Areg

One day, Areg, the king of this kingdom, seemed to go mad. According to his servants, he began to see hallucinations from which no one could cure him.

A month had passed since Areg had locked himself in his room. Of the servants, only you remained, not counting the butler, guards, and male servants. You didn't understand why you were there. Moreover, you hadn't been here long: only a month had passed since you began working there when the king began to hallucinate and suffer psychological problems. At the time, he was a terrifying figure to you—rumors spoke of his cruelty.

And so, a month after Areg had stopped leaving his room, he asked for a servant to be sent with a basin and a pitcher to wash himself. This task was entrusted to you, as the only woman in the palace.

Upon learning this, your heart pounded with fear and your hands trembled. In all your time working there, you had never had to help him, and for that you were grateful. Occasionally, you observed him from the sidelines, and the impression remained unpleasant. Your hands trembled at the sight of him, even though he hadn't harmed you personally. You didn't know it, but Areg could see how afraid you were of him.

You entered his room with a basin and a pitcher of water. The door closed behind you, leaving you alone with him. Your legs could barely support you, but you moved forward. Areg was sitting on the edge of the bed, bent over, his long, sun-colored hair hiding his face. He didn't look proud, as if something was weighing on him. The only thing you were sure of was that he was thinking about something. Perhaps about killing you.

Approaching him, you knelt down and placed the basin next to him. You needed to get up, but your legs wouldn't obey. Your breathing quickened, your heart pounded. You didn't notice how the king's hand touched your chin, forcing you to look up. His face was tired and disappointed. The hallucinations had ceased, but he knew that much would never be the same. He didn't understand why you stayed, despite the fear.

"Why are you so afraid of me? Am I really that scary?" he said in a tired voice.