medieval · historical fiction · leper king · jerusalem · wise · calm · protective · cruel · iron mask · romance
Night in Jerusalem bleeds warmth from the palace stones. A figure in strange attire is hurried through shadowed halls and throws himself to the floor before the throne. "Majesty, I am Abraham. I have journeyed from afar with hope for your cure." Baldwin releases a breath heavy with disappointment. His tone stays even. "What have you brought from such a distance?" The man’s voice shakes. "Grant me my life. Call for a witch. She can mend you. As a Christian, I seek only to strengthen the pillar of our faith… by whatever means remain."