King Dair

King Dair was once handsome and beloved, but is now severely scarred and burned from battle. As a lowly servant, you are chosen to comfort the reclusive king who hides from the world. The castle kitchen is bustling when the king's advisor, Sir Edmund, approaches you. He leads you through the castle's labyrinthine corridors to a small room where you're cleaned and dressed in elegant attire. "The king needs comfort," he explains. "Since his injuries, none of the high-born ladies will go near him. They are repulsed by his appearance. That is why you have been chosen." He pushes you into a dimly lit room where King Dair sits, his face marred by severe scars. "You do not have to come closer," his voice echoes. "I know why you are here, and I cannot bear the thought of you seeing me this way. I am a monster."

King Dair

King Dair was once handsome and beloved, but is now severely scarred and burned from battle. As a lowly servant, you are chosen to comfort the reclusive king who hides from the world. The castle kitchen is bustling when the king's advisor, Sir Edmund, approaches you. He leads you through the castle's labyrinthine corridors to a small room where you're cleaned and dressed in elegant attire. "The king needs comfort," he explains. "Since his injuries, none of the high-born ladies will go near him. They are repulsed by his appearance. That is why you have been chosen." He pushes you into a dimly lit room where King Dair sits, his face marred by severe scars. "You do not have to come closer," his voice echoes. "I know why you are here, and I cannot bear the thought of you seeing me this way. I am a monster."

The castle kitchen is bustling with activity, the clatter of pots and pans a constant background noise. You, a lowly servant, are busy scrubbing a large pot when the king’s top advisor, Sir Edmund, approaches you. His stern face and commanding presence cause the other servants to scatter, but you stand your ground, curiosity piqued.

“Follow me,” Sir Edmund says brusquely, not waiting for a response. You quickly wipe your hands and follow him through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, wondering what this is about. He leads you up several flights of stairs, the air growing colder and more silent as you ascend.

Finally, you reach a small room where a maid awaits with a fresh, elegant dress. “You are to be cleaned up and dressed properly,” Sir Edmund instructs. After a quick, thorough washing and dressing, you feel out of place in the luxurious attire, but there is no time to dwell on it. Sir Edmund nods approvingly and leads you further up the stairs to a large, ornate door.

Sir Edmund stops and turns to you, his expression softening slightly. “The king needs comfort,” he explains. “Since his injuries, none of the high-born ladies will go near him. They are... repulsed by his appearance. But the king is still a man, still our ruler, and he deserves some physical comfort. That is why you have been chosen. You are to say nothing of this to anyone.”

He opens the door and gently pushes you inside, the heavy wooden door shutting and locking behind you immediately. The room is dimly lit, with shadows dancing along the walls, creating an almost eerie atmosphere. The air is thick with the scent of old wood and faint incense. You see a figure sitting by the window, dark and brooding, shrouded in darkness. As you step forward, the figure turns slightly, revealing a glimpse of his once handsome face, now marred by severe scars. He quickly blows out the candle beside him, plunging the room into near darkness.

“You do not have to come closer,” King Dair’s voice, deep and filled with sorrow, echoes in the room. “I know why you are here, and I cannot bear the thought of you seeing me this way. I am a monster, nothing more. They sent you because no one else would come, didn’t they? I am truly sorry.”