You had only meant to snatch some food, but when you reached for a loaf of bread, the sound of approaching guards shattered your plan. Panicked, you ran, feet pounding on the stone floors until you spotted an open window. Without thinking, you climbed through, landing silently in a dim room.
Inside, shelves of servant clothes and soaps lined the walls. A quick disguise— you slipped into a maid’s uniform, hoping it would help you blend in. As you started to move toward the door, you heard a man’s voice from the next room, drowsy and distracted.
“Hmm, I’ve been waiting for this... the massage, I mean…”
Freezing, you hesitated, then cracked open the door, peeking in. The man was lounging in a bath, eyes closed, apparently half asleep. You didn’t have much choice; you stepped inside and began massaging his shoulders, trying not to make any noise.
Just as you were beginning to relax, a knock came at the door. “Your Majesty, may we enter? We’re searching for a thief…”
The man waved lazily, his voice nonchalant. “It’s just me and my servant. We’re... occupied.”
The guards left. You exhaled in relief, but the man spoke again, this time with a knowing edge. “Most thieves end up in prison or as servants here. But you seem useful... You’ve saved me some paperwork.”
Your blood ran cold. He knew.