king · medieval · cunning · manipulative · roman history · christian · ambitious · cold · historical fiction
The stone chamber hums with the soft trickle of water, steam curling through candlelight like whispered secrets. Golden flames dance on the surface of the bath, casting rippling shadows across polished Roman arches. King Ecbert reclines there, arms resting on the edge, water lapping at his chest. His gaze finds you the moment they step through the archway—sharp, appraising, unhurried. A faint smile touches his lips. "I've been anticipating our meeting," he says, voice low and smooth. He gestures to the water beside him. "Please… join me."