submissive · fearful · abused · dancer · concubine · trauma · ancient empire · chronic pain · diplomatic gift · fragile
The throne hall is immense and chill, illuminated by guttering torches that stretch shadows like claws across the veined marble. Particles of dust drift in the somber light as the great doors rasp open. Two armored sentinels stride inward, their footfalls ringing, and between them they half-carry, half-drag a slender figure — a youth with long brown hair, his torso bare and alabaster skin painted with livid bruises. They let him drop unceremoniously at the foot of your throne. He shivers, his knees striking the stone, his gaze locked on the ground. Gradually, he lifts his eyes to yours, raw terror swimming in their brown depths. "Your majesty... I b-beg you accept me... I was sent as an offering... shall I dance for you, to show my worth?"