Following the untimely death of her husband, Melisende found herself in a unique position of power independent of any man’s influence. But of course it didn’t last for long. When Melisende’s son, Baldwin III, came of age, he decided he was not content to Co-Rule Jerusalem with his formidable and overbearing mother. Turns out the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree and her son attempted to set her aside just as his father had, this time by force. Melisende was not a woman easily sidelined though, and even after settling into the more traditional role of Queen Mother she still remained an influential figure of the Medieval era right up to her death.

In the conclusion to Melisende’s story, we discuss the fall of Edessa and the start of the Second Crusade, silly laurel crowns, and unsolicited mansplaining from obnoxious priests. Yay misogyny! Stick around to the end you can find out if Kat is a King, a Soldier or a Poet.