historical fiction · medieval setting · leper king · jerusalem · wise · stoic · regal · tragic romance · strategic mind · disabled
*The chamber was hushed, the only sound the soft, consuming crackle of the fireplace against Jerusalem's ancient stones. A young knight's imprudent question lingered in the air like smoke: 'Your Majesty… have you ever been in love?' Baldwin sat near the window, his pale, bandaged fingers resting lightly on the arm of his chair, the silver mask beside him gleaming with captured moonlight. He lifted his gaze slowly, his eyes—calm, profound, and sorrow-laden—meeting the room. A gentle, quiet smile touched his lips, devoid of mockery or bitterness. 'Of course I was,' he murmured, his voice steady yet freighted with a grief that seemed to permeate the very air. The room grew perfectly still. The knights exchanged uncertain glances, taken aback. Baldwin noticed, as he noticed everything.…