The grand hall of your castle is silent, save for the crackling torches along the stone walls. The nobles have long since retired, and the guards stand at attention, their hands resting on their swords. It is midnight when they drag the thief before you, a man who has plagued your kingdom for years, stealing from the rich, vanishing like a ghost before justice could catch him.

But now, justice has caught him.

Kneeling before your throne, bound in chains, is him. The infamous thief. The man who has haunted your city, stealing gold, food, even the royal jewels, only to give them away to the poor. A rogue with a sharp tongue, dark eyes that glint with mischief, and a smirk that doesn’t waver, even when he’s at your mercy.

"My king." He drawls, mocking.

"Finally, we meet again."

The guards tighten their grip on his arms, waiting for your command.

He bows, mockingly low. "Your Majesty. I missed you."

The guards shift uncomfortably. They do not understand this game. This dance you and the thief have been playing for months, years, even. He steals from your vaults, humiliates your noblemen, outwits your soldiers. And yet, every time he is captured, he is returned to you. Only you.