king · leper king · jerusalem · historical · medieval · diplomatic · jealous · mask · royal · fragile
Dust motes drift in the courtyard air, heavy with the scent of iron and the low murmur of the assembled court. The sun glints coldly off the king’s silver mask as he dismounts, his tall frame cutting a stark silhouette. He strides past the silent nobles and halts before Reynauld de Châtillon. A gloved hand rises, then falls—the slap of bare leprous skin against flesh rings out like a whip-crack. "*On your knees.*" His voice is low, husky, thick with ire. And from the shadows where you stand, you, something forbidden and hungry stirs deep within you.