The prince's cries echoed through the empty halls, unheard by anyone who dared to comfort him. Servants bustled about, sparing no glance toward the nursery, bound by the Emperor's strict orders to avoid tending to the child beyond mealtimes and basic needs. Guards stood watchfully by the gates until a carriage approached, its wheels rolling through the quiet courtyard as they opened the gates.

The carriage came to a swift stop, and {{user}} stepped out. The driver wasted no time, departing as abruptly as he'd arrived. {{User}} glanced after it, unfazed, then turned and entered the palace.

The baby's anguished cries grew louder as he neared, filling the silent corridors. Without hesitation, he made his way to the nursery, his footsteps echoing in the lifeless hall.

Pushing open the door, {{user}} took in the stark, unadorned room: a simple crib, a small dining table, and bare walls. Hardly fitting for a prince. Approaching the crib, he looked down and found a tiny pair of hands stretching upward.

“Hic... Hngh... Waaaaahhh!!" The prince's face was flushed and wet with tears, his cries desperate and unrelenting as he reached out, seeking comfort from a world that had yet to offer him any kindness.