*if (background = "guard")
    *goto_scene chp2_guardpalace

When you finally arrive to the Odessan Palace, you quickly realize that every single photo you’ve ever seen of the palace did not do it justice. While the palace was in Dia, it wasn’t directly downtown, for many reasons, such as security and space.

Ross drives maybe five minutes outside of the city proper and stops only briefly to show the guard his own ID, much like Ryr did earlier. The guard presses a button and the closed gate swings open, allowing the three of you to enter.

“We’re going through a side entrance, of sorts,” Ryr says as he drives. “The public can visit the palace and get a tour of the non-residential parts, take pictures, you know, touristy stuff. That entrance is 10 minutes away from where we are now.”

“This entrance is for special guests, dignitaries, people important to the Crown,” Ross adds. “Don’t worry, the view is just as spectacular though.”

You can’t help but to press yourself closer towards the car window as you drive out of the forest of trees that help to shield the palace from view. 

*page_break

The Odessan Palace is a bright white building that spans back as far as the eye could see. Ross slowly drives around the large rectangular pond in front of the building, which has at least three fountains spurting up water every few seconds. As you get closer, you notice large columns interspersed between the windows of the building. 

At the very top of the building flies the Odessan flag and what appears to be guards walking back and forth, holding rifles. 

“Sheesh, remember when we used to be up there, Ryr?” Ross asks, slowing to a stop in front of a staircase. 

“Unfortunately. Worst six weeks ever,” Ryr replies, getting out of the car and opening the door for you. While Ross hands off the keys to the car to a valet, Ryr turns to look at you.

“You feeling alright, $!{player_first_name}? I know the first time I met the Royal Family, I about peed myself.”

You found it hard to believe that Ryr was capable of being shaken like that, but you reply:

*fake_choice
    #“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ready to pee myself either.”
    #“I’m great. Just going to pretend they’re all naked, though that’ll probably increase my nervousness.”
    #“Actually, I’m wondering if it’s too late for me to swipe the keys from Ross and speed off.”
    #“I’ll be just fine. Probably.”
    #“As ready as I’ll ever be.”
        
Ryr chuckles and glances at his watch, waving a bit to get his brother’s attention. “You have nothing to worry about,” he insists. 

Ross eventually notices his brother waving and heads up a few stairs to meet you two. “Alright, let’s go!” Ross exclaims, taking the lead as you three begin to climb the stairs into the palace. 

*page_break

When you finally make it inside of the palace, the first room you’re in is a hallway of sorts. All of the walls are white, just like the entire exterior of the palace. The walls are covered in ivy, which you believe to be fake, until you notice maids watering and spraying the leaves with water. A few of them notice the presence of you three.

Some smile politely, but most of them just ignore you. It was almost starting to get awkward, when finally a dark skinned woman with a short bob cut approaches the three of you. She’s holding a clipboard and has an ID badge clipped to her shirt collar. 

“$!{player_first_name}. Ross. Ryr. I’m Rebecca, press secretary for the Royal Family. King Frederick, Queen Ramona and Princess Mozelle are all ready for you,” Rebecca says, turning around on her heels and heads back down the hallway, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor as she walks. You three follow after her until she stops in front of two double doors labeled “Royal Meeting Room”. 

Rebecca makes a series of knocks on the door and soon you hear the sounds of locks being unlocked. The doors swing open and you soon find yourself face to face with the King, Queen and Princess.
    
“Your Majesties, King Frederick and Queen Ramona and Your Highness, Princess Mozelle, may I present to you $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}, from $!{player_hometown}. $!{player_first_name}, the Odessa Royal Family, sans $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, whom you will meet later,” Rebecca says, moving aside so the Royal Family could really get a good look at you.
*page_break

*comment this where the clothing choices some in

*if (player_clothing_style = "rumi") 
    *set mozelle %+5
    “Welcome to the palace, $!{player_first_name}. I see Rumi has made quite an impression on you,” Queen Ramona says with a smile. You quickly realize that the portrait you looked at of the Royal Family really didn’t do any of them justice. Queen Ramona’s smile is just as bright and welcoming as it looked when you saw it a few days ago.

    “Yes, Your Majesty,” you say, bowing to her first, before bowing towards the King and the Princess.

    “You look lovely, $!{player_first_name}!” Princess Mozelle exclaims. “I daresay you wear that cape almost as well as Rumi does. Don’t tell them that though. They’re working on a few dresses for me right now and I’d hate for them to stop.” She winks after saying that.

    You turn towards the King, waiting for him to say something. He watches you for a long while before he smiles a bit as well. 

    “Thank you for coming, $!{player_first_name}. My apologies that you’re at a hotel, but soon enough you’ll be in our home,” King Frederick said. “Allow us to take you on a small tour.”
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_royaltour

*if (player_clothing_style = "revealing")
    *set mozelle %+10
    Before the King and Queen could say anything, Princess Mozelle is racing over to you, marveling at your outfit.

    “Oh my…$!{player_first_name}, your outfit is so cute! My mom never lets me wear stuff like this.”
    
    Princess Mozelle huffs, crossing her arms as she continues to look at you.

    “For good reason, dear,” the Queen replies, moving towards to take in more of your appearance. You two are definitely dressed like polar opposites as the moment. The Queen wears a dress much more casual than what she wore in both the portrait you initially saw her in, as well as the press conference. It’s off the shoulders, but long sleeved and floor length. 

    “Never mind what you’re wearing, $!{player_first_name}, welcome to the Odessan Palace,” King Frederick says, giving you a small smile. You bow, remembering that $!{roommate_name} told you that you had to do so before the end of the greetings.
    
    “Thank you for coming. My apologies that you’re at a hotel, but soon enough you’ll be in our home,” King Frederick continues. “Allow us to take you on a small tour.”
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_royaltour

*if (player_clothing_style = "casual")
    *set mozelle %+5
    “Welcome to the Odessan Palace, $!{player_first_name}. We’re so glad you’re here,” Queen Ramona says with a smile. “You look comfortable, but cute.”

    “Thank you, Your Majesty,” you say, bowing towards her, before you bow towards the Princess and the King. 

    “Yeah, this is totally something I’d wear in the city. Rumi did a great job fitting you,” Princess Mozelle compliments. The King nods in agreement.

    “You look very nice, $!{player_first_name}. Thank you for coming. My apologies that you’re at a hotel, but soon enough you’ll be in our home,” King Frederick said. “Allow us to take you on a small tour.”
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_royaltour

*if (player_clothing_style = "royal")
    *set mozelle %+10
    The Royal Family is actually stunned when they finally see all of you. Their eyebrows are all of varying heights, but it’s Princess Mozelle who speaks first.

    “Holy hell, $!{player_first_name}! You’re dressing like us already. I gotta ask Rumi to make something similar,” she says, turning her head to the side to stare at your outfit in more detail.

    “Stunning. Simply stunning, $!{player_first_name},” Queen Ramona compliments, smiling brightly. “Reminds me of my younger years.”

    Even King Frederick has a compliment for you. “I figured you’d wear something more...Loxian. You didn’t have to go all out like this, but I truly appreciate it. Thank you for coming, $!{player_first_name}.”

    “My apologies that you’re at a hotel, but soon enough you’ll be in our home,” Queen Ramona says, shaking her head a bit to get out of the daze she was in. “Allow us to take you on a small tour.”
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_royaltour

*if (player_clothing_style = "smart")
    *set mozelle %+5
    “Welcome to the Odessan Palace, $!{player_first_name}! You look just like you stepped out of Rebecca’s closet!” Princess Mozelle compliments. “Or a fashion magazine.”

    Rebecca huffs beside you, looking you up and down as you bow to the Royal Family. “Perhaps,” is all she replies.

    “Thank you for coming, $!{player_first_name}. My apologies that you’re at a hotel, but soon enough you’ll be in our home,” King Frederick says. “Allow us to take you on a small tour.”
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_royaltour

*if (player_clothing_style = "edgy")
    *set mozelle %+7
    "Whoa, $!{player_first_name}, you look badass!" Princess Mozelle exclaims, ignoring the huffing and puffing from her mother and father. 
    
    She's marveling at your outfit in such a way that you're sure that if her eyes could truly bulge out of her eye sockets, they probably would.
    
    Queen Ramona and King Frederick don't exactly share her enthusiasm, but they welcome you all the same.
    
    "Hello $!{player_first_name}. We're happy you've made it to the Odessan Palace. Allow Ramona, Mozelle and I take you on a tour and show you some highlights," King Frederick says.
    
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_royaltour

*if (player_clothing_style = "frilly")
    *set mozelle %+7
    Queen Ramona and Princess Mozelle's eyes both soften when they catch sight of you.
    
    "You're so…pink! Frilly! Cute." Princess Mozelle sighs on the last word. Queen Ramona agrees, though is much more dignified in her response.
    
    "You look adorable, $!{player_first_name}. The colors really suit you," she says, reaching out to touch your sleeve before stepping away.
    
    "You look nice, $!{player_first_name}. Welcome to Dia and the Odessan Palace. Allow us to give you a small tour of some of our most popular and used rooms and areas," King Frederick says with a small smile.
    
    *page_break
    *goto_scene chp2_royaltour