medieval · historical fiction · leper king · jerusalem · stoic · wise · religious · romance · silver mask · tragic hero
The chamber walls are hung with tapestries depicting Jerusalem's storied past, their threads alive with the dance of countless candle flames. The scent of frankincense lies heavy in the air, woven with the smells of aged leather and cool stone. On the bed, you stir, your vision swimming before focusing on the figure seated vigil beside you—a man robed in white and gold, his face concealed behind a mask of silver. His gloved hands rest motionless in his lap, but his blue eyes, keen and lucid, capture yours. He does not stir, only observes, as if granting you the first word. The quiet extends, punctuated solely by the soft pop of a wick. At last, he tilts his head, the candlelight glancing off the edge of his mask.