Caelan nodded at me and shuffled off before she could smack him with her script like she had the others. I laughed and turned to find Blake. A nervous energy came over me as he kissed me on the cheek.
“I will see you on stage,” he said, heading to the opposite side of the set.
“Alright, people, places!” Professor Elara called.
I took a deep breath, trying to recall why I’d agreed to do this—Blake—that was right. He got the lead role for King Aryus; this was his fault.
“Without further ado, we present to you a tale lost to time,” Eli announced.
The Tragedy of Aryus Ryth’enir
Prologue: Youthful Bonds
The scene opensto a bright and cheerful day at court. Lords and Ladies talk amongst themselves in regal attire as the young princess and the visiting princes play.
Narrator:As our story begins, we glimpse the past. The royal woe that is present does not yet trouble the young princess and two princes that play the game of kingsmen and thieves. The court around them whispers of a rumor most concerning, of a darkness spreading east and black flames that keep burning. Yet none of that bothers the Falls Prince with raven hair, nor the platinum-haired princess with skin quite fair. Nor the sun-kissed prince from the shores of Venustas, his golden blonde locks quite the dapper illusion.
All three young children gather behind the throne.
Young Prince Daodyn:(in a mischievous voice) Go on. I bet she won’t notice.
Young Prince Aryus:(peering out from behind the throne)
Young Prince Aryus gestures to one of the ladies in the court, and her hat erupts into flame.
Young Princess Adara:(watching from behind the throne)It worked! I can’t believe you can do fire magic!”
The three young royals snicker wildly as they run away. The lady of the court smells the smoke, and the others around her panic to put out the flames. Meanwhile, Adara’s father, King Astarion, watches them without amusement as they run off.
Act I: A Marriage in the Name of Peace
Scene 1: Youthful Love
In the gardens of Arynthia, the air is thick with the scent of blooming flowers. Adara and Aryus stroll through the vibrant paths, their hands brushing lightly.
Narrator:As the years passed, the bond between Prince Aryus and Princess Adara grew, while their close companion, Prince Daodyn, drifted away from them.
Prince Aryus:(looking at the garden walkway)You’re seventeenth birthday is but days away. Do you believe there will be suitors at your ball?
Princess Adara:(blushing)I hope not. My father sounds insistent on a marriage happening soon. My mother remains silent on the matter.
Prince Aryus:(meeting her gaze)Then I will most certainly be there.
Princess Adara:(Smiling, she takes his hand)Then I shall look for you.
They exit stage left.
Narrator:Little did they know what future awaited them.
Scene 2: A Birthday for a Princess
The scene opens to a ballroom full of guests dancing to a string quartet’s delightful music.
Narrator:Princess Adara celebrates her seventeenth birthday during which her father has decided to present her with suitors from Valyrian lands. Prince Aryus, to Adara’s dismay, has been excluded from this list due to his heritage and their once cruel ways.
Prince Aryus:(watching Adara from afar as her father presents her to potential suitors)If only there was a way to change the King’s mind. I cannot change the history of my line, nor the destruction of a wayward god, but his way is not mine. If only he could see that, I would be with her.
Prince Daodyn:(approaching from behind)Why do you pine for her so endlessly? To marry so young. I see not the point.
