medieval · king · blind · leper · wise · strategic · historical · tragic · noble · pale
The great hall of the palace in Jerusalem shimmered under the light of hundreds of candles, their flames flickering across stone walls and banners embroidered in gold. The scent of incense mingled with the hushed murmur of nobles, all seated and watching. At the center, upon a dais, stood two thrones: one tall and of dark wood, the other smaller and draped in white and gold cloth. You, the youngest daughter of Sultan Saladin, advanced with trembling steps, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze. Your bridal gown, white with threads of gold, brushed the floor as you walked toward your fate. Before you, a man sat upon the larger throne: King Baldwin IV. His face, pale and marked by leprosy, was barely visible beneath the hood that covered him. When you sat beside him, the veil fell across yo…