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<<set $chapter to "Character Customization">> <h1>Character Creation</h1> <div id="centered"><h2>First Name</h2><<textbox "$name" "">> <<link "First Name Suggestions">> <<set $namesuggestions to "first">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Suggestions"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Name Suggestions").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>><<nobr>> /*<h2>Last Name</h2><<textbox "$lastname" "">> <<link "Last Name Suggestions">> <<set $namesuggestions to "last">> <<script>> Dialog.setup("Suggestions"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Name Suggestions").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>> <</link>>*/<</nobr>> </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">>

<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>[[Characters]]</li> <li><<link "Achievements">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Achievements"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("Achievements").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 "Credits">><<script>> Dialog.setup("Credits"); Dialog.wiki(Story.get("credits").processText()); Dialog.open(); <</script>><</link>></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>Characters</h1> !!Prince Ædan Aurelius !!!The Crown Prince [CP description] !!Helene !!!The Saintess [Saintess description] !!Bertrand Stonewall !!!The Lieutenant Commander [Lt description] !!Prince Ædric Aurelius !!!The Second Prince [2P description] !!Cyfrin Galanthus !!!The Future Secretary [Secretary background] <span class="next"><<button "Return" $return>><</button>></span>

[[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]]

<<if $namesuggestions is "first">><table style="width:100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td>Adair</td> <td>Dakota</td> <td>Hadley</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Addison</td> <td>Devin</td> <td>Harper</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Avery</td> <td>Darcy</td> <td>Hayden</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Bailey</td> <td>Emery</td> <td>Mackenzie</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Blaine</td> <td>Esme</td> <td>Madison</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Bryn</td> <td>Ellis</td> <td>Morgan</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Cameron</td> <td>Fallon</td> <td>Riley</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Camille</td> <td>Faye</td> <td>Robyn</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Courtney</td> <td>Finley</td> <td>Rowan</td> </tr> </tbody> </table><</if>><<if $namesuggestions is "last">>Smith Hernandez Garcia Ruiz Ali Lee<</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>

<<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><<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "ruby" checked>> Ruby <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "rose">> Rose <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cerise">> Cerise <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cardinal">> Cardinal <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "crimson">> Crimson <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "copper">> Copper <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "ochre">> Ochre <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "bronze">> Bronze <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "orange">> Orange <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "amber">> Amber <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "saffron">> Saffron <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "goldenrod">> Goldenrod <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "sunflower">> Sunflower <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "golden">> Golden <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "light yellow">> Light yellow <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "fern green">> Fern green <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "sea green">> Sea green <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "jade">> Jade <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "emerald">> Emerald <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "light green">> Light green <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "navy blue">> Navy blue <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cobalt blue">> Cobalt blue <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "sapphire">> Sapphire <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "royal blue">> Royal blue <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cornflower blue">> Cornflower blue <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "indigo">> Indigo <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "purple">> Purple <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "lavender">> Lavender <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "lilac">> Lilac <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "mauve">> Mauve <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "cordovan">> Cordovan <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "bole">> Bole <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "russet">> Russet <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "chestnut">> Chestnut <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "fallow">> Fallow <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "onyx">> Onyx <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "stone gray">> Stone gray <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "steel gray">> Steel gray <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "silver">> Silver <<radiobutton "$eyecolor" "light gray">> Light gray <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><<radiobutton "$complexion" "obsidian" checked>> Obsidian <<radiobutton "$complexion" "umber">> Umber <<radiobutton "$complexion" "rich brown">> Rich brown <<radiobutton "$complexion" "sienna">> Sienna <<radiobutton "$complexion" "warm brown">> Warm brown <<radiobutton "$complexion" "rosy brown">> Rosy brown <<radiobutton "$complexion" "sepia">> Sepia <<radiobutton "$complexion" "deep brown">> Deep brown <<radiobutton "$complexion" "copper">> Copper <<radiobutton "$complexion" "light brown">> Light brown <<radiobutton "$complexion" "deep tan">> Deep tan <<radiobutton "$complexion" "tan">> Tan <<radiobutton "$complexion" "golden">> Golden <<radiobutton "$complexion" "bronze">> Bronze <<radiobutton "$complexion" "coral">> Coral <<radiobutton "$complexion" "terracotta">> Terracotta <<radiobutton "$complexion" "mahogany">> Mahogany <<radiobutton "$complexion" "russet">> Russet <<radiobutton "$complexion" "taupe">> Taupe <<radiobutton "$complexion" "birch">> Birch <<radiobutton "$complexion" "sand">> Sand <<radiobutton "$complexion" "ivory">> Ivory <<radiobutton "$complexion" "beige">> Beige <<radiobutton "$complexion" "alabaster">> Alabaster <<radiobutton "$complexion" "pale blossom">> Pale blossom <<radiobutton "$complexion" "pearl">> Pearl <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">> <<elseif $gender is "Male">><<set $person to "man">> <<elseif $gender is "Nonbinary">><<set $person to "person">><</if>> <</nobr>><h3>Preset Pronouns</h3> *[[She/Her/Her/Hers/Herself|CC 3][$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>/*[[Ch 1.4.1]]*/ <<elseif $angry is 1>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.4.2">><</button>></span>/*[[Ch 1.4.2]]*/ <<elseif $numb is 1>><span class="next"><<button "Next" "Ch 1.4.3">><</button>></span>/*[[Ch 1.4.3]]*/ <</if>> <</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 $name? What are you doing here, and in such a rush? Was there something you needed from His Highness?” <em><<cycle "$Swear" autoselect>> <<option "Fuck">> <<option "Shit">> <<option "Damn it">> <<option "Fudge">> <<option "Biscuits">><</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]]*/

<<if settings.notifications>><<notify 3s>>Saved!<</notify>><</if>>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]]*/

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 1 Part 3!</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>> /*[[Ch 1.17]]*/<</nobr>>

<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>> /*[[Ch 1.17]]*/<</nobr>>

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>

“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.” <h3>[[End of Chapter 1 Part 2|Demo End]]</h3>

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 $drink. “Is it not to your liking?” Ædric asks hesitantly, a slight frown marring his sharp features. “Oh! No, quite the opposite, actually.” Then, without thinking — “Thank you.” You feel warmth spread across your face at the embarrassing realization that you expressed such heartfelt gratitude at such a simple gesture as having your favorite drink prepared beforehand. You're not even sure why you blurted out your thanks, or why your chest feels tight with emotions that you can't name. Perhaps it is because after so many years of Ædan consistently ordering the same cup of sencha tea for you whenever he brought you to his favorite café, gifting you the same bouquet of crimson red roses when you preferred <<cycle "$flower" autoselect>> <<option "geraniums" "geranium">> <<option "larkspurs" "larkspur">> <<option "forget-me-nots" "forget-me-not">> <<option "sunflowers" "sunflower">> <<option "honeysuckles" "honeysuckle">> <<option "camellias" "camellia">> <<option "carnations" "carnation">> <<option "daffodils" "daffodil">> <<option "lilies of the valley" "lily of the valley">> <<option "jonquils" "jonquil">> <<option "daisies" "daisy">> <<option "lilies" "lily">> <</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: ‘I hope you know that you have many people who care about you, Ædric and myself included.’ 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>