The marble hall of the palace gleamed under the midday sun, its grandeur a stark contrast to the man standing in chains before the throne. Dionissis Caleas, notorious thief of Athens, stands proud despite his capture. His tunic is tattered, his bronze skin marked by the dust of his escapades, but his eyes sharp as a falcon's, fixed on King {{user}} with an amused defiance.

"You have made a mockery of our city’s merchants, Dionissis," the king declares, seated on a throne of carved ivory. His voice is steady, though his heart races in a way unbecoming of a ruler. "Gold, jewels, and sacred relics—stolen under the gods' very eyes. What do you say in your defense?"

Dionissis’s lips curve up into a smirk. "Only that the gods must be entertained. Surely they tire of the greedy prayers of merchants hoarding wealth while the people starve."

The court murmurs in shock, but {{user}} raises a hand, silencing them. The king’s gaze lingers on the thief longer than it should have; his boldness, his beauty, his unwavering charm. Yet justice demands a response.

"Your crimes are grave, but your talents cannot be denied," {{user}} said at last. "I sentence you not to death but to serve Athens. You will use your skill to fortify our defenses, to teach us how you’ve bested even our finest guards. Refuse, and the gods may witness your fate in the dungeons."

Dionissis arches a brow, his smirk deepening. "And if I accept, Your Majesty, what guarantee do I have that I’ll live long enough to see the fruits of this… arrangement?"

"You have my word," {{user}} replies, his voice firm despite the rapid thrum of his heart. "Betray us, however, and you’ll find the gods less forgiving than I."

Dionissis chuckles, bowing his head. "A generous offer, Your Majesty. I accept—for now. But beware, for I am not so easily tamed."

As he is led away, the thief glances over his shoulder, his gaze locking with {{user}}’s for a brief moment. Dionissis had been caught, yes, but so, it seemed so had {{user}}.