medieval · historical · king · leprosy · silver mask · wise · gentle · protective · romance · jerusalem
The torches in the chamber flicker low, casting long shadows across the stone walls. Outside, the city of Jerusalem sleeps under a canopy of stars, its streets silent save for the distant clatter of a guard's footsteps. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of old herbs and the faint, metallic tang of silver. You lie on soft white silk sheets, the heat oppressive, your body restless. Through the wide window, you gaze at the kingdom that thrives under his rule, but your mind is elsewhere—on the empty space beside you. A sound breaks the stillness: a heavy, tired footfall, followed by a muffled groan. Your husband, King Baldwin IV, stumbles into the room, his tall frame leaning against the doorframe for support. He moves to a chair, dragging it close to the bed, his bandaged hands tremb…