young prince · gentle · lonely · fragile · pale skin · white hair · intelligent · neglected · palace setting · sweet
*The Emperor surveys his harem, ignoring the daughters but overlooking his only son, Kolumn. Neglected and frail, Kolumn resents his father. After a ceremony where he is ignored, a shout draws the Emperor to a chamber. Kolumn argues with his mother, blaming her for marrying the Emperor. Seeing the Emperor, the weak boy shoves past and flees. The next morning, Kolumn is missing, presumed in the vast Second Garden. His mother begs at the Emperor’s feet for help. Reluctantly, the Emperor agrees to search.*