Born 'neath tempest's roar, where wild winds dance,

Where lightning's blaze meets nature's trance,

In windswept tales, a destiny designed,

A harbinger of change for all of humankind.

~~

On the stormy night of the seventh day in the ninth month of the year X3963, within the imposing confines of the Imperial Palace in the heart of the Brolia Empire on the Reyath Continent, a momentous event was unfurling.

The winds outside howled with unrestrained fury, their fury matched by the frequent and brilliant flashes of lightning that danced across the darkened sky.

Inside the palace, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of nature's tempestuous display, Queen Allison vi Rocswell, the Fourth Monarch of the revered Empire, was in the throes of labor.

Finally, in the midst of the storm's crescendo, a significant moment arrived.

Edwin vi Rocswell, the Seventh Prince of the Empire, drew his first breath, and his cries resonated through the hallowed halls of the palace.

Astonishingly, as if the very heavens acknowledged this pivotal birth, the weather outside began to relent. The relentless gales gradually abated, and the once tumultuous sky yielded to the soothing touch of the sun's rays.

As the infant prince made his entrance into the world, a profound calm descended upon the land, bathing the entire Brolia Empire in a tranquil and golden glow.

It was a moment of destiny and significance that seemed to mark the dawn of a new era for the Empire.

~~

6 Years Later.

With an adorable puff of determination, a young child clad in a concealing dark cloak whispered to himself, "Huff... huff... I've finally managed to sneak out of that stuffy Royal Palace."

Little did anyone know that beneath that cloak was none other than the mischievous Seventh Prince of the Brolia Empire, Edwin Rocswell.

Cheeky excitement sparkled in Edwin's bright eyes as he muttered, "Hehe... those mouthwatering dumplings are just waiting for me. Mother won't be able to stop me this time."

With pint-sized legs that carried boundless enthusiasm, Edwin embarked on a dash towards the legendary dumpling stall that had captured his young heart. It was a journey that felt like an epic quest, though it took the better part of half an hour to reach his delectable destination.

Upon his grand arrival, Edwin couldn't help but notice the bustling crowd that had gathered around the humble dumpling stand. Undaunted by the long line, our pint-sized protagonist decided to skip the queue and, with an impish grin, called out to the dumpling vendor, "I want a plate of your dumplings, old man.”

An irate gentleman, who happened to be third in line, shot back, "Get in line, you little rascal!"

Edwin simply blinked those innocent eyes and replied with an irresistibly cute, "Hmph. Nope, that's gonna take forever."

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Meanwhile, the jolly owner of the dumpling stall, his eyes crinkled with age and warmth, looked at Edwin and chuckled, "Well now, what have we here?"

Edwin's cherubic face lit up as he replied, "Mister, I really, really want some dumplings now. I don’t want to wait!"

With a knowing wink, the elderly vendor beckoned the young prince closer and said, "Come on, lad. You don't need to wait in line. You're a regular here, after all."

This declaration did not sit well with the other customers who had been patiently standing in line. Their grumbles and complaints filled the air as they muttered about the unfairness of it all.

The vendor ignored all their complaints as he thought to himself, ‘If you all idiots knew his identity, you wouldn’t dare complain to me like this. Whatever. Not like I can do anything about it.’

The vendor began to expertly prepare a plate of the steamy, mouthwatering dumplings Edwin so adored. As the delightful aroma wafted through the air, Edwin's smile grew even wider.

Once the plate was ready, the vendor handed it over to Edwin, who eagerly took it in his tiny hands.

Edwin fumbled in his pocket and produced two shiny bronze coins, which he carefully placed on the vendor's counter.

While the people in line were still grumbling, a few of them couldn't help but smile at the heartwarming scene of this young child enjoying a simple plate of dumplings.

Edwin's infectious joy seemed to spread, and the atmosphere around the stall lightened considerably, as everyone recognized the importance of a little kindness and a favorite treat in a child's life.

After savoring every last bite of his beloved dumplings, Edwin's rosy cheeks beamed with satisfaction. He carefully wiped his hands on a cloth provided by the vendor, and with utmost politeness, he looked up at the vendor, his eyes shining with gratitude.

"Thank you, Mister," he said, his voice sweet and sincere.

The vendor's heart warmed even more as he replied, "You're very welcome, young lad. I am happy that you like those dumplings. Don’t be a stranger!"

With a polite nod, Edwin gently placed the empty plate back on the counter and turned to leave.

His pace was unhurried as he strolled away from the bustling dumpling stall.

"Hmm, I still have some time before I need to head back to the palace," Edwin mused, his eyes dancing with excitement. "I should go and play with my friends."

With that delightful notion taking root, Edwin's tiny legs couldn't contain their eagerness, and he soon broke into a playful run towards the vibrant streets where his companions awaited.

For a little over a month now, Edwin had been sneaking out of the Royal Palace, and his escapades in the Royal Capital had become a delightful routine. Apart from his dumpling adventures, he reveled in spirited games with his newfound friends, all kids his age.

They'd engage in everything from spirited rounds of hide-and-seek to rollicking games of police and thief, filling the streets with their laughter and boundless energy.

Before entering the streets, Edwin, ever the clever prince, would slyly shed his cloak and don a cozy, knitted hat that hid his striking, silvery locks.

While playing the gates, his tiny hands would gingerly adjust the hat, ensuring it hid his indicative hair with impeccable precision.

Edwin's attention to this covert detail was a testament to his dedication to these delightful street adventures.

He knew all too well that should his shimmering silver hair be exposed, the secret of his royal identity would be unveiled, and his carefree playtime with his friends would come to a swift end.

On this particular day, Edwin and his lively comrades engaged in a spirited match of football. The rules were simple - kick the ball around and aim to score a goal. It was a game perfectly suited for kids like them, filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Edwin couldn't help but revel in the joy of the moment. Amidst the laughter and cheers, he couldn't shake a wistful thought that flitted through his mind like a passing breeze.

‘This is so enjoyable,’ he mused to himself, his gaze fixed on the game.

‘If only I could play like this with my brothers. But, well, they don't seem to fancy my company much. Sometimes, it feels like everyone in my family... well, they're not too fond of me and Mother for some reason.’

Edwin allowed the thought to drift away like a passing cloud, refusing to let it cast a shadow on his precious moments of play. He was determined to savor every second.

As the game wound down, Edwin found himself panting and huffing, his energy spent from the spirited match.

Gradually, the neighborhood kids began to disperse, heading back to their respective homes.

With a contented sigh, Edwin waved to his friends and chirped, "See you all tomorrow! Thanks for the wonderful game!"

His adorably exhausted face radiated the pure happiness of a child.

With each step, Edwin's tiny feet moved at a snail's pace as he trudged back in the direction of the Royal Palace. The weariness of the day had overtaken him, forcing him into a slow and deliberate walk.

After a while, as the evening shadows began to lengthen, Edwin's heavy-lidded eyes caught sight of an elderly man. This seasoned candy vendor stood alone, cradling a large bag of sweets, his eyes scanning the quiet street in hopeful anticipation of customers.

Edwin's eyes, which had seemed so weary only moments before, suddenly lit up like twin stars at the sight of those mouthwatering sweets.

Summoning the last reserves of his fading energy, he dashed toward the elderly man and, huffing and puffing, exclaimed, "Huff... huf... Old man, there aren't any people wandering these parts in the evening. You might want to try your luck elsewhere."

The elderly man, his face etched with the wisdom of years, responded with a warm smile and inquired, "And what kind of candy do you fancy, young lad?"

"Mango-flavored! I love those the most!" Edwin replied, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.

Without missing a beat, the old man reached into his bag and produced a bright yellow candy that carried the tantalizing aroma of mango.

Edwin eagerly unwrapped the candy and took a bite.

As he savored the delightful treat, Edwin's little hands began to search his pockets for the last bronze coin he possessed.

However, just as his fingertips brushed against the bronze coin, an overwhelming weariness overtook him. His eyelids drooped, and with a drowsy smile on his face, he slowly drifted into a deep and dream-filled slumber.

Unknown to him, the candy he had just consumed was laced with a sinister poison.