Mise en scene
Our world begins with two kingdoms. The balance between these kingdoms have been important for centuries, as imbalances causes catastrophes. This balance in recent years has been threatened when the light kingdom’s visions begin to become impure and selfish and try begin to gain more power. Historically, the light kingdom has been the poorer country between the light and dark kingdoms. They do, seemingly, by magic since no one can tell where their money is pouring in from. The dark kingdom was forced to search the cause of this, since the light kingdom might have been doing so at the dark kingdom’s disadvantage. They soon find out that many precious heirlooms from royalty and rich lords have been smuggled secretly into the light kingdom. One day they successfully catch the scent of one precious heirloom, which they try their best to recover.
The prince belonging to the light kingdom is oblivious to the kingdom’s politics as he deliberately disinvolved himself with their plans since he did not agree with how his father is running the kingdom. To spite his father and his kingdom, he runs away, shirking his responsibilites. He claimed that he wanted to help the country “in his own way” and lives in secret in a nearby, light village.
On the other side of the border lives the dark kingdom's princess, who is concerned about her country’s situation. However, she is expected to become the perfect princess she hates; to obey, listen and follow along the sidelines of what is happening in the kingdom. To her mother’s wishes she agrees to this, but only in front of the king (her father), the advisors, and her subjects. In secret, however, she has her own way of doing things, and plans ways to help her country. She leads a small group of guards to help her in her quest, and they agree in secret. For one, her main project had been to track down her family's heirloom, a very ancient vase with an unknown secret. It's true worth has been muddled down through the ages. Not even the king, it's rightful heir, knows about all its secrets.
The story begins with the prince who lives under low profile, working in a pottery and trading shop. One day a really ancient and rare piece of pottery comes in. Neither the owner nor the prince know of its origins, but the owner can tell by analysing it, that it’s worth a fortune. Soon after, a messenger from the dark kingdom brings a message from the princess. She seems interested in it and offers a really high price for it. Consumed by the thought of earning a large sum of money, and his naïve goal of helping his country, he agrees to meet the princess without thinking much about it. He follows her request to meet her at the edge of the light kingdom, which is also on the border of the dark kingdom.
Two days later, the princess arrives at the edge of the two kingdoms, as agreed. The prince notices there are many guards. It was then that he started to realise that he probably should have thought his plan over. Especially by the annoyance in the princess’ voice when she asks if he has the ancient vase. He tries to hide his fear, though. Smug, he holds it out in front of him with a smirk, while every one of the guards start to gasp. It turns out that the vase was smuggled into the light kingdom, which the dark kingdom tried to find for months. It was only in the last 4 days that information had been leaked on its whereabouts.
That’s when the princess accuses the prince of stealing it and arrests him immediately, without realising he is the prince of the light kingdom. As he tries to get away, he breaks a guard’s nose, a horse’s leg, and to everyone’s horror, the vase. The prince is captured at once, and as many pieces of pottery are scooped up as they ride back to the dark kingdom.
Along the ride, he tries to convince the guards and princess that he’s the prince of the light world, insulting them, the princess, and the dark kingdom all the way. This doesn’t help his situation one bit. Finally they are brought to the dark castle.
Scenario for Chapter one
Prince [name], bound by rope, is brought into the royal hall of the dark kingdom where he awaits his punishment from the king. The king analyses the boy with curious eyes. A few moments before, news had rung throughout the castle that a young boy was captured as a prisoner. The king opens his mouth to speak.
“What are the charges?” He says, cutting straight to the point. His honorable advisor answers him.
“Treason, your majesty. This child has stolen the ancient vase!” Gasps and mutters shoot across the royal hall.
“I did not! The prince cuts in. He addresses the advisor. “ You numbskull! This is all a stupid mistake!” His remark deeply insults the advisor.
“Why you insolent little-”
“SILENCE!” The king’s rage rings throughout the halls. The king hates petty arguments. He walks in front of the prince who is down on his knees, hands tied behind his back. “Lowly prisoner, do you realise how serious the charge of stealing the mystic vase is?”
“If I may cut in sire, remarks the advisor, feebly. "He is also the one solely responsible for breaking it!” He is fearful of the king’s reaction as a look of horrification spreads over the king’s face.
“Wheeeze! Sputter! Unforgivable....OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!!” The king orders, red in the face, obviously livid. The guards scramble to take the light prince away, until the princess of dark shows up.
“WAIT! Father, we cannot be so rash about these things.” The princess confidently tells her father. None dare to oppose her, except her father.
“Daughter, do you realise the offenses…”
“Yes, father, however, there is no evidence against him, for the charges of smuggling the vase that is.”
“But you don’t mean that he should be allowed to go free?” The king is bewildered at the thought.
“Don’t jump to conclusions father,” The princess says with surprising confidence. “I only meant to propose something else. He has deeply offended me. Don’t you find it fitting that he should become my personal slave for live? Won’t the shame he will feel for the rest of his life be a fitting punishment?” All present are surprised at the princess’ confidence, including the king. The prince stares at her in horror. The thought of becoming someone else’s slave, let alone this princess who captured him. leaves a sour taste in his mouth. He is, though, thankful that his life is spared, for now.
“Princess [name], are you sure about this?” The king is suddenly soft, all anger drained from him. He cannot understand her actions.
“Deathly sure, I’m afraid.” She stares at him hard, her gaze unblinking. The king looks at her in disbelief, but he agrees.
“So be it, he sighs. “Lowly prisoner, you are spared your life, but instead, you shall become my daughter’s personal slave, and she’ll treat you as she sees fit. Your life is now in her hands. Understand, slave? Answer now!” The prince, bitter, resonds.
“Loud and clear, he sneers. “your Majesty.”
