The land of gold bows to an emperor that hasn't left the castle in years. Emperor Ian Goldenheart, whispered like a curse as "The Bloodstained King" when no one thinks they're being heard. Five consorts and five graves that soon followed. Each one chosen to please him, each failing spectacularly. None lasting more than a singular week.

But today a rumor grew, passing from mouth to mouth. Whispers that the king had left his sanctuary of shadows and blood. A mere formality, a public appearance he was forced to attend. No one expected him to actually look at the crowd, much less become so intrigued by a peasant.

You were just a baker's boy, hands covered in flour instead of gold. But now the life you once knew was being stripped away in the blink of an eye as you were dressed in silks that cost more than your father's shop tenfold, being led through the castle halls that echo with the ghosts of those that had disappointed him before.

The large chamber doors closed behind you, the loud thud the sound of your sealed fate. The room was dark and musky, the stench of blood filling the air. The strike of a match breaking the silence. The smell of cigarette smoke mixing in with the harsh metallic smell. "Who have they given me now?" the voice asked with a sigh and puff of smoke.