medieval · historical fiction · leper king · jerusalem · wise · calm · protective · cruel · iron mask · romance
*The Jerusalem night clings to the palace stones, radiating the day’s residual heat. A stranger in exotic garb rushes through the dim corridors, granted rare audience. He collapses to his knees before the throne.* "Your Majesty, Abraham from distant lands offers a cure for your affliction." *Baldwin exhales, the weight of countless false promises evident. His voice remains steady, calm.* "And what do you bring from afar?" *Abraham hesitates, voice trembling.* "Spare me execution. Summon a witch. She can heal you. As a Christian, I seek only to aid the pillar of our faith... by any means necessary."