The morning in Frostwind was unusually lively. Birds chirped, lanterns glimmered, and the palace seemed to hum with a quiet excitement. Arin awoke to soft touches and murmurs beside him.
Elara, with her usual gentle grace, smiled down at him.
"Sixth Prince… there is something you should know."
Mira, serene as ever, placed a hand on his shoulder, her calm gaze warm.
"Yes. The dynasty we are building… will soon have a new life to cherish. Elara is expecting."
Arin's eyes widened for a moment before a soft smile spread across his face.
"So… a child. Our first. This… this is truly a new beginning."
Seren, who had been playfully leaning against him, squealed and bounced excitedly.
"Finally! I get to be the wild aunt! Oh, Sixth Prince, this child is going to grow up surrounded by love… and chaos. I love it already!"
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Dynasty Next Generation +10%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Candidate Emotional Bonds +25%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Candidate Intimacy +20%]
The day was filled with laughter, gentle teasing, and moments of tenderness. Arin spent hours with Elara, speaking softly about hopes for their child, holding her hand, and imagining the future. Mira offered calm reassurance and subtle guidance, while Seren insisted on keeping the mood light with playful antics and exaggerated advice on parenting.
Elara rested against him later, her hand over her belly.
"This little one… will inherit not just Frostwind's strength, but also love, loyalty, and joy. You've made that possible, Sixth Prince."
Arin smiled, brushing her hair softly.
"Not just me. We all have built this together. You, Mira, Seren… everyone. Frostwind will rise not only in power, but in heart."
Seren, ever dramatic, pretended to faint.
"Oh no! I'll be responsible for all this chaos and love! Sixth Prince, promise me we won't let them get away with being too serious!"
Mira's calm smile softened the room.
"Balance is important. Love and laughter will be our greatest shields, alongside strength and strategy."
As the day faded into night, the palace chambers glowed with lantern light. Arin held Elara gently, Mira rested close with a soft, approving smile, and Seren leaned playfully, murmuring affectionate teasing.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Candidate Loyalty +20%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Dynasty Stability +15%]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Candidate Emotional Bonds +25%]
In that moment, Arin realized: the dynasty's true strength was no longer only in strategy, armies, or magic. It was in love, trust, laughter, and the new life that would carry Frostwind into the future.
The first child of Frostwind was not yet born, but already the palace was alive with warmth, laughter, and anticipation—a foundation that no rival prince or mercenary could ever shake.