"Wait, what?"

You look into the mirror in your hotel room one last time before turning back to your roommate.

"I'm not doing anything special. I'm even getting in the same car as you to get there," you reply. 

"Not…not even flowers?" $!{roommate_name} asks in disbelief.

"That's right."

$!{roommate_name} looks at you as if you grew two additional heads. Was it really so hard to believe that you didn't want to go out of your way to impress the Royal Family?

"But…why?"

"Well…"

*fake_choice
    #"...I've already introduced myself. Not my fault the rest of the country wasn't there."
        "That's true," $!{roommate_name} says thoughtfully. "You've got a point there!"
        
        "Right. Let's get going though. We still have to get to the Palace in a timely matter," you say, doing a final pat down of yourself to make sure you had all your personal items. Once you and $!{roommate_name} were all ready to go, you two head out of your home away home and towards the elevator.
        
        Before you know it, you two are on the way to the Palace. 
        *page_break
        *goto noarrival
    #"...I could care less about this competition."
        *set royalloyalty %-5
        "So you've mentioned a few times," $!{roommate_name} teases before peeking into the same mirror you just finished looking in. "Alright. Just curious."
        
        You offer no other comment as $!{roommate_name} primps in front of the mirror. $!{roommate_he_she} goes on for so long, you start to wonder if ${roommate_he_she} is going to be a contestant instead of you.
        
        "Um, $!{roommate_name}?" 
        
        $!{roommate_his_her} eyes widen when ${roommate_he_she} realizes how much time ${roommate_he_she} has spent in front of the mirror.
        
        "Shit! Sorry, $!{player_first_name}. Let's get going before we're late!"
        *page_break
        *goto noarrival
    #"...I just don't want to. Do I need a reason?"
        *set roommate %-5
        "Oh…no. Of course not, Roomie!" $!{roommate_name} exclaims, rushing to smooth a hand over ${roommate_his_her} outfit before racing to the door. "Let's go before you're late, hm?"
        
        You're barely able to reply as $!{roommate_name} races out of the hotel room with red cheeks. You have a feeling you must've embarrassed ${roommate_him_her}, but ${roommate_he_she} was right about the time. You didn't want to be late, even if you weren't arriving in any special way. You soon follow after ${roommate_him_her}, racing to catch up.
        *page_break
        *goto noarrival
    #"...I'm really lazy, to be honest."
        *set formal %-5
        $!{roommate_name} laughs but offers no other opinion on the matter. 
        
        "Let's get going before we're late," ${roommate_he_she} says, rushing out of the door shortly after ${roommate_he_she} says that.
        *page_break
        *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
    #"...I...well, just all those eyes on me...I didn't feel comfortable doing anything crazy."
        *set shy +1
        $!{roommate_name}'s eyes soften as ${roommate_he_she} looks at you in the mirror. 
        
        "Gotcha. Sorry for asking," $!{roommate_name} replies, smoothing a hand over ${roommate_his_her} hair before smiling at you.
        
        "You've already met them all anyway. It won't be that big of a deal."
        
        You nod, hoping that proves to be the case. Before long, the two of you head out of the hotel room and down into a waiting car, headed off towards the Odessan Palace.
        *page_break
        *goto noarrival
    #"...Why do you care? I just don't want to, okay?"
        *set roommate %-5
        $!{roommate_name}'s eyes widen at your words. 
        
        "Wow. Sorry $!{player_first_name}. I was just wondering…"
        
        $!{roommate_he_she} quickly finishes up in the mirror before rushing towards the door of the hotel room. 
        
        "I'll be downstairs when you're ready."
        
        $!{roommate_name} leaves after that, leaving you to walk down to your shared car alone. 
        *page_break
        *goto noarrival
    
*label noarrival 

It's a pretty uneventful trip to the Odessan Palace. You and $!{roommate_name} climb out of the car at the same time and walk up together to the staging area, which was just about complete. 

"Guess we're early," $!{roommate_name} says, eyes widening when ${roommate_he_she} sees $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} talking to somebody with a short brown haircut. You believe this to be the host of the competition, Tiggy. 

"Oh my God, that's…that's…"

Tiggy turns to their right, having apparently heard your roommate's gasps. Their eyes widen when they see you and $!{roommate_name} standing there. With seemingly inhuman speed, they to stand in front of you, with $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} trailing behind. 

*if (royal_title = "prince")
    Prince $!{royal_first_name} is wearing fairly typical formal clothes today. His outfit is way more formal than your first meeting together. The Prince has on dark blue slacks and dark brown loafers. His shirt is impossibly white and starched to perfection. There's no jacket today, but he still had on an assortment of pins and medals, including a pin of the Odessan flag. 
    
*if (royal_title = "princess")
    Princess $!{royal_first_name} is wearing fairly typical formal clothes today. Her outfit is way more formal than your first meeting together. The Princess has on a knee length dark blue dress and dark brown heels. Besides a huge statement necklace, the only other piece of jewelry she has on is a small pin of the Odessan flag over her heart. 
    
*if (royal_title = "heir")
    Heir $!{royal_first_name} is wearing typical formal clothes today. Their outfit is way more formal than your first meeting together. The Heir has on dark blue shorts and dark brown boots. Their shirt was impossibly white, starched to perfection and had more ruffles than you could ever imagine. The outfit is completed with a matching blue jacket with an assortment of pins and medals on the lapel, including a pin of the Odessan flag. 

"$!{player_first_name}. You're early! Did one of my production assistants get the time wrong?" Tiggy exclaims, their eyes already narrowing at the thought of something going wrong. 

"No. We're here for Arrival Day. I'm just not doing anything," you say.

*if (royal_personality = "flirty")
    "You're not doing anything? Funny enough, I'm not doing anything later…" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} grins and smooths out a wrinkle on ${royal_his_her_their} outfit. You wonder how the $!{royal_title} even knows it's there with ${royal_his_her_their} eyes trained solely on you. 
    
    "If you're not busy later, come find me. I'd love to give you a tour of my bedroom…or another place if you're into that."
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} finishes ${royal_his_her_their} statement with a wink, leaving you to continue the conversation. 
    
    *fake_choice
        #"It's a no from me," I reply, ignoring the way my cheeks want to warm.
            *set flirtychp2roominvite "yes"
            *set royal %+3
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smirks after you speak, which is definitely not helping you stop your cheeks from warming.
            
            "Of course. I'll respect your wishes," the $!{royal_title} says, replacing ${royal_his_her_their} smirk with a smile. "But if you change your mind…"
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} saunters forward, smirk on ${royal_his_her_their} lips once again. $!{royal_his_her_their} breath, slightly minty, ghosts at your left earlobe. 
            
            "East Wing. Third door on the left. Knock three times so I know it's you."
            
            A shout from Tiggy forces the two of you to separate and gives you no time to give ${royal_him_her_them} a response. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is gone just a few moment later, giving you a wink before ${royal_he_she_they} go. 
            
            Beside you, $!{roommate_name} whistles lowly. 
            
            "I don't know what $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} said to you, but if you don't take advantage of it, I will."
            
            You laugh a bit at your roommate's words, who swore your life was like a crazy game or something. 
            
            "Yeah, I'm heading to my seat, right over there," you say, pointing over at a highly decorated part of the viewing stands. $!{roommate_name} smirks and throws ${roommate_his_her} hands up in the air.
            
            "I can take a hint. This time at least. See you later."
            
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"Yeah, I'm good," I say and make sure $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} knows I really don't want to be around ${royal_him_her_them}.
            *set royal %+5
            "Really?"
            
            "Yes, really, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}," you reply with a roll of your eyes. "You'll have to hit up one of your concubines tonight."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} snorts but gets the message.
            
            "I hear you, crystal, Sweetness. See you later."
            
            With a rather sarcastic goodbye salute in your direction, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} walks away, presumably to get fretted over by Tiggy once again.
            
            "Concubines?" $!{roommate_name} snorts beside you and you shrug.
            
            "First thing that popped in my head," you say in your defense, watching $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} leave before your attention is stolen by something else. It's a group of workers putting in the finishing touches on a few decorations near a particular part of the viewing stands. 
            
            "Guess that's our clue to grab a seat. See you later, $!{player_first_name}!" $!{roommate_name} exclaims.
             
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"I'm into whatever you're into." I bat my eyes and give $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} a smoldering look.
            *set flirtychp2roominvite "yes"
            *if (bold > 60)
                *set royal %+5
                *set flirty +1
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes one look at you before starting to chuckle. 
                
                "Sweetness, no need to be flirty on my account. You're very intriguing the way you usually are."
                
                You fight off warm cheeks as your face relaxes to its' usual position. 
                
                "Still. My words stand," you reply, stepping closer to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} for good measure. This amuses the $!{royal_title} who matches your stride a short time later. 
                
                "Well, since you're so interested. If you're not busy later, swing by the East Wing and knock three times on the third door to your left," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} instructs with a little smirk on ${royal_his_her_their} face. "See you later."
                
                As the $!{royal_title} walks away, $!{roommate_name} pretends to gag beside you.
                
                "Ew, you're worse than my parents," $!{roommate_he_she} says. "But hey, I'd flirt too if I had the chance."
            
                You laugh a bit at your roommate's words and offer no comment to ${roommate_his_her} sentence.
            
                "Anyways, I'm heading to my seat," you say, pointing over at a highly decorated part of the viewing stands. $!{roommate_name} nods and tells you goodbye before the two of you part ways.
            
                You find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
            *if (bold >= 60)
                *set royal %+3
                *set flirty +1
                *set flirtychp2roominvite "yes"
                "Many have said that but few have actually been able to prove that," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} begins, giving you a long sideways glance. You welcome the glance, tilting your head slightly to the side to give the $!{royal_title} a better view of your neck. 
                
                "You tempt me too much, Sweetness," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} groans but does move a bit closer to you. Your roommate clears ${roommate_his_her} throat beside you and unfortunately reminds you that you're not alone or even in a secluded spot. 
                
                "As entertaining as this is," $!{roommate_name} begins, "I think Tiggy needs you for something, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}."
                
                The $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} turns around a bit to see Tiggy did indeed need ${royal_him_her_them} for something. Their eyebrow is raised at the current scene, but they don't make any movement towards the three of you. 
                
                "Looks like your roommate is right. But…"
                
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} leans forward one more time for good measure. 
                
                "If you really want to show me how true those words are, you can find me later in my room. East Wing, third door on the left. Knock three times so I know it's you, alright?"
                
                You nod and motion towards Tiggy, who seems to be a few moments away from hauling the $!{royal_title} away by force. 
                
                "Better go before you get punished," you tease and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} laughs. 
                
                "Not the first time and certainly won't be the last."
                
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is gone just a few moment later, giving you a wink before ${royal_he_she_they} go. 
            
                Beside you, $!{roommate_name} pretends to gag.
                
                "You're worse than my parents," $!{roommate_he_she} says. "But hey, I'd flirt too."
            
                You laugh a bit at your roommate's words and offer no comment to ${roommate_his_her} sentence.
            
                "Anyways, I'm heading to my seat," you say, pointing over at a highly decorated part of the viewing stands. $!{roommate_name} nods and tells you goodbye before the two of you part ways.
            
                You find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"Could you be any more desperate?" I scoff.
            *set rude +1
            *set royal %+3
            "Well, that is my middle name after all, Sweetness. $!{royal_first_name} Desperate Wyman." $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} drums on the side of ${royal_his_her_their} cheek with ${royal_his_her_their} fingertips, seemingly in thought. "Does have a nice ring to it, don't you think?"
            
            "Yeah, I'm out of here," you say, immediately turning around and dragging your roommate with you. 
            
            "Geez, Roomie, where are we going?" $!{roommate_name} asks while you two speed walk away.
            
            "Away from ${royal_him_her_them}," you mumble, sneaking a glance behind your shoulder. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is no longer there, bothering poor Tiggy surrounded by event assistants at the far end of the courtyard, but when ${royal_he_she_they} catches your eye, you get a wink back. 
            
            You roll your eyes and stop in your tracks, while $!{roommate_name} takes large, gasping breaths, as if moving a few yards away was such a big deal to ${roommate_him_her}. 
            
            "We should probably just go take our seats anyway," $!{roommate_name} says, resuming ${roommate_his_her} normal breathing, much to your relief. "I think I'm where all the media people will be sitting and you're on the other side."
            
            You nod at that and split ways after a short goodbye and later find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"I'd rather get to know you first before we do anything...not saying that I want to do anything, but I wouldn't be opposed..." I know I'm absolutely stumbling over my words at this point, but I can't stop. 
            *set shy +1
            *set royal %+5
            *set flirtychp2roominvite "yes"
            "Sweetness. Please."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} smiles, almost fondly. 
            
            "Relax. We can talk more later if you want. I'll be here," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, taking a tentative step forward. "East Wing. third door on the left. If knock three times, you'll find a nice surprise there. The surprise being my room."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} leaves after giving you one final smile. Once the $!{royal_title} is out of sight, $!{roommate_name} whistles lowly before ${roommate_he_she} speaks. 
            
            "Here I thought you had to be incredibly forward to get ${royal_his_her_their} attention."
            
            You chuckle nervously, playing around with your fingers. "Well, I probably won't go to ${royal_his_her_their} room anyway. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} was probably just trying to be nice."
            
            $!{roommate_name} smirks and throws ${roommate_his_her} hands up in the air. 
            
            "Whatever. The $!{royal_title} is not the ${royal_man_woman_person} I need to impress. I'll default to your logic," $!{roommate_name} replies. 
            
            There's a comfortable silence between the two of you after that, but as worker activity increases across the courtyard, you two decide to split and head off to your seats for the competition. 
            
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
            
        #"I hope you're joking." My arms are crossed and I'm sure I don't look pleased at all.
            *set aloof +1
            *set royal %-3
            "No, I make a wonderful tour guide. Remember the gardens?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says to which you roll your eyes in response. 
            
            "Yeah, it's a no from me. See you later," you say, grabbing your roommate by the arm to steer them away from $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}.
            
            "What? You can't be serious about not wanting to see $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s room," ${roommate_he_she} says and for the second time in a matter of minutes, you roll your eyes. 
            
            "Very serious. I'm going to go find my seat before I get interrupted again."
            
            With a rushed goodbye, you two part ways and you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
*if (royal_personality = "aloof")
    *set royal %+5
    "Oh?"
     
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} looks surprised, which appears to be a strange emotion for ${royal_him_her_them}. You blink and ${royal_his_her_their} face relaxes into its usual position, mild annoyance and major indifference. 
     
    "I see. Good day, then."
     
    You and $!{roommate_name} watch $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} walk away with a mix of emotions, though your roommate's are more obvious with the way ${roommate_he_she} stares at ${royal_him_her_them}.
     
    "Is it just me or did $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} get more attractive after that?"
    
    *fake_choice
        #"Definitely just you."
            *set roommate %-3
            *set snarky %+3
            $!{roommate_name} pouts. "You're no fun, $!{player_first_name}."
             
            $!{roommate_his_her} attention is suddenly taken by the action of a few workers finishing up final touches on all the seating.
             
            "Guess that's our clue to grab a seat. See you later, $!{player_first_name}!"
             
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"I mean, I guess..."
            *set roommate %+3
            $!{roommate_name} pouts. "You don't have to agree with me all the time, $!{player_first_name}."
             
            $!{roommate_his_her} attention is suddenly taken by the action of a few workers finishing up final touches on all the seating.
             
            "Guess that's our clue to grab a seat. See you later, $!{player_first_name}!"
             
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        
        #"$!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} said six words, $!{roommate_name}."
            *set roommate %+3
            *set snarky %+3
            $!{roommate_name} chuckles. "Always the voice of reason, $!{player_first_name}."
             
            $!{roommate_his_her} attention is suddenly taken by the action of a few workers finishing up final touches on all the seating.
             
            "Guess that's our clue to grab a seat. See you later, $!{player_first_name}!"
             
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"Not just you at all..."
            *set roommate %+5
            $!{roommate_name} smirks. "Wow, and you got to spend a lot of time with ${royal_him_her_them} all alone a few weeks ago. Lucky you."
             
            $!{roommate_his_her} attention is suddenly taken by the action of a few workers finishing up final touches on all the seating.
             
            "Guess that's our clue to grab a seat. See you later, $!{player_first_name}!"
             
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"I could care less."
            *set friendly %-5
            *set roommate %-3
            $!{roommate_name} huffs. "You wound me, $!{player_first_name}." $!{roommate_he_she} throws a hand over ${roommate_his_her} heart, but you know it's all jokes. 
             
            Suddenly, $!{roommate_his_her} attention is taken by the action of a few workers finishing up final touches on all the seating.
             
            "Guess that's our clue to grab a seat. See you later, $!{player_first_name}!"
             
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"I mean $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} could've at least said hello."
            *set roommate %+5
            $!{roommate_name} laughs. "Well, technically that already happened, $!{player_first_name}."
             
            You roll your eyes at your roommate's attempt of a joke. "You're not wrong, but another hello would've been nice too!"
             
            $!{roommate_name} laughs once again, before $!{roommate_his_her} attention is taken by the action of a few workers finishing up final touches on all the seating.
             
            "Guess that's our clue to grab a seat. See you later, $!{player_first_name}!"
             
            Once you two part ways, you find your seat with relative ease. Once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions. 
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
*if (royal_personality = "sarcastic")
    *set royal %+5
    "If only everybody here today could follow after your lead," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} sighs, casting a glance behind ${royal_his_her_their} shoulder at all of the production assistants bustling around.
    
    "Not to mention Tiggy constantly making sure there's not a hair out of place. I already have two parents."
    
    With one final sigh, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} looks back at you and seems to notice your roommate beside you for the first time. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} gives $!{roommate_name} a long look over before smiling. You guess ${roommate_he_she} passes ${royal_his_her_their} personal test. 
    
    "You must be $!{roommate_name}. Nice to meet you."
    
    $!{roommate_name} smiles sheepishly and begins to move into a low bow when the $!{royal_title} stops ${roommate_him_her} in ${roommate_his_her} tracks. 
    
    "Oh please. None of that, especially since Father isn't around."
    
    $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} opens ${royal_his_her_their} mouth to start another conversation when all three of you hear ${royal_his_her_their} name being shouted by Tiggy. 
    
    "$!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}! You're needed in makeup again!"
    
    The $!{royal_title} rolls ${royal_his_her_their} eyes, mouthing, "see what I mean?", before walking away from the two of you with a wave. There's a few beats of silence before $!{roommate_name} lets out a huge breath.
    
    "Oh my God, ${royal_he_she_they} said my name," $!{roommate_name} says before collapsing in a fit of giggles. "God, I hope nobody saw that. My giggles are embarrassing."
    
    Before you could reply, you hear another shout from Tiggy, asking you guys to take your seat so the crew could do some final equipment checks. You two find your seats with relative ease and once the rest of the crowd arrives for the festivities, Tiggy moves on with the introductions.
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
    
*if (royal_personality = "charming")
    *set royal %+3
    "Really? Well, that's certainly your choice. I'm excited to get to know you in other capacities," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} with a bow. The $!{royal_title} leaves with a smile for both you and $!{roommate_name}.
    
    "W-wow," $!{roommate_he_she} breathes once $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is out of sight. "Okay, best first meeting ever. Even if ${royal_he_she_they} didn't say my name or anything."
    
    Your attention is stolen by a few nearby workers putting finishing touches on a particular part of the stands. Given the amount of balloons and streamers it had, you were sure it was where you should go sit.
    
    "Alright, $!{roommate_name}, I guess we should part ways."
    
    $!{roommate_name} nods and gives you a smile before heading the opposite direction. You find your seat with relative ease and once the rest of the crowd, including members of the media and other important people, arrives, Tiggy moves on with the introductions. 
    
    You glance over at $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} to see ${royal_him_her_them} talking to King Frederick, who is looking a bit confused. You assume the $!{royal_title} is probably explaining why you decided not to arrive in a special manner. You look away before it gets too awkward and in just enough time too, since Tiggy is preparing to speak.
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
    
    
*if (royal_personality = "shy")
    You watch the $!{royal_title}'s shoulders relax once you're done speaking. 
    
    "Oh…is that so?" Tiggy asks, making sure you're telling the truth before nodding. "Very well. I'll inform the Royal Family."
    
    They promptly turn on their heel to walk away, but $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} lingers for a few moments. As you and $!{roommate_name} turn away to find your seats, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} speaks up, albeit quietly. 
    
    "Thanks."
    
    The word makes you stop in your tracks and turn around fully. 
    
    *fake_choice
        #"Thanks for what?"
            *set royal %+5
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} fiddles with ${royal_his_her_their} fingers and looks away.
            
            "For not doing anything. There's enough attention on me as it is," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} answers. 
            
            Oh. Well. You weren't expecting that, but makes sense given ${royal_his_her_their} personality. 
            
            "I have to go," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} says, interrupting your thoughts. "See you later."
            
            Once the $!{royal_title} has left, $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before smiling. 
            
            "Okay, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is too sweet for ${royal_his_her_their} own good," $!{roommate_name} sighs. "But I'll let you go. We better find our seats before the crowds get here."
            
            You nod in agreement and give $!{roommate_name} a wave before you head towards the contestant section of the stands. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"Oh...I mean...it's nothing..."
            *set shy +1
            *set royal %+10
            "It means a lot, actually," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} insists, hugging ${royal_his_her_their} arms to ${royal_his_her_their} chest. "But I better go before Tiggy wrings my neck."
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes ${royal_his_her_their} leave almost immediately after speaking.
            
            $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before smiling after the $!{royal_title}. 
            
            "Okay, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} is too sweet for ${royal_his_her_their} own good," $!{roommate_name} sighs. "I'll let you go, though. We better find our seats before the crowds get here."
            
            You nod in agreement and give $!{roommate_name} a wave before you head towards the contestant section of the stands. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"It's not that serious."
            *set aloof +1
            *set royal %+5
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} chews on ${royal_his_her_their} bottom lip. 
            
            "Right, it's just…yeah, I'm being silly…"
            
            Your chest tightens a bit at ${royal_his_her_their} words and you find yourself stumbling over your own as well. 
            
            "Silly? You're not being silly but…" a sigh breaks up your words, but you decide to push forward. "I just think you should worry about something else more important than what I say to you, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}."
            
            The $!{royal_title} mulls over your words for a moment but before ${royal_he_she_they} could offer a reply, Tiggy pulls them away for some sort of competition related matter. 
            
            Once the $!{royal_title} has left, $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before smirking. 
            
            "As if anybody could be more important than you right now," $!{roommate_name} teases before taking a step back from you. "I'll let you go, though. We better find our seats before the crowds get here."
            
            You nod in agreement and give $!{roommate_name} a wave before you head towards the contestant section of the stands. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"No problem, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}."
            *set charming +1
            *set royal %+5
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}  smiles briefly before taking a few steps back. 
            
            "Tiggy is expecting me. I'll see you around." 
            
            Once the $!{royal_title} has left, $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before sighing.
            
            "I'll let you go, $!{player_first_name}. We better find our seats before the crowds get here."
            
            You nod in agreement and give $!{roommate_name} a wave before you head towards the contestant section of the stands. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
*if (royal_personality = "rude")
    "Excuse me?" $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks, resting a hand against ${royal_his_her_their} hip. "You can't be serious, after all we've done—"
    
    "What the $!{royal_title} [i] means [/i] to say," Tiggy begins, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a pointed looked before focusing their attention back to you. "is that your decision is perfectly fine. You're welcome to take a seat at your leisure. I'll let the King know. If you'll excuse me."
    
    You nod and watch Tiggy head towards another group of people, all holding clipboards tightly to their chests. You turn back to $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, whose eyes are boring into your skull. 
    
    "I suppose I should thank you for not doing something so trivial like giving me flowers or singing."
    
    The $!{royal_title} spares a glance in your roommate's direction, who is barely keeping it together. 
    
    "You must be ${player_his_her_their} lap dog, hm?"
    
    $!{roommate_name} doesn't say anything, so you quickly reply back:
    
    *fake_choice
        #"Do you see a tail and ears on ${roommate_him_her}?"
            *set sarcastic +1
            *set royal %+3
            $!{roommate_name} lets out a snort before ${roommate_he_she} could help it. 
            
            "Certainly not. Whatever. This day will be long enough and I'd rather not spend my last few free moments with you two," $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} mutters, immediately turning on ${royal_his_her_their} heel to leave you two by yourselves. $!{roommate_name} whistles lowly before giving you a glance.
            
            "So that's $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}. Hell of a first impression."
            
            $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before chuckling.
            
            "Well, Roomie, I'll let you get to your seat before the rest of the guests get here. See you later."
            
            You give $!{roommate_name} a wave before heading towards the stands where all the contestants are to sit after their arrival method. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            
            *page_break
            *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"I mean, you act just like a dog. Might as well give $!{roommate_name} a sniff while you're here."
            *set rude +1
            *set bold %+5
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s eyes widen in shock at your words. 
            
            "Did you just call the sitting heir to the country of Odessa…a dog?"
            
            You look at $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s face, trying to get a read of ${royal_his_her_their} reaction. 
            
            *if (royal < 50)
                "I'll pretend you didn't just say that to me, $!{player_first_name}."
                
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s arms are crossed and there's nothing but disgust on ${royal_his_her_their} face. 
                
                "See, because if you [i] had [/i] said that, I would guarantee that you'd never be able to work anywhere in Odessa again."
                
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} takes a step forward, but you hold your ground.
                
                "You're definitely a chihuahua," you reply, smirk stretching across your face. 
                
                The $!{royal_title}'s shoulders start to shake but before ${royal_he_she_they} can reply, Tiggy has somehow made their way back to the $!{royal_title}'s side. They rest a hand on $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}'s shoulders, giving ${royal_him_her_them} a smile. 
                
                "Your Highness, how about we get you into makeup before the cameras start rolling?"
                
                $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} doesn't get an opportunity to respond before Tiggy starts pushing ${royal_him_her_them} away. $!{roommate_name} whistles lowly before giving you a glance.
            
                "So that's $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}. Hell of a first impression."
            
                $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before chuckling.
                
                "Well, Roomie, I'll let you get to your seat before the rest of the guests get here. See you later."
            
                You give $!{roommate_name} a wave before heading towards the stands where all the contestants are to sit after their arrival method. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
            *if (royal >=50)
                A short burst of laughter escapes ${royal_his_her_their} lips. 
                
                "I needed that laugh, $!{player_first_name}. But don't ever compare me to a dog again. That's a warning."
                
                Without another word, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} turns on ${royal_his_her_their} heel and leaves the two of you behind. Beside you, $!{roommate_name} lets out a breath of air and follows it with a shaky laugh.
                
                "I was scared there for a minute. Hell of a first impression.
                
                $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before chuckling.
            
                "Well, Roomie, I'll let you get to your seat before the rest of the guests get here. See you later."
            
                You give $!{roommate_name} a wave before heading towards the stands where all the contestants are to sit after their arrival method. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            
                *page_break
                *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"$!{roommate_name} is my mentor, actually. Well, of sorts. I hope you guys can get along."
            *set charming +1
            *set royal %-3
           $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} snorts and promptly turns on ${royal_his_her_their} heel. 
           
           "Good luck on that," the $!{royal_title} says before making ${royal_his_her_their} way back over to Tiggy, who shoos ${royal_him_her_them} away to do something you assume is competition related.
           
           Beside you, $!{roommate_name} lets out a breath of air and follows it with a shaky laugh.
                
           "So that's the Odessan heir. Hell of a first impression…"
                
           $!{roommate_name} runs a hand through ${roommate_his_her} hair before chuckling.
            
           "Well, $!{player_first_name}, I'll let you get to your seat before the rest of the guests get here. See you later."
            
           You give $!{roommate_name} a wave before heading towards the stands where all the contestants are to sit after their arrival method. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            
           *page_break
           *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
        #"What is your problem?"
            *set rude +1
            *set bold %+5
            *set royal %+5
            *set roommate %+5
            "Relax, $!{player_first_name}," $!{roommate_name} begins, but you're not about to let this go.
            
            "I'm just not sure why you're so rude to somebody you've just met," you continue as you cross your arms and hike up an eyebrow. 
            
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} rolls ${royal_his_her_their} eyes and takes a long look at you. 
            
            "Because I can, $!{player_first_name}. Welcome to Court! If don't like the way I act, you're welcome to leave. It will certainly make this competition shorter."
            
            With a sniff, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} turns on ${royal_his_her_their} heel to leave. You start to follow after ${royal_him_her_them}, but your roommate grabs your arm to stop you.
            
            "Roomie, let it go. I'm sure you'll have plenty of times to humble our fearless heir in the future."
            
            You sigh and nod, glancing over at a pretty decorated part of the courtyard. There were super comfortable looking chairs and only ten of them, so you assume that that's the place you should be sit at.
            
            "I'll catch you later, $!{roommate_name}. I think I should probably head over there," you say. $!{roommate_he_she} smiles and gives you a little wave.
            
            "Alright…and thanks for earlier."
            
            You give $!{roommate_name} a wave before heading towards the stands. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            
           *page_break
           *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive
            
        #"Er, no..."
            *set aloof +1
            *set royal %-3
            $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} quirks up an eyebrow and crosses ${royal_his_her_their} arms, obviously waiting for you to continue. You don't though.
            
            "Excuse us," you say, leading $!{roommate_name} towards a super decorated part of the stands—probably where you and the other contestants would be sitting.
            
            "No way you just walked away from $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}," $!{roommate_name} breathes, quickly glancing over ${roommate_his_her} shoulder to sneak a peak at ${royal_him_her_them}. 
            
            "The $!{royal_title} is so mad…"
            
            You shrug and pause in front of the stands, finally allowing yourself to look back. The $!{royal_title} was nowhere to be found, which was probably better in the long run. 
            
            "Whatever. I better take my seat. I'll see you around," you say and $!{roommate_name} nods, a smile returning to ${roommate_his_her} face. 
            
            "Of course. See you later!"
            
            You give $!{roommate_name} a wave before heading towards the stands. With you deciding not to do anything special for your arrival, once the rest of the media, influencers and other guests arrive and settle into their seats, Tiggy pushes on with the next arrival.
            
           *page_break
           *goto_scene chp2_othercontestantsarrive