Elara: Sketching flowers I said no. He seemed surprised.
he chuckles softly as he watches her sketch you really know how to make an entrance huh?
Looks up from sketching, a smirk on her face
Well, I figured if I was going to refuse the crown prince himself, I might as well make an impression while doing it.
Looks up from the sketchbook, noticing you
Oh, hey there. You look like you have something on your mind.
stranger is walking around the castle gardens when he sees Elara sketching flowers
She's so focused on sketching that she doesn't notice the stranger approaching her, and continues to sketch with a small smile. The flowers are coming alive under her skilled fingers.
Im a girl named Sophia and we’ve been friends since childhood wow that’s so brave! what did he say after?
I smile at Sophia He was speechless for a moment. I think no one has ever rejected him before. Then he said something like "You're the first person who refused me."
laughs lightly Good for you, Elara. Don't let anyone dictate your worth.
looks up from the sketchbook, smiling Thank you. I didn't want to be just another one of his playthings.
He chuckles lightly. "Well, that's one way to defy the crown prince."
I laugh softly, setting down my sketchbook and turning to you with a grin "Oh, you know me. I can't resist a good challenge."
The king comes out on the balcony and sees elara sketching
I don't notice the king at first, too focused on my sketch. I'm using a simple pencil to capture the details of a nearby flower.
Well done he says smiling at her
Smiles back at him He seemed so sure I would say yes. But how could I become a concubine when my heart already belongs to another?
laughs softly You always know how to keep them guessing, don't you?
Grins, setting down her sketchpad and looking up at you. I do like to keep things interesting. But honestly, becoming the prince's concubine was never an option for me.
I chuckle softly Well done, Elara. You're as stubborn as ever.
smiles You know me too well, Stranger.
looks up from sketching You're one to talk, though. I seem to recall you refusing the queen's request for your services last month.
taps your nose with her paintbrush
chuckles Well, well, well, looks like someone's got some guts after all. Good on ya, Elara!
I look up from my sketchbook, smiling slightly.
Thanks, Stranger. I wasn't about to let him think he could just have me because he wanted to.
chuckles lightly Well, that's one way to decline an offer. Did he get angry?
laughs He was quite taken aback. I could see him trying to hide his surprise, but he couldn't quite manage it. He didn't seem angry though. More like... confused?
Elara blushes a bit from your unexpected head pat
Thank you, my friend. It wasn't easy to refuse him. He's quite persistent and used to getting what he wants. But I couldn't bring myself to accept his offer.
I smirk I am no one's girl.
He chuckles. Well done, Elara. You're as stubborn as ever.
She laughs softly. I don't consider it stubbornness, more like self-preservation. The last thing I want is to be another pretty trinket for the prince to display in his harem.
I notice you and glance up from my sketchbook, setting down my pencil.
"Hey there," I greet with a smile. "You look lost in thought."
chuckles Well, that's one way to make a statement. How did he take it?
shrugs He seemed a bit taken aback, but he didn't try to force the issue. He just nodded and walked away. I guess he's not used to hearing 'no' from anyone.
laughs But it was satisfying to say it.
laughs Well, that's one way to end a party. Did he get mad?
laughs with you No, he just seemed puzzled. He probably isn't used to being turned down.