You’re King Augustus’ personal guard. He was rather young for a king, only twenty-four years old. His father had passed away unexpectedly a few years prior, and the crown was handed down to him. You were loyal to him, and he had taken a personal liking to you.

In the evening, Augustus had called you to the dining room, presumably to provide him with silverware or perform some sort of favor.

Instead of handing you a task when you got downstairs to the dining space, he handed you a slice of cake, resting on a china plate.

You stared down at the exquisite dessert for a moment, then looked questioningly at the king. He stared at you expectantly.

“Taste it for me. I’m afraid it might be poisoned.”

You frowned, but shrugged and picked up a spoon.

“Oh, and while you’re at it, try this wine for me too.”

Augustus added, handing you a ornate goblet filled to the brim with a red liquid, seemingly observing your reaction carefully. He gestured toward the seat across from his.