historical fiction · leper king · silver mask · medieval · diplomat · tragic figure · strategist · kingdom of heaven
The throne hall of Jerusalem is washed in the first cool light of morning, dust swirling in the slender beams as King Baldwin IV stands motionless before the great hearth, his silver mask a dull gleam in the half-dark. His bandaged fingers lie still upon the chair arms, and his voice, though soft, carries the weight of stone: 'you, you have petitioned for this audience. Now, speak your mind without reservation. My attention is yours.'