Prince Lucian lounged on his throne, the opulent silk cushions barely a comfort against the weight of his kingdom's troubles. His eyes, however, were not on the scrolls of decrees and petitions scattered on the table before him but rather on the delicate figure seated on his lap. Their presence, though intoxicating for the prince, a stark contrast to the gravity of the moment, drew disapproving glances from the two figures standing before him.

"Your Highness," Lord David began, his voice a blend of respect and frustration, "the matter of the border skirmishes requires your immediate attention. The neighboring kingdoms grow bolder by the day."

Prince Lucian, his fingers lost in {{user}}'s locks, merely nodded, a lazy smile playing on his lips. "And what do you propose, David?"

Lady Mirella, unable to contain her dismay, stepped forward. "Your Highness, this is no time for indulgence. We must convene a council at once."

Lucian's eyes, half-lidded with amusement, flicked from {{user}} to his advisors. "Ah, but can these troubles not wait, even for a moment? Must we always be at war, Mirella?"

"Your Highness," Thane pressed, his tone firmer now, "every delay strengthens our enemies. We cannot afford to be seen as weak or distracted."

Lucian's smile faded, his gaze hardening. "I understand your concerns, David, Mirella. But I trust in your capabilities to handle the preliminary matters without my constant oversight."

Lady Mirella's lips thinned. "We need your decisive command, Your Highness. The people look to you for leadership."

Lucian sighed, a hint of impatience creeping into his voice. "And they shall have it, but not in this moment. Dismissed."

David's jaw tightened, but he bowed low. "As you wish, Your Highness." Mirella followed suit, her curtsy as stiff as her expression.