ATE Chapter 1 Beta

Browser lacks capabilities required to play.

Upgrade or switch to another browser.

Loading…

<<set $chapter to "Character Customization">> <h1>Character Creation</h1> <div id="centered"><h2>First Name</h2><<textbox "$name" "">> <<link "First Name Suggestions">> <<set $namesuggestions to "first">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Suggestions"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Name Suggestions").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> </div> /*[[CC 2]]*/ <span class="next"><<button "Next" "CC 2">><</button>></span>

/* custom widgets go in here */ <<widget "are">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>are<<case false>>is<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "were">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>were<<case false>>was<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "s">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "es">><<switch $plural>><<case true>><<case false>>es<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ies">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>y<<case false>>ies<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "re">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>re<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> <<widget "ve">><<switch $plural>><<case true>>ve<<case false>>s<</switch>><</widget>> /*clothes widget*/

<<set $Laird to "Laird"; $name to "Unknown"; $gender to "Unknown"; $person to "Unknown"; $HeShe to "Unknown"; $HimHer to "Unknown"; $HisHer to "Unknown"; $HisHers to "Unknown"; $Himself to "Unknown"; $haircolor to "Unknown"; $hairtexture to "Unknown"; $hairlength to "Unknown"; $hairstyle to "Unknown"; $eyecolor to "Unknown"; $eyeshape to "Unknown"; $complexion to "Unknown"; $height to "Unknown"; $drink to "Unknown"; $flower to "Unknown">> <<set $sad to 0; $angry to 0; $numb to 0>>

<span class="title">After The End</span> <span class="author">by <a href="https://albywritesfiction.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Alby</a></span>

<<nobr>> <li>[[Profile]]</li> <li><<link "Codex">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Codex"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Codex").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li> /*<li><<link "Inventory">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Inventory"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Inventory").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li> <li><<link "Achievements">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Achievements"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Achievements").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li>*/ <li><<link "Credits">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></li> /*<li>[[Codex]]</li> <li>[[Inventory]]</li> <li>[[Achievements]]</li> <li>[[credits]]</li>*/ <</nobr>>

<h1>$Laird $name</h1><h2>Heir of House Argentius</h2> <h3>Personal Information</h3> Age: 23 Gender: $gender Pronouns: $HeShe/$HimHer/$HisHer/$HisHers/$Himself !!!Appearance Hair Color: $haircolor Hair Texture: $hairtexture Hair Length: $hairlength Hairstyle: $hairstyle Eye Color: $eyecolor Eye Shape: $eyeshape Complexion: $complexion Height: $height !!!Extra Information Preferred Drink: $drink Favorite Flower: $flower <span class="next"><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></span>

<h1>People</h1><<nobr>> <<link "<h2>Crown Prince Ædan Aurelius</h2>">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Ædan Aurelius"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ædan").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Saintess Helene</h2>">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Helene"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Helene").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Prince Ædric Aurelius</h2>">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Ædric Aurelius"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Ædric").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Cyfrin Galanthus</h2>">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Cyfrin Galanthus"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Cyfrin").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Lieutenant Commander Bertrand Stonewall</h2>">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Bertrand Stonewall"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Bertrand").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> /*<<link "<h2>Duke Argentius</h2>">> <<set $character to "Duke">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Duke Argentiusl"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Duchess Argentius</h2>">> <<set $character to "Duchess">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Duchess Argentius"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>King Ærick Aurelius</h2>">> <<set $character to "Ærick">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("King Ærick"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Queen Lucia Aurelius</h2>">> <<set $character to "Lucia">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Queen Lucia"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Queen Iseult Aurelius</h2>">> <<set $character to "Iseult">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Queen Iseult"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Characters").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>*/ <</nobr>> <h1>Locations</h1><<nobr>> <<link "<h2>Aurelius Kingdom</h2>">> <<set $location to "Aurelius Kingdom">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Aurelius Kingdom"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Locations").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h3>Argentius Duchy</h3>">> <<set $location to "Argentius Duchy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Argentius Duchy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Locations").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h3>Mordha Duchy</h3>">> <<set $location to "Mordha Duchy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Mordha Duchy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Locations").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h3>Liadon Duchy</h3>">> <<set $location to "Liadon Duchy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Liadon Duchy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Locations").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h3>Nettuno Duchy</h3>">> <<set $location to "Nettuno Duchy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Nettuno Duchy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Locations").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h3>Zoticus Duchy</h3>">> <<set $location to "Zoticus Duchy">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Zoticus Duchy"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Locations").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <<link "<h2>Belmares Empire</h2>">> <<set $location to "Belmares Empire">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Belmares Empire"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Locations").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</nobr>>

[[Character Art by Ben/Anandra|https://obsolete-stars-if.tumblr.com/]] [[Sugarcube 2 Documentation|https://www.motoslave.net/sugarcube/2/docs]] [[OpenDyslexic Font by Abbie Gonzalez|https://opendyslexic.org]] [[Notify Macro by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2]] [[Live Update Macro by Cycy|https://github.com/cyrusfirheir/cycy-wrote-custom-macros]] [[Twine/Sugarcube 2 Template by Ash (a.w. morgan)|https://awmorgan.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-template]] [[Twine Template II by Vahnya|https://vahnya.itch.io/twine-template-ii]] [[Title Page Template by Manon (manonamora)|https://manonamora.itch.io/twine-sugarcube-templates]] [[Message Macro by Chapel|https://github.com/ChapelR/custom-macros-for-sugarcube-2/blob/master/docs/message-macro.md]] [[Hovertip Macro by HiEv|https://bit.ly/TwineSampleCode]] [[Picrews (Ædan, Ædric, Cyfrin, Bertrand)|https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/19573]] [[Picrew (Helene)|https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/227881]]

<<if $namesuggestions is "first">><table style="width:100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Adair</td> <td>Delmar</td> <td>Halueth</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Anhaern</td> <td>Dioren</td> <td>Haeafil</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Aymer</td> <td>Dovian</td> <td>Hjadr</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Berverel</td> <td>Eissulth</td> <td>Maiele</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Bryn</td> <td>Elanil</td> <td>Merellien</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Byndove</td> <td>Estelar</td> <td>Mydaiel</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Calarel</td> <td>Farryn</td> <td>Rahmiel</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cerviel</td> <td>Fathriff</td> <td>Ruvaen</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ciliren</td> <td>Fridul</td> <td>Rymri</td> </tr> </tbody> </table><</if>>

<h1>Physical Appearance</h1> <h2>Hair</h2> <h3>Hair Color</h3><<radiobutton "$haircolor" "black" checked>> Black <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "oak brown">> Oak Brown <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "light brown">> Light Brown <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "burgundy">> Burgundy <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "mahogany">> Mahogany <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "auburn">> Auburn <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "copper">> Copper <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "ginger">> Ginger <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "strawberry blonde">> Strawberry blonde <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "dark blonde">> Dark blonde <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "ash blonde">> Ash blonde <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "golden blonde">> Golden blonde <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "platinum blonde">> Platinum blonde <<radiobutton "$haircolor" "white">> White <h3>Hair Texture</h3><<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "silky" checked>> Silky <<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "wavy">> Wavy <<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "curly">> Curly <<radiobutton "$hairtexture" "coily">> Coily <h3>Hair Length</h3><<radiobutton "$hairlength" "smooth" checked>> Smooth <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "shaven">> Shaven <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "buzzed">> Buzzed <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "ear-length">> Ear-length <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "chin-length">> Chin-length <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "shoulder-length">> Shoulder-length <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "chest-length">> Chest-length <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "midback-length">> Midback-length <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "tailbone-length">> Tailbone-length <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "thigh-length">> Thigh-length <<radiobutton "$hairlength" "knee-length">> Knee-length <span class="next"><<button "Next" "CC 3.2">><</button>></span> /*[[CC 3.2]]*/

<h1>$Laird $name</h1><h2>Heir of House Argentius</h2> <div id="centered"><h3>Gender</h3>$gender <h3>Pronouns</h3>$HeShe/$HimHer/$HisHer/$HisHers/$Himself <h3>Hair Color</h3>$haircolor <h3>Hair Texture</h3>$hairtexture <h3>Hair Length</h3>$hairlength <h3>Hairstyle</h3>$hairstyle <h3>Eye Color</h3>$eyecolor <h3>Eye Shape</h3>$eyeshape <h3>Complexion</h3>$complexion <h3>Height</h3>$height <h3>Is the information shown on your profile correct?</h3><h3>[[Yes|Ch 1.1]] | [[No|CC 1]]</h3></div> /*[[Yes|Ch 1.1]] | [[No|CC 1]]*/

<<set $chapter to "Chapter One">><<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Saved!<</notify>><</if>><h1>Chapter One</h1> “I’m sorry, but my heart belongs to someone else now.” Ten words. Ten words were all it took for your world to come crashing down around you. You refuse to let the tears you’ve been holding in escape as you bear the pitying gaze of your former fiancé, Crown Prince Ædan Aurelius. The azure eyes that once regarded you with warm fondness now shift uneasily between you and the door, and it doesn’t take long for you to realize that he’s worried someone will barge in and find the two of you alone in his office on the morning of his wedding day. Despite your best efforts to school your expression, he seems to notice your growing distress, so he gives you a gentle smile, and oh, how you <em>hate</em> the way your heart still races at the sight of it. “I’m sure you’ll find someone who will love you more than I ever could, $Laird $name. I hope that when you do, you will come to know the elation I feel now on your own wedding day.” Before you can say anything, the chiming of the capital’s clock tower startles you both. Ædan reaches into the breast pocket within the white coat of his ceremonial dress uniform and brings out a golden pocket watch, and you forget to breath for a moment when you recognize the intricate design on the surface of its hunter case and the embossed royal coat of arms in the center. You know that on the inside of the cover is an engraving, a profession of love made years ago, but your stomach drops when he opens the watch and you catch a glimpse of a woman’s portrait in place of the words that had been engraved into your very soul. A glimpse was enough to know who it was that he held so close to his heart; after all, no one else in the kingdom had such unique silver hair. You turn away from him at the same time you hear the watch cover close with a click. There’s a moment of silence, then a soft sigh. “I’m … I’m sorry. Truly, I am.” He is quiet once more, perhaps waiting for a response from you, but sensing none, there is nothing left for him to do but leave. His footsteps echo through his office hall, bouncing off the bookshelves you’re not sure he’s even touched, until they are interrupted by the sound of a door opening then closing and you are left all alone in the crown prince’s office. How are you feeling? *[[I want to curl into a ball and cry.|Ch 1.2][$sad to 1]] *[[I want to punch someone, preferably the crown prince.|Ch 1.2][$angry to 1]] /*[[I don’t know, I think I’m still processing.|Ch 1.2][$neutral to 1]]*/

<h2>Eyes</h2> <h3>Eye Color</h3> • <<message 'Shades of red'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "ruby" checked>> <<hovertip '#E40046'>>Ruby<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "rose">> <<hovertip '#C21F56'>>Rose<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cerise">> <<hovertip '#EE3867'>>Cerise<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cardinal">> <<hovertip '#D1153A'>>Cardinal<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "crimson">> <<hovertip '#990000'>>Crimson<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of red palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "red">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Red"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Shades of orange'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "copper">> <<hovertip '#B26E32'>>Copper<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "ochre">> <<hovertip '#CA7623'>>Ochre<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "bronze">> <<hovertip '#CD7F32'>>Bronze<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "orange">> <<hovertip '#FFAC1C'>>Orange<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "amber">> <<hovertip '#FABE00'>>Amber<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of orange palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "orange">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Orange"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Shades of yellow'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "goldenrod">> <<hovertip '#D5A11F'>>Goldenrod<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "saffron">> <<hovertip '#EEC02E'>>Saffron<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "sunflower">> <<hovertip '#FBD403'>>Sunflower<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "golden">> <<hovertip '#FBE928'>>Golden<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "light yellow">> <<hovertip '#FDFD96'>>Light yellow<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of yellow palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "yellow">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Yellow"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Shades of green'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "fern green">> <<hovertip '#4E7841'>>Fern green<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "sea green">> <<hovertip '#2E8856'>>Sea green<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "jade">> <<hovertip '#00A36C'>>Jade<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "emerald">> <<hovertip '#069D60'>>Emerald<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "light green">> <<hovertip '#50C577'>>Light green<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of green palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "green">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Green"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Shades of blue'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "navy blue">> <<hovertip '#000080'>>Navy blue<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cobalt blue">> <<hovertip '#0047AB'>>Cobalt blue<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "sapphire">> <<hovertip '#0F52BA'>>Sapphire<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "royal blue">> <<hovertip '#4069E1'>>Royal blue<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cornflower blue">> <<hovertip '#6495ED'>>Cornflower blue<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of blue palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "blue">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Blue"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Shades of violet'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "indigo">> <<hovertip '#4B0082'>>Indigo<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "purple">> <<hovertip '#8000DE'>>Purple<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "lavender">> <<hovertip '#A16AE8'>>Lavender<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "lilac">> <<hovertip '#D396FF'>>Lilac<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "mauve">> <<hovertip '#E0B0FF'>>Mauve<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of violet palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "violet">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Violet"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Shades of brown'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cordovan">> <<hovertip '#7F4040'>>Cordovan<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "bole">> <<hovertip '#954535'>>Bole<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "russet">> <<hovertip '#824333'>>Russet<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "chestnut">> <<hovertip '#7D461B'>>Chestnut<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "fallow">> <<hovertip '#C19A6B'>>Fallow<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of brown palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "brown">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Brown"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Shades of black'>>\ <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "onyx">> <<hovertip '#171717'>>Onyx<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "stone gray">> <<hovertip '#333333'>>Stone gray<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "steel gray">> <<hovertip '#71797E'>>Steel gray<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "silver">> <<hovertip '#A9B0B4'>>Silver<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "light gray">> <<hovertip '#B8B8B8'>>Light gray<</hovertip>> <<link "Shades of Black palette">> <<set $eyecolorshade to "black">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Shades of Black"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Eye Color Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> <h3>Eye Shape</h3><<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "upturned" checked>> Upturned <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "close set">> Close set <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "monolid">> Monolid <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "downturned">> Downturned <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "wide set">> Wide set <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "protruding">> Protruding <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "round">> Round <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "almond">> Almond <<radiobutton "$eyeshape" "hooded">> Hooded <span class="next"><<button "Next" "CC 5">><</button>></span> /*[[CC 5]]*/

<h2>Skin and Height</h2> <h3>Complexion</h3> • <<message 'Dark'>>\ <<radiobutton "$complexion" "obsidian" checked>> <<hovertip '#332719'>>Obsidian<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "umber">> <<hovertip '#4B2F02'>>Umber<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "rich brown">> <<hovertip '#663C06'>>Rich brown<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "sienna">> <<hovertip '#804605'>>Sienna<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "warm brown">> <<hovertip '#873B33'>>Warm brown<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "rosy brown">> <<hovertip '#793C3D'>>Rosy brown<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "sepia">> <<hovertip '#68302B'>>Sepia<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "deep brown">> <<hovertip '#5B2730'>>Deep brown<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "mahogany">> <<hovertip '#441312'>>Mahogany<</hovertip>> <<link "Dark tones palette">> <<set $skintoneshade to "dark">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Dark Tones"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Skin Tone Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Medium'>>\ <<radiobutton "$complexion" "copper">> <<hovertip '#8C5019'>>Copper<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "light brown">> <<hovertip '#AE6E59'>>Light brown<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "deep tan">> <<hovertip '#C78B6A'>>Deep tan<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "tan">> <<hovertip '#D9A585'>>Tan<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "golden">> <<hovertip '#D8AB77'>>Golden<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "bronze">> <<hovertip '#C8914D'>>Bronze<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "coral">> <<hovertip '#D07C6C'>>Coral<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "terracotta">> <<hovertip '#B66059'>>Terracotta<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "russet">> <<hovertip '#9D574D'>>Russet<</hovertip>> <<link "Medium tones palette">> <<set $skintoneshade to "medium">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Medium Tones"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Skin Tone Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> • <<message 'Light'>>\ <<radiobutton "$complexion" "taupe">> <<hovertip '#D9BEA6'>>Taupe<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "birch">> <<hovertip '#E3D9D1'>>Birch<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "sand">> <<hovertip '#F1CEA7'>>Sand<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "ivory">> <<hovertip '#EBE5C2'>>Ivory<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "beige">> <<hovertip '#EAC2AB'>>Beige<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "alabaster">> <<hovertip '#FFDED4'>>Alabaster<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "pale blossom">> <<hovertip '#FBDBD8'>>Pale blossom<</hovertip>> <<radiobutton "$complexion" "pearl">> <<hovertip '#F3DCE4'>>Pearl<</hovertip>> <<link "Light tones palette">> <<set $skintoneshade to "light">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Light Tones"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Skin Tone Shades").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>> <</message>> <h3>Height</h3><<radiobutton "$height" "very short" checked>> Very Short <<radiobutton "$height" "short">> Short <<radiobutton "$height" "average">> Average <<radiobutton "$height" "tall">> Tall <<radiobutton "$height" "very tall">> Very Tall <span class="next"><<button "Next" "CC Confirmation">><</button>></span> /*[[CC Confirmation]]*/

<h2>Gender</h2><<radiobutton "$gender" "Female" checked>> Female <<radiobutton "$gender" "Nonbinary">> Nonbinary <<radiobutton "$gender" "Male">> Male <h2>Titles</h2><<radiobutton "$Laird" "Lady" checked>> Lady <<radiobutton "$Laird" "Laird">> Laird <<radiobutton "$Laird" "Lord" >> Lord <<radiobutton "$Princeps" "Princess" checked>> Princess <<radiobutton "$Princeps" "Princeps">> Princeps <<radiobutton "$Princeps" "Prince">> Prince <<radiobutton "$Sovereign" "Queen" checked>> Queen <<radiobutton "$Sovereign" "Sovereign">> Sovereign <<radiobutton "$Sovereign" "King">> King <h2>Pronouns</h2> Would you like to select from a list of preset pronouns or input your own? *[[Select from presets|Preset Pronouns]] *[[Input your own|Custom Pronouns]]

<<nobr>> <<set $laird to $Laird.toLowerCase(); $princeps to $Princeps.toLowerCase(); $sovereign to $Sovereign.toLowerCase()>> <<if $gender is "Female">> <<set $person to "woman"; $child to "girl"; $spouse to "wife">> <<elseif $gender is "Male">> <<set $person to "man"; $child to "boy"; $spouse to "husband">> <<elseif $gender is "Nonbinary">> <<set $person to "person"; $child to "child"; $spouse to "spouse">><</if>> <</nobr>><h3>Preset Pronouns</h3> *[[She/Her/Her/Hers/Herself|CC 3][$HeShe to "She", $heshe to "she", $HimHer to "Her", $himher to "her", $HisHer to "Her", $hisher to "her", $HisHers to "Hers", $hishers to "hers", $Himself to "Herself", $himself to "herself", $plural to false]] *[[He/Him/His/His/Himself|CC 3][$HeShe to "He", $heshe to "he", $HimHer to "Him", $himher to "him", $HisHer to "His", $hisher to "his", $HisHers to "His", $hishers to "his", $Himself to "Himself", $himself to "himself", $plural to false]] *[[They/Them/Their/Theirs/Themself|CC 3][$HeShe to "They", $heshe to "they", $HimHer to "Them", $himher to "them", $HisHer to "Their", $hisher to "their", $HisHers to "Theirs", $hishers to "theirs", $Himself to "Themself", $himself to "themself", $plural to true]] *[[Xe/Xem/Xyr/Xyrs/Xemself|CC 3][$HeShe to "Xe", $heshe to "xe", $HimHer to "Xem", $himher to "xem", $HisHer to "Xyr", $hisher to "xyr", $HisHers to "Xyrs",$hishers to "xyrs", $Himself to "Xemself", $himself to "xemself", $plural to false]] *[[Ze/Hir/Hir/Hirs/Hirself|CC 3][$HeShe to "Ze", $heshe to "ze", $HimHer to "Hir", $himher to "hir", $HisHer to "Hir", $hisher to "hir", $HisHers to "Hirs", $hishers to "hirs", $Himself to "Hirself", $himself to "hirself", $plural to false]] *[[Ze/Zir/Zir/Zirs/Zirself|CC 3][$HeShe to "Ze", $heshe to "ze", $HimHer to "Zir", $himher to "Zir", $HisHer to "Zir", $hisher to "Zir", $HisHers to "Zirs", $hishers to "Zirs", $Himself to "Zirself", $himself to "Zirself", $plural to false]] *[[Ey/Em/Eir/Eirs/Emself|CC 3][$HeShe to "Ey", $heshe to "ey", $HimHer to "Em", $himher to "em", $HisHer to "Eir", $hisher to "eir", $HisHers to "Eirs", $hishers to "eirs", $Himself to "Emself", $himself to "emself", $plural to false]]

<div id="centered"><em>Why did he break off the engagement? Why did he wait until there was only one month left before the wedding? Where did it go wrong? What did I do to lose his affection?</em></div> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.3">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.3]]*/

<div id="centered"><em>Did he ever really love me?</em></div> <<nobr>> <<if $sad is 1>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.4.1">><</button>></span> <<elseif $angry is 1>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.4.2">><</button>></span> <<elseif $numb is 1>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.4.3">><</button>></span> <</if>> <</nobr>> <<nobr>>/*[[Ch 1.4.1]]*/ /*[[Ch 1.4.2]]*/ /*[[Ch 1.4.3]]*/<</nobr>>

Your anger at the unfairness of it all has reached a tipping point, making it extremely likely that you will lash out at the next person you see. As cathartic as it would be to give the crown prince a formal introduction to your fist, you suspect the cold floor of the dungeons will not be as comfortable as your four-poster bed back at home. <em>Would they</em> really <em>throw the only heir of a duke in the dungeons just for assaulting the heir of the king though? … Very,</em> very <em>tempting, but ultimately not worth it.</em> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.5">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.5]]*/

Once you’ve gathered yourself, you swiftly make your way to the large wooden door and exit through it into the great hallway on the other side. You rush past paintings of previous Aurelian royals, past eyes that you always thought were looking upon you kindly but now seem to judge you with harsh stares. In your haste to leave the palace, you fail to hear the clacking of heels coming from around the corner. You nearly knock over the person you run into, your quick reflexes saving you from making an even bigger fool of yourself, and are about to apologize to them when you notice the long, billowing skirt of their dress adorned with a hundred crystals that sparkle like the stars against the midnight blue chiffon fabric. Your blood goes cold. You recognize this design. <em>You were supposed to wear this design for your wedding attire.</em> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.6">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.6]]*/

<<if settings.timed>>“Oh my, is that you, $Laird $name?” <<timed 5s>><em>You can’t do this.</em><</timed>> <<timed 8s transition>>“$Laird $name? Are you alright?”<</timed>> <<timed 11s>><em>No, snap out of it!</em><</timed>> <<timed 14s transition>>“Uhm, hello?”<</timed>> <<timed 17s >><em>Don’t let her get under your skin. You CAN do this.</em> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.7">><</button>></span><</timed>><<else>>“Oh my, is that you, $Laird $name?”<<set _show to {start: 0, end: 6}>> <div class='hide' id='next0'><em>You can’t do this.</em></div> <div class='hide' id='next1'>“$Laird $name? Are you alright?”</div> <div class='hide' id='next2'><em>No, snap out of it!</em></div> <div class='hide' id='next3'>“Uhm, hello?”</div> <div class='hide' id='next4'><em>Don’t let her get under your skin. You CAN do this.</em></div> <div class='hide' id='next5'><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.7">><</button>></span></div><</if>> /*[[Ch 1.7]]*/

You finally manage to tear your eyes away from the skirt and force them to meet bright, golden orbs so <<if $eyecolor is "golden">>similar to your own<<else>>different from your own $eyecolor ones<</if>> that have been haunting you since the day of that wretched announcement. “Saintess Helene,” you greet the petite woman before you, taking care to keep your expression as neutral as possible in spite of the rapid thundering of your heart. "I thought you were already on your way to … the ceremony." You can’t bear to say the words “your wedding,” not when today should have been <em>your</em> wedding. The giggle she lets out is light and airy, even with the underlying embarrassment in her tone. “I was, but I had forgotten the earrings Prince Ædan gave me to wear for our wedding,” she says as she points a gloved hand at the silver band dangling from her right earlobe, glittering with embedded diamonds and twisted in the shape of an infinity symbol, with a dark sapphire sitting in the larger bottom loop, “so I had to return for it. But what about you, $Laird $name? What are you doing here, and in such a rush? Was there something you needed from His Highness?” <<nobr>><<set _swearOptions to [ "Fuck", "Shit", "Damn it", "Fudge", "Biscuits"]>> <</nobr>><em><<cycle "$Swear" autoselect>> <<optionsfrom _swearOptions>> <</cycle>></em>. You thought everyone else would have left for the ceremony by now, so you hadn't expected to run into anyone, much less Helene herself. Luckily for you, she’s just a ditzy maiden Ædan found at an orphanage, so a simple lie should work just fine on her. “Oh, I just dropped by to return a book I borrowed from Prince Ædan’s office; I thought it was only right that I return it to its home, now that I won’t be frequenting his office as often as before,” you say as you attempt a polite smile, though you can feel the corner of your lips twitch. She tilts her head a little, the smile on her face as naïve as ever. "Oh my, is that so? Are you sure you weren't here to beg my fiancé to take you back?" <em>What the fu—</em> Her innocent smile turns into a taunting smirk. <<set $swear to $Swear.toLowerCase()>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.8">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.8]]*/

<<if settings.timed>>“Really, it's so pathetic how you've been clinging onto His Highness for all these years. Did you truly never realize that Ædan had no romantic feelings whatsoever for you this entire time? Or were you just so desperately in love with him that you <em>chose</em> to ignore all the signs?” <em><<timed 5s transition>>But …<</timed>> <<timed 10s transition>>he told me he loved me.<</timed>></em> <<timed 15s transition>><<if $sad is 1>>*[[You can feel tears welling up in your eyes all over again.|Ch 1.9.1.1][$sad to $sad + 1]]<<else>>*[[You can feel tears starting to form in the corners of your eyes.|Ch 1.9.1.2][$sad to $sad + 1]]<</if>><<if $angry is 1>>*[[Your jaw clenches as your urge to punch someone flares up again.|Ch 1.9.2.1][$angry to $angry + 1]]<<else>>*[[Your jaw clenches as you fight the sudden urge to slap Helene, as satisfying as you think it would be.|Ch 1.9.2.2][$angry to $angry + 1]]<</if>>/*<<if $neutral is 1>>*[[Neutral Option 1|Ch 1.9.3.1][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]<<else>>*[[Neutral Option 2|Ch 1.9.3.2][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]<</if>>*/ <</timed>><<else>>“Really, it's so pathetic how you've been clinging onto His Highness for all these years. Did you truly never realize that Ædan had no romantic feelings whatsoever for you this entire time? Or were you just so desperately in love with him that you <em>chose</em> to ignore all the signs?”<<set _show to {start: 0, end: 3}>> <em><div id="centered"><div class='hide' id='next0'>But … </div> <div class='hide' id='next1'>He told me he loved me.</div></div></em> <div class='hide' id='next2'><<if $sad is 1>>*[[You can feel tears welling up in your eyes all over again.|Ch 1.9.1.1][$sad to $sad + 1]]<<else>>*[[You can feel tears starting to form in the corners of your eyes.|Ch 1.9.1.2][$sad to $sad + 1]]<</if>><<if $angry is 1>>*[[Your jaw clenches as your urge to punch someone flares up again.|Ch 1.9.2.1][$angry to $angry + 1]]<<else>>*[[Your jaw clenches as you fight the sudden urge to slap Helene, as satisfying as you think it would be.|Ch 1.9.2.2][$angry to $angry + 1]]<</if>>/*<<if $neutral is 1>>*[[Neutral Option 1|Ch 1.9.3.1][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]<<else>>*[[Neutral Option 2|Ch 1.9.3.2][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]<</if>>*/</div><</if>>

Helene must notice the shift in your demeanor because she attempts to hide her mouth behind her dainty hand, but the small gaps between her fingers reveal her gleeful grin. “Oh, I see, you really <em>were</em> just too blind to see that he was only using your engagement to avoid a barrage of marriage proposals from other nobles so he could marry <em>me</em> once he became the Crown Prince … how disappointing,” she says, her voice still as saccharine as honey but dripping with undisguised sarcasm. “You know, I always used to think that the great heir of House Argentius was like a majestic wolf, but now I can see that it was all a lie; you’re no wolf, just a little puppy playing pretend.” <em>Ædan used me … so he could marry Helene?</em> *<<link "You can't listen to anything that comes out of her mouth anymore. You need to leave. <em>Now.</em>" "Ch 1.10.1.1">><<set $sad to $sad + 1>><</link>> *[[Alright, that's it. You are giving this woman a piece of your mind. With grace, of course.|Ch 1.10.2.3][$angry to $angry + 1]] *[[Nope, you're not going to give her what she wants and react to her provocation. She isn't worth any more of your time.|Ch 1.10.3.3][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]

(from neutral) “I wonder if you'll still be smiling like that when Ædan replaces you,” you say in the most disinterested tone you can muster, a task made challenging with the tremble in your voice. Helene's eyes widen for a moment in surprise before she lets out a dismissive laugh. “Oh, I know what you're doing, and it won't work. Ædan will never replace me because he <em>genuinely</em> loves me.” MC: “Ædan is a good actor; he told me that he would always love me right before he left to make his big announcement, and I believed him with every fiber of my being.” Helene, wavering a little: “He just said that so you wouldn't suspect a thing.” “That doesn't change the fact that my vision of a future with him never wavered.” “I'm only saying this for your own sake, you know.” Helene huffs and storms off. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

<<if settings.timed>>You feel your chest begin to constrict and your vision blurs as the tears that you have been keeping at bay start to escape. You clamp a hand over your mouth to stifle the sobs that start to leak out of you, but every sharp intake of breath echoes far too loudly in your ears. <em><<timed 5s>>No, stop, somebody might hear me, stop it, damn it, stop CRYING!<</timed>> <<timed 10s>>Okay, okay, calm down. Just calm down.<</timed>> <<timed 15s transition>>Deep breaths.<</timed>> <<timed 20s transition>>In, out. <</timed>> <<timed 25s transition>>In, out. <</timed>> <<timed 30s transition>>In, out. <</timed>> <<timed 35s transition>>In, out. <</timed>> <<timed 40s transition>>There we go, nice and even.<</timed>></em> <<timed 40s transition>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.5">><</button>></span><</timed>><<else>>You feel your chest begin to constrict and your vision blurs as the tears that you have been keeping at bay start to escape. You clamp a hand over your mouth to stifle the sobs that start to leak out of you, but every sharp intake of breath echoes far too loudly in your ears.<<set _show to {start: 0, end: 9}>> <em><div class='hide' id='next0'>No, stop, somebody might hear me, stop it, damn it, stop CRYING!</div> <div class='hide' id='next1'>Okay, okay, calm down. Just calm down.</div> <div class='hide' id='next2'>Deep breaths.</div> <div class='hide' id='next3'>In, out.</div> <div class='hide' id='next4'>In, out.</div> <div class='hide' id='next5'>In, out.</div> <div class='hide' id='next6'>In, out.</div> <div class='hide' id='next7'>There we go, nice and even.</div></em> <div class='hide' id='next8'><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.5">><</button>></span></div><</if>> /*[[Ch 1.5]]*/

You are dazed, staring at nothing in particular as your mind struggles to come to terms with the fact that the past month has not been just a terrible nightmare or a horrible prank. Ædan, your first love, the man you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, was really getting married to someone other than you. <em>This… is this really happening? Have I truly been awake this whole time?</em> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.5">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.5]]*/

Helene's latest revelation hits you like a punch to the gut and serves as your tipping point. You quickly turn your head away as the tears that you had been holding back begin streaming down your face, and you mutter a feeble, “Excuse me,” before walking past Helene as rapidly as you can without breaking into a run. You haven't even taken ten steps before you hear Helene speak up again. “I hope you know that no one will believe you if you decide to tell anyone about our little … <em>conversation</em> … and paint me in a bad light.” She barely even attempts to disguise her satisfaction at your reaction in her tone. “I'm only saying this for your own sake, you know.” You don't dare to look back at her and instead hasten your pace as Helene's tinkling laughter echoes behind you. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

Like a violin string that snaps after being played with too much, you lash out at Helene. You meet her gaze head on as you hide your hands behind your back and clench your fists. “Are you done yet?” Her smug expression morphs into one of confusion. It seems that your reaction was not one that she was expecting. “W-what?” “Well? Have you finished your litany?” You cross your arms over your chest, your head pounding from anger and irritation. “I don't have all day to listen to your obnoxious bragging; I have people to meet and places to be because <em>I</em> actually have responsibilities and duties to accomplish, unlike <em>some</em> people who can afford to idle about and harass someone whose hands may eventually be entrusted with their life.” Helene tenses up and lets out an outraged gasp. “How <em>dare</em> you threaten me!” “It's not a threat, it's a fact,” you state with a roll of your eyes at her theatrics. “Surely you weren't so poorly educated as to forget that as the heir of House Argentius, the safety of the Royal Family will be entrusted to <em>me</em> should the kingdom ever come under attack.” Her porcelain face grows flushed, whether from embarrassment or indignation, you're not sure. “So, what? You'll bide your time and wait for an opportunity to kill me?” You scoff at her extreme assumption. “Kill you? Goodness, no, of course not. I would bring shame to my family if I ever did that.” Helene is unable to hide her relief as she slightly relaxes her stance at your words. <em>Oh, you thought I was done? What a fool.</em> “However,” you capture her attention again with a single world, and you can see the wariness in her eyes. “There is an order of priority among the members of the Royal Family in case of any threats to their lives, and unfortunately for you, you're on the lower end of it.” <em>Ah, looks like I've struck a nerve, if her growing resemblance to a ripe tomato is any indication.</em> “Oh, wait. You <em>are</em> the lower end of it.” <em>Hmmm, it's really fascinating just how red a person's face can become.</em> “Why you—!” Helene splutters for a moment, before she huffs and turns around. “I hope you're ready the face the consequences of this disrespect, because Ædan <em>will</em> be hearing about this!” As she stomps off in her navy blue heels, you can't help but call out to her one last time. “Go ahead, run and tell your Prince Charming! Looks like it's the only thing you're good at anyway.” You think you hear a sniffle as she hastens her pace and disappears around the corner. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

You hurry on through the halls of the palace after taking a few minutes to gather yourself, your interaction with Helene leaving more than just a sour taste in your mouth, until you finally arrive at the open doorway of the grand ballroom. What you see inside takes your breath away. Every vase full of freshly picked flowers, every chandelier polished to shiny perfection, every candelabra strategically placed to illuminate even the darkest corner of the room, all of it was <em>exactly</em> how you envisioned it. Exactly how <b>you</b> envisioned it. <em>No, there's no more time to think about it. If I dally around any longer, I could run into someone again, and with my luck, it may very well be a loose-lipped attendant.</em> You make a beeline for the northeast corner of the room, whose two walls are populated with oil paintings of the current members of the royal family. You barely spare a glance at the dais upon which a pair of thrones stand. Once upon a time, you had dreamed about what your future would look like, sitting by Ædan's side on one of those thrones. Now, they only serve as reminders of shattered dreams. You come to a stop in front of a painting on the eastern wall of an older woman whose hair has long since turned silver with age. Deep crinkles frame the outer edges of her crystal blue eyes, which still hold a sharpness that you have seen in paintings of the lady in her earlier years, when her hair was still the color of golden flaxseeds. Her smile is as full and bright as the last time you saw it, though her pale skin has lost some of its elasticity over time. Even the way that she carries herself in the painting stirs memories of chocolate chip cookies and milk after a long day of studying and training whenever she visited the royal palace. The artist behind the painting was truly deserving of the scholarship to the Aurelian Academy of the Arts they had received for creating this masterpiece; they were able to accurately capture the warmth that seemed to define Queen Mother Brigid, mother to King Ærick and grandmother to Crown Prince Ædan. You wonder for a moment if she had known about everything from the very start, but you shake the thought away when you remember how she had endured a week-long trip by carriage all the way from the royal family's vacation home in the northeastern region to comfort you in person as soon as she heard about Ædan's announcement. You take a hold of the bottom of the painting and pull it to the left until you hear a quiet click from the wall on your left. Your eyes follow the sound and you find a rectangular section of the wall now slightly ajar. You pull the hidden door open, careful not to smack the painting of King Ærick and his younger brother on the door against the one of Queen Lucia and her twin daughters on the wall, and reveal a stone passage that always seemed to extend into an infinite void. Right by the entrance of the endless corridor is a metal sconce that holds two wooden torches: one lit and one burnt. You take the burnt torch and light it before taking a step into the passage and pulling the door closed using a metal bar that had been installed on this side of the door. As soon as the door is locked in place with another click, you begin your descent into the pitch blackness. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.12">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.12]]*/

<<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Saved!<</notify>><</if>>You make your way through the darkness with the torch as your sole source of light, though muscle memory developed after years of exploration guides you through the twisting corridors and down forks in the path far better than the torch does with its soft orange glow. Still, it is useful in making sure you don't miss a step when you encounter the numerous staircases in your way. Eventually, your feet lead you to a dead end. You raise your torch to place it in an empty sconce that you don't even need to see to know where it is on the right wall. Once the torch has been secured, you pull it down until you hear another familiar <em>click</em> from the stone wall in front of you. Just like in the ballroom, a secret door is revealed when it slightly swings forward, allowing a little sliver of light to shine through the small gap. You push the door open slowly, giving your eyes time to adjust to the bright morning sunlight on the other side. “$Laird $name?” Your heart leaps into your throat at the unexpected deep voice. You immediately turn in the direction of the cause of your pounding heartbeat and find familiar light brown eyes accompanied by thick, dark blonde eyebrows that are currently furrowed in concern. The tall, uniformed man in front of you is a well-known bachelor in high society in spite of his fairly recent (and rather reluctant) debut into it: Lieutenant Commander Bertrand Stonewall of the elite Royal Knights, Second Division. You also know him as Sir Bertrand, best friend to Ædan's younger half-brother, Prince Ædric Aurelius, whom you had closely grown up with after surviving together through years of classes taught by the royal family's own private tutors in preparation for your role as the future consort. While you do not personally know Sir Bertrand all that well, the two of you are familiar enough with each other to be on a first-name basis. “Sir Bertrand? What are you doing here?” Your voice comes out breathlessly as your heart begins to cool down from the marathon it just ran. He pushes himself off the wall he was leaning against and takes a few steps towards you, stopping once he is little more than an arm's length away, as he always has. With him fully facing you this time, you can now properly see the slight downturn in the corners of his mouth. “I saw you when you entered the passage earlier.” You take a look at the grand clock tower that stands proudly in the center of the city, which you are closer to now that you have emerged into a secluded area of the capital's Wisteria Park, famous among the older generations for being a beautiful paradise of nature and among the youths for unintentionally providing many, <em>ahem</em>, clandestine meeting spots. “That was a few hours ago … have you been waiting here the whole time?” His frown deepens. “I was worried. I wasn't sure if you'd come back with tears in your eyes or blood on your hands.” A hollow chuckle escapes from your lips. “So, you waited for the opportunity to get a promotion?” Your joke allows you to witness the rare sighting of a small smile on his tawny face. “Well, I <em>was</em> going to help you escape, but that was the backup plan for if we got caught.” “Nice to know where your loyalties lie,” you quip with affectionate sarcasm. He lets out an amused huff, which has always been the closest thing to a laugh you have ever heard come out of him. Then his concerned expression returns, his eyes a bit softer this time. “I really <em>was</em> worried, though. How … how are you?” You find yourself unable to give a proper answer. Even the simple, "I'm fine," refuses to make itself known, though you would normally have no problem uttering such a lie to Ædan or even your father. Perhaps you are too tired of lies to add more to the mountain that threatens to bury you alive. Or perhaps it doesn't feel right to reward the honesty that Sir Bertrand has always shown you with deceit. “I-I should be going,” you opt to reply instead, your words coming out quiet and strained. Sir Bertrand quickly straightens up at your non-answer, his posture as rigid as the impassivity that has overtaken his face. “Of course. Allow me to escort you to your carriage, my $laird.” <<cycle "$touchaverse" autoselect>> <<option "He holds out his hand to you, which you accept. His hold on your hand is gentle as he accompanies you through the park, your head held high even as you draw curious stares. The attention was to be expected; a high-ranking knight escorting a commoner would look odd in anyone's eyes." "No">> <<option "He holds out his hand to you, which you do not accept this time. Sir Bertrand doesn't even look the slightest bit offended as he nods and allows his hand to fall to his side. He remains a few steps behind you as you weave through the park, your head held high even as you draw curious stares. The attention was to be expected; a high-ranking knight escorting a commoner would look odd in anyone's eyes." "Sometimes">> <<option "He gives you a slight bow as he holds one arm behind his back and the other in the direction of the exit to this area of the park. He remains a few steps behind you as you weave through the park, your head held high even as you draw curious stares. The attention was to be expected; a high-ranking knight escorting a commoner would look odd in anyone's eyes." "Yes">><</cycle>> After a few minutes, you finally arrive at the iron gates of Wisteria Park, where a nondescript carriage is waiting for your return. Sir Bertrand, ever the gentleman, opens the door for you and remains attentive as you step inside. Once you're all settled, you look out the window and feel a sense of déjà vu when you catch Sir Bertrand watching you with a conflicted expression. As soon as he meets your gaze, he attempts to return his face into a stoic mask, but you know him well enough to recognize the concern that remains. He takes a deep breath before he speaks, his voice at a volume for only you to hear. “I … I know how much of a strong and capable individual you are … but I hope you know that you have many people who care about you, Ædric and myself included." His words take you by surprise with how comforted you are to hear them, especially coming from someone who has always strived to keep himself at a proper distance from you. “Thank you, Sir Bertrand.” The corners of his mouth tilt upwards once more at your response. “Safe travels, $Laird $name.” He gives a nod in the direction of the driver and your carriage lurches forward, beginning your trip back to the Argentius mansion, located in the upper end of the capital's residential district. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.13">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.13]]*/

<em>Oh, $swear, not again.</em> You blink back the tears that threaten to spill once more from your eyes like a reservoir that has been filled beyond its capacity. You surmise that your actions did not go unnoticed by Helene when she attempts to hide her mouth behind her dainty hand, but the small gaps between her fingers reveal her gleeful grin. “Oh, I see, you really <em>were</em> just too blind to see that he was only using your engagement to avoid a barrage of marriage proposals from other nobles so he could marry <em>me</em> once he became the crown prince … how disappointing,” she says, her voice still as saccharine as honey but dripping with undisguised sarcasm. “You know, I always used to think that the great heir of House Argentius was like a majestic wolf, but now I can see that you’re no wolf; you're just a little puppy playing pretend.” <em>Ædan used me … so he could marry Helene?</em> *<<link "You can't listen to anything that comes out of her mouth anymore. You need to leave. <em>Now.</em>" "Ch 1.10.1.1">><<set $sad to $sad + 1>><</link>> *[[Alright, that's it. You are giving this woman a piece of your mind. With grace, of course.|Ch 1.10.2.1][$angry to $angry + 1]] /*[[Nope, you're not going to give her what she wants and react to her provocation. She isn't worth any more of your time.|Ch 1.10.3.1][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]*/

<em>Oh, $swear, not now, not in front of her!</em> You blink back the tears that threaten to spill from your eyes like a reservoir that has been filled beyond its capacity. You surmise that your actions did not go unnoticed by Helene when she attempts to hide her mouth behind her dainty hand, but the small gaps between her fingers reveal her gleeful grin. “Oh, I see, you really <em>were</em> just too blind to see that he was only using your engagement to avoid a barrage of marriage proposals from other nobles so he could marry <em>me</em> once he became the crown prince … how disappointing,” she says, her voice still as saccharine as honey but dripping with undisguised sarcasm. “You know, I always used to think that the great heir of House Argentius was like a majestic wolf, but now I can see that it was all a lie; you’re no wolf, just a little puppy playing pretend.” <em>Ædan used me … so he could marry Helene?</em> *<<link "You can't listen to anything that comes out of her mouth anymore. You need to leave. <em>Now.</em>" "Ch 1.10.1.1">><<set $sad to $sad + 1>><</link>> *[[Alright, that's it. You are giving this woman a piece of your mind. With grace, of course.|Ch 1.10.2.1][$angry to $angry + 1]] /*[[Nope, you're not going to give her what she wants and react to her provocation. She isn't worth any more of your time.|Ch 1.10.3.1][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]*/

<em>How about a Saintess? Would they throw the only heir of a duke in the dungeons for assaulting a Saintess? She's not the crown princess just yet. … No, the people will think you've been possessed by a demon and you'll be executed by this time tomorrow.</em> Helene must notice the shift in your demeanor because she attempts to hide her mouth behind her dainty hand, but the small gaps between her fingers reveal her gleeful grin. “Oh, I see, you really <em>were</em> just too blind to see that he was only using your engagement to avoid a barrage of marriage proposals from other nobles so he could marry <em>me</em> once he became the crown prince … how disappointing,” she says, her voice still as saccharine as honey but dripping with undisguised sarcasm. “You know, I always used to think that the great heir of House Argentius was like a majestic wolf, but now I can see that it was all a lie; you’re no wolf, just a little puppy playing pretend.” <em>Ædan used me … so he could marry Helene?</em> *<<link "You can't listen to anything that comes out of her mouth anymore. You need to leave. <em>Now.</em>" "Ch 1.10.1.1">><<set $sad to $sad + 1>><</link>> *[[Alright, that's it. You are giving this woman a piece of your mind. With grace, of course.|Ch 1.10.2.2][$angry to $angry + 1]] /*[[Nope, you're not going to give her what she wants and react to her provocation. She isn't worth any more of your time.|Ch 1.10.3.2][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]*/

<em>Calm down. No matter how much you want to smack that perfectly sculpted face, no amount of makeup will be able to hide a bright red handprint in the shape of a certain brokenhearted ducal heir's hand.</em> Helene must notice the shift in your demeanor because she attempts to hide her mouth behind her dainty hand, but the small gaps between her fingers reveal her gleeful grin. “Oh, I see, you really <em>were</em> just too blind to see that he was only using your engagement to avoid a barrage of marriage proposals from other nobles so he could marry <em>me</em> once he became the crown prince … how disappointing,” she says, her voice still as saccharine as honey but dripping with undisguised sarcasm. “You know, I always used to think that the great heir of House Argentius was like a majestic wolf, but now I can see that it was all a lie; you’re no wolf, just a little puppy playing pretend.” <em>Ædan used me … so he could marry Helene?</em> *<<link "You can't listen to anything that comes out of her mouth anymore. You need to leave. <em>Now.</em>" "Ch 1.10.1.1">><<set $sad to $sad + 1>><</link>> *[[Alright, that's it. You are giving this woman a piece of your mind. With grace, of course.|Ch 1.10.2.2][$angry to $angry + 1]] /*[[Nope, you're not going to give her what she wants and react to her provocation. She isn't worth any more of your time.|Ch 1.10.3.2][$neutral to $neutral + 1]]*/

Like a violin string that snaps after being played with too much, all the tension in your body reaches its breaking point. You quickly turn your head away as the tears that you had been holding back begin streaming down your face, and you mutter a feeble, “Excuse me,” before walking past Helene as rapidly as you can without breaking into a run. You haven't even taken ten steps before you hear Helene speak up again. “I hope you know that no one will believe you if you decide to tell anyone about our little … <em>conversation</em> … and paint me in a bad light.” She barely even attempts to disguise her satisfaction at your reaction in her tone. “I'm only saying this for your own sake, you know.” You don't dare to look back at her and instead hasten your pace as Helene's tinkling laughter echoes behind you. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

Helene's latest revelation hits you like a punch to the gut and serves as your boiling point. You meet her gaze head on through your slightly blurred vision and do your best to keep your trembling voice steady. “Are you done yet?” Her smug expression morphs into one of confusion. It seems that your reaction was not one that she was expecting. “W-what?” “Well? Have you finished your litany?” You cross your arms over your chest, your head pounding from anger and irritation. “I don't have all day to listen to your obnoxious bragging; I have people to meet and places to be because <em>I</em> actually have responsibilities and duties to accomplish, unlike <em>some</em> people who can afford to idle about and harass someone whose hands may eventually be entrusted with their life.” Helene tenses up and lets out an outraged gasp. “How <em>dare</em> you threaten me!” “It's not a threat, it's a fact,” you state with a roll of your eyes at her theatrics. “Surely you weren't so poorly educated as to forget that as the heir of House Argentius, the safety of the Royal Family will be entrusted to <em>me</em> should the kingdom ever come under attack.” Her porcelain face grows flushed, whether from embarrassment or indignation, you're not sure. “So, what? You'll bide your time and wait for an opportunity to kill me?” You scoff at her extreme assumption. “Kill you? Goodness, no, of course not. I would bring shame to my family if I ever did that.” Helene is unable to hide her relief as she slightly relaxes her stance at your words. <em>Oh, you thought I was done? What a fool.</em> “However,” you capture her attention again with a single world, and you can see the wariness in her eyes. “There is an order of priority among the members of the Royal Family in case of any threats to their lives, and unfortunately for you, you're on the lower end of it.” <em>Ah, looks like I've struck a nerve, if her growing resemblance to a ripe tomato is any indication.</em> “Oh, wait. You <em>are</em> the lower end of it.” <em>Hmmm, it's really fascinating just how red a person's face can become.</em> “Why you—!” Helene splutters for a moment, before she huffs and turns around. “I hope you're ready the face the consequences of this disrespect, because Ædan <em>will</em> be hearing about this!” As she stomps off in her navy blue heels, you can't help but call out to her one last time. “Go ahead, run and tell your Prince Charming! Looks like it's the only thing you're good at anyway.” You think you hear a sniffle as she hastens her pace and disappears around the corner. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

(from neutral) MC fights back tears as they move past Saintess, Saintess delivers one last savage line as MC walks away, MC doesn't look back You quickly turn your head away as the tears that you had been holding back begin streaming down your face, and you mutter a feeble, “Excuse me,” before walking past Helene as rapidly as you can without breaking into a run. You haven't even taken ten steps before you hear Helene speak up again. “I hope you know that no one will believe you if you decide to tell anyone about our little … <em>conversation</em> … and paint me in a bad light.” She barely even attempts to disguise her satisfaction at your reaction in her tone. “I'm only saying this for your own sake, you know.” You don't dare to look back at her and instead hasten your pace as Helene's tinkling laughter echoes behind you. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

(from neutral) You meet her gaze head on through your slightly blurred vision and do your best to keep your trembling voice steady. “Are you done yet?” Her smug expression morphs into one of confusion. It seems that your reaction was not one that she was expecting. “W-what?” “Well? Have you finished your litany?” You cross your arms over your chest, your head pounding from anger and irritation. “I don't have all day to listen to your obnoxious bragging; I have people to meet and places to be because <em>I</em> actually have responsibilities and duties to accomplish, unlike <em>some</em> people who can afford to idle about and harass someone whose hands may eventually be entrusted with their life.” Helene tenses up and lets out an outraged gasp. “How <em>dare</em> you threaten me!” “It's not a threat, it's a fact,” you state with a roll of your eyes at her theatrics. “Surely you weren't so poorly educated as to forget that as the heir of House Argentius, the safety of the Royal Family will be entrusted to <em>me</em> should the kingdom ever come under attack.” Her porcelain face grows flushed, whether from embarrassment or indignation, you're not sure. “So, what? You'll bide your time and wait for an opportunity to kill me?” You scoff at her extreme assumption. “Kill you? Goodness, no, of course not. I would bring shame to my family if I ever did that.” Helene is unable to hide her relief as she slightly relaxes her stance at your words. <em>Oh, you thought I was done? What a fool.</em> “However,” you capture her attention again with a single world, and you can see the wariness in her eyes. “There is an order of priority among the members of the Royal Family in case of any threats to their lives, and unfortunately for you, you're on the lower end of it.” <em>Ah, looks like I've struck a nerve, if her growing resemblance to a ripe tomato is any indication.</em> “Oh, wait. You <em>are</em> the lower end of it.” <em>Hmmm, it's really fascinating just how red a person's face can become.</em> “Why you—!” Helene splutters for a moment, before she huffs and turns around. “I hope you're ready the face the consequences of this disrespect, because Ædan <em>will</em> be hearing about this!” As she stomps off in her navy blue heels, you can't help but call out to her one last time. “Go ahead, run and tell your Prince Charming! Looks like it's the only thing you're good at anyway.” You think you hear a sniffle as she hastens her pace and disappears around the corner. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

(from sad) MC doesn't let their emotional turmoil show on their face. “I wonder if you'll still be smiling like that when Ædan replaces you,” you say in the most disinterested tone you can muster, a task made challenging with the tremble in your voice. Helene's eyes widen for a moment in surprise before she lets out a dismissive laugh. “Oh, I know what you're doing, and it won't work. Ædan will never replace me because he <em>genuinely</em> loves me.” MC: “Ædan is a good actor; he told me that he would always love me right before he left to make his big announcement, and I believed him with every fiber of my being.” Helene, wavering a little: “He just said that so you wouldn't suspect a thing.” “That doesn't change the fact that my vision of a future with him never wavered.” “I'm only saying this for your own sake, you know.” Helene huffs and storms off. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

(from angry) “I wonder if you'll still be smiling like that when Ædan replaces you,” you say in the most disinterested tone you can muster, a task made challenging with the tremble in your voice. Helene's eyes widen for a moment in surprise before she lets out a dismissive laugh. “Oh, I know what you're doing, and it won't work. Ædan will never replace me because he <em>genuinely</em> loves me.” MC: “Ædan is a good actor; he told me that he would always love me right before he left to make his big announcement, and I believed him with every fiber of my being.” Helene, wavering a little: “He just said that so you wouldn't suspect a thing.” “That doesn't change the fact that my vision of a future with him never wavered.” “I'm only saying this for your own sake, you know.” Helene huffs and storms off. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.11">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.11]]*/

<div id="game-title">After The End</div><div class="centered"><span class="lnr lnr-book"></span> by Alby <span class="lnr lnr-book"></span></div> <div id="title-links">\ [[New Game|CC 1]] | <<link "Load Save">><<run UI.saves()>><</link>> <<link "Settings">><<run UI.settings()>><</link>> | <<link "Credits">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div>

<h3>Hairstyle</h3><<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "none" checked>> None <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "loose">> Loose <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "tied up">> Tied up <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "tied down">> Tied down <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "half tied up">> Half tied up <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "high bun">> High bun <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "low bun">> Low bun <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "box braid">> Box braids <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "micro braid">> Micro braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "cornrow braid">> Cornrow braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "crown braid">> Crown braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "half up crown braid">> Half up crown braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "fishtail braid">> Fishtail braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "milkmaid braid">> Milkmaid braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "waterfall braid">> Waterfall braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "butterfly braid">> Butterfly braid <<radiobutton "$hairstyle" "twin braids">> Twin braids <span class="next"><<button "Next" "CC 4">><</button>></span> /*[[CC 4]]*/

<h1>Demo End</h1> <div id="centered">That's all for now! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for Chapter 2 (Future Sovereign Route)!</div>

Half an hour later, you pick up the letter envelopes Miss Claire had given you after you had taken a bath and turn them over to examine them. The green envelope that encased Cyfrin's letter is wrinkled and water-stained in one of the upper corners of the envelope; you can almost imagine how the letter spent the past few weeks getting jostled around in a messenger's bag as it travelled all the way from the family manor to the capital. Meanwhile, the violet envelope that encased Ædric's letter is smooth and pristine; this is an unsurprising detail, considering that the letter would have come from Ædric's office in the royal palace. *[[Read Ædric’s letter first.|Ædric’s letter]] *[[Read Cyfrin’s letter first.|Cyfrin’s letter]]

You take a seat at the edge of your bed as you ponder over the contents of the two letters you have just read. Three months ago, your father received reports of bandits exhibiting suspicious movements at the border between the Argentius Duchy and the Belmares Empire, which prompted his sudden departure from the capital, accompanied by his secretary and their apprentice, Cyfrin. Cyfrin's update about the situation comes at no great surprise, though you are not overcome with worry for your father's safety. You are confident in the current duke's abilities as the head of House Argentius, the Sword and Shield of the Aurelian Kingdom; after all, your family has been at the heart of the kingdom's military might since its establishment several centuries ago and has produced many of the finest warriors in history, your father included. The news about your father's plans, on the other hand, is … rather concerning. However, you are more worried about the matter that Prince Ædric wishes to discuss with you. What could be so urgent that he needed to have a meeting with you today, of all days? With a sigh, you stand up to prepare for your second and more official visit to the royal palace for the day. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.18">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.18]]*/

The ride from the palace to the Argentius mansion goes by in a blur. Before you even realize it, you have already crossed the threshold of your bedroom. You barely register the sound of your door closing as the reality of your situation, of your life, finally sinks in. Not only did the first man you have ever loved deceive you into thinking that he shared your feelings just to protect himself from the threat of marriage to anyone other than the love of his life, but he also made everything you had done for the past fifteen years absolutely <em>meaningless</em>. Every day you woke up hours before the twinkling lights of the stars were enveloped by the warm morning rays of the sun to prepare for the lessons that were scheduled for every chilly dawn of the past. Every night you spent awake to commit every word in your textbooks to memory while also going above and beyond for every book report, statistical analysis, project proposal, and research paper you had to complete before the deadline. Every bruised rib, broken finger, and lacerated limb you strived to endure during your rigorous training, refusing to even show a hint of a grimace whenever Ædan was present at one of your sessions. All to become the perfect consort, worthy of Ædan’s affection. All for nothing. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.14">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.14]]*/

Your back slides down along the door as tears begin to well up in your eyes<<if $sad gt 0>> once again<</if>>. You curl up into a ball and put your head between your knees as the dam you had been building up for the past month under the delusion that maybe, just <em>maybe</em>, this was all just a horrible prank, finally crumbles to pieces. Memories that once brought a flushed smile to your face now only make you sob even harder as you mourn the only love your heart has ever known. By the time your sobs have diminished into sniffles, your throat is sore, the ends of your sleeves are soaked, and your chest is heaving as you shakily suck in more air after being on the verge of hyperventilating, doing your best to control your breathing. <em>Knock knock knock.</em> “My $laird?” You startle for a moment before you recognize the voice that came from behind the door as that of the Argentius mansion head maid, Miss Claire Ambrose. Though you cannot see her, you can easily picture the frown on the middle-aged woman's face even as she remains silent, waiting for you to be ready to talk. You take a few deep breaths before you wipe your face to erase all traces of the tears you had shed, though the mucus that still drips from your nose would easily give you away. “Yes?” “Some letters just arrived for you, $Laird $name.” <em>Strange. Who would send me letters on the day of the biggest wedding the kingdom has seen in decades? Not even King Ærick's wedding to the late Queen Iseult, arranged by Duke Mordha (the richest of the five dukes and the late queen's father), was on such a grand scale.</em> “Please slide them under the door.” “Yes, my $laird.” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.16.1">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.16.1]]*/

You pick up the closest object within your reach and send a candle holder flying across your room until it hits one of the windows with a loud <em>crack</em>. The books on your shelves come next, followed by the pens and documents on your desk, then the desk itself, until you are breathing heavily in the middle of your room with all your belongings strewn about as if a hurricane had passed through. At your feet are torn up pieces of paper stained black from the inkwell you had thrown to the ground, its shattered glass glinting in the dark liquid just like the crystals on that woman’s dress. <em>Ugh.</em> Just thinking about her is enough to make your head throb<<if $angry gt 2>> all over again<</if>>. <em>Knock knock knock.</em> “My $laird?” You recognize the voice that came from behind the door as that of the Argentius mansion head maid, Miss Claire Ambrose. Though you cannot see her, you can easily picture the frown on the middle-aged woman's face even as she remains silent, waiting for you to be ready to talk. You take a few deep breaths before you run a hand <<if $hairlength is "smooth" or $hairlength is "shaved" or $hairlength is "buzzed">>over your scalp<<else>>through your now disheveled $haircolor hair<</if>> and turn to the door. “Yes?” “Some letters just arrived for you, $Laird $name.” <em>Strange. Who would send me letters on the day of the biggest wedding the kingdom has seen in decades? Not even King Ærick's wedding to the late Queen Iseult, arranged by Duke Mordha (the richest of the five dukes and the late queen's father), was on such a grand scale.</em> “Please slide them under the door.” “Yes, my $laird.” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.16.1">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.16.1]]*/

You make a beeline for the large chest at the foot of your bed and grab your sword from inside it before stomping your way to the training yard in the back. As soon as you arrive, you waste no time in hacking away at one of the training dummies, paying no mind to the increasing unkemptness of your appearance. Your recent conversations with Ædan and Helene repeat on a loop until you are breathing heavily with a visible layer of dust on the <<cycle "$clothes1" autoselect>> <<option "pants of your suit" "suit">> <<option "skirt of your dress" "dress">><</cycle>> and several dummies split in two at your feet. You <<cycle "$clothes2" autoselect>> <<option "pull up the end of your now untucked shirt" "suit">> <<option "are five seconds away from tearing off the hem of your skirt" "dress">><</cycle>> to wipe off the sweat on your face and neck when Miss Claire Ambrose, the head maid of the Argentius mansion, approaches you with a clean towel. “Thank you, Miss Claire.” As you dab the towel all over your face, you notice the middle-aged woman looking dazed with the blank stare she was giving one of the dummies, which has a large gash in its wooden body from navel to chin. “Miss Claire?” She startles at the sound of her name, which worries you as you have never seen her so flustered before. “Oh! Pardon me, $Laird $name, it's just … two letters arrived for you, my $laird.” “From whom?” “One is from Cyfrin.” <em>Hmm</em>. Receiving a letter from Cyfrin shouldn't be a cause for concern; after all, the two of you have been regularly exchanging letters since he and your father returned to the Argentius duchy three months ago to deal with a sudden wave of bandit raids along the border territories, not to mention the well-known fact that Cyfrin Galanthus is your best friend after having known him literally your entire life. “And the other?” “… The other has been signed by someone named ‘Rick’.” “I see. Please bring the letters to my room.” “Yes, my $laird.” You can tell that she is more concerned than curious about who this mysterious “Rick” is, but you appreciate how she remains silent on the matter. After all, no matter how grateful you are for her concern, you cannot divulge the secret nickname bestowed upon Prince Ædric by his mother, lest he accuse you of treason with the rarest pout in the world. You chuckle at the thought and head back to your bedroom. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.16.2">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.16.2]]*/

<<if settings.timed>><div id="centered">Fifteen years of your life. <<timed 2s>><b>Wasted</b>.<</timed>> <<timed 4s>>In the name of <em>true love</em>.<</timed>></div> <<timed 8s t8n>>*[[The ocean of tears you have been suppressing suddenly overwhelms you and you are dragged into its depths by the currents of your grief.|Ch 1.15.1][$coping to "breakdown"]] *[[The raging storm you have been struggling to contain within your heart finally breaks free from its glass enclosure and incites you to wreak havoc upon your room.|Ch 1.15.2][$coping to "destruction"]] *[[The whirlpool of your emotions threatens to drown you, but you resist getting trapped in its currents; instead, the dummies in the training yard are about to be caught in the riptide of your fury.|Ch 1.15.3][$coping to "training"]]<</timed>><<else>><div id="centered">Fifteen years of your life.<<set _show to {start: 0, end: 3}>> <div class='hide' id='next0'><b>Wasted</b>.</div> <div class='hide' id='next1'>In the name of <em>true love</em>.</div></div> <div class='hide' id='next2'>\ *[[The ocean of tears you have been suppressing suddenly overwhelms you and you are dragged into its depths by the currents of your grief.|Ch 1.15.1][$coping to "breakdown"]] *[[The raging storm you have been struggling to contain within your heart finally breaks free from its glass enclosure and incites you to wreak havoc upon your room.|Ch 1.15.2][$coping to "destruction"]] *[[The whirlpool of your emotions threatens to drown you, but you resist getting trapped in its currents; instead, the dummies in the training yard are about to be caught in the riptide of your fury.|Ch 1.15.3][$coping to "training"]] </div><</if>>

<div id="aedric">To the heir of Argentius, $Laird $name, If you think it shameless of me to request for a meeting with you in the first correspondence I have sent you since the last time we saw each other, then you have my deepest apologies. However, I had hoped that our shared history would be enough for you to know that I would not ask this of you if I did not have a good reason. There is something I must discuss with you tonight. It is a matter of the utmost importance; as such, it requires the utmost discretion. Please come at whatever time is most convenient for you. I will wait for you, however long it takes. Sincerely yours, R</div> <div id="centered"><<link "(Read Ædric's letter in regular font)">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Ædric's Letter"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Aedric's letter Regular").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div> <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("Cyfrin’s letter")>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.17">><</button>></span><<else>><div id="centered">[[Read Cyfrin's letter.|Cyfrin’s letter]]</div><</if>> <</nobr>> /*[[Ch 1.17]]*/

<div id="cyfrin">My dearest, $name, It pains me that neither the duke nor I could be with you in person on the day of that bastard's greatest act of disrespect, but the arrogance of the bandits at the border continues to grow by the day. If only we had some means to find their hideout or sabotage their arms supply, then ==I could== we could have been at your side by the time this letter reaches you. Once matters here at the duchy have all been settled, you can be sure that your father and I will ride without pause until we see you again. But beware: it seems that the duke has no intention of letting you out of his sight once the two of you are reunited. Everyday, he comes up with at least ten ideas for outings and activities that he hopes you will agree to do with him, such as picnics and horseback riding. Admittedly, I am reminded of my younger self when you and I were separated, so I cannot fault him for his actions, however excessive they may be. Still, I thought it best to warn you so that you may be less overwhelmed when your father gives you a schedule overflowing with his ideas for the next year. But if you ever find him to be too overbearing, just say the word and I will whisk you away; there is a quaint café that opened up in town while we were at the capital, I think you would enjoy taking a well-deserved break there. I really do hope that the gods may approve of our reunion soon. In the meantime, please take care of yourself. Yours always, Cyfrin</div> <div id="centered"><<link "(Read Cyfrin's letter in regular font)">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Cyfrin's Letter"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Cyfrin's letter Regular").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></div> <<nobr>><<if hasVisited("Ædric’s letter")>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.17">><</button>></span><<else>><div id="centered">[[Read Ædric's letter.|Ædric’s letter]]</div><</if>> <</nobr>> /*[[Ch 1.17]]*/

Though your heart has been shattered into a million pieces, you can’t deny that many of those pieces still beat rapidly at the memory of the fond grins that Ædan used to give you. <em>But were those soft smiles really for me, or were they for Helene?</em> Ædric’s expression remains unreadable, though his sharp gaze is wholly focused on you. He eventually speaks up after a few seconds of silence. “Hmm, perhaps I should ask you a different question: do you want Ædan to suffer for his betrayal?” <div id="choices">\ *<<link '“Absolutely.”'>><<set $aedan_revenge to "yes">><<replace #choices t8n>>“Absolutely.” The corners of his mouth tilt upward, indicating how pleased he is at your response. “I'm glad we're on the same page then. I have a proposal for you, $Laird $name.” “Which is?” “Marry me.” *[['“I beg your pardon?”'|Ch 1.22]] *[[Stare at him in surprise.|Ch 1.22]] *[['“Interesting … go on.”'|Ch 1.22]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link '“I’m not sure …”'>><<set $aedan_revenge to "unsure">><<replace #choices t8n>>“I’m not sure …” He lets out a contemplative hum. “I see … perhaps you would still be interested in hearing my proposal?” “Which is?” “Marry me.” *[['“I beg your pardon?”'|Ch 1.22]] *[[Stare at him in surprise.|Ch 1.22]] *[['“Interesting … go on.”'|Ch 1.22]]<</replace>><</link>> \</div>

<<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Saved!<</notify>><</if>>“My brother was a fool for letting go of an intelligent and capable $person such as yourself, and I am sure that you're well-aware of his … many … flaws that could end up being detrimental to the people of our kingdom should he come to sit on the throne.” Ædric speaks calmly for someone who just dropped a marriage proposal into your lap. “If you and I combine our efforts, I know that we can call for a, shall we say, redistribution of titles.” Though your mind is reeling from the sudden proposal, you are still able to quickly discern the meaning behind his words: Ædric will fight for his claim to the throne, and he wants <b>you</b> to be his consort. Well, that’s certainly <em>one</em> way to get back at your ex-fiancé. Several questions run through your head, but the one you end up cautiously asking him is: “What if you fall in love with someone else in the future?” “How could I even dare to look at another person when I have you by my side?” Ædric scoffs, and you wonder how he could be so confident in his words when hearts could be so fickle. “Even if such an impossible thing were to occur, I would never insult you by taking on a lover, canceling our engagement, or asking for a divorce. This I swear upon the Moon, who sees all that is shrouded in darkness.” Your eyes widen as a flash of light emanates from the back of his right hand, which he immediately shows you. The crescent moon of the Moon Oath glows brightly before it seeps into his skin and disappears from view. To say that you are shocked is a <em>grave</em> understatement. The Moon Oath is one of the two Divine Oaths that must <em>never</em> be taken lightly. To swear on the moon is to vow before the god of the moon, Lune, that one will not commit the activities they have mentioned in their promise; anyone who breaks their oath will be dragged away by shadows to become one with the darkness that they brought into their life by breaking their oath. “Why would you make a Moon Oath when I haven’t even agreed to your deal?” Ædric fixes you with a steely gaze. “Because I wanted to show you how serious I am. If you accept my proposition, I will be fully committed to our plans and, most especially, to <em>you</em>.” That’s thrice now that you have felt a tightening sensation in your chest at Ædric’s words. “You have given me much to think about. May I have some time to consider your proposal?” Ædric’s expression softens. “Of course,” he replies gently, a stark contrast to his seriousness from just a few moments ago. “Take as much time as you need. I will wait for you.” You give him a smile as you rise to your feet. “Thank you. I shall take my leave now.” Ædric nods and accompanies you to the door, which he opens for you. Once you’ve crossed the threshold back into the hallway, he gives you a short bow and a pensive smile. “Safe travels, $Laird $name.” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.23">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.23]]*/

Two envelopes, one green and the other purple, are slipped through the small gap between the door and the floor. You give Miss Claire your thanks before you pick up the envelopes and turn them over to examine them. The green envelope, signed by the apprentice of your father's secretary and your best friend, Cyfrin Galanthus, is wrinkled and water-stained in one of the upper corners of the envelope. On the other hand, the violet envelope, signed only with “Rick”, is smooth and pristine; you suppose it makes sense that this second envelope is neater than Cyfrin's, considering that it came from Prince Ædric in the royal palace and therefore did not need to travel for weeks in a messenger bag. *[[Read Ædric’s letter first.|Ædric’s letter]] *[[Read Cyfrin’s letter first.|Cyfrin’s letter]]

To the heir of Argentius, $Laird $name, If you think it shameless of me to request for a meeting with you in the first correspondence I have sent you since the last time we saw each other, then you have my deepest apologies. However, I had hoped that our shared history would be enough for you to know that I would not ask this of you if I did not have a good reason. There is something I must discuss with you tonight. It is a matter of the utmost importance; as such, it requires the utmost discretion. Please come at whatever time is most convenient for you. I will wait for you, however long it takes. Sincerely yours, R

My dearest, $name, It pains me that neither the duke nor I could be with you in person on the day of that bastard's greatest act of disrespect, but the arrogance of the bandits at the border continues to grow by the day. If only we had some means to find their hideout or sabotage their arms supply, then ==I could== we could have been at your side by the time this letter reaches you. Once matters here at the duchy have all been settled, you can be sure that your father and I will ride without pause until we see you again. But beware: it seems that the duke has no intention of letting you out of his sight once the two of you are reunited. Everyday, he comes up with at least ten ideas for outings and activities that he hopes you will agree to do with him, such as picnics and horseback riding. Admittedly, I am reminded of my younger self when you and I were separated, so I cannot fault him for his actions, however excessive they may be. Still, I thought it best to warn you so that you may be less overwhelmed when your father gives you a schedule overflowing with his ideas for the next year. But if you ever find him to be too overbearing, just say the word and I will whisk you away; there is a quaint café that opened up in town while we were at the capital, I think you would enjoy taking a well-deserved break there. I really do hope that the gods may approve of our reunion soon. In the meantime, please take care of yourself. Yours always, Cyfrin

<<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Saved!<</notify>><</if>>About an hour later, you are once again walking through the halls of the royal palace. This time, however, you are in the eastern wing where Prince Ædric resides. Normally, the rest of Queen Lucia's children would also be housed in this wing, but Princeps Ræ opted to live in the dorms of the Royal Aurelian Academy for the duration of zir studies while the twins, Princess Særina and Princess Mælianna, are not quite ready yet to be separated from their parents, whose quarters lie in the northern wing. As you head towards Prince Ædric's office, you are frustrated with how walking through the palace halls, something that was once accompanied by the feeling of a hundred butterflies all fluttering about in your stomach, now has you on high alert and listening closely for the clacking of heels on marble. You are anxious about the possibility of running into Ædan or Helene, but armed with secret knowledge about the existence of a deep rift between the crown prince and his brother, you are comforted by the fact that Ædan would rather burn to a crisp than set even one foot in the eastern wing if the rest of the palace was engulfed in a blazing inferno. Though just to be sure, you had used the passage whose door was hidden behind the seventh suit of armor on display in the main hallway of this wing, located just to the right of a large portrait of the current royal family having a picnic by the southern entrance to the sprawling hedge maze behind the palace. Soon, you arrive before the pair of double doors that lead into Prince Ædric's office. You take a moment to mentally prepare yourself for whatever may be discussed during your clandestine meeting with the second prince before you knock upon the dark oak. “Come in,” a quiet voice calls out in response from behind the door. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.19">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.19]]*/

You turn the knob and enter the room, which to your initial surprise is rather dimly lit, until you see that the dark gray curtains for the floor-to-ceiling windows that are directly opposite the door had been drawn closed, blocking out the rays of the early afternoon sun. The only sources of light within the room are the chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling, which you know had been specially engineered to brightly illuminate rooms that were a fourth of the size of the grand ballroom, and the lamp that casts a gentle light upon the figure seated behind the wide executive desk situated in front of the windows. “Please pardon the poor lighting,” says the figure as he continues to move the pen in his hand across a sheet of paper without looking up at you just yet, the rich timbre of his baritone voice sounding more exhausted than usual. “If I increased the brightness any further, Mother would know that I had company and interrogate me about it until I eventually caved from guilt.” The thought of the intimidating man before you surrendering to an older woman who was nearly a foot shorter than him considerably lifts your spirits. Queen Lucia, who served as a warm mother figure for you after the death of your own mother when you were six years old, had an ultimate weapon that proved to be extremely effective against not only her children, but also against every stubborn noble that has crossed her path since she gave birth to Ædric: maternal disappointment. “You say that as though you would even make it past the first round of interrogations.” You hear a chuckle. “You're right, as always,” the man says before you see a smile appear on the tired face of Queen Lucia's eldest child, Prince Ædric Aurelius. Even in the shadows, the intensity of his violet eyes remains undiminished, their sharpness reminding you of a general’s calculating gaze as they survey a battlefield and take in every detail to determine the best course of action to secure an efficient victory. However, his usual intimidating expression is softened by the raised corners of his mouth, forming a fond grin that only a handful of people are privy to. His hair is as immaculately styled as always, save for a few ebony strands that hang loose over his forehead, adding to his fatigued appearance. You notice that he has kept his hair parted to his left as usual; you would not have taken much note of the hairstyle choices of the second prince were you not aware that this was a deliberate detail, a quiet sign of Ædric's opposition to the crown prince, who usually has his hair parted on the other side. It seems that even for a few hours on Ædan's wedding day, Ædric had no intention of bridging the ravine that continues to separate him and his half-brother. “Please, have a seat,” Ædric says amiably as he rises from his chair, bringing you out of your musings. He directs your attention towards the pair of sofas facing each other in the center of the room. You take a seat on the sofa to your right while Ædric mirrors you on the opposite side of the rectangular coffee table that sits in the middle of the room. He offers you some refreshments, and with you being rather parched after all the walking you have done today, you accept the <<cycle "$drink" autoselect>> <<option "cup of coffee" "coffee">> <<option "cup of tea" "tea">> <<option "glass of juice" "juice">> <</cycle>> that he hands to you. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.20">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.20]]*/

You take a sip and are moderately surprised that it has already been prepared according to your tastes. You have always known that Ædric was attentive to everything around him, but you didn't expect him to remember, let alone notice, the exact way that you preferred to have your $drink. “Is it not to your liking?” Ædric asks hesitantly, a slight frown marring his sharp features. “Oh! No, quite the opposite, actually.” Then, without thinking — “Thank you.” You feel warmth spread across your face at the embarrassing realization that you expressed such heartfelt gratitude at such a simple gesture as having your favorite drink prepared beforehand. You're not even sure why you blurted out your thanks, or why your chest feels tight with emotions that you can't name. <<nobr>><<set _flowerOptions to { "geraniums" : "geranium", "larkspurs" : "larkspur", "forget-me-nots" : "forget-me-not", "sunflowers" : "sunflower", "honeysuckles" : "honeysuckle", "camellias" : "camellia", "carnations" : "carnation", "daffodils" : "daffodil", "lilies of the valley" : "lily of the valley", "jonquils" : "jonquil", "daisies" : "daisy", "lilies" : "lily"}>> <</nobr>>Perhaps it is because after so many years of Ædan consistently ordering the same cup of sencha tea for you whenever he brought you to his favorite café, gifting you the same bouquet of crimson red roses when you preferred <<cycle "$flower" autoselect>> <<optionsfrom _flowerOptions>> <</cycle>>, sending you the same clothes and accessories that never went well with your $complexion skin, $haircolor hair, and $eyecolor eyes, you finally felt … <em>seen</em>, like you finally mattered enough to someone for them to care about what <em>you</em> wanted. You barely even notice that you had tears flowing freely down your face until a handkerchief enters your field of vision. You look up at Ædric, who has kneeled before you and now remains silent; the worry etched on his face, however, speaks louder than anything he could have said in that moment. You are suddenly reminded of the comforting words that Sir Bertrand gave you that morning: <em>‘I hope you know that you have many people who care about you, Ædric and myself included.’ </em> You can immediately feel a fresh wave of tears beginning to rise, so you quickly take the violet cloth from Ædric’s outstretched hand and dab at your eyes to catch the drops that escape from your tear ducts. You take a few deep breaths to compose yourself before you meet Ædric’s gaze, his intense violet eyes softened by his concern for you. “Thank you.” Your words, though few in number and low in volume, carry a heavy weight to them. The second prince gives you a small, reassuring smile in response. He settles back into his seat on the couch and is about to speak when he is interrupted by the jubilant sounds of several brass instruments coming from beyond the windows of his office. It only takes you a moment to realize why you were currently hearing a muffled jazzy trumpet solo. “The reception is still ongoing?” Ædric nods nonchalantly, as if being absent from the royal wedding of the century wasn’t such a big deal. “Yes, but I left as soon as the ceremony itself was over. I didn’t want you to have to travel in the dark.” There it is again, the tight feeling in your chest. “I would have skipped the ceremony altogether if the illusion of a united family wasn’t so important to His Majesty,” Ædric grumbles with such a sour expression that it manages to elicit a chuckle from you. You contemplate for a few seconds before you tentatively ask, “How was it?” Ædric takes a while to construct his answer. “It would have been perfect, were it not for the people getting married.” “Oh, I see,” is the only reply you can give. A short period of silence ensues before Ædric speaks up once again. “May I ask you a personal question? I promise it <em>is</em> related to the reason behind my request for a meeting with you today, but …” “But?” Ædric hesitates for a few moments, then brings up a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose, his actions accompanied by an irritated sigh. “… but it's about the buffoon that I am unfortunately related to.” <em>Oh.</em> You <<cycle "$tic" autoselect>> <<option "wring your hands together">> <<option "worry your bottom lip">> <<option "drum your fingers on your lap">> <</cycle>> for some time until you feel ready to answer any question Ædric could ask. “What do you wish to know?” “Do you still love Ædan?” Well. Of all the things he could have asked about, you certainly weren’t expecting Ædric to drop <em>that</em> question into your hands. It’s a good thing he warned you beforehand that he was going to ask about his half-brother, or you would have taken longer to recover from your shock. *[['“Yes.”'|Ch 1.21.1][$aedan_love to "yes"]] *[['“No.”'|Ch 1.21.2][$aedan_love to "no"]] *[[“I don't know.”|Ch 1.21.3][$aedan_love to "idk"]]

Even after all the bullshit Ædan pulled, your heart still aches in his firm grasp. You've loved him for nearly two-thirds of your life; erasing the feelings you’ve had for him was never going to be an easy task. If the light was just a little bit brighter, you would have seen the corner of Ædric's right eye twitch at your response. “Hmm, perhaps I should ask you a different question: do you want Ædan to suffer for his betrayal?” <div id="choices">\ *<<link '“Absolutely.”'>><<set $aedan_revenge to "yes">><<replace #choices t8n>>“Absolutely.” He smiles, pleased by your reply. “I'm glad we're on the same page then. I have a proposal for you, $Laird $name.” “Which is?” “Marry me.” *[['“I beg your pardon?”'|Ch 1.22]] *[[Stare at him in surprise.|Ch 1.22]] *[['“Interesting … go on.”'|Ch 1.22]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link '“I’m not sure …”'>><<set $aedan_revenge to "unsure">><<replace #choices t8n>>“I’m not sure …” He lets out a contemplative hum. “I see … perhaps you would still be interested in hearing my proposal?” “Which is?” “Marry me.” *[['“I beg your pardon?”'|Ch 1.22]] *[[Stare at him in surprise.|Ch 1.22]] *[['“Interesting … go on.”'|Ch 1.22]]<</replace>><</link>> \</div>

Every time you learned something new about the bullshit that Ædan pulled behind your back just so he could marry the love of his life, it felt like a sword was being plunged into your heart over and over and over again. Every cherished memory you had of him is now tainted by the knowledge that <em>none of it was real</em>. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that every ounce of affection you had for Ædan went down the drain as soon as your confrontation with that damn witch ended. Indeed, Ædric does not seem to be the least bit fazed by your seething reply, though there <em>is</em> a slight shift in his expression as his eyes narrow. (It’s a shame, really, that Ædric had the room as dark as it was; if the lights were just a little bit brighter, you would have caught the corner of Ædric's mouth twitch upwards at your response.) “In that case, I have another question for you: do you want Ædan to suffer for his betrayal?” <div id="choices">\ *<<link '“Absolutely.”'>><<set $aedan_revenge to "yes">><<replace #choices t8n>>“Absolutely,” you reply without any hesitation. He gives you a pleased grin. “I'm glad we're on the same page then. I have a proposal for you, $Laird $name.” “Which is?” “Marry me.” *[['“I beg your pardon?”'|Ch 1.22]] *[[Stare at him in surprise.|Ch 1.22]] *[['“Interesting … go on.”'|Ch 1.22]]<</replace>><</link>> *<<link '“I’m not sure …”'>><<set $aedan_revenge to "unsure">><<replace #choices t8n>>“I’m not sure …” He lets out a contemplative hum. “I see … perhaps you would still be interested in hearing my proposal?” “Which is?” “Marry me.” *[['“I beg your pardon?”'|Ch 1.22]] *[[Stare at him in surprise.|Ch 1.22]] *[['“Interesting … go on.”'|Ch 1.22]]<</replace>><</link>> \</div>

With your mind heavily preoccupied by what transpired during your meeting with Ædric, especially the proposition he offered, your carriage ride back to the Argentius mansion seems to go by even faster than it did this morning. By the time your mind has returned to the present, the door to your carriage is already being opened by one of the footmen, allowing you the view of your home bathed in the light of the setting sun. Featuring a meticulously-maintained garden and a stately, three-story brick house, the Argentius mansion has been your permanent place of residence since you were chosen by King Ærick to be his eldest son’s future consort when you were only eight years old. The house itself is one of the few buildings left in the kingdom that was constructed shortly after the establishment of the Aurelius Kingdom that has never had any preservation spells cast upon it, which is a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of your ancestors who designed and built the mansion with their own hands. Most of your predecessors have been rather hands-off when it comes to the garden, with your father being the sole exception as he continues to diligently take care of the tree he planted in the northeastern corner of the garden behind the house when he became the duke at eighteen, a great deodar cedar that your mother loved to rest under after the training sessions she used to have with your father and his knights. Miss Claire greets you with a bow as you alight the carriage and accompanies you to the entrance of the house, which is a pair of large, dark brown, ash wood doors with one half of the Argentius coat of arms carved on each door. You are about to step through the open doorway when — <div id="blurry">“$name!”</div> You pause. Who was — <div id="clearer">“$name!”</div> Wait. You know that voice. “$name!” You immediately whip your head around at the sound of a familiar voice that you’ve grown up alongside, a voice that you should definitely //not// be hearing in the capital. //“Cyfrin?”// <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.24">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.24]]*/

Sure enough, you see your best friend quickly approaching you on an Andalusian stallion with a solid brown coat that matched the hair of its rider. You do a double take when you realize that the Andalusian he was riding is Nikolai, your father’s fastest but most stubborn horse; Nikolai was infamous for bucking off every poor soul who attempted to ride him, all except for your father. Your surprise renders you speechless as Cyfrin slows down the pace of the stallion until he comes to a stop before you. When his vibrant green eyes meet your $eyecolor ones, the storm in his eyes prompts you to speak. “Cyfrin, what—?" You are barely able to get two words out before Cyfrin dismounts and, without saying a word, immediately gathers you in his arms and wraps you up in a tight embrace. “I’m sorry for not arriving sooner, $name,” he whispers as he holds you close to his chest. It takes a moment for you to process his words. <em>Did he travel all the way from the manor in the duchy on horseback just to be here … for me?</em> Your heart clenches at the thought. <em>He</em> never did anything like this for you. You allow yourself to relax in Cyfrin's gentle hold, all the tension in your body gradually being replaced by the warmth that his comforting presence brings. <<cycle "$cyfrinhug" autoselect>> <<option "You reach up and pat his back in silent thanks.">> <<option "You bring up your arms to return the hug with your hands holding onto his shoulders.">> <<option "You wrap your arms around his torso to return the hug.">> <</cycle>> The two of you stay as you are until you recall the contents of Cyfrin’s letter: <em>'It pains me that neither the duke nor I could be with you in person on the day of that bastard's greatest act of disrespect, but the arrogance of the bandits at the border continues to grow by the day.'</em> You suddenly disentangle yourself from him and look at him with a worried frown. “Wait, I thought you couldn’t come back any time soon? How are you here? And where’s my father?” “The duke is fine, but — ” He stops and glances around, cautious. “We should speak inside, my $laird.” Your frown deepens and you grow more concerned at the wariness Cyfrin was exhibiting, but you trust him and refrain from questioning him out in the open. You turn to Miss Claire. “Please have dinner prepared while Cyfrin and I have a talk in my office.” “Yes, my $laird.” With that, you head towards your office on the second floor of the mansion, Cyfrin following close behind. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.25">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.25]]*/

You and Cyfrin remain in tense silence as you enter the foyer, climb the grand staircase, turn to the West Wing, and continue on through the hall, which is lined on either side with paintings of your forefathers and their families. You linger for a moment before the painting closest to your office. It depicted a $complexion-skinned woman leaning against the base of a cedar tree, the head of her $haircolor-haired husband laying in her lap as they laugh at the antics of a little $eyecolor-eyed $child and a much shorter, brunet boy as the children chased each other near a mini-buffet of sandwiches and desserts spread out on a cream-colored picnic blanket. Sometimes, when you close your eyes and concentrate hard enough, you think you can recall the way your mother laughed that day: boisterous, a few snorts here and there, a couple of punches aimed at your father’s upper arm. It was completely unbefitting a duchess, but it perfectly suited your mother. You notice movement in the corner of your eye, so you turn to Cyfrin as he steps closer to the painting, seemingly as caught up in the memory of this moment as you were. “We were so small back then,” he murmurs. A chuckle slips past you. “But you were even smaller than me.” Your response causes Cyfrin to sputter in embarrassed indignation. With his easily-flustered nature, it’s hard to believe that Cyfrin is older than you, never mind that <<if $height is "very short" or $height is "short">>he towers over you with ease<<elseif $height is "average">>you are at eye-level with his chin<<else>>there was only a difference of a few inches between the top of your heads<</if>>. Once Cyfrin had calmed down from his protestations, he turned back to the painting. “The duchess was a very kind woman.” There was a sad fondness in his voice; Cyfrin was much closer to your mother, even now when he had spent more time with your father as the protégé to the duke’s aide. “You remind me of her, you know?” Cyfrin says as he shifts his attention to you. “I know she would be proud of the $person you’ve become.” A few tears begin gathering in the inner corners of your eyes, which you quickly wipe away. “Thank you.” Cyfrin gives you an encouraging smile, then moves around you to open the door at the end of the hall that leads to your office. You let out a lightly exasperated huff at his actions. “You don’t need to open the door for me.” Your best friend responds with a cheeky grin. “I know.” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.26">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.26]]*/

His words leave a sour taste in your mouth. They make you feel like Cyfrin and your father see you as a helpless child, too fragile to be left unsupervised. “I don’t need your pity.” Cyfrin’s eyes widen at your harsh tone. His expression shifts into a hurt frown, then he quickly looks away. It takes a few moments before he meets your gaze again and replies, his voice hesitant and uncertain. “I … I didn’t come here because I pitied you. I’m here because I care about you, $name. I’m here because you don’t deserve to be alone while that asshole is having the best time of his life after the shit he pulled. Of course, I can give you space if that is what you want, but being alone should be your choice, not a given.” The indignation you initially felt ebbs away as you realize that you had misunderstood his intentions. “Thank you, Cyfrin. I’m sorry for lashing out at you.” The corner of his mouth lifts up into a reassuring smile. “It’s alright, I’m just glad we could clear that all up. And there’s no need for you to thank me, $name. I’ll always be here for you.” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.28">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.28]]*/

His words cause a warm feeling to bloom in your chest. Your father and Cyfrin have always been your closest confidants, so it has been very hard to ride out this whole shitstorm of a month without them. You’re glad that at least one of them could be here for you today, even with the trouble happening back at the duchy. “Thank you, Cyfrin. I know it’s selfish of me to feel this way, but I … I’m really glad that you’re here.” The corner of his mouth lifts up into a reassuring smile. “I don’t think it’s selfish to seek comfort from the people you trust the most after everything that’s happened. And there’s no need for you to thank me, $name. I will <em>always</em> be there for you.” <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.28">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.28]]*/

Now here you are, back in your room once again. <<if $coping is "destruction">>It is now neat and tidy. If you were not the owner of this room, you probably would not have known that someone had a rather violent breakdown in here a few hours ago. As you are intimately familiar with the contents and layout of your most personal space, you are quick to notice the new inkwell and the fresh stack of paper on your slightly chipped desk and the flecks of ink on some of the books on your now less densely packed shelves. With a sigh, you go about your room, putting the replaced items where their predecessors used to be and taking note of the damaged furniture and missing items to discuss with Miss Claire in the morning. Once you are done, you wash up and change into your nightclothes before climbing into bed.<<elseif $coping is "training">>It is just as you left it. Even your sword is right where you had carelessly tossed it on your bed. You pick it up and examine the blade, clicking your tongue when you see how dull it has become. Unsurprising, given how intensely you had hacked away at those wooden dummies earlier. You return your sword to its scabbard before laying it atop the chest at the foot of your bed; you will have to sharpen it with a whetstone tomorrow, and from your brief inspection it seems that it will take quite a while. You then wash up and change into your nightclothes before climbing into bed.<<else>>It is just as you left it, with the exception of the hand towel you had used to wipe the tears and mucus from your breakdown off the floor. You had left the towel by the door, but it is no longer there, most likely taken by one of the maids for washing. The towel holds little significance to you and you know that it won’t be returning anytime soon, so you put it out of your mind for now. You then wash up and change into your nightclothes before climbing into bed.<</if>> <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.35">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.35]]*/

As soon as Cyfrin closes the door behind him, you cross your arms and fix him with a stern look. “Now will you tell me why you’re here and not in the duchy with my father?” Cyfrin deflates and pouts. “Are you not happy to see me?” Seeing him wilt so openly before you reminds you of how he would have a similar expression whenever the two of you had to be separated when you were younger, back when he had such round cheeks that made his pout more adorable than petulant. The memory brings a fond smile to your face. “Of course I’m happy to see you,” you reply with a soft chuckle, and Cyfrin instantly brightens at your words. “I’m just worried about Father. You said in your letter that both of you would come back when things have settled, but you’re here alone. What else was I going to think?” He deflates once more, looking like a puppy that had been scolded for chewing on a slipper. “Ah, I apologize for causing you undue stress, I promise you that was not my intention.” “I know.” You sit down in the chair behind your desk and gesture towards the armchair in front of you. “Have a seat, then tell me everything.” Cyfrin heeds your instructions and lowers himself into the chair. You can hear his foot begin to tap on the floor as he starts talking. “As I told you in my letter, the situation with the bandits at the border between the duchy and the Belmares Empire has not seen much progress. Your father thought that we would be able to quell the sudden uprising within a few weeks, but the bandits have been launching attacks everyday with no signs of their arms and supplies getting low, even until I left the duchy. However, the duke and I agreed that at least one of us should be here for you today of all days, and since your father couldn’t leave, he allowed me to go in his stead.” *[['“I don’t need your pity.”'|Ch 1.27.1]] *[['“… Thank you, Cyfrin.”'|Ch 1.27.2]]

<div id="centered">No.<<set _show to {start: 0, end: 2}>> <div class='hide' id='next0'>Not yours.</div> <div class='hide' id='next1'>He was never <em>[[yours|Ch 1.30]]</em>.</div></div>

You know for a fact that the only way that Cyfrin could have arrived at the capital three days after leaving the duchy was if he had traveled without taking any time to rest, only stopping to switch horses in the towns he passed along the way. And the reason why you know this in the first place is because you had done the same once when <span id="blurry" display="inline">your fia –</span> you heard that <em>he</em> had come down with a flu while you were visiting the duchy. You shake your head, forcing your thoughts about <em>him</em> back into the pit you tried to bury them in. You need to focus on the idiot that you were so close to losing because of his complete disregard for his own health and safety. “Cyfrin, I appreciate how much you care about me, but you need to take better care of yourself!” you exclaimed, <<cycle "$cyfrinconcern" autoselect>> <<option "fretting about his well-being">> <<option "frustrated with his recklessness">> <</cycle>>. “You could have gotten into an accident! You shouldn’t have risked your life for me.” “You’re my best friend, $name; if I had to ride across the entire continent to be at your side, I’d do it in a heartbeat.” <em>This stubborn man</em>. You have half a mind to shake some sense into him, but before you could decide on whether you would push through with it or not, you are interrupted by someone knocking upon the door. “My $laird, dinner is almost ready,” comes the voice of the head maid from the other side of the door. “Thank you, Miss Claire. Cyfrin and I will be there shortly.” Cyfrin looks down at his clothes, and it’s only now that you notice the faint stains of dirt on his pants and the dried mud caking his riding boots. He catches your inspection of his attire and responds with a sheepish smile. “I should clean up before we eat.” He quickly stands, presumably to make his great escape from you and this conversation, but he freezes when you call out to him. “Not so fast.” Cyfrin hesitates, then gingerly sits back down. His rigid posture reminds you of how he had braced himself for the duke’s punishment after he accidentally dropped the vase that the Dowager Queen had made with her own hands for your father. “You seem to constantly forget that <em>you</em> are <em>my</em> best friend as well, Cyfrin. Just the thought of losing you forever … it’s too painful for me to even consider.” Cyfrin’s eyes widen and he swiftly approaches you, reaching out and gently wiping away the tears that had begun welling up in your eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize …” he trails off, his voice soft and full of concern. He pulls you into a hug once again to comfort you, which you allow for a few moments until you pull away from him so you can look him in the eye. “Can you at least promise me that you will never do something like this again?” He doesn’t give you an immediate reply, but he eventually responds with, “I can promise that I will try.” You sigh. It’s not exactly what you wanted, but knowing Cyfrin, it’s a miracle that he would even promise to try. “That’s good enough, I suppose. Go on ahead, I’ll see you in the dining room.” Cyfrin nods and tightens his arms around you for a moment before releasing his hold on you. He then bows and leaves the room, seeming hesitant to leave you alone even until he closes the door. Now that he’s gone, you take a few moments to calm down and fix your appearance until your stomach gurgles in protest, prompting you to remember that you hadn’t eaten since the previous night, so you exit your office and head towards the dining room. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.31">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.31]]*/

Just then, you realize that something doesn’t quite make sense. “When did you leave the duchy? I just received the letter you sent warning me about my father’s plans to glue himself to my side for the next year before I left earlier.” The tapping of his foot suddenly increases in tempo. “Erm, I think it was last week? It’s hard to keep track of the days when you’re on the road, haha…” You narrow your eyes at his nervous response. “Cyfrin. When did you leave the duchy?” Green eyes begin to dart around as he remains suspiciously silent. “Cyfrin Galanthus.” He flinches when you use his full name. “ … f-five days ago …” Your only reply is a raised eyebrow and a disbelieving stare. “… <div id="small">three days ago</div> …” You know for a fact that the only way that Cyfrin could have arrived at the capital three days after leaving the duchy was if he had traveled without taking any time to rest, only stopping to switch horses in the towns he passed along the way. And the reason why you know this in the first place is because you had done the same once when [[your fia –|Ch 1.29]]

<<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Saved!<</notify>><</if>>You arrive at the dining room in a few minutes and take a seat at the head of the long table in the center of the room. The curtains of the floor-to-ceiling window on your left that spans the whole length of the room remain open, allowing you a view of the gazebo in the back garden that glowed with warm yellow light from some recently developed inventions from the Liadon ducal family that stored magical energy from the sun during the day to power the lights by supplying magic to the light-producing spell imbued in the glass bulbs once night had fallen. Everyone in the mansion agreed that the lights were a great addition to the gazebo, which the first Duke Argentius had built for his wife. Since its construction, the gazebo has been the site of every proposal made by the heirs to the dukedom for the past fifteen generations, all the way down to your father. Perhaps one day, you too would – “$name?” You nearly jump out of your seat at the unexpected interruption. You whip your head around to the source of your surprise for the second time today and see Cyfrin standing by the chair to your right. “Gods above, Cyfrin, you nearly gave me a heart attack.” He gives you an apologetic smile. “Sorry. What had you so absorbed that you didn't notice my approach?” You waved a hand to dismiss his interest in your thoughts. “Nothing important. Now, take a seat and let’s eat, you must be starving.” As Cyfrin sits down, you notice that he has changed out of his riding clothes and boots into a proper suit and dress shoes. It also seems that he had attempted to tame his famously unruly hair, but he already had several wavy strands out of place. The small chuckle you let out is masked by the entrance of the footmen as they wheel in a pair of carts, the plates on top of which remain covered. <<nobr>> <<set _foodOptions to [ "shepherd’s pie", "beef stew", "pork chops", "chicken curry", "roasted fish", "buttered shrimp", "steamed oysters", "pottage stew"]>> <</nobr>>You are then promptly served your dinner of <<cycle "$food" autoselect>> <<optionsfrom _foodOptions>> <</cycle>> while Cyfrin has his favorite braised beef. Afterwards, the footmen excuse themselves, well-aware that both you and your father preferred conversations held at the dinner table to remain private. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.32">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.32]]*/

As the two of you eat, you decide to confide in Cyfrin about what happened over the long day you've had. “I talked to Ædan this morning.” Your sudden statement halts the hand that was halfway to his mouth with a forkful of seasoned beef. Cyfrin looks at you, then puts down his fork and turns his body to face you fully, ready to listen to anything you wish to tell him. And so, you begin to recount your encounters with the crown prince, his … the saintess, and the second prince. You become so engrossed in recalling the events that happened within the past few hours that you completely miss the way Cyfrin clenches his jaw several times as you tell him about the first meeting you've had with Ædan since hearing about his damn announcement. You also fail to notice how his hand had formed a fist by the time you mentioned Helene, and the subsequent whitening of his knuckles when you talk about everything she had revealed. When you reach the part of your clandestine meeting with Prince Ædric, you hesitate. How exactly were you supposed to tell your best friend about your ex-fiance's brother dropping a marriage proposal into your lap? With the awkward pause in your retelling, Cyfrin takes note of your uncertainty. “You don't have to tell me anything that you're not comfortable with sharing, alright?” You nod. Cyfrin has always been patient with you and accepted what you chose to share with him, fully aware that there are some things that you would rather keep to yourself, and you appreciated that he respected your privacy this way. You $tic and take a deep breath. *[['“Well, you see …”'|Ch 1.33][$cyfrinreveal to "gentle"]] *[['“Prince Ædric proposed to me.”'|Ch 1.33][$cyfrinreveal to "abrupt"]]

<<if $cyfrinreveal is "gentle">>“I received a proposal of marriage from Prince Ædric.” Cyfrin blinks. “You received … a proposal.” “Yes.” “A marriage proposal.” “Mhmm.” “From Prince Ædric.” “From the second prince, yes.” Cyfrin finally stops parroting your words, but he remains motionless. You grow increasingly concerned that he may have even stopped breathing. “Cyfrin?” Calling his name snaps him out of his petrification. “Sorry, I – how did it happen?” Before you could answer, an angry frown swiftly replaces his gobsmacked expression. “Wait, he wasn't trying to mock you, was he?” You quickly wave your hand to reassure him. “No, no.<<else>>The drop of a pin would have been as loud as an explosion in the silence that followed your revelation. Cyfrin stops moving, stops blinking. His eyes remain on you, but he is no longer <em>seeing</em> you. After a minute passes, you worry that you may have accidentally broken him. “Cyfrin?” He jolts back into the present. “Sorry, I – he <em>proposed</em>??” You nod sheepishly, Cyfrin’s wide-eyed stare making you feel acutely embarrassed. “Yes.<</if>> He plans to fight for his claim to the throne with me as his consort. He even swore a Moon Oath to never take a lover or ask for a divorce.” Cyfrin’s eyes widen again when he hears this. “What did you say? Did you accept his proposal?” “I asked him to give me some time to think about it.” “Will you accept his proposal?” “I don’t know yet,” you admit. “Your sudden arrival didn’t leave me much time to go over it.” “Oh …" “What do you think about it, Cyfrin?” He takes some time to put his thoughts into order, staring out at the gazebo. “If you decide to accept his proposal, I know that you’ll be successful. That witch is nowhere near as prepared as you are to take the throne, and His Royal Bastardness doesn’t even deserve to have his ass touch the throne.” The unresolved inflection in his voice tells you that there was something Cyfrin was holding back. “I’m sensing that you have more to say.” He sighs, then turns back to you with his eyebrows drawn together and mouth slightly downturned once again. “I know you’ll be successful, but I’m worried about you. You’ve spent the last fifteen years studying and working non-stop. Even the gods themselves take breaks, $name.” “So what do you propose I do?” “I,” he falters for a moment, but then determinedly pushes through with what he was going to say. “I propose that you return with me to the duchy and take a long overdue vacation.” It was your turn to hesitate. Taking a vacation now sounded like you were <<if $sad gt $angry>>running away in shame<<elseif $angry gt $sad>>admitting defeat to that silver-haired snake<</if>>. <em>Would people think I’m weak? Would Father be disappointed in me? Would Prince Ædric and Sir Bertrand be worried about me? Would Ædan –</em> Your thoughts are interrupted when Cyfrin takes your hands into his, prompting you to meet his gaze. “There’s nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself, $name, especially with everything you’ve been through.” His tone is soft and reassuring as his thumbs gently trace circles around your knuckles. “You could take a break, far away from princes that don’t appreciate what’s right in front of them and saintesses that are snakes in disguise. If you choose to take the throne with Prince Ædric, I will respect your decision. I just hope that you'll think about what I said.” “I will.” He smiles. Then he looks down and seemingly notices for the first time the way his hands were cradling yours. He releases your hands in an instant, eyes wide once again. “M-my apologies, $name, I hadn’t noticed – I didn’t mean to touch you without asking …” Cyfrin’s considerate nature never fails to warm your heart. “It’s alright, I know,” you reassure him. “Thank you, Cyfrin. What would I do without such a wonderful friend as you?” He cracks a grin, as fond as it is mischievous. “You probably would’ve become one of those stick-in-the-mud snobs without me to lighten up your life.” “I think you mean, without you dragging me into your shenanigans and constantly getting us into trouble?” Cyfrin pretends to be offended, then continues to playfully bicker and look back on old memories with you over the rest of dinner. A few desserts and a lot of boisterous laughter later, your first yawn of the night prompts Cyfrin to have the dishes cleared and any leftovers returned to the kitchen. He then escorts you to your room, the banter between you more subdued and nostalgic until he bows and bids you good night. Ever the gentleman, he waits for you to close the door before he leaves, his footsteps against the hardwood floor outside becoming softer and softer until you can no longer hear them. <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.34">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.34]]*/

<div id="centered"><<if $character is "Duke">> *50 years old *Married your mother at 20 years old, was 27 years old when you were born *King Ærick’s best friend, but his love for his family is superior to his love for his friend. If he had to choose between his family and the world, he would let the world burn. <<elseif $character is "Duchess">> *Married your father at 20 years old, was 27 years old when you were born *Died when you were quite young, about 5 - 6 years old *Was a researcher of great renown ever since her time at the academy. She died in a shipwreck that was off to explore the rest of the world. *She was also a badass. During her time at the academy, many students thought that her skills were just being overexaggerated and many were overly confident in their own skills; as a result, she went through many, many, many duels, all of which she won. *Though it was an arranged marriage between her and your father, they fell in love at first sight; in fact, their story is one of the famous modern fairytales in the kingdom together with King Ærick and Queen Lucia’s love story. <<elseif $character is "Ærick">>king, father of all 5 royal children <<elseif $character is "Lucia">>queen, mother of Ædric, Ræ, and twins Mælianna “Lianna” and Særina “Rina” <<elseif $character is "Iseult">>former queen, deceased, mother of Ædan <</if>> </div>

<<if $location is "Aurelius Kingdom">> Divided into six regions: the capital region, Argentius Duchy, Mordha Duchy, Liadon Duchy, Nettuno Duchy, and Zoticus Duchy. <<elseif $location is "Argentius Duchy">> The duchy is located right at the border between the Aurelius Kingdom and the Belmares Empire. New military recruits are sent to the Argentius Duchy for rigorous training. <<elseif $location is "Mordha Duchy">> Located in the heart of the Mordha Duchy is the second largest mercantile district after the one in the capital. <<elseif $location is "Liadon Duchy">> The Liadon Duchy is home to many universities and research institutes that primarily focus on magic, science, and technology. <<elseif $location is "Nettuno Duchy">> With its location along the kingdom's coastline, the Nettuno Duchy is well-known for its high quality aquatic produce and beautiful beaches, where tourists can engage in a wide variety of aquatic activities. <<elseif $location is "Zoticus Duchy">> The Zoticus Duchy's many fertile fields made it the prime supplier of the kingdom's agricultural products. However, with its location along the border between the Aurelius Kingdom and the Thuellam Empire, much of the duchy's lands and agricultural infrastructure were destroyed during the Tyrant King Æthelgard's war against the Thuellam Empire. <<elseif $location is "Belmares Empire">> One of two empires that share a border with the Aurelius Kingdom. They remained neutral during the Tyrant King Æthelgard's war against the Thuellam Empire. <</if>>

As you lay in bed staring up at the ceiling, you go over the proposals you received from Prince Ædric and Cyfrin. Supporting Ædric in his fight for the title of crown prince as his future $spouse is going to be the ultimate act of betrayal for Ædan, knowing the rift between the brothers. <<if $sad gt $angry>><em>But would it even matter if</em> I <em>didn’t even matter to him?</em><<elseif $angry gt $sad>><em>Good. I want him to know how it feels.</em><</if>> The emotional effects of this course of action aside, something else to consider is the impact this decision could have on the future of the kingdom. It would be safe to assume that Helene is severely unprepared to take on the duties of the Queen Consort if something unfortunate were to happen to the king right at this moment, unless Ædan somehow managed to squeeze fifteen years of education in between their secret rendezvous. Additionally, between the two brothers, you are unable to deny that Ædric is much more thorough in his research and analysis of proposed legislations and their effect on not only on the kingdom as a whole but also on the people, especially those who will be most affected by the suggested laws. In comparison, Ædan’s understanding of proposed laws has often been shallow, not taking into account their impact on the citizens in the present as well as on the future generations. Perhaps accepting Ædric‘s proposal is the right thing to do here … <span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.36">><</button>></span> /*[[Ch 1.36]]*/

On the other hand, you are. Absolutely. Fucking. <em>Exhausted.</em> You gave up most of your life, most of your <em>childhood</em> even, to become as close to perfection as humanly possible for a man who completely <em>blindsided</em> you and <em>stabbed</em> you in the heart. Knowing that the person you dedicated your very existence to never had any intention to, at the very least, let you put everything you learned in the past decade and a half to good use is <em>soul-crushing</em>. Even just thinking about it is siphoning away your willpower, or whatever is left of it after this whole fiasco of a month. Maybe Cyfrin is right. Maybe it is time to take a long-deserved rest … With both options laid out, what do you decide to do? *[[Bring Crown Prince Ædan and Saintess Helene to their knees with Prince Ædric.|Demo End]] *[[Forget about them and take a well-deserved vacation in the countryside with Cyfrin.|Demo End]]

<div id="centered"><img src="images/Ædan by Ben.png" width="50%"/> <h3>Ædan by [[Ben/Anandra|https://obsolete-stars-if.tumblr.com/]]</h3></div> Handsome and charismatic, Ædan is the definition of a fairytale prince … just not <em>your</em> fairytale prince. With his golden blond hair and crystal blue eyes, he easily captured the hearts of the people upon his social debut. When he unleashes his soft smile upon a crowd, there is a very high chance that more than half of those present will swoon. You, too, were once enchanted by that smile, back when you thought your love would last until the end of time. <h1>Physical Characteristics</h1> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Hair</th> <td>wavy, golden blonde</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Eyes</th> <td>crystal blue</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Complexion</th> <td>fair</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Age</th> <td>27</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Height</th> <td>5 ft 11 in (180.34 cm)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Build</th> <td>athletic</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Relationships and Affiliations</h1> <h2>Family</h2> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Father</th> <td>Ærick Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Mother</th> <td>Iseult Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Wife</th> <td>Helene Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Stepmother</th> <td>Lucia Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th style="vertical-align: top">Half-Siblings</th> <td>Ædric Aurelius Ræ Aurelius Mælianna “Lianna” Aurelius Særina “Rina” Aurelius</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Trivia</h1> *He's the spitting image of the king in his youth. *He’s rather sensitive about the fact that Ædric’s name is so close to their father’s name. <h1>Gallery</h1> <div id="centered"><img src="images/Ædan.png" width="50%"/> </div>

<div id="centered"><img src="images/Helene by Ben.png" width="50%"/> <h3>Helene by [[Ben/Anandra|https://obsolete-stars-if.tumblr.com/]]</h3></div> If your world was the setting of a typical romance novel, there would be no doubt who the protagonist would be. People say that her beauty is a blessing from the gods, and that her silver hair and golden eyes were meant to set her apart as the Favored One. Helene may have most of the kingdom wrapped around her little finger, but you know that her true colors are lurking just beneath the kind and naive front she puts up. <h1>Physical Characteristics</h1> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Hair</th> <td>long, soft curls, silver</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Eyes</th> <td>golden</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Complexion</th> <td>fair, unblemished</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Age</th> <td>22</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Height</th> <td>5 ft 4 in (162.56 cm)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Build</th> <td>slim, dainty</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Relationships and Affiliations</h1> <h2>Family</h2> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%; vertical-align: top">Husband</th> <td>Ædan Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th style="vertical-align: top">Father-in-Law</th> <td>Ærick Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th style="vertical-align: top">Stepmother-in-Law</th> <td>Lucia Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th style="vertical-align: top">Siblings-in-Law</th> <td>Ædric Aurelius Ræ Aurelius Mælianna “Lianna” Aurelius Særina “Rina” Aurelius</td> </tr> </table> <h2>Friends</h2> Ædan Aurelius <h2>Organizations</h2> Church of the Sun and Moon <h1>Trivia</h1> *She is the people’s golden child. They sing about her goodness and how blessed they are to have the gods’ Favored One born in this era in almost every corner of the kingdom. <h1>Gallery</h1> <div id="centered"><img src="images/Helene.png" width="50%"/> </div>

<div id="centered"><img src="images/Ædric by Ben.png" width="50%"/> <h3>Ædric by [[Ben/Anandra|https://obsolete-stars-if.tumblr.com/]]</h3></div> Ædric is known throughout the kingdom as the Dark Prince, not just because of his ebony black hair, but also because of his unsociable disposition. While it is true that his deep violet eyes and usual scowl can be intimidating, he has been nothing but kind to you in all the years that you have known him. Sometimes you would catch him looking at you with a small smile on his face, but he would always deny it ever happened. <h1>Physical Characteristics</h1> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Hair</th> <td>neat, wavy, black</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Eyes</th> <td>intense violet</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Complexion</th> <td>tan</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Age</th> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Height</th> <td>6 ft (182.88 cm)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Build</th> <td>lean</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Relationships and Affiliations</h1> <h2>Family</h2> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Father</th> <td>Ærick Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Mother</th> <td>Lucia Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th style="vertical-align: top">Siblings</th> <td>Ræ Aurelius Mælianna “Lianna” Aurelius Særina “Rina” Aurelius</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Half-Sibling</th> <td>Ædan Aurelius</td> </tr> </table> <h2>Friends</h2> Bertrand Stonewall <h2>Organizations</h2> Knights of the Guiding Star <h1>Trivia</h1> *He is in command of his own order of knights. His right hand man is the stoic Lieutenant Commander Bertrand Stonewall, who has also been his best friend since they were children *His mother has called him "Rick" and "Ricky" since he was a child. He was mortified the first time she called him Ricky in front of you. <h1>Gallery</h1> <div id="centered"><img src="images/Ædric.png" width="50%"/> </div>

<div id="centered"><img src="images/Cyfrin by Ben.png" width="50%"/> <h3>Cyfrin by [[Ben/Anandra|https://obsolete-stars-if.tumblr.com/]]</h3></div> You have known Cyfrin your entire life, and your father has known him for even longer, given that he discovered your best friend on the doorstep of your home when he was just a baby. Even though he is the older one between you two, he often trails behind you like a duckling following its mother when his break times align with yours. He has often been compared to a dog: always eager to spend time with you, fiercely protective and loyal, sullen and moody whenever you are apart. <h1>Physical Characteristics</h1> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Hair</th> <td>messy, curly, brown</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Eyes</th> <td>vibrant green</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Complexion</th> <td>brown</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Age</th> <td>24</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Height</th> <td>6 ft 3 in (190.5 cm)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Build</th> <td>slender</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Relationships and Affiliations</h1> <h2>Family</h2> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Father Figure</th> <td>Duke Argentius</td> </tr> </table> <h2>Friends</h2> $name Argentius Members of the Argentius Household <h1>Trivia</h1> *He was given the name "Gally" by the Duke and Duchess when they found him as a baby. Although he decided to change his name later on, he doesn't mind that the Duke continues to call him Gally. <h1>Gallery</h1> <div id="centered"><img src="images/Cyfrin.png" width="50%"/> </div>

<div id="centered"><img src="images/Bertrand by Ben.png" width="50%"/> <h3>Bertrand by [[Ben/Anandra|https://obsolete-stars-if.tumblr.com/]]</h3></div> <h1>Physical Characteristics</h1> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Hair</th> <td>wavy, dirty blonde</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Eyes</th> <td>light brown</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Complexion</th> <td>beige</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Age</th> <td>25</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Height</th> <td>6 ft 2 in (187.96 cm)</td> </tr> <tr> <th>Build</th> <td>muscular</td> </tr> </table> <h1>Relationships and Affiliations</h1> <h2>Family</h2> <table style="width:100%"> <tr> <th style="width:25%">Mother</th> <td>Rosanna Stonewall</td> </tr> <tr> <th style="vertical-align: top">Siblings</th> <td>Eleanor Stonewall George Stonewall Susan Stonewall Jane Stonewall Nathaniel Stonewall Peter Stonewall Millicent Stonewall</td> </tr> </table> <h2>Friends</h2> Ædric Aurelius <h2>Organizations</h2> Knights of the Guiding Star <h1>Trivia</h1> *Though he may give off the impression that he has the emotional range of a brick wall, the support he provides to those he treasures is unwavering and the challenge he poses to their enemies is insurmountable. *He’s stoic and awkward in social interactions, especially if emotions are involved. If someone he cares about breaks down in tears before him because they’re going through a rough time, he’ll freeze for a moment before awkwardly patting them on the shoulder and sitting down beside them. *He became a member of the nobility after becoming a knight, but he doesn’t enjoy the games that nobles play where they say one thing but mean something else entirely so he avoids social gatherings unless absolutely necessary. <h1>Gallery</h1> <div id="centered"><img src="images/Bertrand.png" width="50%"/> </div>

<<if $eyecolorshade is "red">><img src="images/shadesofred.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $eyecolorshade is "orange">><img src="images/shadesoforange.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $eyecolorshade is "yellow">><img src="images/shadesofyellow.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $eyecolorshade is "green">><img src="images/shadesofgreen.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $eyecolorshade is "blue">><img src="images/shadesofblue.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $eyecolorshade is "violet">><img src="images/shadesofviolet.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $eyecolorshade is "brown">><img src="images/shadesofbrown.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $eyecolorshade is "black">><img src="images/shadesofblack.png" width="100%"/> <</if>>

<<if $skintoneshade is "dark">><img src="images/dark.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $skintoneshade is "medium">><img src="images/medium.png" width="100%"/> <<elseif $skintoneshade is "light">><img src="images/light.png" width="100%"/> <</if>>