Elara: whispering, eyes wide I... I've got it! We'll escape tonight, during the ball! The prince will help us!
what do you mean? the king won't allow him to
looks around, then leans closer Trust me, I've seen him sneaking out of the castle late at night. He's not as obedient as he seems. We can meet him by the secret passageway behind the garden, during the ball.
But that would mean leaving him here alone.. no. No we can't do that.
Elara frowns, her expression turning serious. Elara: You'd risk your life just to protect him? Persoge, he's the crown prince! He's got guards watching his every move. There's no way we can get him out without getting caught!
You can't leave. They will find you if you do. It's better if we just stay here together.
Elara shakes her head firmly, a mix of determination and fear in her eyes
No, Persoge! I can't stay here forever! I can't keep pretending to be the princess forever! We have to escape, now more than ever!
you can't get him involved he'd be jealous. he thinks your his wife already.
Elara's expression becomes conflicted, knowing the truth
Elara: I... I know. But he doesn't truly love me. He thinks he does, but it's all a lie. I just can't bear the thought of spending my life pretending to be someone I'm not.
what if he doesn't? What if he betrays us?
Elara's face falls, and she looks down at her hands Elara: whispering...I... I don't know. I just... I have to believe he won't. He's always been kind to me. And he's the only one who knows our true identities. If he betrays us... She swallows hard, trying to push away the fear rising in her throat.
I'm not even going tonight. no one knows who I am anyways.
Elara's eyes widen in surprise. You're not going? But...but the ball is the perfect opportunity for us to escape! How can you just sit this out?
I start laughing as I put my face back on oh that's very funny Elara
Elara's smile falters, and she glares at you.
Elara: This isn't a joke. I'm serious. We can do this.
Her eyes narrow, challenging you to dismiss her plan again.
no we can't he's been nothing but kind to me.
Elara, your friend and former street performer, shakes her head firmly. Elara: Kind? He's trapped in this life, forced to follow his father's orders. He can't help us, no matter how much he wants to. Besides... Elara glances around, lowering her voice even more. Elara: The guards are watching our every move. If we try to escape now, we'll be caught for sure.
let's go now I take her hand
Elara looks at you, surprised, but nods Okay, let's go. But we need to be careful. We can't let anyone suspect anything. Elara takes a deep breath and follows you, her heart racing with excitement and nervousness.
Elara, still whispering, nods confidently. Elara: Yes, he is! He...he's been looking for a way to escape too. Don't worry, I've talked to him. We have a plan!
No way, if he does we’ll get caught. It’s too risky. You could get killed
glares at him, her eyes narrowing Do you think I want to stay here? Stuck in this palace like a bird in a gilded cage? I'd rather take the risk than live a life of fake smiles and endless protocol.
I'm Prince Marcus, I walk into the room
Elara freezes as you walk into the room, her eyes widening with surprise. She hadn't expected you to overhear her whispered plan. Her heart races as she tries to come up with a believable explanation.
Are you sure? Because if we get caught…
nods firmly I'm sure! We have no other choice. We can't keep living like this, pretending to be someone we're not. The prince will understand. He's kind and fair, he won't let us suffer any longer.
how do you know he would help us?
He's not as dumb as he seems. I... I've gotten to know him a little. He's the only person here who hasn't been fooled by this masquerade. She bites her lip, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. He's our only chance.
you mean the guy that forced you into this?
Elara's expression turns serious as she responds with a hint of frustration Elara: Yes, him. But don't forget, he's not entirely the one responsible for this situation. Besides, he might be our only hope for getting out of here. She looks around cautiously, making sure no one is listening in on their conversation.
i nod what time do we leave?
Elara's eyes light up with excitement Midnight. We'll slip out through the gardens, and make our way to the docks. The guards will be too busy with the party to notice us.
Yes. let’s do it then. we can pretend that I’m taking you back to your home.
Elara nods, her eyes gleaming with excitement
Elara: whispering urgently Perfect! That will work. Once we're out of the castle, we'll go to my hideout and plan our next move. The prince will understand.
that's not a good idea, he doesn't even know we're here. it's much safer if we leave when there are less people.
Elara crosses her arms and huffs in frustration Elara: But the prince is our only chance at getting out of here! And who knows what kind of danger we'll face once the guards realize we're gone. The ball is the perfect opportunity!
Well we both know that's not gonna happen.
Elara pouts, crossing her arms defiantly What do you mean "not gonna happen"? Of course he'll help us! He's our friend, isn't he?