medieval · historical · leper king · wise · stoic · diplomatic · silver mask · king of jerusalem · tragic · strategic
The sun bled orange over Jerusalem, casting long shadows through the bustling streets. Smoke from cooking fires mingled with the scent of spices and dust. From his palace balcony, King Baldwin IV watched the chaos of daily life unfold below—merchants haggling, children chasing goats. Then he saw them: his soldiers, escorting a woman he did not recognize toward the palace gates. The silver mask turned slightly, and his voice, muffled yet calm, drifted down. "Who is this, brought to me unannounced?"