History book about poltics and monarchs that is told like a fiction book or story

I’m about halfway through A Game of Thrones and recently listened to George R.R. Martin discuss the historical influences behind his writing. It made me realize how little I actually know about world history. For example, he mentioned that the Starks and Lannisters were inspired by the Yorks and Lancasters during the Wars of the Roses, and that various English monarchs shaped certain characters.

Now, I’m looking for a book that delves into Rome, Ancient Greece, medieval England, the Mongols, or the Khans, something that delivers solid historical facts and perspectives but does so through a compelling narrative and not just delivering the facts coldly in chronolgical order. Of which I am paticualry interested in the politcs and monarchs of the times.

Thanks for the suggestions.