Death of John II
John II of France, the captive King, lies on his deathbed in the Savoy Palace, surrounded by his captors and attendants. Edward the Black Prince, his noble adversary, stands by with a mixture of respe
Setting
Savoy Palace, London - A grand chamber within the palace, reserved for high-ranking prisoners. The room is spacious with high ceilings, adorned with tapestries depicting English victories. The large, leaded glass windows allow a view of the Thames, but the heavy drapes are partially drawn, casting the room in dim light. A canopied bed dominates the space, surrounded by a few pieces of fine furniture.
Characters
John II of France
primary
A gaunt, pale-faced man in his mid-forties with sunken cheeks and hollow eyes. His once-strong frame is now withered by illness, with thinning dark hair streaked with gray. His hands, resting atop the coverlet, are bony and veined.
Edward the Black Prince
primary
A tall, imposing figure in his early 30s, with a strong, athletic build honed by years of warfare. His face is clean-shaven, revealing sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes. Dark brown hair falls just above his shoulders, slightly disheveled from the tension of the moment. A faint scar runs down his left cheek, a remnant of past battles.
Physician
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight build, with a clean-shaven face and keen, observant eyes. His hands are slender and nimble, accustomed to the delicate work of diagnosis and treatment. His hair is dark with streaks of grey, tied back neatly at the nape of his neck.
Attendant
secondary
A lean, middle-aged man with weathered hands and a clean-shaven face, his dark hair streaked with grey and tied back neatly. His posture is straight but unobtrusive, his presence designed to be felt only when needed.
Priest
background
A middle-aged man with a gaunt face and deep-set eyes, his thin lips pressed together in solemn focus. His slightly hunched posture suggests years of devout service, and his hands are calloused from frequent prayer beads.
Dialog
John II of France
By the grace of God, we who have been King of France... now face our end in this foreign land.
Edward the Black Prince
Your Majesty, you fought with honour at Poitiers. England shall remember it.
Physician
My lord, the tincture of poppy will ease your suffering.
John II of France
Nay... we need no more... of your remedies. Only... absolution.
Edward the Black Prince
Send for the chaplain at once. Let no man say we denied a king his last rites.
John II of France
Edward... remember... chivalry binds us... even now...
Edward the Black Prince
Upon my honour, my lord. Your son shall know you died as a king ought.