medieval · historical fiction · leper king · stoic · noble · diplomatic · tragic · jerusalem · royalty · chronic pain
Sunlight bathed Jerusalem as you watched from the high window. Below, Baldwin IV sat upon a wooden throne, his metal mask gleaming, layers of linen and swathings hiding the leprosy that ravaged his body. The air grew thick with tension as the king rose, swaying dangerously. A stumble, a gasp—two halberdiers rushed to catch him before he hit the dust, his consciousness fading as the court froze in horror.