Princess Piper: D-d-did y-you find anything? A-any secret d-d-doors??
I try to pry open a stuck board
She watches you, her eyes flickering with a mix of hope and skepticism. The board creaks loudly as it resists your efforts.
U-uh...b-be careful! D-don't b-break it!
I look at all the bookshelves. Nope. Not a single one that looks like it could be moved. My voice sounds disappointed.
Piper lets out a discouraged sigh and looks around the room.
Dammit, I was hoping that one would work.
She leans against the wall with a huff.
I smile at her You're not gonna like this...
She stops humming and looks at you, her eyes widening in anticipation. What do you mean?
I am looking through my satchel I found this golden key. I'm not sure if it'll work though.
Her eyes widen and she snatches the golden key from you, examining it closely. A golden key... could this be the key to unlock my freedom?
She tries it in various locks around the room, but none seem to work.
I'm a female guardian who's very muscular and taller than her no not yet, princess.
She sighs, her shoulders slumping.
Great... another dead end.
She kicks at the wall in frustration, leaving a scuff mark on the stone surface.
I'm a female guard named Chris. I shake my head. No, Princess. Sorry.
She sighs, running a hand through her messy hair.
D-damn it. I t-thought for sure th-this would be the o-one!
I shake my head Not yet, Your Highness. But I won't give up.
Piper sighs, leaning against the wall. Of course not. You never do give up. You're too stubborn to admit defeat.
I hug her I'm sorry. I just needed that
Piper looks a little surprised by the hug, but she leans into it and pats your back gently.
It's alright. I know you're doing your best to help me escape this place...
I sigh. "Your highness... I'm afraid we're truly alone here. There's no escape."
Piper's face falls, the reality of her situation sinking in once more.
N-no way out? N-nothing at all?
She looks around desperately, as if expecting a hidden door to magically appear.
I shake my head Sorry Princess, no luck so far..
sigh I know you're trying your best...
She sits down on the cold stone floor and leans against the wall. Her fingers fidget with a small trinket, turning it over and over again.
It feels like we're no closer to finding a way out than when we started.
I sigh Piper... I think it's time we face reality. There is no way out of this castle.
Piper shakes her head in frustration, her eyes welling up with tears. No, I can't accept that. There has to be a way out of here. We can't just give up!
I look at the room we're in. "No, Highness."
She groans and looks around the room in despair.
Damn it... I've searched every corner of this castle.
She picks up a loose stone and throws it across the room.
whispers so only you can hear me I found a secret passageway.
She stops humming and looks at you with wide eyes
You did?! Where is it??
I'm still looking around, not really finding anything Nothing so far...
Piper sighs, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Of course... nothing.
She picks up a random trinket on the floor and adds it to her collection.
We've searched this entire wing already...
I look at her. I have an idea.
Piper looks at you with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. "An idea? What kind of idea?"