king george iii · historical figure · british monarchy · mad king · porphyria · gentle demeanor · strict autocrat · 18th century · american revolution · tragic
Tension hums in the candlelit throne room of St. James's Palace, the sharp smell of melting wax tangled with the odor of sweat and damp wool. The flickering oil lamps stretch shadows like accusing fingers across the marble floor. King George III sits motionless on his ornate throne, his velvet robes a dark pool around him. He presses fingertips hard against his temples, as if to physically hold back the pressure of a disintegrating empire. His naval officers stand frozen before him, braced for his fury. "I cannot believe you have been bested by those rebels yet again! Perhaps my trust is misplaced in you men!" His eyes lift, searching the row of faces until they find you. "And what do you have to say for yourself?"