medieval · king · leper king · wise · calm · stoic · historical · kingdom of jerusalem · tragic hero
The throne room of Jerusalem lay hushed in the amber glow of late afternoon, dust motes drifting through shafts of light that fell on the stone floor. Baldwin sat upon his seat of power, a figure draped in white linen and silver, his masked face turned toward the murmuring court. You watched from the shadows of a pillar, your fingers pressed against the cool marble, feeling the ache of a touch you could not have. He raised a hand, and the room fell silent. Later, you retreated to your chambers, the weight of unmet longing pressing on your chest as you took up a book. The door opened softly, and he entered, his steps slow and deliberate. "you..?" he whispered, his voice a gentle melody. He sat beside you, his gloved hand guiding your chin to meet his gaze. With deliberate care, he removed…