I added.

“Until you prove yourself, I will temporarily install you as a member of my royal court, and you will work with my chamberlain Aimery of Lusignan,” he proposed.

“But, Your Highness, she is a woman, and she cannot be a member of your Royal Court!” protested the Bishop.

“Your Eminence, with all due respect, the King has spoken; it is best if we pay heed to and follow our King’s decision,” Lord Roger smiled at me. The Bishop was stunned by his remark, and I ignored Lord Roger’s subtle flirting.

“Then let us move on to your two other requests,” King Baldwin said.

“Yes, your Grace… the second request is that I not marry anyone for political reasons; instead, I will marry according to my own free will,” I stated.

“hmm… understood,” he replied.

” Finally, I will keep my people with me here in Jerusalem, you said I don’t have anyone, and though I have my godfather looking after me, I cannot disturb him for tribal matters, so I would like to bring my personal maidservants with me,” I requested.

“Very well… I accepted thy requests and welcome you to my royal court,” he says as he approaches me and extends his left hand, which I reach for. “I’m absolutely delighted,” I said.