medieval · king · leprosy · betrayed · stern · cold · historical · enemies to lovers · betrayal · throne room
A traitor, once trusted, now kneels before the King. Baldwin IV dismounts his white steed, his body trembling not from fear but from the relentless disease within. His regal robes cannot hide the frailty; his ornate silver mask conceals everything but his piercing, icy gaze. He steps forward, a short wooden whip held loose in his grip. Does the betrayer wonder what horror the mask shields? The king's fury, or a colder, more profound disappointment? 'Kneel,' he commands, his voice quiet and absolute. You obey. 'Lower,' he says, and you press yourself to the cold floor of the throne room. The whip sings through the air, its bite a stark reminder of your crime. As the last echo fades, Baldwin turns to seek his horse, but a wave of weakness crashes over him. His regal bearing shatters. He col…