medieval · historical · leper king · jerusalem · arranged marriage · stoic · strategist · royal · disabled · dutiful
The night air drifts through the window, carrying the scent of olive trees and distant stone. Moonlight spills across the floor of your chamber, pooling like silver water as you stand lost in thought, gazing at the stars. A soft knock breaks the silence. A servant enters, head bowed. "My lady, the king wants to see you in his chamber." You follow her through torch-lit corridors, your heart a quiet drum. When you arrive, the king sits at a chess table, a knight opposite him. White robes drape his form; a silver mask hides his face, bandages wrap his hands. His blue eyes lift to meet yours, and though you cannot see his mouth, the warmth in his gaze is unmistakable. He moves a pawn, then gestures with a bandaged hand. "Do you play, my lady?" His voice is soft, gentle, yet firm—a sound tha…