The Siege of Constantinople

Constantinople, Galata across the water.

The Crusaders had already taken the fortress there. In truth, it had always been a Venetian quarter; calling it a conquest was generous, since they had encountered very little resistance.

From that point on, the Venetian fleet had completely cut off Constantinople's sea routes.

Bela III stood atop Galata's walls, wearing a crowned helmet, Imperial-style lamellar armor, and a scarlet war robe.

"Constantinople, it has been far too long. Unfortunately, this time I am no longer merely a hostage. I shall return as this city's conqueror."

During Emperor Manuel's reign, Bela III had spent nearly ten years at the Imperial court. From fifteen to twenty-four, his entire youth had been profoundly shaped by Imperial culture.

He had even joined the Imperial army and marched against Hungary.

Later, Emperor Manuel died and the late Emperor Alexios ascended the throne. Bela III had seized the chance to free himself from the Empire's control.

He said to the commander of the Venetian fleet beside him, "I actually have a Greek name as well—Alexios. I have no intention of coveting the Imperial crown, but once the city falls, Alexios's widow, the Empire's pearl, will be mine to deal with."

It was not that Bela III did not wish to become Imperial Emperor. He simply lacked the claim. In his early years, he had been betrothed to a Komnenos princess. Had they married, and had the princess still been alive, there might have been some room to maneuver.

The Crusaders' reputation was already foul enough this time, but at least they still had an Angelos prince serving as a fig leaf.

Legitimacy was invisible and intangible, yet it was the foundation upon which every monarch stood. As King of Hungary and Croatia, if Bela III truly did this, he would