*if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly")) *goto_scene chp2_frillyandedgybye *if ((royal_personality = "flirty") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy")) *goto_scene chp2_frillyandedgybye *if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "frilly")) *goto_scene chp2_frillyandedgybye *if ((royal_personality = "sarcastic") and (player_clothing_style = "edgy")) *goto_scene chp2_frillyandedgybye *if (royal_personality = "flirty") Eventually, $!{player_first_name} and I find ourselves back inside of the palace. I couldn’t exactly get a read on how ${player_he_she_they} thought our time alone went, but I personally thought it went alright. Even if ${player_he_she_they} didn't think it went alright, I still wanted to sleep with ${player_him_her_them}. I groan a bit as we near where $!{player_first_name} originally came in at because I see my entire family, as well as Ross and Ryr, chatting animatedly amongst themselves. They all quiet down when they notice us getting closer. “How exactly am I supposed to flirt with ${player_first_name} if you guys are waiting on us?” I ask, my eyebrows raised and my arms folded. "You really shouldn't be flirting at all," Father reminds me and I roll my eyes. "Why not? $!{player_first_name} totally enjoys my flirting! Isn't that right?" *fake_choice #$!{player_first_name} flushes and looks away from the group, not answering the question. *set shy +1 #"It's actually rather annoying," $!{player_first_name} says. *set aloof +1 #"I sure do. The $!{royal_title} is almost as good as me," $!{player_first_name} says, winking over at me. *set flirty +1 #"That's wrong, much like everything else you've said to me today," $!{player_first_name} says with a roll of ${player_his_her_their} eyes. *set rude +1 #"Yes. I've only threw up in my mouth three times, a new record for me around people that can't take a hint," $!{player_first_name} says before sighing. *set sarcastic +1 #"A bit stronger than I'm used to, but..." $!{player_first_name} just smiles, probably so we can change the topic. *set charming +1 "See!" I exclaim, completely ignoring whatever ${player_he_she_they} said. “Uh-huh,” Father says. "How about we let $!{player_first_name} go? I'm sure it's getting late." Ryr nods and spares a quick glance at his watch. "Yes, Your Highness," he says, motioning for $!{player_first_name} to follow after the two of them. I sigh and watch $!{player_first_name}, Ross and Ryr leave, before turning to my family. "Well…I've got a date," I tell them with a grin, slowly backing up towards the door. Mother and Father roll both of their eyes while Mozelle chuckles. "Will you be back for dinner?" She asks and I shrug. "Probably not…she likes to cuddle after-" I pause and wink, deciding not to finish the rest of my sentence. $!{player_first_name} was proper cute, but hey, I had a reputation to uphold. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend *if (royal_personality = "aloof") Eventually, $!{player_first_name} and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} find themselves back inside of the palace. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} couldn’t exactly get a read on how ${player_he_she_they} thought ${royal_his_her_their} time alone went, but ${royal_he_she_they} personally thought it went alright. $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} groans a bit as they near where $!{player_first_name} originally came in at because the $!{royal_title} sees ${royal_his_her_their} entire family, as well as Ross and Ryr, chatting animatedly amongst themselves. The entire group quiets down when they notice $!{player_first_name} and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} getting closer. “Were you all waiting for us?” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} asks, trying not to show the annoyance on ${royal_his_her_their} face. “Ah...no! No, it’s just that Ross and Ryr were catching us up on how Rumi’s doing and their own lives,” Queen Ramona answers, moving over to Mozelle to loop their arms together. An average person wouldn’t know that cue, but $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} knew that it was the cue to follow along with whatever the other was saying. “Yep! Still can’t believe Rumi hasn’t proposed to their partner yet!” Mozelle continues, chuckling a bit. “I’ve been dying to go to a wedding.” “Uh-huh,” $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} replies, crossing ${royal_his_her_their} arms as $!{player_first_name} makes ${player_his_her_their} way back over to Ross and Ryr. “Well, $!{player_first_name} and I are back from the gardens. If you’ll excuse me.” *page_break [b][i] NOW PLAYING AS: $!{player_first_name} [/i] [/b] You watch $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} leave, ${royal_his_her_their} answers to your questions still fresh in your mind. You don’t really have time to debrief and think about your thoughts towards ${royal_him_her_them} as King Frederick begins to speak. “$!{player_first_name}, I hope you enjoyed today’s tour. There’s still much more of the palace to be seen, though. For now, Ross and Ryr will take you back to the hotel and you’re free to do whatever you’d like over the next few days,” King Frederick says, a small smile on his face. He reaches for your hand and gently squeezes it before stepping away. “Godspeed, $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” King Frederick soon leaves, as does the Queen and the Princess. They don’t repeat the King’s goodbye, but they do smile politely at you. Finally, you’re alone with Ross and Ryr, just like it was when the two of you first entered the palace. “Sooooo, you and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}? How’d it go? Did $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} say more than five words?” Ross asks excitedly. Ryr rolls his eyes and begins to lead the two of you out of the palace. “That's enough, Cupid. Let $!{player_first_name} relax.” *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend *if (royal_personality = "shy") Eventually, $!{player_first_name} and I find ourselves back inside of the palace. I couldn’t help but to worry about our meeting. Did I say too little? Too much? I couldn’t exactly get a read on how ${player_he_she_they} thought our time alone went, which only made me more nervous. As we round the corner to enter the final stretch of hallway before getting back to the entrance $!{player_first_name} came in, my eyes widen as I see my entire family, as well as Ross and Ryr, chatting animatedly amongst themselves. They all quiet down when they notice us getting closer. “Hi,” I say softly, already feeling my face warm at all the attention. “Um, we’re back.” Mother grins at the two of us, already over the moon about whatever interactions we might’ve had without her being around. “Well, $!{player_first_name}, I hope you enjoyed the gardens. You know, that was one of the first places Frederick took me to when I toured the palace…” Mother trails off in thought, a dreamy look on her face. Father clears his throat and Mother snaps out of it with an apologetic smile. “Ah, anyways. We’ll let you leave, $!{player_first_name}. I’m sure you’d like to properly relax after arriving here and meeting so many people in the same day,” Father says. $!{player_first_name} nods and seems to try and hold back a yawn. “Thank you guys for having me.” Father smiles a bit before nodding. “It was our pleasure, $!{player_first_name}. Godspeed.” After Father takes his leave, my sister and Mother follow suit, wiggling both of their eyebrows and motioning over towards $!{player_first_name} before leaving themselves. I swallow thickly and dare a look at ${player_him_her_them}, who's looking at me intently. "Um, well…$!{player_first_name}, it was great meeting you. See you soon." I barely allow ${player_him_her_them} to say goodbye before I'm rushing to disappear down a hallway and calm my nerves down. "God, what am I getting myself into?" I whisper to myself. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend *if (royal_personality = "rude") Eventually, $!{player_first_name} and I find ourselves back inside of the palace. I think if I had to spend one more minute with ${player_him_her_them}, I would scream. I was relieved when I saw not only my family, but $!{player_first_name}’s guards waiting for us near the entrance. Before anybody could let a word out, I start back the way I came. I’ve had enough babysitting for one day. *page_break [b][i] Now Playing As: $!{player_first_name} [/i] [/b] “Wow,” is all you can let out as you watch the back of $!{royal_title} retreat down the hall. “$!{player_first_name}, I’m so sorry,” Queen Ramona says with a sigh. “Yeah, don’t take it personally, $!{player_first_name}. We’ve been trying to get $!{royal_first_name} to stop being rude for years,” Princess Mozelle adds with a shrug. *fake_choice #“You guys need to try harder,” you say, not really caring that it was the heir you were talking about. *set rude +1 #“It’s whatever,” you reply softly. *set shy +1 #“Don’t worry, I’m used to handling charmers like ${royal_him_her_them},” you say with a playful roll of your eyes. *set sarcastic +1 #“It’s alright,” you say, not meeting Queen Ramona’s or Princess Mozelle’s eyes. *set aloof +1 #“I don’t expect everybody I meet here to be nice to me,” you say with a slight smile. *set charming +1 #“Strangely enough, I still find ${royal_him_her_them} attractive.” *set flirty +1 King Frederick runs a hand through his hair and lets out a long sigh. “My child is...something else. Nevertheless, we thank you for coming, $!{player_first_name}. We’re eager to have you in court again soon.” “Definitely,” Queen Ramona says, the previous troubled look on her face temporarily gone as he addresses you again. “Godspeed, $!{player_first_name}.” King Frederick soon leaves, as does the Queen and the Princess. They don’t repeat the King’s goodbye, but they do smile politely at you. Finally, you’re alone with Ross and Ryr, just like it was when the two of you first entered the palace. “Well, it sounds like the meeting with $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} went great,” Ross says before yelping when his brother punched him in the shoulder. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend *if (royal_personality = "charming") Eventually, $!{player_first_name} and I find ourselves back inside of the palace. Though I had no idea how ${player_he_she_they} felt about our meeting, I was feeling something that I hadn't felt in a long while: nervous. Sure, there were plenty of contestants in the sea, so to speak, but this was the most important fish in the sea. "Well, I hope you had a lovely time in the gardens," I say to $!{player_first_name} as we head back to where ${player_he_she_they} entered the palace. *fake_choice #"I definitely did," $!{player_first_name} replies with a smile. *set charming +1 I smile back at ${player_him_her_them}, my bundle of nerves slightly loosening up at the sight of ${player_his_her_their} smile. "Great," I say, finding it hard to keep the grin off of my face. We continue to make small talk as we enter the final long hallway, which, at the end of it, I see my family as well as Ross and Ryr waiting for us to come back. The group give us warm smiles as we get closer. "You're back. Hope you enjoyed the tour, $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle says, to which $!{player_first_name} nods. Father and Mother seem pleased, but don't offer any words towards either one of us. "Well, Your Majesty, Your Grace, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} and Princess Mozelle, we have to get $!{player_first_name} back before it gets too late," Ryr says, much to my dismay. "Ah, well, I'm eager to see you again soon, $!{player_first_name}," I say, taking ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine and pressing a gentle kiss to the top of it. "Farewell, $!{player_first_name}." *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend #"It was alright. I would've rather seen something else though," $!{player_first_name} yawns. *set rude +1 My bundle of nerves tightened in my stomach. God, why didn't we think of something different? Maybe $!{player_first_name} liked artwork more? Going somewhere in public? "I'm sorry," I say, trying to keep my voice level. "I'll pass this along to the game team. Perhaps the other contestants will feel the same way." Neither one of us say anything else as we enter the final long hallway, which, at the end of it, I see my family as well as Ross and Ryr waiting for us to come back. The group give us warm smiles as we get closer, but I don't smile back. "$!{player_first_name} would've preferred to have visited another place. Let's think of more ideas besides the gardens to take contestants to," I tell Father, who raises an eyebrow. "$!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}, it's whatever, really," $!{player_first_name} says but my mind is already whirling. If ${player_he_she_they} didn't like the gardens, what if everybody else didn't either? "Excuse me," I say, bowing towards $!{player_first_name} and the rest of the group before I head towards my chambers. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend #"Well, I really had more fun being alone with you..." $!{player_first_name} winks and I flush ever so slightly. *set flirty +1 "A-ah, is that so?" I ask, my embarrassment only seeming to edge $!{player_first_name} on. "Yes, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}! I'm used to rolls in the hay, but I wouldn't mind a roll in those gardens either." I chuckle and scratch my head. "How about you take me on a date first?" I joke, as we enter the final long hallway. At the end of it, I see my family, as well as Ross and Ryr waiting for us. "You're the one that's supposed to be doing all the dating, but perhaps I can make an exception for you," $!{player_first_name} says, smiling towards the group as we approach everybody. "You two are back already? We thought you'd be there longer," Mozelle says. $!{player_first_name} shrugs and chuckles. "I thought I'd get at least one kiss at the end. Oh well, guess $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} will owe me," $!{player_first_name} says with a playful pout. A kiss, huh? I take $!{player_first_name}'s hand in mine and press a gentle kiss to the top of it, rather satisfied that the action seemed to shut ${player_him_her_them} up. I smirk and let ${player_his_her_their} hand go, flashing a smile over at my parents. "If you'll excuse me, Mother, Father," I say, smirking over at $!{player_first_name} and ${player_his_her_their} guards before I leave. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend #"It was nice," $!{player_first_name} answers softly. "Thank you for showing me them." *set shy +1 I smile at ${player_him_her_them}, my bundle of nerves slightly loosening up. It wasn't a glowing review, but $!{player_first_name} seemed like the type that didn't talk much, so I'd take it. We continue to make small talk as we enter the final long hallway, which, at the end of it, I see my family as well as Ross and Ryr waiting for us to come back. The group give us warm smiles as we get closer. "You're back. Hope you enjoyed the tour, $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle says, to which $!{player_first_name} nods. Father and Mother seem pleased, but don't offer any words towards either one of us. "Well, Your Majesty, Your Grace, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} and Princess Mozelle, we have to get $!{player_first_name} back before it gets too late," Ryr says and I nod in response. "Ah, well, I'm eager to see you again soon, $!{player_first_name}," I say, taking ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine and pressing a gentle kiss to the top of it. "Farewell, $!{player_first_name}." *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend #"You sure know how to make a whole bunch of flowers in a garden I could never afford seem beautiful," $!{player_first_name} says, making me laugh a bit. *set sarcastic +1 "Don't say that $!{player_first_name}. I bet you never thought you'd be in a dating competition either," I reply. $!{player_first_name} nods and rests ${player_his_her_their} hands on top of ${player_his_her_their} head as we walk. "You're right. I still think you guys are secretly charging me to breathe palace air though," $!{player_first_name} says and I gasp exaggeratedly. "Wait, who told you?" I ask, joining ${player_him_her_them} in laughter as we enter the final long hallway, which, at the end of it, I see my family as well as Ross and Ryr waiting for us to come back. The group give us warm smiles as we get closer. "You're back. Hope you enjoyed the tour, $!{player_first_name}," Mozelle says, to which $!{player_first_name} nods. "Sure did. What's not to love about expensive flowers?" I chuckle, which causes Mother and Father to raise their eyebrows. I cough a bit afterwards to mask it, but all that does is make Mozelle smirk. "Well, Your Majesty, Your Grace, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} and Princess Mozelle, we have to get $!{player_first_name} back before it gets too late," Ryr says, much to my dismay. I truly don't believe I've ever laughed like this in my life. "Ah, well, I'm eager to see you again soon, $!{player_first_name}," I say, taking ${player_his_her_their} hand in mine and pressing a gentle kiss to the top of it. "Farewell, $!{player_first_name}." I drop ${player_his_her_their} hand and make my way out, but before I could leave the room properly, I hear ${player_him_her_them} call after me. "I expect the bill before the competition starts, $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}! Your kiss doesn't change that!" I don't even bother hiding the laughter this time. *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend *if (royal_personality = "sarcastic") Eventually, $!{player_first_name} and I find ourselves back inside of the palace. I couldn’t exactly get a read on how ${player_he_she_they} thought our time alone went, but I personally thought it went alright. Well, as well as a forced meeting with somebody I may or may not marry could be. I groan a bit as we near where $!{player_first_name} originally came in at because I see my entire family, as well as Ross and Ryr, chatting animatedly amongst themselves. They all quiet down when they notice us getting closer. “Were you all waiting for us? You do know I am aware of how to get to every inch of this place right?” I ask, trying not to show the annoyance on my face. I supposed I was doing a terrible job at it, because Mother’s grin widens to an almost unnatural length. “Well aware, $!{royal_first_name}. It’s just that Ross and Ryr were catching us up on how Rumi’s doing and their own lives,” she answers, moving over to Mozelle to loop their arms together. I sigh, holding up a hand. “Please spare me, Mother, Mozelle," I say, turning to Father. "So, am I relieved of my duties, Father?" He sighs and I almost feel guilty, because I do remember a time where every action of his didn't seem like the end of the world to me. Things change. People change. "Yes, $!{royal_first_name}. You're free to go brood in your room as usual," he sighs, much more interested in how $!{player_first_name} was. "Fine. Goodbye $!{player_first_name}," I say, figuring I could at least say that before I left. *page_break [b][i] NOW PLAYING AS: $!{player_first_name} [/i] [/b] You watch $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name} leave, ${royal_his_her_their} answers to your questions still fresh in your mind. You don’t really have time to debrief and think about your thoughts towards ${royal_him_her_them} as King Frederick begins to speak. “$!{player_first_name}, I hope you enjoyed today’s tour. There’s still much more of the palace to be seen, though. For now, Ross and Ryr will take you back to the hotel and you’re free to do whatever you’d like over the next few days,” King Frederick says, a small smile on his face. He reaches for your hand and gently squeezes it before stepping away. “Godspeed, $!{player_first_name} $!{player_last_name}.” King Frederick soon leaves, as does the Queen and the Princess. They don’t repeat the King’s goodbye, but they do smile politely at you. Finally, you’re alone with Ross and Ryr, just like it was when the two of you first entered the palace. “Sooooo, you and $!{royal_title} $!{royal_first_name}? How’d it go?” Ross asks excitedly. Ryr rolls his eyes and begins to lead the two of you out of the palace. “That's enough, Cupid. Let $!{player_first_name} relax.” *page_break *goto_scene chp2_hotelend