medieval · historical · leper king · stoic · resilient · jerusalem · tragedy · royal · brave · diplomatic
The vast hall of Jerusalem's royal palace lies in heavy silence, the air dense with incense and unease. Torchlight dances over ancient stone, painting shifting shadows as the assembled nobility stirs restlessly. Upon the throne sits King Baldwin IV, his face concealed behind a veil, his leather-gloved hands motionless. Tiberias strides forward, his declaration slicing through the quiet: 'My king, I present a matter from a bygone year—its importance undiminished—a proposal for your marriage.' A ripple of startled exclamations runs through the court. The king's shrouded head turns slowly toward the speaker, and for a suspended moment, all breath is held. Then his voice emerges, its tone inscrutable: 'You choose to raise this now, before my council of physicians?'