ROYAL HOUSE OF CARMICHEAL

[???] Tell us a story, Mama! [???] Pleeeease? We promise we’ll go to bed right after!  [???] Alright, alright. Settle in, then. Cuddle close. This story... this story doesn’t come from a book. This one is special -- it comes from the heart. 

[???] It is about a princess -- much like you, dear -- who, when she was young, made mistakes. A LOT of them. What they were aren’t important, but they happened because she was blind to a truth she had denied for a long time, which hurt her and many of her friends. After her biggest mistake, the princess promised herself that she would never be like that again, that she would always be honest with the most important person in her life: herself.

[???] Years passed, and the princess kept her promise. As she got older, attended university, and began taking on more responsibilities as the future Queen, the princess became beloved by the people of her kingdom through her honesty, her kindness, and her loyalty to her loved ones. She even fell in love, and the princess felt as though her path in life could not be clearer. 

[???] But the universe has a funny way of working sometimes. Sometimes, people you never thought you would see again come back into your life, along with all the feelings you once associated with them. That is what happened to the princess, one fateful night...

[???] Well, Your Royal Highness? Does it *live up to your lofty expectations in-person?  [Charlotte] I think so. The King *will have to give final approval, but the texture of the raised paint is exquisite. [???] I thought you were in law school, not a graduate curation student. [Charlotte] A girl can have her hobbies, Nathaniel. Even Crown Princesses. 

[Nathaniel] Of course. How could I ever forget that you always find something to fill your free time, which is already on the scant side? [Charlotte] Law school isn’t exactly a cakewalk, Nate. Even for those who’ve been reading the Constitution since they could read.  [Nathaniel] I’m not saying it is. What I am saying is that it’s a miracle I get to see you some days, between your studies and your duties... which is why I like to make the most of when I do get to see you. 

[Charlotte] Speaking of... thank you for taking me to this show, Nathaniel. Peter has been more insufferable than usual, and with Peggy away... [Nathaniel] It’s my pleasure, darling. You wait there -- I’m going to fetch drinks for myself and the priceless work of art beside me. [Charlotte] *rolling her eyes* Nathaniel Knox, what will I do with you--

[???] ... you know I never like doing that. It’s far too presumptuous. What if they aren’t planning on buying anything because they haven’t got the money? Then I look classist and I’ve made a fool of myself in public.  [???] Angie, I love you, but you’ve got to get out of *your own head. They’ve been eyeing that piece for thirty minutes -- they want to buy it. Just go over there and charm them. It worked on me, didn’t it?

[Angie] Yes, but you and I both know that you were after something entirely different. Fine. You win. I’ll be right back. [Charlotte] Andre...?

[Charlotte] Andre Hargrove? [Andre] Yeah--

[Andre] ...Charlotte... [Nathaniel] Lottie! There you are! The line at the bar was almost to the door, so I figured we’d-- Lottie?

[Nathaniel] Are you alright, darling? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. [Charlotte] I’m fine... just tired, that’s all. Can you take me home? I’ll make a call about reserving a piece in the morning.  [Nathaniel] Of course, my love. Shall we? 

[Angie] Good news! They’re buying the piece - you were right, yes, okay, no need to-- why aren’t you gloating? Hello? Earth to Andre? [Andre] Look there. Redhead in the green dress. [Angie] ...wait, is that...? [Andre] I’d know that face anywhere. Not just because she’s in the newspaper once a week. 

[Angie] You’d think I’d know if the Crown Princess walked into my gallery... there’s no security detail. [Andre] Probably incognito. They’re always there. [Angie] ...how long has it been? Not since... her birthday senior year, right? [Andre] The Carmicheals always knew how to throw one hell of a party. A shame it turned into a living hell for everyone there. [Angie] Six years... wow...

[???] The last time the princess had seen her friend, she had treated him terribly. They were both young then, but the way she had treated him, in her mind, had been inexcusable. Since then, they had both grown up, and while she had thought he would forget about her... she had never forgot about him. Now that she had seen him again, she was desperate to tell him how sorry she was, to know him as he was now... but how to do that without bringing up their past together? 

[???] More importantly, how could she do that without harming the person she was in love with? The greatest thing in this world, children, is loving someone and being loved in return. The princess had that. So did her old friend. And so, the princess walked away, as impossible as it was for her to do. 

[Nathaniel] Did you know that man back there, with the gallery owner? [Charlotte] I knew someone like him, once. But I don’t think it’s the same person. A trick of the light, that’s all. 

KRASNOYARSK AIRSPACE 9:05 AM

[Captain McIntosh] Good morning, everyone, this is your Captain speaking. Just wanted to let you know that we have entered Krasnoyarsk airspace and will begin to make our descent shortly.

[Captain McIntosh] It’s shaping up to be a beautiful day in the capital, with clear skies and wind coming in from the south-east... [Charlotte] I suppose you’re excited to see cousin Masha again.  [Peter] As excited as you seem to be about leaving the country for a weekend. 

[Charlotte] Peter, please drop it--- [Peter] I just think it’s fascinating that you, an heir to the throne, would not only be dumped, but cheated on with the daughter of a minor noble that was formerly your best friend. 

[Charlotte] First of all, I was not dumped. I was the one who broke things off.  [Peter] That’s not what I heard. [Charlotte] Then your information is faulty. And as far as Regina is concerned... she’s had it out for me for years. I suppose this was just another conquest for her. To prove she’s better than me, for some reason she hasn’t cared to ever explain. 

[Peter] Maybe she is, if she can lure him in like that and you can’t.  [Charlotte] What are you suggesting? [Peter] Maria has been engaged since she was eight. [Charlotte] A formality. Tradition. It’s all political anyway, you know that. [Peter] But if Leva is unfaithful, he’ll be a head shorter than he was before. 

[Charlotte] You’re not suggesting an arranged marriage to me.  [Peter] Not necessarily marriage. Just that your chances of finding a future Prince Consort at the ball are high. I’m sure some lovely, charming young Krash gentleman with no knowledge of your lackluster dating history will show a glimmer of interest. 

[Charlotte] You make me sound like quite a chance.  [Peter] Even you have to admit, sister, the security of it would be enticing--- [Charlotte] But tying myself to someone I know nothing about is not. I’ll ask you this once -- please stay out of my love life. Keep your opinions to yourself. I don’t need you, Parliament, even Mama and Dad, meddling more than you already do. 

BREVELL PREP COURTYARD, LATE WINTER  3:32PM

Andre: Charlotte, wait! Are you sure that confronting him is a good idea? Charlotte: No, but I’m doing it anyway. I need to know if he’s been lying to me.

Andre: I just don’t want you getting hurt, Lottie, and I think-- Charlotte: I can’t just sit around and wait for him to tell me what’s going on, Andre. I won’t be made helpless in my own relationship.

Charlotte: Tobias?  Andre: Here we go… Charlotte: What…. What exactly is going on here? 

Regina: Ah, Charlotte. Didn’t see you there. I’m off, Toby, my driver is here. See you tonight. *leaves* Tobias: Lottie, I swear, it-- Charlotte: Don’t you dare say it wasn’t what it looked like. 

Tobias: Then what do you want me to say?  Charlotte: The truth, for a start. When did…. That happen?  Tobias: … over the break. While you were grounded. I was missing you, and she was there. You weren’t. 

Tobias: Lottie, I swear, I was going to tell you eventually-- Charlotte: Eventually? Am I that much of an after-thought to you?  Tobias: No! Just… can we talk about this in private?  Charlotte: No, we can’t! You can’t just say that and expect me to listen anymore!

Tobias: Charlotte, please-- Charlotte: I have to go, Tobias. Do me a favor and don’t talk to me again. Have fun with Regina.  Tobias: Wait, I can explain, just-- CHARLOTTE!

Charlotte: WE’RE DONE, TOBIAS! Leave me alone! *runs off* *murmuring from other students* Andre: ….. So …… 

INNER COURTYARD, BREVELL PREP LATE WINTER 10:16AM

[Lexi] Ugh, I cannot wait to chop all my hair off. I can’t stand it being this long. [Charlotte] And what’s stopping you now is… what exactly? [Lexi] Competition season. I have to be able to high-pony it.

[Vanessa] Extensions exist for a reason, Lexi. [Lexi] Not in my lifetime. Those things can damage your scalp for a lifetime. So, Lottie, we on for movie night on Friday? Or are you still under house arrest? 

[Charlotte] One, not house arrest. Two, and I’m sorry about this, but I have to cancel. Tobias wants to take me to a movie since we didn’t get to see each other at all over the break. [Regina] Too busy with the upper echelons for your own boyfriend, Your Majesty? I find that shocking.

[Charlotte] … Regina. Rosemary. Hi. How was your break? [Rosemary] Great, actually. Grandma got us this-- [Regina] Mary, we actually had something we wanted to tell little Lottie, didn’t we?

[Charlotte] And what on Earth would that be? [Regina] Just to be careful. Your boyfriend is a hot commodity at any time, but having to spend Christmas all alone… well, boys will be boys. They’ll take whatever attention they can get. 

[Regina] You should learn, Princess, that not everyone is the faithful friend you think they are. Then again, you have experience with that, don’t you? [Charlotte] We were kids, Regina. And you were horrible to Andre. I stand by my choices. As for Tobias… he loves me. He wouldn’t. 

[Regina] Fine, don’t believe me. But if you want proof, stay after school today and wait for him to leave. Come on, Mary, we’re late for Chemistry. *Regina and Rosemary leave*