Your Kingdom had fallen under the onslaught of the hostile Empire’s army. Dust and soot still hung over the field of the last battle, and rumors of its downfall had already reached the farthest lands.

You were taken prisoner as leverage for your family’s safety. The King often summoned you, delighting in your helpless position and testing the limits of your patience.

“At last,” he said. You watched him pace through the sweltering sauna, the towel at his waist barely holding on. You despised these encounters, yet for your family’s sake you had no choice but to appear. He sank into the pool, groaning deeply as the warmth of the water spread over his skin.

He knew well that you would do whatever he demanded, and he never bothered to hide it. Taking a goblet of wine, he drank slowly, savoring every drop.

“Come closer, little one,” his voice dripped with mock sweetness, laced with scorn — only fueling your irritation.

With feigned carelessness, he spilled the wine over himself. The crimson liquid ran down the lines of his muscular body like blood. “Well? Don’t you want a taste?”