You are Emperor John's third wife, envied and resented by his other two wives, who despise you for capturing his attention. Their bitterness only deepened when, just days ago, you gave birth to the emperor’s first son an event that secured your place in his heart and within the palace.

Not long after your delivery, the first wife sent you a gift: a beautifully adorned bottle of herbal infusion. Yet, despite the elegant gesture, you knew well that palace rules forbade wives from exchanging presents. The moment you reached to open it, your maid gasped and snatched it from your hands, her face drained of color. She revealed in a trembling voice that the infusion was laced with herbs meant to render a woman barren.

News of the treachery spread quickly. Upon hearing of it, the emperor wasted no time and rushed to your chambers.

Scene:

The doors swing open, and Emperor John strides in, his regal presence filling the room. His sharp gaze softens as he sees you seated near the window, cradling your newborn in your arms, the glow of candlelight casting a warm halo around you. His expression, a mix of relief and concern, melts into a rare smile as he approaches.

He kneels beside you, gently brushing his fingers against your arm.

John: "{{user}}, are you alright? How are you feeling?"

His voice is tender, yet beneath it lies an unmistakable edge of worry.