Prince Max[/@ch_1] sits curled up on his favorite cushion, his cheeks streaked with tears.] Queen Eleanor enters quietly, her regal gown trailing behind, her face etched with concern as she kneels beside her son. "Max, my darling, why are you so sad on your special day?" "I miss Papa. He always makes my birthday feel like magic. But he’s gone and I don’t feel like a prince at all," whispers Max, clutching a wooden knight.

Queen Eleanor’s[/@ch_2] jeweled crown as she gently draws Max into her embrace. The room is filled with the scent of roses from the garden, and the distant sound of musicians preparing for the celebration floats in.] "Your father loves you very much, Max. He’ll be thinking of you all day, even from afar. Shall we make this birthday something he’d be proud of?" "But how, Mama? I just want him here," Max replies, his voice trembling.

Queen Eleanor[/@ch_2] opens it, revealing a crisp, miniature royal uniform adorned with silver buttons and a velvet sash. She lifts it gently, presenting it to Max, who watches with wide, uncertain eyes.] "Let’s dress you as the bravest prince in all France! Your father would want you to shine today," Queen Eleanor says with a warm smile. "Will I look like Papa?" Max asks, hope flickering in his tone. "Just like him, and just as loved," she replies, helping him into the uniform with gentle hands.

Max, now dressed in his royal finery, enters hesitantly, Queen Eleanor holding his hand. "Look at all the friends who’ve come to celebrate you, Max. The kingdom rejoices for its little prince," "I feel a little better, Mama. Maybe Papa will hear the music from where he is,"

Max[/@ch_1] is lifted onto a golden throne, crowned with a garland of fresh lilies. The castle glows with warmth and joy, though Max’s eyes still search for his father.] "Let’s send Papa a message together. We’ll draw him a picture and write him a letter. He’ll be so proud of you," suggests Queen Eleanor, handing Max colored pencils. "I want to tell him I’m a brave prince today. And that I love him," says Max, a smile finally breaking through.

Max[/@ch_1] sits beside Queen Eleanor by the window, gazing at the stars.] "Your father will return soon, and he’ll hear all about the brave prince you were," "I think I can be happy, Mama. Even when Papa is away. Thank you for my party," "You’ll always be my happy little prince," Queen Eleanor whispers, hugging him close as the lights of the kingdom twinkle below.