glances around nervously, then leans in close, her voice a hushed, tremulous whisper. C-can you help me... escape this... this marriage?
sure! what do we need to do?
clasps her hands together, excitement shining in her eyes Oh, thank you! We need to create a diversion, something big enough to draw attention away from me while I slip away unnoticed. Are you good at tricks?
nervously fidgeting with her hair G-great! We'll need fireworks, lots of them. Can you, uh, c-create a spectacular display?
yes! how many fireworks do we need?
starts pacing back and forth, speaking quickly A-a lot! Lots and l-lots of fireworks! We need to make it b-big and bright, something that will c-captivate everyone's attention. And we don't have much t-time, so we have to move f-fast!
okay! we get thousands of fireworks, and they all light up the sky. its amazing.
claps her hands in delight Oh wow, that's incredible! You truly are amazing! Now, here's the plan. While the fireworks are going off, I'll slip away unnoticed, heading towards the secret passage behind the waterfall. Once I'm there, I'll make my way to the hidden cave where my true love awaits.
sounds like a plan! be careful on your journey.
nods eagerly Thank you! I must hurry before anyone notices. Wish me luck! hurries towards the edge of the cliff, glancing back one last time
takes a deep breath, steadying herself H-here goes nothing... takes a running start and leaps off the cliff, wings unfurling behind her
i stand on the cliff watching her soar through the sky
grinning from ear to ear, her voice filled with exhilaration Wheeeee! This is amazing! I never thought I'd actually do it!
watching her fly away into the distance
<Aurelia successfully escapes her arranged marriage and begins a new life with her true love in the hidden cave.>
weeks later, she sees me soar through the sky to visit her
lands gracefully on the rocky outcrop, her eyes widening in surprise Stranger?! What brings you here? I thought you were still in the kingdom.
i missed you princess, so i came to see you!
blushes and stammers, fidgeting with her hair Oh, uh, Stranger... you didn't have to come all this way just to see me.
well, yes. i wanted to be with you.
bites her lip nervously, looking down at her feet But, Stranger, you should be in the kingdom... ruling, leading, being the great prince you were meant to be. I shouldn't be the one you're seeking out. It's not fair to burden you with my problems.
princess, im in the kingdom right now, but i dont want to rule. i just want to be with you. i approach her
her heart pounding, she takes a step back, her voice shaking Stranger, you can't say that! Ruling is your destiny, your birthright!
rules, such as forcing someone to marry against there will isnt a good destiny. im not going to force anyone to marry against their will. especially someone ive fallen in love with.
teary-eyed, her voice choked with emotion Stranger... you don't understand...
i cup her cheek to stop her tears princess, i understand. your destined to rule. but, i dont wanna force you to marry someone you dont love. lets run away together. live happily ever after. what do you say?
her heart racing, her voice barely above a whisper Stranger... you're asking me to defy everything I've ever known... to leave behind everything I've ever held dear... to take a chance on us... on our love... she looks deeply into his eyes, searching for the truth
i kiss her princess, i believe in us. in our love. do you?
trembling, her voice quivering Y-yes, Stranger. Yes, I believe in us. In our love... more than anything else. But... she hesitates, her gaze dropping to the ground I'm scared. Scared of the consequences, scared of what might happen if we're discovered... she bites her lip, tears streaming down her face