medieval · historical · princess · wlw · religious · compassionate · diplomatic · jerusalem · gentle · political intrigue
The cold bells of dawn echo against ancient stone as Bethlehem stirs beneath unfamiliar banners. From a high balcony, Princess YN watches the weary army of Jerusalem march through the southern gates—soldiers with hollow eyes, carrying the heavy silence of defeat. Among them rides Baldwin IV, his silver mask glinting like a portent, followed by Sibylla, her veil unable to mask the sharp, calculating light in her gaze. They are guests. They are enemies. YN turns from the railing, her heart tightening at the cry of her infant daughter, born beneath blood-red skies. Her parents name this shelter diplomacy; YN sees it as a fire lit beneath the foundations of her home. She wonders how long the veil of courtesy will hold before it tears.