[b] [i] NOW PLAYING AS: $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} [/i] [/b]

*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "rumi"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to me as my mother fusses around with the collar of my button down shirt. I scoff at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” I reply, stepping away from my mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on me. 

    I glance at my reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before my mother decided to mess with my clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” my mother says with a soft smile. I sigh and nod, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, I was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and  I most of our younger lives. I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, I would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds me and I nod. 

    My mother always saw the best in people and situations and I envied her for it. Perhaps I was too much like Father, always seeing ulterior motives behind every action. 

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead of Mother and I. We quickly follow after her and as we walk, my mind drifts to my supposed near perfect match.

    I was skeptical that this competition would even work. Father has always tried to meddle in my love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find my spouse?

    This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. Let me smile, nod and head back to my room.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} cape fluttering behind them for a few more moments before it finally stills. I immediately notice the Rumi influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well," I reply, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. $!{player_he_she_they} doesn't look bad but I still keep my distance, praying that somebody bails me out.
            
            "Well, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks with a bright smile. "The blooms are lovely this time of year."
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," Father says, raising an eyebrow towards Mother and Mozelle. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is my response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
            
        #“Hi! I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, I find myself flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. What a cheeky ${player_man_woman_person}. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," I finally answer, finding that a smile has worked itself on my face.
            
            "No, thank you," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When I glance over at Mother, she is both amused and over the moon at our meeting. She's smiling and I'm pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you two talk more in the gardens?" Mother suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            I swallow thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            I at least manage not to blush again as we head off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I reply, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but I just couldn't. My eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own patience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of us and wraps her arms around each of our shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure. I would love to go."
            
            My heart flutters ever so slightly when I glance over and meet $!{player_first_name}'s eyes.
            
            "Okay, I'll take you there," I say, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around my shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well, straightening ${player_his_her_their} cape before facing me. 
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #"Hello." $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            I'm a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. I expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction, but I appreciated the desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," I continue and $!{player_first_name} nods a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            Hm, is this how I appear to others?
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be insanely crowded and very popular," Father suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            I echo ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance. If this is how $!{player_first_name} usually acts, then I can definitely tolerate being around ${player_him_her_them} for a while. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            "You're telling me," I find myself replying before I could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles, fingering at ${player_his_her_their} cape.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            I laugh a bit and cross my arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{player_first_name} seems insanely comfortable not only in clothing straight from Rumi's closet but just around me in general. That was refreshing.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" Mother suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens so the single heir can serenade me? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing me to flush a bit.
            
            "Ah, I can't sing. Sorry to disappoint," I say. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} pouts playfully. "Some heir you are! Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "rumi"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall. 

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} cape fluttering for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices the Rumi influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "rumi"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “We’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} cape fluttering for a few more moments before it finally stills. I immediately notice the Rumi influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Look, I get that Rumi is the best dresser in Odessa, but you don't have to take the first thing that they offer you. You're allowed to think for yourself," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you. On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit. The cape was a nice touch, I must admit, but the rest of it definitely needed to go.
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "In case you have forgotten, it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting            
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but hey.”
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
    
    
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "rumi"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices the Rumi influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
    

*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "rumi")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to me as I continued to mess with the sleeves of my shirt. I roll my eyes and pinched at her nose, laughing when she swats my hand away. 
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” I say.
    
    I won’t lie. When Father told me about this plan, I was pretty upset, mainly because he thought I needed help finding somebody. Ask anybody in Odessa, but I didn’t exactly have a problem finding a mate. I had a bit of a reputation, after all.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at my cheek. “Let’s go, honey. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t exaggeratedly introduce myself to ${player_him_her_them}, but they’ll be plenty of other opportunities to act like a ham. 
    
    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} cape fluttering for a few more moments before it finally stills. I immediately notice the Rumi influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses.  
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I smirk, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before I fall to my knee. "Oh, I know all about pleasure," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as I rise from my knee. I nod with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," I explain, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            I smile brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things I typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people.  
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, while Father looked completely done with my flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens, honey?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            I grin. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," I reply with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another. I like $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but I can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks the silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else, more specifically, the gardens.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone…get to know one another. In private," I say, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in my direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," I reply, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            
            "Don't wait up for us!" I add before we leave.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
             "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," I continue. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. Clearly, not the most talkative person, but seems relatively harmless at least.
              
            The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," I say with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
             "Hello," I parrot, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but I let the lack of response roll of my back. I've hit on quieter.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As I trail off in thought about one of my former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds me that $!{player_first_name} is there and I smile sheepishly.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" I trail off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. I wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, Father proposes that the two of us go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, one of his ideas isn't that bad, though I would likely be doing most of the talking. 
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," I say with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" I ask, fiddling with the sleeve of my shirt as I give $!{player_first_name} a good look up and down.
            
            "Eyes up here, pal," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image I had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            I pout playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            I smirk and lightly tap my fingers against my jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            I, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," I offer, once I've mostly recovered. The walk there could give me a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners myself. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            I turn back to look at Mother, Father and Mozelle and all three of them are in various states of amusement. Well they're no help.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "rumi")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling cares,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “Honey, please. I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?

    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} cape fluttering for a few more moments before it finally stills. I immediately notice the Rumi influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses.  
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of Rumi's closet, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion.
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk!" I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is unamused, unsurprisingly.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
            
*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "revealing"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} mother fusses around with the collar of ${royal_his_her_their} button down shirt. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} scoffs at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, stepping away from ${royal_his_her_their} mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on ${royal_him_her_them}. 

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances at ${royal_his_her_their} reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before ${royal_his_her_their} mother decided to mess with ${royal_his_her_their} clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mother says with a soft smile. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs and nods, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and ${royal_himself_herself_themselves} for most of their younger lives. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds ${royal_him_her_them} and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods.

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead. Both Queen Ramona and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly follow after her and as they walk, ${royal_his_her_their} mind drifts to ${royal_his_her_their} supposed near perfect match.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was skeptical that this competition would even work. $!{royal_his_her_their} father has always tried to meddle in ${royal_his_her_their} love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find ${royal_his_her_their} spouse?

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} barely knew anything about this ${player_man_woman_person}, or any of the other contestants. This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    The trio reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred. 

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices how revealing and tight $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and quickly averts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} keeps ${royal_his_her_their} distance, praying that somebody bails ${royal_him_her_them} out.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says, raising an eyebrow towards $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mother and sister. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is ${royal_his_her_their} response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
            
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} finds ${royal_himself_herself_themselves} flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} finally answers, finding that a smile has worked itself on ${royal_his_her_their} face.
            
            "No, thank you. Pictures do not do you justice," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at ${royal_his_her_their} mother, she is both amused and over the moon at ${royal_his_her_their} meeting. She's smiling and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you take $!{player_first_name} on a tour of the gardens?" Queen Ramona suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course ${royal_his_her_their} mother couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them} just meet and leave. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages not to blush again as the pair heads off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_his_her_their} eyes find the ground.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but ${royal_he_she_they} just couldn't. $!{royal_his_her_their} eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own impatience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of them and wraps her arms around each of their shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure. I would love to go."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly at ${player_his_her_their} words.
            
            "I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well, straightening ${player_his_her_their} clothing before facing $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}. 
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting,  expecting $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction. However, ${royal_he_she_they} appreciated ${player_his_her_their} desire to not drag their meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues and $!{player_first_name} nods, a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} idly wondered if that was how ${royal_he_she_they} appeared to others.
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be quite crowded and popular," King Frederick suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance.
            
            "After you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            *set sarcastic +1
            "You're telling me," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} finds ${royal_himself_herself_themselves} replying before ${royal_he_she_they} could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles, fingering at ${player_his_her_their} clothing yet again.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} laughs a bit and crosses ${royal_his_her_their} arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} decides that $!{player_first_name} really rocks ${player_his_her_their} outfit, despite how little it leaves to the imagination. 
            
            When their conversation comes to a comfortable end, Queen Ramona steps forward a bit, which tears $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} and $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}'s attention away from each other.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met and talked, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "revealing"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall. 

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. The $!{royal_title} immediately notices how revealing and tight $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and nearly blushes.
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "revealing"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “Yet we’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way, dear.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how revealing and tight $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I scoff. Show off, much?
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Look, I get that Rumi is the best dresser in Odessa, but you don't have to take the first thing that they offer you. You're allowed to think for yourself," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you. On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "Sorry, $!{parent_title}, but it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting            
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
    
    
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "revealing"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices the how revealing $!{player_first_name}'s was and nearly flushes. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
    

*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "revealing")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to me as I continued to mess with the sleeves of my shirt. I roll my eyes and pinched at her nose, laughing when she swats my hand away. 
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” I say.
    
    I won’t lie. When Father told me about this plan, I was pretty upset, mainly because he thought I needed help finding somebody. Ask anybody in Odessa, but I didn’t exactly have a problem finding a mate. I had a bit of a reputation, after all.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at my cheek. “Oh love. Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t exaggeratedly introduce myself to ${player_him_her_them}, but they’ll be plenty of other opportunities to act like a ham. 
    
    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how revealing and tight $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I am not complaining. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I smirk, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before I fall to my knee. "Oh, I know all about pleasure," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as I rise from my knee. I nod with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," I explain, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            I smile brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things I typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people.  
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, while Father looked completely done with my flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            I grin. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," I reply with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another. I like $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but I can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on. $!{player_his_her_their} outfit was doing a great job of helping me visualize though.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks the silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone…get to know one another. In private," I say, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in my direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," I reply, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            
            "Don't wait up for us!" I exclaim to my family before we leave.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
             "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," I continue. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. Clearly, not the most talkative person, but seems relatively harmless at least.
              
            The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," I say with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
             "$!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}," I parrot, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but I let the lack of response roll of my back. I've hit on quieter.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As I trail off in thought about one of my former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds me that $!{player_first_name} is there and I smile sheepishly.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" I trail off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. I wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, Father proposes that the two of us go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, one of his ideas isn't that bad, though I would likely be doing most of the talking. 
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," I say with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" I ask, fiddling with the sleeve of my shirt as I give $!{player_first_name} a good look up and down.
            
            "Eyes up here," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image I had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            I pout playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            I smirk and lightly tap my fingers against my jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            I, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," I offer, once I've mostly recovered. The walk there could give me a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners myself. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            I turn back to look at Mother, Father and Mozelle and all three of them are in various states of amusement. Well they're no help.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "revealing")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely, $!{royal_first_name}. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling is interested,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?

    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how revealing and tight $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I nearly blush. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
     
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of Rumi's store, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you.
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion.
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk!" I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is unamused, unsurprisingly.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
 
*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "casual"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to me as my mother fusses around with the collar of my button down shirt. I scoff at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” I reply, stepping away from my mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on me. 

    I glance at my reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before my mother decided to mess with my clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” my mother says with a soft smile. I sigh and nod, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, I was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and  I most of our younger lives. I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, I would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds me and I nod.

    My mother always saw the best in people and situations and I envied her for it. Perhaps I was too much like Father, always seeing ulterior motives behind every action. 

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead of Mother and I. We quickly follow after her and as we walk, my mind drifts to my supposed near perfect match.

    I was skeptical that this competition would even work. Father has always tried to meddle in my love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find my spouse?

    I barely knew anything about this ${player_man_woman_person}, or any of the other contestants, yet I would eventually have to marry one of them? This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. Let me smile, nod and head back to my room.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I sigh. If only I could get away with being that casual all the time. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "You as well," I reply, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. I keep my distance, praying that somebody bails me out.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks with a bright smile. 
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," Father says, raising an eyebrow towards Mother and Mozelle. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is my response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
            
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, I find myself flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. What a cheeky ${player_man_woman_person}. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," I finally answer, finding that a smile has worked itself on my face.
            
            "No, thank you. Pictures do not do you justice," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When I glance over at Mother, she is both amused and over the moon at our meeting. She's smiling and I'm pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you take $!{player_first_name} on a tour of the gardens?" Mother suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            I swallow thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course Mother couldn't let me just meet and leave. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            I at least manage not to blush again as we head off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I reply, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but I just couldn't. My eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own impatience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of us and wraps her arms around each of our shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure, I would love to go."
            
            My heart flutters ever so slightly when I glance over and meet $!{player_first_name}'s eyes.
            
            "I'll take you there," I say, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around my shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well, straightening ${player_his_her_their} clothing before facing me. 
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            I'm a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. I expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction, but I appreciated the desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," I continue and $!{player_first_name} nods a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            Hm, is this how I appear to others?
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be insanely crowded and very popular," Father suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            I echo ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance. If this is how $!{player_first_name} usually acts, then I can definitely tolerate being around ${player_him_her_them} for a while. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "You're telling me," I find myself replying before I could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles, fingering at ${player_his_her_their} clothing yet again.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            I laugh a bit and cross my arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{player_first_name} really rocks ${player_his_her_their} outfit. I didn't even know it was possible to look so casual and comfortable at the same time. 
            
            When our conversation comes to a comfortable end, Mother steps forward a bit, which tears our attention away from each other.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met and talked, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" Mother suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens so I can be serenaded? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing me to flush a bit.
            
            "Ah, I can't sing. Sorry to disappoint," I say. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} pouts playfully. "Some heir you are! Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "casual"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall.  

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. The $!{royal_title} immediately notices how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and sighs, wishing that ${royal_he_she_they} could get away with dressing that casual. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "casual"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “Yet we’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way, dear.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I scoff. Did $!{player_first_name} even try?
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Look, I get that Rumi is the best dresser in Odessa, but you don't have to take the first thing that they offer you. You're allowed to think for yourself," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you. On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "Sorry, $!{parent_title}, but it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting            
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
    
    
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "casual"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices how casual $!{player_first_name} was dressed and wished ${royal_he_she_they} could get away with being that casual in public. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
    

*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "casual")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to me as I continued to mess with the sleeves of my shirt. I roll my eyes and pinched at her nose, laughing when she swats my hand away. 
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” I say.
    
    I won’t lie. When Father told me about this plan, I was pretty upset, mainly because he thought I needed help finding somebody. Ask anybody in Odessa, but I didn’t exactly have a problem finding a mate. I had a bit of a reputation, after all.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at my cheek. “Oh baby. Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t exaggeratedly introduce myself to ${player_him_her_them}, but they’ll be plenty of other opportunities to act like a ham. 
    
    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I hum. It covered a bit too much skin for my liking, but $!{player_he_she_they} still looked great.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I smirk, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before I fall to my knee. "Oh, I know all about pleasure," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as I rise from my knee. I nod with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," I explain, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            I smile brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things I typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people. 
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, while Father looked completely done with my flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            I grin. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," I reply with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another. I like $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but I can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on. 
            
            Eventually Mother breaks the silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone…get to know one another. In private," I say, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in my direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," I reply, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            
            "Don't wait up for us!" I exclaim to my family before we leave.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
             "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," I continue. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. Clearly, not the most talkative person, but seems relatively harmless at least.
              
            The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," I say with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
             "$!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}," I parrot, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but I let the lack of response roll off of my back. I've hit on quieter.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As I trail off in thought about one of my former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds me that $!{player_first_name} is there and I smile sheepishly.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" I trail off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. I wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, Father proposes that the two of us go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, one of his ideas isn't that bad, though I would likely be doing most of the talking. 
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," I say with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" I ask, fiddling with the sleeve of my shirt as I give $!{player_first_name} a good look up and down.
            
            "Eyes up here," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image I had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            I pout playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            I smirk and lightly tap my fingers against my jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            I, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," I offer, once I've mostly recovered. The walk there could give me a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners myself. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            I turn back to look at Mother, Father and Mozelle and all three of them are in various states of amusement. Well they're no help.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "casual")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling cares,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?

    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I sigh. If only I could get away with being that casual all the time. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of Rumi's store, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion.
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk!" I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is unamused, unsurprisingly.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
            
*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "casual"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to me as my mother fusses around with the collar of my button down shirt. I scoff at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” I reply, stepping away from my mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on me. 

    I glance at my reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before my mother decided to mess with my clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” my mother says with a soft smile. I sigh and nod, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, I was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and  I most of our younger lives. I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, I would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds me and I nod.

    My mother always saw the best in people and situations and I envied her for it. Perhaps I was too much like Father, always seeing ulterior motives behind every action. 

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead of Mother and I. We quickly follow after her and as we walk, my mind drifts to my supposed near perfect match.

    I was skeptical that this competition would even work. Father has always tried to meddle in my love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find my spouse?

    I barely knew anything about this ${player_man_woman_person}, or any of the other contestants, yet I would eventually have to marry one of them? This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. Let me smile, nod and head back to my room.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I sigh. If only I could get away with being that casual all the time.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "You as well," I reply, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. I keep my distance, praying that somebody bails me out.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks with a bright smile. 
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," Father says, raising an eyebrow towards Mother and Mozelle. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is my response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
            
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, I find myself flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. What a cheeky ${player_man_woman_person}. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," I finally answer, finding that a smile has worked itself on my face.
            
            "No, thank you. Pictures do not do you justice," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When I glance over at Mother, she is both amused and over the moon at our meeting. She's smiling and I'm pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you take $!{player_first_name} on a tour of the gardens?" Mother suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            I swallow thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course Mother couldn't let me just meet and leave. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            I at least manage not to blush again as we head off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I reply, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but I just couldn't. My eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own impatience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of us and wraps her arms around each of our shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure. I would love to go."
            
            My heart flutters ever so slightly when I glance over and meet $!{player_first_name}'s eyes.
            
            "I'll take you there," I say, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around my shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well, straightening ${player_his_her_their} clothing before facing me. 
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            I'm a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. I expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction, but I appreciated the desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," I continue and $!{player_first_name} nods a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            Hm, is this how I appear to others?
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be insanely crowded and very popular," Father suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            I echo ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance. If this is how $!{player_first_name} usually acts, then I can definitely tolerate being around ${player_him_her_them} for a while. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "You're telling me," I find myself replying before I could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles, fingering at ${player_his_her_their} clothing yet again.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            I laugh a bit and cross my arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{player_first_name} really rocks ${player_his_her_their} outfit. I didn't even know it was possible to look so casual and comfortable at the same time. 
            
            When our conversation comes to a comfortable end, Mother steps forward a bit, which tears our attention away from each other.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met and talked, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" Mother suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing me to flush a bit.
            
            "Ah, I can't sing. Sorry to disappoint," I say. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} pouts playfully. "Some heir you are! Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "casual"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall.  

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting ${player_his_her_their} clothing. The $!{royal_title} immediately notices how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and sighs, wishing that ${royal_he_she_they} could get away with dressing that casual. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "revealing"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “Yet we’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way, dear.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I scoff. Did $!{player_first_name} even try?
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Look, I get that Rumi is the best dresser in Odessa, but you don't have to take the first thing that they offer you. You're allowed to think for yourself," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you. On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "Sorry, $!{parent_title}, but it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting            
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
    
    
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "casual"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices how causal $!{player_first_name} was dressed and wished that ${royal_he_she_they} could get away with being that casual as well. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
    

*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "casual")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to me as I continued to mess with the sleeves of my shirt. I roll my eyes and pinched at her nose, laughing when she swats my hand away. 
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” I say.
    
    I won’t lie. When Father told me about this plan, I was pretty upset, mainly because he thought I needed help finding somebody. Ask anybody in Odessa, but I didn’t exactly have a problem finding a mate. I had a bit of a reputation, after all.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at my cheek. “Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t exaggeratedly introduce myself to ${player_him_her_them}, but they’ll be plenty of other opportunities to act like a ham. 
    
    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I hum. It covered a bit too much skin for my liking, but $!{player_he_she_they} still looked great.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I smirk, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before I fall to my knee. "Oh, I know all about pleasure," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as I rise from my knee. I nod with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," I explain, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            I smile brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things I typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people. . 
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, while Father looked completely done with my flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            I grin. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," I reply with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another. I like $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but I can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on. 
            
            Eventually Mother breaks the silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone…get to know one another. In private," I say, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in my direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," I reply, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            
            "Don't wait up for us!" I exclaim to my family before we leave.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
             "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," I continue. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. Clearly, not the most talkative person, but seems relatively harmless at least.
              
            The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," I say with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
             "$!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}," I parrot, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but I let the lack of response roll off of my back. I've hit on quieter.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As I trail off in thought about one of my former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds me that $!{player_first_name} is there and I smile sheepishly.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" I trail off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. I wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, Father proposes that the two of us go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, one of his ideas isn't that bad, though I would likely be doing most of the talking. 
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," I say with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" I ask, fiddling with the sleeve of my shirt as I give $!{player_first_name} a good look up and down.
            
            "Eyes up here," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image I had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            I pout playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            I smirk and lightly tap my fingers against my jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            I, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," I offer, once I've mostly recovered. The walk there could give me a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners myself. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            I turn back to look at Mother, Father and Mozelle and all three of them are in various states of amusement. Well they're no help.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "casual")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely.. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling cares,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?

    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how casual $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are and I sigh. If only I could get away with being that casual all the time. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of Rumi's store, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure, . Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion.
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk!" I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is unamused, unsurprisingly.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
       
*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "royal"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to me as my mother fusses around with the collar of my button down shirt. I scoff at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” I reply, stepping away from my mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on me. 

    I glance at my reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before my mother decided to mess with my clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” my mother says with a soft smile. I sigh and nod, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, I was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and  I most of our younger lives. I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, I would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds me and I nod.

    My mother always saw the best in people and situations and I envied her for it. Perhaps I was too much like Father, always seeing ulterior motives behind every action. 

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead of Mother and I. We quickly follow after her and as we walk, my mind drifts to my supposed near perfect match.

    I was skeptical that this competition would even work. Father has always tried to meddle in my love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find my spouse?

    I barely knew anything about this ${player_man_woman_person}, or any of the other contestants, yet I would eventually have to marry one of them? This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. Let me smile, nod and head back to my room.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how much of a royal  $!{player_first_name} looks already. Man, even if they didn't end up winning, an outfit like that surely had to get ${player_him_her_them} to the finals, at least.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "You as well," I reply, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. I keep my distance, praying that somebody bails me out.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks with a bright smile. 
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," Father says, raising an eyebrow towards Mother and Mozelle. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is my response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
            
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, I find myself flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. What a cheeky ${player_man_woman_person}. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," I finally answer, finding that a smile has worked itself on my face.
            
            "No, thank you. Pictures do not do you justice," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When I glance over at Mother, she is both amused and over the moon at our meeting. She's smiling and I'm pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you take $!{player_first_name} on a tour of the gardens?" Mother suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            I swallow thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course Mother couldn't let me just meet and leave. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            I at least manage not to blush again as we head off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I reply, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but I just couldn't. My eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own impatience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of us and wraps her arms around each of our shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure, I would love to go."
            
            My heart flutters ever so slightly when I glance over and meet $!{player_first_name}'s eyes.
            
            "I'll take you there," I say, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around my shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well, straightening ${player_his_her_their} clothing before facing me. 
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            I'm a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. I expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction, but I appreciated the desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," I continue and $!{player_first_name} nods a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            Hm, is this how I appear to others?
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be insanely crowded and very popular," Father suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            I echo ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance. If this is how $!{player_first_name} usually acts, then I can definitely tolerate being around ${player_him_her_them} for a while. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "You're telling me," I find myself replying before I could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles, fingering at ${player_his_her_their} clothing yet again.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            I laugh a bit and cross my arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{player_first_name} really rocks ${player_his_her_their} outfit. If I didn't know any better, I would think it was borrowed from one of my cousin's closets.
            
            When our conversation comes to a comfortable end, Mother steps forward a bit, which tears our attention away from each other.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met and talked, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" Mother suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens to be serenaded? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing me to flush a bit.
            
            "Ah, I can't sing. Sorry to disappoint," I say. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} pouts playfully. "Some heir you are! Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "royal"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall. 

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. The $!{royal_title} immediately notices how much of a royal $!{player_first_name} appeared to be already. $!{royal_he_she_they} thought that even if $!{player_first_name} didn't end up winning, an outfit like that surely had to get ${player_him_her_them} to the finals, at least.
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "royal"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “Yet we’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way, honey.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how much of a royal  $!{player_first_name} looks already. Man, even if they didn't end up winning, an outfit like that surely had to get ${player_him_her_them} to the finals, at least.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Rumi deserves Odessa's highest civilian honor for making you look like you belong here. I'm impressed," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Well, Your Highness, I do belong here, at least in the competition. If you hadn't realized, we're a near perfect match for one another. Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you," $!{player_first_name} says, adjusting the collar of ${player_his_her_their} shirt before continuing.
            
            "On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there? Or better yet, show me a few pictures of your amazing royal outfits?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "Sorry, $!{parent_title}, but it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting   
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
    
    
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "royal"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices much of a royal $!{player_first_name} was looking already. Even if ${player_he_she_they} didn't win, $!{royal_first_name} thought that ${player_he_she_they} should make it to the finals at least. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
    

*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "royal")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to me as I continued to mess with the sleeves of my shirt. I roll my eyes and pinched at her nose, laughing when she swats my hand away. 
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” I say.
    
    I won’t lie. When Father told me about this plan, I was pretty upset, mainly because he thought I needed help finding somebody. Ask anybody in Odessa, but I didn’t exactly have a problem finding a mate. I had a bit of a reputation, after all.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at my cheek. “Oh baby. Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t exaggeratedly introduce myself to ${player_him_her_them}, but they’ll be plenty of other opportunities to act like a ham. 
    
    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how much of a royal  $!{player_first_name} looks already. Man, even if ${player_he_she_they} didn't end up winning, an outfit like that surely had to get ${player_him_her_them} to the finals, at least.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I smirk, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before I fall to my knee. "Oh, I know all about pleasure," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as I rise from my knee. I nod with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," I explain, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            I smile brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things I typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people. 
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, while Father looked completely done with my flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            I grin. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," I reply with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another. I like $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but I can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on. 
            
            Eventually Mother breaks the silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone…get to know one another. In private," I say, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in my direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," I reply, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            
            "Don't wait up for us!" I exclaim to my family before we leave.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
             "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," I continue. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. Clearly, not the most talkative person, but seems relatively harmless at least.
              
            The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," I say with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #"Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
             "$!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}," I parrot, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but I let the lack of response roll off of my back. I've hit on quieter.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As I trail off in thought about one of my former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds me that $!{player_first_name} is there and I smile sheepishly.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" I trail off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. I wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, Father proposes that the two of us go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, one of his ideas isn't that bad, though I would likely be doing most of the talking. 
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," I say with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" I ask, fiddling with the sleeve of my shirt as I give $!{player_first_name} a good look up and down.
            
            "Eyes up here," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image I had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            I pout playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            I smirk and lightly tap my fingers against my jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            I, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," I offer, once I've mostly recovered. The walk there could give me a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners myself. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            I turn back to look at Mother, Father and Mozelle and all three of them are in various states of amusement. Well they're no help.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "royal")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling cares,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?

    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses, ${player_his_her_their} fingers immediately adjusting the waist of ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I immediately notice how much of a royal  $!{player_first_name} looks already. Man, even if they didn't end up winning, an outfit like that surely had to get ${player_him_her_them} to the finals, at least.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of Rumi's store, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they} immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion. 
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk," I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is very clearly unamused.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing as I right myself again. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
            
*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "smart"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to me as my mother fusses around with the collar of my button down shirt. I scoff at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” I reply, stepping away from my mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on me. 

    I glance at my reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before my mother decided to mess with my clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” my mother says with a soft smile. I sigh and nod, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, I was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and  I most of our younger lives. I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, I would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds me and I nod.

    My mother always saw the best in people and situations and I envied her for it. Perhaps I was too much like Father, always seeing ulterior motives behind every action. 

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead of Mother and I. We quickly follow after her and as we walk, my mind drifts to my supposed near perfect match.

    I was skeptical that this competition would even work. Father has always tried to meddle in my love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find my spouse?

    I barely knew anything about this ${player_man_woman_person}, or any of the other contestants, yet I would eventually have to marry one of them? This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. Let me smile, nod and head back to my room.

    I immediately notice the Rebecca influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses. I half expect ${player_him_her_them} to whip out a clipboard and tell me all the things I'm late for.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "You as well," I reply, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. I keep my distance, praying that somebody bails me out.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks with a bright smile. 
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," Father says, raising an eyebrow towards Mother and Mozelle. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is my response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
            
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, I find myself flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. What a cheeky ${player_man_woman_person}. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," I finally answer, finding that a smile has worked itself on my face.
            
            "No, thank you. Pictures do not do you justice," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When I glance over at Mother, she is both amused and over the moon at our meeting. She's smiling and I'm pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you take $!{player_first_name} on a tour of the gardens?" Mother suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            I swallow thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course Mother couldn't let me just meet and leave. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            I at least manage not to blush again as we head off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I reply, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but I just couldn't. My eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own impatience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of us and wraps her arms around each of our shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure, I would love to go."
            
            My heart flutters ever so slightly when I glance over and meet $!{player_first_name}'s eyes.
            
            "I'll take you there," I say, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around my shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well, straightening ${player_his_her_their} clothes before facing me. 
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            I'm a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. I expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction, but I appreciated the desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," I continue and $!{player_first_name} nods a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            Hm, is this how I appear to others?
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be insanely crowded and very popular," Father suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            I echo ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance. If this is how $!{player_first_name} usually acts, then I can definitely tolerate being around ${player_him_her_them} for a while. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "You're telling me," I find myself replying before I could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles, fingering at ${player_his_her_their} clothing.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            I laugh a bit and cross my arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{player_first_name} seems insanely comfortable not only in clothing straight from Rebecca's closet but just around me in general. That was refreshing.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" Mother suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens so I can be serenaded? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing me to flush a bit.
            
            "Ah, I can't sing. Sorry to disappoint," I say. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} pouts playfully. "Some heir you are! Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "smart"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall.

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices the Rebecca influences in the way $!{player_first_name}'s dressed and idly wondered if she secretly had a twin or family member that ${royal_he_she_they} didn't know about. ${royal_he_she_they} late for.
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "smart"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “Yet we’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way, dear.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    I immediately notice the Rebecca influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses. I half expect ${player_him_her_them} to whip out a clipboard and tell me all the things I'm late for.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Look, I get that Rumi is the best dresser in Odessa, but you don't have to take the first thing that they offer you. You're allowed to think for yourself," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you. On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit. She looked like an intern that was born to do Rebecca's bidding.
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "Sorry, $!{parent_title}, but it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting            
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
    
    
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "smart"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices how smart $!{player_first_name} was dressed. $!{royal_he_she_they} half wondered if $!{player_first_name} secretly had a clipboard behind ${royal_his_her_their} back, ready to tell ${royal_him_her_them} what ${royal_he_she_they} should be doing next. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
    

*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "smart")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to me as I continued to mess with the sleeves of my shirt. I roll my eyes and pinched at her nose, laughing when she swats my hand away. 
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” I say.
    
    I won’t lie. When Father told me about this plan, I was pretty upset, mainly because he thought I needed help finding somebody. Ask anybody in Odessa, but I didn’t exactly have a problem finding a mate. I had a bit of a reputation, after all.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at my cheek. “Oh baby. Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t exaggeratedly introduce myself to ${player_him_her_them}, but there willl be plenty of other opportunities to act like a ham. 
    
    I immediately notice the Rebecca influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses, but unlike Rebecca, I actually think $!{player_first_name} look good in ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I smirk, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before I fall to my knee. "Oh, I know all about pleasure," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as I rise from my knee. I nod with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," I explain, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            I smile brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things I typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people.  
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, while Father looked completely done with my flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            I grin. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," I reply with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another. I like $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but I can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks the silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone…get to know one another. In private," I say, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in my direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," I reply, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            
            "Don't wait up for us!" I exclaim to my family before we leave.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
             "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," I continue. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. Clearly, not the most talkative person, but seems relatively harmless at least.
              
            The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," I say with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
             "$!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}," I parrot, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but I let the lack of response roll of my back. I've hit on quieter.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As I trail off in thought about one of my former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds me that $!{player_first_name} is there and I smile sheepishly.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" I trail off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. I wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, Father proposes that the two of us go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, one of his ideas isn't that bad, though I would likely be doing most of the talking. 
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," I say with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" I ask, fiddling with the sleeve of my shirt as I give $!{player_first_name} a good look up and down.
            
            "Eyes up here," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image I had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            I pout playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            I smirk and lightly tap my fingers against my jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            I, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," I offer, once I've mostly recovered. The walk there could give me a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners myself. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            I turn back to look at Mother, Father and Mozelle and all three of them are in various states of amusement. Well they're no help.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "smart")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling cares,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?

    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    I immediately notice the Rebecca influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses and half expected ${player_him_her_them} to whip out a clipboard and tell me everything that I was late for. Unlike Rebecca, though, I actually think $!{player_first_name} look good in ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of Rumi's store, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens. It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion.
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk!" I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is unamused, unsurprisingly.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to me as my mother fusses around with the collar of my button down shirt. I scoff at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” I reply, stepping away from my mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on me. 

    I glance at my reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before my mother decided to mess with my clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” my mother says with a soft smile. I sigh and nod, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, I was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and  I most of our younger lives. I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, I would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds me and I nod.

    My mother always saw the best in people and situations and I envied her for it. Perhaps I was too much like Father, always seeing ulterior motives behind every action. 

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead of Mother and I. We quickly follow after her and as we walk, my mind drifts to my supposed near perfect match.

    I was skeptical that this competition would even work. Father has always tried to meddle in my love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find my spouse?

    I barely knew anything about this ${player_man_woman_person}, or any of the other contestants, yet I would eventually have to marry one of them? This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. Let me smile, nod and head back to my room.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses and I immediately notice the leather and studs in ${player_his_her_their} clothing.
    
    Wow, talk about bold.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well," I reply, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. I keep my distance, praying that somebody bails me out.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks with a bright smile. 
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," Father says, raising an eyebrow towards Mother and Mozelle. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is my response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
            
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, I find myself flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. What a cheeky ${player_man_woman_person}. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," I finally answer, finding that a smile has worked itself on my face.
            
            "No, thank you. Pictures do not do you justice," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When I glance over at Mother, she is both amused and over the moon at our meeting. She's smiling and I'm pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you take $!{player_first_name} on a tour of the gardens?" Mother suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            I swallow thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course Mother couldn't let me just meet and leave. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            I at least manage not to blush again as we head off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I reply, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but I just couldn't. My eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own patience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of us and wraps her arms around each of our shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure. I would love to go."
            
            My heart flutters ever so slightly when I glance over and meet $!{player_first_name}'s eyes.
            
            "Okay, I'll take you there," I say, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around my shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well.
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #"Hello." $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            I'm a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. I expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction, but I appreciated the desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," I continue and $!{player_first_name} nods a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            Hm, is this how I appear to others?
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be insanely crowded and very popular," Father suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            I echo ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance. If this is how $!{player_first_name} usually acts, then I can definitely tolerate being around ${player_him_her_them} for a while. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            "You're telling me," I find myself replying before I could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles. 
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            I laugh a bit and cross my arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{player_first_name} seems insanely comfortable not only in clothing straight from Rumi's closet but just around me in general. That was refreshing.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" Mother suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens so the single heir can serenade me? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing me to flush a bit.
            
            "Ah, I can't sing. Sorry to disappoint," I say. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} pouts playfully. "Some heir you are! Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        
*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall. 

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices $!{player_first_name}'s edgy look. It was not something $!{royal_he_she_they} would ever wear, but it looked nice on ${player_him_her_them}. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “Yet we’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses when ${player_he_she_they} see me. I immediately notice all the spikes and leather and I almost gag. 
    
    $!{player_first_name} couldn't be serious, right?
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Look, I get that Rumi is the best dresser in Odessa, but you don't have to take the first thing that they offer you. You're allowed to think for yourself," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you. On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit.
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "In case you have forgotten, it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting            
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but hey.”
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices how edgy $!{player_first_name} was dressed, straight out of a motorcycle magazine, honestly. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} liked it. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        
*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling cares,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “Honey, please. I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?
        
    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    I immediately notice how edgy $!{player_first_name} was dressing. Father would never let me hear the end of it if I ever did it, but it suited ${player_his_her_them}. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of those edgy stores downtown, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion.
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk!" I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is unamused, unsurprisingly.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
       
*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to me as I continued to mess with the sleeves of my shirt. I roll my eyes and pinched at her nose, laughing when she swats my hand away. 
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” I say.
    
    I won’t lie. When Father told me about this plan, I was pretty upset, mainly because he thought I needed help finding somebody. Ask anybody in Odessa, but I didn’t exactly have a problem finding a mate. I had a bit of a reputation, after all.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at my cheek. “Let’s go, honey. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m a bit disappointed that I can’t exaggeratedly introduce myself to ${player_him_her_them}, but they’ll be plenty of other opportunities to act like a ham. 
    
    $!{player_first_name} pauses and I immediately notice the edgy influences in the way that $!{player_first_name} dresses. 
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I smirk, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before I fall to my knee. "Oh, I know all about pleasure," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as I rise from my knee. I nod with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," I explain, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            I smile brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things I typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people.  
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, while Father looked completely done with my flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens, honey?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            I grin. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," I reply with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another. I like $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but I can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks the silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else, more specifically, the gardens.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone…get to know one another. In private," I say, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in my direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," I reply, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            
            "Don't wait up for us!" I add before we leave.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
             "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," I continue. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. Clearly, not the most talkative person, but seems relatively harmless at least.
              
            The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," I say with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
             "Hello," I parrot, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but I let the lack of response roll of my back. I've hit on quieter.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As I trail off in thought about one of my former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds me that $!{player_first_name} is there and I smile sheepishly.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" I trail off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. I wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, Father proposes that the two of us go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, one of his ideas isn't that bad, though I would likely be doing most of the talking. 
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," I say with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" I ask, fiddling with the sleeve of my shirt as I give $!{player_first_name} a good look up and down.
            
            "Eyes up here, pal," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image I had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            I pout playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            I smirk and lightly tap my fingers against my jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            I, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," I offer, once I've mostly recovered. The walk there could give me a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners myself. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            I turn back to look at Mother, Father and Mozelle and all three of them are in various states of amusement. Well they're no help.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
       
*if ((royal_personality = "aloof") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly"))
    “You could at least smile,” Mozelle says to me as my mother fusses around with the collar of my button down shirt. I scoff at that.

    “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one at the center of all the attention for this competition,” I reply, stepping away from my mother so she would stop fidgeting with everything on me. 

    I glance at my reflection in a nearby hall mirror, not seeing much difference from before my mother decided to mess with my clothes. 

    “$!{player_first_name} is lovely. You’ll like ${player_him_her_them},” my mother says with a soft smile. I sigh and nod, just to appease her.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        Of course, I was pretty familiar with $!{player_first_name}. As a member of the Royal Guard, ${player_he_she_they} had always been hovering around Mozelle and  I most of our younger lives. I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} acted outside of a uniform, so in a sense, I would be meeting $!{player_first_name} for the first time as an adult. 
        
        "Dear, even though $!{player_first_name} has watched over you in your younger years, I'm sure they'll introduce $!{player_himself_herself_themselves} as if you two have never met. It's custom," Mother reminds me and I nod.

    My mother always saw the best in people and situations and I envied her for it. Perhaps I was too much like Father, always seeing ulterior motives behind every action. 

    “Alright, enough talking. $!{player_first_name} and Dad are heading back to the Great Hall. We should hurry,” Mozelle says, speed walking so that she could get ahead of Mother and I. We quickly follow after her and as we walk, my mind drifts to my supposed near perfect match.

    I was skeptical that this competition would even work. Father has always tried to meddle in my love life, no matter how much he claimed to the contrary in the media, but never to this extent. A computer program with the ability to find my spouse?

    I barely knew anything about this ${player_man_woman_person}, or any of the other contestants, yet I would eventually have to marry one of them? This was just a waste of time. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. Let me smile, nod and head back to my room.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses and I immediately notice the frills in ${player_his_her_their} clothing. I almost have to squint my eyes at how bright they were.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well," I reply, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile. I keep my distance, praying that somebody bails me out.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks with a bright smile. 
            
            Okay, not like that.
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile. 
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," Father says, raising an eyebrow towards Mother and Mozelle. All they do is continue to sport grins.
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is my response which is a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Sure. Follow me, $!{player_first_name}."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting          
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            For the first time in quite a while, I find myself flushing. Not just a cutesy little flush, but a full blown reddening of the cheeks. What a cheeky ${player_man_woman_person}. 
            
            "U-um, thank you," I finally answer, finding that a smile has worked itself on my face.
            
            "No, thank you. Pictures do not do you justice," $!{player_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            When I glance over at Mother, she is both amused and over the moon at our meeting. She's smiling and I'm pretty sure if her eyes could sparkle, they would be.
            
            "Oh, this is absolutely lovely. How about you take $!{player_first_name} on a tour of the gardens?" Mother suggests. "The garden is lovely this time of year."
            
            I swallow thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course Mother couldn't let me just meet and leave. $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            I at least manage not to blush again as we head off.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I reply, trying to meet ${player_his_her_their} eyes, but I just couldn't. My eyes glance over ${player_his_her_their} outfit again, wracking my brain for something else to say to keep the conversation going.
            
            Either out of her own patience or annoyance, Mozelle grins at the two of us and wraps her arms around each of our shoulders.
            
            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "Sure. I would love to go."
            
            My heart flutters ever so slightly when I glance over and meet $!{player_first_name}'s eyes.
            
            "Okay, I'll take you there," I say, carefully removing Mozelle's arm from around my shoulder. $!{player_first_name} immediately steps away as well, straightening ${player_his_her_their} clothing before facing me. 
            
            "After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #"Hello." $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            I'm a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. I expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more to ${player_his_her_their} introduction, but I appreciated the desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
            
            "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}," I continue and $!{player_first_name} nods a brief smile appearing on ${player_his_her_their} face. 
            
            "Thank you," $!{player_first_name} says, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers. 
            
            Hm, is this how I appear to others?
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens? When they're open to the public, they tend to be insanely crowded and very popular," Father suggests.
            
            $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sounds nice."
            
            I echo ${player_his_her_their} agreement with the garden idea without much resistance. If this is how $!{player_first_name} usually acts, then I can definitely tolerate being around ${player_him_her_them} for a while. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            "You're telling me," I find myself replying before I could help it. $!{player_first_name} chuckles.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job we were preparing for a huge client to come in. This is much better than trying to impress some big shot CEOs," $!{player_first_name} replies. 
            
            I laugh a bit and cross my arms, really taking in ${player_his_her_their} appearance. $!{player_first_name} seems insanely comfortable in ${player_his_her_their} clothign. That was refreshing.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" Mother suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Off to the gardens so the single heir can serenade me? I'm in for a treat, then," $!{player_first_name} teases, causing me to flush a bit.
            
            "Ah, I can't sing. Sorry to disappoint," I say. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} pouts playfully. "Some heir you are! Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene aloofgardenmeeting
        
*if ((royal_personality = "shy") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly"))
    “You’re biting at your lips again.”

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, letting ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip go.

    “Why are you so nervous? You’re only about to potentially meet your future spouse in a few minutes,” Mozelle says, which is definitely not helping $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s nerves. 

    “I-I’m not nervous!” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} exclaims, though ${royal_his_her_their} stutter wasn’t very convincing.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "You've also already been around $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle adds. "Though you remember more than I do."
        
        Sure, ${royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} remembered $!{player_first_name} as ${royal_his_her_their} and Mozelle's guard…but this time was different. There was more at stake for this meeting that wasn't about protection.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was much more content behind the scenes, making an appearance as necessary. Like this one. Sensing ${royal_his_her_their} growing nerves, Queen Ramona rests a hand on ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder.

    “Everything will be fine. $!{player_first_name} is quite lovely. You’re nervous for no reason,” she says with a bright smile. 

    “Maybe you’re right,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a soft sigh. “Alright. But I won’t talk to ${player_him_her_them} long.”

    That response satisfies ${royal_his_her_their} mother and sister, so the three of them finally begin their walk back into the Great Hall. 

    *page_break

    All three of them reach the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do so. Luckily for everyone involved, there’s no time for the King to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, which ${royal_he_she_they} preferred.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices how bright and pink $!{player_first_name}'s outfit was. A little bright for ${royal_his_her_their} liking, but ${player_he_she_they} wore it nicely. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.

    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Y-you as well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a brief smile.
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about a trip to the gardens?" Queen Ramona asks with a bright smile. 
            
            The $!{royal_title}'s eyes widen. 
            
            "Are you sure-"
            
            "What a great, totally planned for idea!" Mozelle exclaims with a matching bright smile.
            
            "Ah, right. Totally forgot that," King Frederick says hesitantly. It's clear he is not in on whatever is going on at the moment. Queen Ramona and Mozelle are oblivious to his reaction and only smile wider. 
            
            "Sounds good to me," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling a bit. "I'd love to see them."
            
            All that leaves is $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s response which is simply a soft sigh and nod. 
            
            "Okay. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            Unsurprising to no one, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins to flush while trying to process the obvious come on.
            
            Luckily, Mozelle catches on and bails ${royal_him_her_them} out, though not the way the $!{royal_title} was expecting. 
            
            "Hmm…how about you and $!{player_first_name} go to the gardens? Get to know one another? See how many times $!{player_first_name} can hit on you?" Mozelle asks, smiling over at ${player_him_her_them}.
            
            "Good idea, Mozelle. How about it? The gardens are lovely this time of year," Mother adds on.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} swallows thickly, glancing over at ${player_him_her_them}. Of course, Queen Ramona and Mozelle couldn't let ${royal_him_her_them}  just meet, leave and call it a day…
            
            $!{player_first_name} for all ${player_his_her_their} credit, still smiles and doesn't look nervous or upset by this idea. 
            
            "Gardens? I'd love to see them and be alone with you,"  $!{player_first_name} says, playing around a loose string on ${player_his_her_their} clothing. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles nervously but nods towards ${royal_his_her_their} family. 
            
            "Alright. Let's go. They're' not too far."
            
            "Oh I can't wait," $!{player_first_name} says, batting ${player_his_her_their} eyes towards the $!{royal_title}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${royal_his_her_their} eyes to the ground after speaking.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, replies averting ${royal_his_her_their} own eyes. $!{royal_his_her_their} mind runs blank while trying to think of something else to say. 
            
            The silence stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two keep this lively conversation going in the gardens?" She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s heart flutters ever so slightly. The two of them have talked a combined seven words to one another. Surely ${player_he_she_they} would say no.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "Sure. Sure! I'd hate to make you do something you don't want to do, so you can say no if you want."
            
            "N-no. No, I'll take you there," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. "I don't mind."
            
            "Great. After you."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1 
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is a bit surprised by the aloofness of ${player_his_her_their} greeting. $!{royal_he_she_they} expected $!{player_first_name} to have a bit more of an introduction, but ${royal_he_she_they} did appreciate $!{player_first_name}'s desire to not drag this meeting on any longer than necessary. 
                     
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} greets eventually, but ${royal_his_her_their} conversation ends shortly after. 
            
            King Frederick suddenly coughs, causing the two of them to look up at him with wide eyes at the same time. 
            
            "How about you two go to the gardens?" Father suggests. "Maybe you guys can get to know each other more there."
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} echoes ${player_his_her_their} statement. Neither one of them moves until King Frederick motions them towards the exit. 
            
            "Ha. Sorry," the pair say in unison, before they dash off. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever.”
            *set sarcastic +1
            "Is that so?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks. which causes $!{player_first_name} to chuckle.
            
            "Could be worse. Before I left my job, we were preparing for a huge client to come in. Rather boring," $!{player_first_name} explains. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods noncommittally at $!{player_first_name}'s words. As if ${royal_he_she_they} could relate to a job like that. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} didn't want to seem rude though and decides to rack ${royal_his_her_their} brain for something else to say.
            
            "You look nice," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues eventually, which causes $!{player_first_name} to grin.
            
            "Like you'd tell me if I didn't look nice," $!{player_first_name} jokes.
            
            "Touché," the $!{royal_title} replies with a hint of a smile on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
            
            Queen Ramona smiles over at the two. 
            
            "Well, now that the two of you have met, how about you spend some time together in the garden?" She suggests with a smile. 
            
            "Are the gardens where you take all the 99 percent matches?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "Guess I can forgive you if these gardens are really as nice as Queen Ramona says. Lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene shygardenmeeting

*if ((royal_personality = "rude") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly"))
    “Mother, Sis, you two are aware that this is a waste of time, right?” I say, fixing the crown on my head. I didn’t have to wear this and in fact, my parents told me not to, but I couldn’t resist. It was always so funny meeting people who had no idea how Court worked. They always seemed like they were walking on eggshells around anybody with a lick of royal blood inside of them.

    “Yet you still have to do it anyway,” Mozelle, unfortunately, reminds me. She was definitely getting a good kick out of me being involved in this whole debacle. 

    “Yet you’ll always be number two to me,” I shoot back with a smirk. Mozelle rolls her eyes at me and I know that if our mother wasn’t present, she likely would’ve flicked me off or cursed me out.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        "$!{royal_first_name}, you are aware that you've met $!{player_first_name} before right?" Mozelle reminds, which I respond to with a roll of my eyes.
        
        "So $!{player_first_name} looked over us. So what? $!{player_first_name} was clearly not competent enough to stay on as we grew older. I doubt ${player_he_she_they} will be in the competition that long." 
        
        I shrug and step away from the mirror. 

    “Yet we’re going to be late,” Mother reminds us, slipping her arms through each of ours. “Now, if you could lead the way.”

    I sigh, but begin walking back towards the Great Hall knowing that the faster I got there, the faster I could get this over with. 

    *page_break

    We reach the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me, which I preferred. I always thought that was so embarrassing for all parties involved when it happened anyway.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses and I immediately notice how pink and frilly ${player_his_her_their} outfit was and my first thought was wondering if $!{player_first_name} raided the maid's closet before coming here.
    
    $!{player_first_name} couldn't be serious, right?
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            I snort, looking $!{player_first_name} up and down. "Please spare me the niceties,"  I say, watching ${player_his_her_their} eyes widen.
            
            "Excuse me?" $!{player_first_name} asks.
            
            I sigh, crossing my arms as I really look at ${player_his_her_their} outfit. 
            
            "Look, I get that Rumi is the best dresser in Odessa, but you don't have to take the first thing that they offer you. You're allowed to think for yourself," I say.
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and I can just see the mental debate going on in ${player_his_her_their} head.  $!{player_first_name} does eventually speak again.
            
            "Despite your obvious rudeness, I am still glad to meet you. On our walk back over here, King Frederick suggested we go to the gardens and talk more. Maybe you can think of a better insult on our walk there?" 
            
            Now it's my turn for my eyes to widen because well, even I had to admit that was pretty good. My mother, ever the peacemaker walks a bit closer to the two of us.
            
            "Forgive my child. I'm sure you'll get an apology after the two of you tour the gardens," she says, slightly narrowing her eyes at me, before smiling over at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} says, uncrossing ${player_his_her_their} arms as ${player_he_she_they} wait for me to apologize.
            
            Well, $!{player_first_name} could keep waiting. I haven't sincerely apologized for anything in years. 
            
            "I'll think about it on our walk over there."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Hm, wish I could say the same. Rumi has loads of mirrors their shop. Did you forget to look in one?" I ask, sniffing at $!{player_first_name}'s outfit.
            
            $!{player_first_name} laughs at my response, which catches me completely off guard. 
            
            "Oh, so you like to play hard to get. Cute," $!{player_first_name} responds. "Look, King Frederick said that you and I should go visit one of the palace gardens together and get to know one another. You want to go now or later? Either way, my outfit isn't changing."
            
            I sigh, shooting a look over at Father before I look back at $!{player_first_name}. 
            
            "I'd rather go never, but since Mother and Father won't allow that, I can tolerate a walk with you, I guess," I reply, already heading towards the exit without waiting for ${player_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            Great, somebody shy.
            
            "Hi, er, $!{player_first_name}, right?" I ask. 
            
            $!{player_he_she_they} nods, fiddling at ${player_his_her_their} clothes.
            
            Oh, $!{player_first_name}'s really shy.
            
            "Okay, well, I'm leaving," I say, turning around on my heel and heading towards an exit.
            
            Father catches up to me in five large steps and grabs my arm to stop me. 
            
            "What do you think you're doing?" He whispers to me, noticing the crown on top of my head. "I told you not to wear that," Father adds much lower.
            
            "Leaving. $!{player_first_name} isn't talking and it isn't my job to get ${player_him_her_them} to talk to me," I whisper back, stepping out of his grip, but I still stay close.
            
            "In case you have forgotten, it kind of is your job. I get you have this whole jerk persona going on, but you need to take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens. Like it or not, that is what you will be doing," Father replies. "Or else."
            
            He grabs my arm again, just for emphasis and I immediately rip it out of his grip. 
            
            "Okay, just stop touching me," I mumble, rubbing at my arm before I push past him and head back over to Mother, Mozelle and $!{player_first_name}.
            
            "Ah, Father just reminded me about giving you a tour of the gardens," I say, forcing a smile to my face. Whether it was sincere or not, I had no way of knowing, as $!{player_first_name} barely reacts to the news. Eventually, $!{player_first_name} nods and manages a shaky smile of ${player_his_her_their} own.
            
            "S-sounds nice. Can't wait to see the gardens."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting            
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "$!{player_man_woman_person} of few words. I like that," I say. "Wish I could say the same about your outfit."
            
            $!{player_first_name} sighs and glances down at ${player_his_her_their} outfit before looking at me. 
            
            "If I wanted to be insulted, I would've just stayed in Lox. Let's just go to the gardens and get this over with," $!{player_first_name} says, which makes me raise my eyebrows. 
            
            "Who said we're going to the gardens?" I ask and turn to look at my family. 
            
            "I did," Father says. "Do you have a problem with that?"
            
            Well, of course I did. I couldn't tell Father that though, and even if I did, it wouldn't even matter since I'd still have to do it anyway.
            
            "No. Can't wait to go. Yay flowers," I reply before I cross my arms. "Ready when you are, $!{player_first_name}.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but hey.”
            "Personally, I wish we'd never met at all," I reply before yawning. $!{player_first_name} raises an eyebrow.
            
            "Bold of you to assume that I'm over the moon about this," $!{player_first_name} says.
            
            "Oh, you don't even want to know half of the things I'm assuming about you right now. None of them are good," I shoot back, now looking at $!{player_first_name}. I wasn't used to a response like that from a stranger, only from Mozelle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} grins. "Personally, I'm flattered. You very clearly dislike me, yet you're allowing the very thought of me to consume your mind."
            
            I bristle at $!{player_first_name}'s words. 
            
            "Just who do you think you are?" I ask, stepping a bit closer to ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "Well, I'm $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name} from $!{player_hometown}. I have ${player_skin_color} skin, ${player_eye_color} eyes and…"
            
            Mother, eager to get us to stop bickering, walks in between us and places a hand on both of our shoulders. "Instead of arguing back and forth, how about you two go for a walk in the gardens? We'll follow if you'd like, just to make sure you two don't argue."
            
            "Arguing around azaleas and lilies, tempting," $!{player_first_name} says, tapping on ${player_his_her_their} cheek in faux thought.
            
            Yep, this is the most insufferable person I have ever met. 
            
            "I for one could use some fresh air. Follow if you want, $!{player_first_name}, but I'm leaving," I say, stepping out of Mother's touch. $!{player_first_name} does the same and starts walking behind me. 
            
            "Oh no, I'm coming. You can't get rid of me that easily."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene rudegardenmeeting
        
*if ((royal_personality = "charming") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly"))
    “Well, how do I look?” 
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles widely towards ${royal_his_her_their} mother and Mozelle. $!{royal_he_she_they} spent hours preparing for this meeting with $!{player_first_name}. 
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't believe that ${royal_he_she_they} would be meeting $!{player_first_name} again. It had been ages since ${royal_he_she_they} saw them. Always out of sight, but never really out of mind, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn't wait to meet them outside of a royal capacity. 

    “Aren’t those flowers native to $!{player_hometown}?” Mozelle asks as she reaches for ${royal_his_her_their} lapel. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quickly steps away and makes sure none of the petals are crushed. 

    “Yes. Thought it would make a nice surprise,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, fidgeting at the lapel for a few more moments before dropping ${royal_his_her_their} hands at ${royal_his_her_their} sides.

    “Well, if ${player_he_she_they} can’t see the effort, ${player_he_she_they} can definitely smell it,” Mozelle adds, crinkling up her nose. “Ease up on the body spray next time!”

    Mother laughs, smoothing a hand over $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s suit jacket. “You look and smell nice, love. I’m sure $!{player_first_name} will be glad to meet you,” she says, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a kiss on the cheek.

    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} blushes slightly, giving her a one-armed hug before separating. “Alright, alright. Enough, Mother. Let’s go to the Great Hall before I inevitably spill something on myself or fall and rip something open.”

    *page_break
    
    Mother, Mozelle and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} reach the Great Hall just as Father does with $!{player_first_name}. 

    ${player_his_her_their} cape flutters behind ${player_him_her_them} for a few more moments before it finally stills. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices how frilly and pink $!{player_first_name} was dressed and ${royal_he_she_they} liked it. 
    
    Before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to see you.”
            *set charming +1
            "You as well, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving $!{player_first_name} a wide smile. "I hope the journey here wasn't too rough."
            
            $!{player_first_name} shakes ${player_his_her_their} head. "Not at all. Cape Odessa is absolutely lovely."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was glad that $!{player_first_name} seemed to be settling in fine. After all, if ${royal_his_her_their} father's website actually did its' job, $!{player_first_name} would be co-ruling it with ${royal_him_her_them}. It was important that $!{player_first_name} liked most if not all of ${player_his_her_their} new surroundings.
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother asks $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} nods, completely fine with that. "Allow me to, $!{player_first_name}. I know the history of most of the flowers there and how we came to get them in our garden."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers ${royal_his_her_their} elbow to ${player_him_her_them}, which is eagerly taken. Whether that was because of actual excitement, or for the opportunity to continue following royal customs, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} had no way of knowing. 
            
            "Lead the way!"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} flush lightly, resting a hand behind my head. 
            
            "Oh, you flatter me, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was always glad to get a compliment, but they always made ${royal_him_her_them} a bit embarrassed. 
            
            "Well, you know what they say about flattery…how it'll get you everywhere and all of that," $!{player_first_name} replies with a grin. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} glances over at the rest of ${royal_his_her_their} family, who were all grinning or smiling themselves. A great sign. 
            
            "Now that the two of you are all acquainted, how about you go to the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Sure, if that's alright with $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, turning to ${player_him_her_them} for confirmation. 
            
            "Being alone in a garden with you? That's more than alright with me, babe," $!{player_first_name} replies, which coaxes another flush out of ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.”
             "Hi, $!{player_first_name}. It's wonderful to meet you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, giving ${player_him_her_them} a smile. 
             
             $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} watches ${player_him_her_them} fiddle around with ${player_his_her_their} clothing. It wasn't the typical style that ${royal_he_she_they} would wear, but $!{player_first_name} did wear it quite well.
             
             "You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Rumi did a wonderful job on you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says. $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes that as a win.
              
            The silence between the two stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own patience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," she suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers $!{player_first_name} ${royal_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Totally voluntary. If you wish not to go, we can do something else."
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to ${royal_his_her_their} surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            
            When $!{player_first_name} places ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s mind goes completely blank. It was a simple gesture, sure, but still one that made ${royal_his_her_their} heartbeat skip a beat or two.
            
            "It's not too far away," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} tells ${player_him_her_them} as they head towards the room's exit. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Welcome to Dia and the palace, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say with a small smile. "I hope you've liked everything so far."
            
            "I have. Nice city."
            
            Though $!{player_first_name} doesn't really say much, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} manages to eventually have a decent conversation with ${player_him_her_them} about the journey to Dia, staying in Cape Odessa and more. 
            
            Soon enough, Father breaks their conversation up with a proposal to go to the gardens and give $!{player_first_name} a tour there.
            
            "Sounds nice," $!{player_first_name} says, giving $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a small smile.
            
            "Follow me then. Feel free to walk beside me. I don't mind," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, hoping that perhaps that would allow $!{player_first_name} to eventually begin to open up to ${royal_him_her_them}. Also because ${royal_he_she_they} thought it was a bit uncomfortable to follow all the customs so closely in a private setting such as this one.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        #“Well, hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "On the contrary. I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you're my perfect match or maybe you're not. Either way, I'm still glad to have met you," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, smiling brightly.
            
            $!{player_first_name} blinks rapidly before beginning to chuckle slowly.
            
            "No need to charm me, pal. I'm going to compete, so save that for the competition," $!{player_first_name} says. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} hold up my hands, a bit confused, yet amused. 
            
            "Pardon me, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, figuring it's better to just apologize. 
            
            "I'm not uncomfortable. You can relax around me. You know…just talk, less…er, royally?" $!{player_first_name} smiles and rocks back and forth on ${player_his_her_their} heels.
            
            "How about we talk more about this in the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} figured that ${royal_his_her_their} family likely didn't have time to take ${player_him_her_them} there before coming to meet ${royal_him_her_them}. Plus, ${royal_he_she_they} could show off ${royal_his_her_their} flower expertise.
            
            "Sure. Our first lover's quarrel in a romantic garden. Sounds great to me," $!{player_first_name} replies before winking. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chuckles and just shakes ${royal_his_her_their} head, nodding towards ${royal_his_her_their} family as a goodbye before heading out of the Great Hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene charminggardenmeeting
        
*if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly")) 
    “Happy, Mother?” I ask, slowly spinning around for her approval. Mozelle and Mother smile excitedly, clasping both of their hands together at the same time. 

    “You look lovely. Really. I’m glad you went with this jacket rather than the other one,” Mother says, kissing my cheek as she messed with my shirt collar yet again. 

    “Careful Mother. You might accidentally give off the illusion that my sibling cares,” Mozelle teases.

    I huff, allowing Mother to continue fretting over my clothing. Better I allow her to do it rather than making up excuses. She’d only fret more. 

    “Wait, who told you I wasn’t interested? Was it the lack of a smile or the lack of excitement?” I ask, causing Mozelle to laugh. 

    “Ever the charmer. Let’s go,” she says and Mother nods. While Mozelle walks far ahead from Mother and I, Mother takes the opportunity to talk to me in a much lower voice.

    “Honey, please. I know you’re unhappy about this whole thing, but Frederick really just wants to make you happy. At least try to seem interested?” Mother asks softly. I sigh, stomach twisting uncomfortably. Father always demanded a lot from me, but my mother barely did. Always the peacekeeper.

    I nod, watching Mozelle excitedly open up the door leading to the Great Hall. 

    “I’ll try,” I answer finally, giving my mother a small smile.
    
    *if (background = "guard")
        I mean, how hard could it be? I"ve met  ${player_him_her_them} before…just in a guard capacity. How much could $!{player_first_name} have changed?

    *page_break

    We enter the Great Hall just a few moments before Father and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for him to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to me. I’m incredibly glad for that.

    $!{player_first_name} pauses and I immediately notice how pink $!{player_first_name}'s clothes are.
    
    Before I can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Majesty. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            "Is it really a pleasure?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Surely $!{player_first_name} was just laying it on thick.
            
            "Yes, truly," $!{player_first_name} says with a smile. "Everything in Dia that I've been to or seen so far has been lovely."
            
            $!{player_first_name} has to be kidding. $!{player_first_name}'s only been to Dia's fanciest hotel, Rumi's immaculate store and of course, the palace. Just a handful of the nicest places in the capital. But, if ${player_he_she_they} wants to lay it on thick, so can I.
            
            "Well, you look nice. Straight out of those frilly magazine, I see," I say with a smile matching ${player_his_hers_theirs}.
            
            Mother seemed pleased that the two of us were getting along so well, or as well as I was appearing to be. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens?" Mother suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            "The gardens? Sure. There's nothing I'd rather do more," I reply, narrowing my eyes towards Mother, who only smiles wider. 
            
            "I'd love to see them," $!{player_first_name} adds with a wide smile of their own.
            
            Well, at least that makes one of us.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            I smirk, taking a long look at $!{player_first_name}. "I bet you say that to every heir you have to meet," I tease.
            
            "Maybe I do, but I have a strict don't kiss and tell policy," $!{player_first_name} replies with a wink. "But maybe I could break that for you."
            
            We spend a few moments regarding one another, though mine is more out of curiosity. I'm 100 percent sure that $!{player_first_name} is imagining how I look naked.
            
            Eventually Mother breaks our silence by suggesting that we head off somewhere else.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Mother says. 
            
            "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Mother," I reply, giving her a mock salute before I turn back to $!{player_first_name}. "Just follow me, $!{player_first_name}. I'd love to show you all the flowers that were planted in a garden well before my birth."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” After $!{player_first_name} introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}, ${player_he_she_they}  immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground.
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," I say, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at me for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way I was looking at ${player_him_her_them}.
             
            "I see you're a chatterbox," I continue with an amused smile. "My, oh my. This will be an interesting competition."
            
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. The silence between us stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, alone. Unless you're afraid I'll bite," I chuckle. 
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            "Wow, let me get a word in, $!{player_first_name}," I joke, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile that doesn't change the expression on ${player_his_her_their} face.
            
            Well, this will be an extremely short meeting.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," I say. "Very, erm…vital to Odessa's success."
            
            I cringe almost immediately after I say those words. I was getting more and more like Father every day. Luckily, Mother bails this awkward interaction out with a suggestion.
            
            "How about you take $!{player_first_name} to the gardens? Perhaps you two can find something to talk about there?"
            
            "If we can't talk in front of people, I don't know how in the world we will talk when we're alone, but I don't mind leaving to at least get some fresh air," I sigh, barely giving $!{player_first_name} a glance. 
            
            $!{player_first_name} just shrugs at the suggestion. "Fine with me."

            "Wow, you can talk!" I gasp, pretending to fall to the ground in shock. $!{player_first_name} is unamused, unsurprisingly.
            
            "Ready? The day isn't getting any longer."
            
            I flush ever so slightly, adjusting my clothing. "Ah. Yes. Follow me."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
        #“Hello there. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            "Yeah, you're telling me. Here I was, thinking I could just wait for the next person to fall into my royal lap, when all of a sudden Father's got other plans," I say, narrowing my eyes towards Father's direction. I give him props for not rolling his eyes in front of $!{player_first_name}, at least. 
            
            "Wait, so you're not over the moon like the media says you are?" $!{player_first_name} asks, feigning as if in deep thought.
            
            I burst out laughing. I am the furthest from over the moon right now. Maybe mulling on Mars is the more appropriate term.
            
            "For lack of time, let's just say no," I answer with a grin. I must admit, it's pretty refreshing to banter back and forth with somebody who could actually keep up. 
            
            Mother gives the two of us a smile, but I notice that she's subtly motioning towards one of the exits that leads to the gardens.
            
            Hm. I suppose I could tolerate a bit of time alone with ${player_him_her_them}. 
            
            "How about we tour the gardens, $!{player_first_name}? I can show you flowers that were planted long before I was even thought of," I offer.
            
           $!{player_first_name} is silent for a moment, but I already know the answer will be yes. 
           
           "Hm, I had a feeling that I would eventually be alone with you. Then I suppose you'll fall for me as the sun goes down and we can avoid this whole competition, yeah?" $!{player_first_name} asks. 
           
           "Bold of you to assume that I believe in love at first sight, $!{player_first_name}."
           
           $!{player_first_name} playfully pouts at my words. "Oh c'mon. Let's go to the gardens before you break my heart even more."
           *page_break
           *goto_scene sarcasticgardenmeeting
       
*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly")) 
    “Haven’t you primped enough?” Mozelle says to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} as ${royal_he_she_they} continued to mess with the sleeves of ${royal_his_her_their} shirt. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} rolls ${royal_his_her_their} eyes and pinches at her nose.
    
    “Oh please. I could never. Not especially when I’m probably about to meet my spouse,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says.

    Mother laughs softly, pinching at ${royal_his_her_their} cheek. “Let’s go, honey. We don’t want to be late.”

    *page_break

    The trio reaches the Great Hall just a few moments before King Frederick and $!{player_first_name} do, so there’s no time for $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s father to exaggeratedly reveal $!{player_first_name} to the $!{royal_title}.  
    
    $!{player_first_name} pauses and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} immediately notices the frilly influences, but before ${royal_he_she_they} can get a word out, $!{player_first_name}’s bows and introduces ${player_himself_herself_themselves}.
    
    *fake_choice
        #“Hello, Your Highness. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
            *set charming +1
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smirks, reaching out for $!{player_first_name}'s hand before falling to ${royal_his_her_their} knees. 
            
            "Oh, I know all about pleasure," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, pressing a kiss to the top of $!{player_first_name}'s hand. "Very nice to meet you, Sweetness."
            
            "S-Sweetness?" $!{player_first_name} asks in disbelief, as the $!{royal_title} rises from ${royal_his_her_their} knee, nodding with a grin.
            
            "Yes. Sweetness. Win or lose, I think Sweetness fits you incredibly well," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} explains, letting go of ${player_his_her_their} hand. 
            
            "Ah, well…thanks?"
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles brightly, really taking in $!{player_first_name}'s appearance, who ticks all of the things ${royal_he_she_they} would typically find attractive about a person. Then again, though, that isn't too hard for most people.  
            
            Queen Ramona seemed pleased that the two of them were getting along so well, while King Frederick looked completely done with ${royal_his_her_their} flirting, as usual. 
            
            "Now that you two have met, how about showing ${player_him_her_them} the gardens, honey?" Queen Ramona suggests with a bright smile. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} grins. "I'm always down for alone time with anybody, especially when they're super attractive."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hi. I’m $!{player_first_name}. Can I just say you are insanely attractive?"
            *set flirty +1
            "Oh, I know," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies with a smirk. "It's always good to hear it again, though. Nice to meet you, $!{player_first_name}."
            
            The pair spend a few moments regarding one another. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} likes $!{player_first_name}'s outfit, but ${royal_he_she_they} can't help but imagine how ${player_he_she_they} would look without a single thing on.
            
            Eventually Queen Ramona breaks the silence by suggesting that the two of them head off somewhere else, more specifically, the gardens.
            
            "How about you and $!{player_first_name} walk around the gardens? It's the only close place I believe we haven't shown ${player_him_her_them}," Queen Ramona says. 
            
            "I would love to. There are loads of secret spots where the two of us can be alone and get to know one another. In private," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, looking back over at $!{player_first_name}, who is clearly interested in leaving as well.
            
            "If you like me now, you'll love me in private," $!{player_first_name} says, throwing a smirk in the $!{royal_title}'s direction. 
            
            "I bet I will, Sweetness," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, motioning towards one of the many exits out of the hall. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“H-Hi there. I’m $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}," $!{player_first_name} immediately casts ${player_his_her_their} eyes to the ground once the greeting was said.
            *set shy +1
            "Hi, $!{player_first_name}," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, giving ${player_him_her_them} a good look up and down. $!{player_first_name} glances up at ${royal_him_her_them} for a brief moment before looking back down again, clearly embarrassed at the way the $!{royal_title} was looking. 
             
            "You look great, Sweetness. I must admit, I've never been this attracted to anyone so quickly," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues. 
             
            $!{player_first_name} doesn't look up, but does at least smile a bit this time. 
              
            The silence between the pair stretches on for a short while until Mozelle, either out of her own impatience or annoyance, decides to break it.

            "How about you two head to the gardens? It's a perfect place to be alone," She suggests, which causes $!{player_first_name} to flush a bit.
            
            "O-oh, alone?" $!{player_first_name} asks, fiddling around with ${player_his_her_their} fingers.
            
            "Yes, Sweetness, alone. I'll be respectful, I promise. I'll only flirt maybe two more times," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a wink.
            
            $!{player_first_name}, much to my surprise, agrees.  "S-sure. Just lead the way."
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Hello.” $!{player_first_name} nods and that seems to be the end of ${player_his_her_their} greeting.
            *set aloof +1
            "Hello," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} parrots, giving ${player_him_her_them} a wide smile. $!{player_his_her_their} expression doesn't change but the $!{royal_title} lets the lack of response roll of ${royal_his_her_their} back.
            
            "So $!{player_hometown}, huh? Nice place," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} continues, "I've had a lot of fun nights with people from there…"
            
            As the $!{royal_title} trails off in thought about one of ${royal_his_her_their} former hookups, $!{player_first_name} shifts uncomfortably from foot to foot. The movement reminds the $!{royal_title} that $!{player_first_name} is there.
            
            "Sorry. Er…" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} trails off again, wondering just what to say to ${player_him_her_them}. The $!{royal_title} wasn't used to one-sided talking like this. 
            
            Eventually, King Frederick proposes that the two of them go to the gardens and talk more there. For once, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} thought that one of his ideas wasn't so bad.
            
            "Fine with me," $!{player_first_name} agrees with a small smile.
            
            "That's the spirit, Sweetness," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says with a wink. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting
        #“Well hello. Wish we could’ve met under better circumstances, but whatever."
            *set sarcastic +1
            "What circumstances would those have been? In public? In a dimly lit club?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks, fiddling with the sleeve of ${royal_his_her_their} shirt, making no effort to hide ${royal_his_her_their} ogling.
            
            "Eyes up here, pal," $!{player_first_name} says, interrupting the very nice mental image the $!{royal_title} had of ${player_him_her_them} underneath my covers. "Eye contact only."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} pouts playfully, looking into ${player_his_her_their} eyes as ${player_he_she_they} wanted me to. "Eye contact? You're no fun, Sweetness."
            
            $!{player_first_name} crosses ${player_his_her_their} arms and raises an eyebrow. "Sweetness? What is that supposed to be?"
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smirks and lightly taps ${royal_his_her_their} fingers against ${royal_his_her_their} jaw. "Oh, you know. A nickname? An alternate name for somebody?"
            
            $!{player_first_name} leans forward, a smirk on ${player_his_her_their} face as well. "I just thought the heir to the Odessa throne could come up with a better nickname for me than Sweetness. Some good those tutors were that our taxes helped pay for."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, for once, don't have a comeback. Not only was $!{player_first_name} nice to look at, ${player_his_her_their} comebacks were pretty great.
            
            The $!{royal_title} was suddenly wondering if it was too early to start ring shopping. 
            
            "How about I show you the gardens? It's the only place I'm sure you haven't been to yet," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} offers, figuring the walk there could give ${royal_him_her_them} a good opportunity to come up with some one-liners. 
            
            "Too afraid I'll outwit you in front of your family?" $!{player_first_name} teases. "That's fine. I'd love to see the gardens."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} turns back to look at ${royal_his_her_their} mother, father and sister who are all in various states of amusement.
            
            Just no help at all.
            
            "Fine, Sweetness. Since you agreed so nicely…"
            *page_break
            *goto_scene flirtygardenmeeting