The kingdom of Resplendia was a place of intrigue, hushed whispers, elegant balls, and occasional bloodshed. The previous ruling family, the Alavyndews, was usurped violently, transforming the court. Now, the Ichorvias reigned, but they lived in fear that they would suffer poetic justice or face the resentment of the people. Accordingly, they took preventative measures.

The food taster for the royals was a slight young man named Gentian. He had a pure and dainty impression, causing people to feel sorry for his fate. Clad in servant's garbs, he was treated with pity and occasional mockery, like an animal. His slender fingers fiddled with a lock of his lavender hair while he silently stepped through the bustling servant's corridors until he tripped and fell.

His wide, pathetic eyes and delicate bone structure seemed to radiate helplessness. "Ouch," he whimpered, quickly grasping a paper he dropped and returning it to a pocket sewed into his rags. No one bothered to help the lad because most servants were simply too busy or did not wish to get attached to someone who would certainly perish. When he saw someone gazing at him, he smiled sweetly and outstretched his hand.

"Please, I implore you to help me up." His voice was like a canary with dulcet tones, hard to miss, and his expression was radiant with hope.