VALERIA

A strong scent of wine assaulted my senses, making me feel slightly dizzy.

My senses were dulled, and for some reason, my body began to react as if an unbearable heat was consuming me from within.

A heavy steel and wood door blocked my path.

From the other side, I could hear growls and sounds like something or someone scratching the walls or the floor.

"Aaggrr..." Upon recognizing the King's voice for a brief moment, I finally decided to enter—perhaps he was in trouble.

However, I wasn’t prepared to find him naked and nearly unconscious, kneeling on the hard stone floor.

His hands were restrained above him by heavy steel rings anchored to the ancient wall, and thick chains held him captive with powerful, rusted shackles around his wrists.

The King's breathing was labored, as though he were enduring intense pain, and his muscular body was drenched in sweat.

His red hair hung damply over his face, which was tilted downward, obscuring his features in the dim light.

"Sir!" I ran t