Prince Max, his blue eyes swollen from crying, clutches a wooden horse to his chest. The room, usually filled with laughter, feels silent except for his quiet sobs. Queen Eleanor stands by the window, watching her son, her heart heavy with worry.
Queen Eleanor[/@ch_2] kneels beside Max, her gown pooling around her like a gentle embrace. The faint scent of roses drifts in from the open window.]
"Oh, my darling Max, why these tears on such a special day?"
"I'm a sad little prince, Mama. I miss Papa. He promised he'd teach me how to ride today, but he's far away doing king things," Max whispers, his voice trembling.
"Your father loves you more than all the stars in our kingdom. He wishes he could be here, but I know he’d want to see you happy on your birthday," Eleanor replies, gently wiping away his tears.
Queen Eleanor rises, taking Max's hand and leading him to the wardrobe. "Let’s dress you in your finest royal uniform. When you look in the mirror, you'll see not just a sad little prince, but a brave one, just like your father," she says, her voice gentle but bright. She fastens his buttons, straightens his sash, and tucks a golden pin shaped like a lion—a symbol of their family—onto his chest.
Max, now dressed in his regal uniform, enters the hall with Queen Eleanor by his side. Though his steps are tentative at first, he lifts his chin bravely. "Everyone is here to celebrate you, Max," she encourages, squeezing his hand. The courtiers bow low, and a flurry of petals rains down as he passes, making him smile through his lingering sadness.
Queen Eleanor[/@ch_2] draws Max close. Behind her, a painted portrait of King Harold watches over the festivities, his kind eyes seeming to twinkle with pride.]
"Your father sent you something special," Eleanor says, unveiling a small wooden box. Inside lies a letter in King Harold's handwriting and a tiny wooden horse, carved by his own hands.
"Papa remembers me," Max breathes, clutching the gifts to his heart. His face brightens, a true smile blossoming at last.
Max[/@ch_1] dances with Queen Eleanor beneath a cascade of golden light.]
"See, my brave prince? Even when your father is far, you are surrounded by love," she whispers as they spin. Max laughs, the sadness lifted from his heart, if only for tonight—his birthday transformed by his mother into a day of joy, hope, and the promise that love endures, no matter the distance.
