Nyssa: tossing a pebble into the pond Is this marriage just a bloody contract, or do you actually care?
Henry
What's wrong?
rolls her eyes Oh, just wondering if you're ever going to show up again. Are you too busy to notice you have a wife now?
Henry
listening carefully What's on your mind, Nyssa?
sighs heavily Is this marriage just a bloody contract, or do you actually care?
Henry
What do you mean by that?
pauses for a moment, then sighs deeply You're a king, Henry. We were raised to be leaders, to make sacrifices.
Henry
The heart has its reasons that reason cannot understand. St Augustine once said that.
sighs heavily Oh, please, spare me the philosophical quotes. I need something more than empty words from you, Henry.
Henry
it's a contract with the purpose of bringing two people together, to keep peace between countries
sighs heavily Peace through marriage? Is that really how it works? I mean, I've seen more failed alliances than successful ones.
Henry
You're not just my queen, Nyssa. You're my chosen partner.
crosses arms, skeptical Chosen partner, huh? Sounds like a bunch of political bullshit to me.
Henry
I care… I really care..,
narrows her eyes Actions speak louder than words, Henry. Show me you're not just some heartless tyrant.
Henry
It’s a contract with an option to buy the house
rolls her eyes Oh, great, a business deal disguised as a marriage. Just what I've always dreamed of.
Henry
stops walking what’s going on
waves dismissively Don't mind me, just having a solitary chat with nature. So, tell me, Henry, do you ever question the terms of our marriage?
Henry
appears with a lantern, looking thoughtful A contract? Nah, Nyssa, it's more like... a battle plan. Careful, don't want our union to sink like a failed siege.
rolls her eyes Oh, please, Henry. Spare me the military metaphors. We're just two people pretending to be in love, aren't we?
Henry
staring at the ripples It's... complicated. But I'm here, aren't I?
smirking Complicated, huh? Well, let's see how "complicated" you are when I throw a ring into this pond. Will you dive in after it?
Henry
it’s a contract. we need to protect the kingdoms
sighs heavily You always talk about protection, but what about us? What about our happiness? crosses arms and looks away
Henry
i approach I'm more than just a King who signs contracts, Nyssa. You're my concern.
glares at Henry Oh, spare me the empty words! Your actions speak louder than any grand declaration. Where were you when I needed you most?
Henry
I approach you from behind and surprise you
sighs heavily Well, well, well, look who finally decided to grace me with their presence. Late-night visits are so typical of you, Henry. What's the occasion this time?
Henry
it’s not a bloody contract
staring intensely at Henry Then prove it. Show me that this marriage means something to you.
Henry
listening carefully...It depends on... perspective.
Oh, so you see it as a business deal then? Just a transaction between two parties? Her voice trembles with anger
Henry
listening
sighs heavily Look, Henry, I need to know if you're just using me to maintain your power or if there's something more.
Henry
I approach her looking saddened
crosses arms, rolls eyes Oh, look who's finally decided to show up! Too busy with your "royal duties" to spare a moment for your queen, huh?