The Older Prince [Script Fill]

Transcript

It's me. May I come in? Princess, I'm sure the door is unlocked, but I haven't gotten permission from you.

Okay, okay, you don't need to snap at me. I know you're upset, but. ..

Guards, back to your station. I do not need help getting to a woman's room. I'm well aware of what needs to happen, so learn your place.

Princess? Thank you. How are you feeling? Apologies for the stupid question.

You couldn't be doing well under these circumstances at all. Look, I'm. ..

I apologize that this is happening to you. You don't deserve to be forced into this. This stupid arrangement between old fools.

I didn't mean to offend. Please, settle down. I really don't mean any harm.

I understand you want me out of this room, but you know what we must do, don't you? Why the guards escorted you here? Why I'm here? Correct.

Consummation. It's a lovely night, isn't it? Have you come out to see it yet? All those stars, literature in the sky.

Just where do they go when the sun wakes? And the breeze, carrying the heat of the approaching summer. Not to mention the smell of town.

Tell me, Princess, have you had any time to sample our dishes? No? Well, that just won't do.

I'll have to take you out sometime to town. You smell that? Thyme, rosemary, lemon.

Someone's cooking fish stew. Hmm. A fish stew is wonderful on a chilly night.

But it's also nice when it's roasted over fire. Depending on the species, of course. Though, I guess that's to be expected.

We are a coastline city. You know, only a few years ago, one of our fishermen. ..

Oh, you poor thing. You're trembling. You must be terrified.

You're just cold on a summer's night like this. Please don't lie to me. I know you're an independent woman.

Being scared doesn't change that. Please, don't hide your emotions. No, you're right.

I wouldn't have a clue what you're going through. Finding out only, what, a week ago? That you're to be married off to a prince you don't know.

And one that's, well, like me. So much older than you. Why, I'm at the point of grace.

Never to be king. My father's still in great health, princess. By the time he passes the crown, it won't be fit.

Chances are, it'll be one of my younger brothers that'll take the throne. No, I don't mind. But you? You don't want the crown either? Well, that's somewhat relieving.

But still, you don't have to hide the trembling. All right, all right. I won't come near you, I promise.

Of course not. I will not force you to do anything you don't like. And if that means I have to stand by the wall, so be it.

Why the puzzled expression? Yes, I did say we were to consummate. But we don't have to do it right this night.

Soon would be best, but I do not make a habit to force a lady, especially in this situation. May I sit by you? Right on the corner of the bed here, so you still have plenty of space.

Thank you. I know I've said this many times, but I'm terribly sorry this has happened to you. You don't deserve this.

Hmm? Well, I suppose I'm in this for a similar reason to you. To be useful.

You know, both our kingdoms are, well, they're not large. With the rumors of the South making war plans, if they do attack, and we're on our own, indeed, we'd be swallowed up before a gull could flap its wings. But if our kingdoms are together, the South has less reason to strike.

Although, my apologies, I didn't mean to bore you. Ah, so that's what you meant. I was chosen simply because my brothers are currently too young to marry.

As for your family, your sisters, while closer to my age, they're already wedded. So that left you to be forced into a marriage with a man you barely know. Now both of us are under guard for the night.

Please, do not be afraid. Do not think for a moment I'll force you to do something unpleasant. While you are here, with me, under this roof, I will look after you.

Mm-hmm. This wasn't your choice. We are not a prisoner.

You're my wife. Of course I meant that. For the night, however, while the guards stand outside, I'll have to ask you to stay.

But once things settle down, you're free to do as you please. How? Consummation? Princess, please.

We do have to consummate our marriage, yes. But it doesn't have to be this very night. Do you think a knight would know how to examine the sheets for a virgin? My men are fighters, not inquisitors.

Just because we're being forced into this charade doesn't mean we have to do it their way. I am not above sneaking to the maids and asking for their assistance. Of course, there are mothers here who find this all abhorrent.

Princess, you know very well that maids know everything about their kingdom. Do not worry. As I said before, I won't force you.

If you prefer, I'll leave the room. The guards? They know better than to go against me.

It's a long story, but to explain it simply, we in this kingdom have a law. The royals must serve in the army. They know what I'm capable of.

Lowering your head again? I'm sorry. Did I scare you? Please trust me that I mean no harm.

Pardon? No? I must have misheard you.

What did you say? Princess, please look at me. Please? Very well then.

Of course, I'm kneeling so I can look at your face. I don't know what's taught in your kingdom, but here, kneeling in front of a woman is a sign of respect. But enough of that.

Princess, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You're plenty ladylike. You have a fire in your eyes, and your heart.

There's nothing wrong with that. Frankly, I quite like watching you take no back chat from anyone. Ah yes, I've heard of it.

Seen it, in fact. Do you remember the Fall Ball a few years back? Yes, that one, where you berated the prince from the north for touching up one of the maids.

I was about ready to give him a piece of my mind myself, but before I could, you laid into him so harshly, that boy never raised his head for me to drink the rest of the night. You're truly beautiful. You are.

I do not lie, princess. Very well then, why don't I go over what makes you beautiful. First, your hands.

They're so delicate, so gentle, so dainty compared to mine. Here, hold yours out, up to mine. See, you're much smaller, much smoother compared to mine.

My, mine are grotesque compared to yours. Next, your eyes. They're like jewels, the way they sparkle.

Topaz, sapphire, emeralds, rubies. None shine as brightly as yours. Third, your lips.

They're so expressive. When you're happy, you smile. When you're sad, your eyebrows knit together.

But right now, you're pursing them, hiding them. You're being shy. You're not used to the attention.

You should be though. You're truly, truly beautiful. May I be so forward as to kiss those lips? Hmm, such a soft answer.

Please speak up. I need to hear you say it. Thank you.

Just as I thought. Your lips taste sweet too. Hmm? You're twisting and turning a lot on that bed.

Is everything all right? Are you sure? You were like a stone not a minute ago.

Princess, could it be? Did you enjoy the kiss? Oh no, that's perfectly okay.

More than okay, truth be told. I'm happy to kiss you again, if you'd like. Hmm, of course.

wrong here. And I do apologize if I'm being crude. But are you by chance turned on? Ah, you are, aren't you? Shh, it's okay.

It's okay. We're still not going further than you allow. Okay? But if you would like, I'd like to help you.

But only if you allow me. Just look at you. You're just as sweet and innocent as any maiden I've ever met.

Please trust me. You're in safe hands. May I kiss you again? It's okay.

It's just my hand on your waist. Hmm, how does this feel? My, a kiss and you're already so flustered.

Excuse me for being forward, but has no one ever tried to court you? Hmm, so they haven't. It's okay.

You have nothing to apologize for. Do not worry. I will guide you.

Tilt your head up, so I can kiss this. Hmm, stunning neck. Leave my mark.

Hmm, so everyone knows what transpired here. Well, we want them to think. Hmm, such beautiful whimpers.

Their music to my ears. Hearing you so desperate to keep yourself in check. My, pepper your neck and collar.

With kisses. Lay down. My, no.

I'm just marveling here. How could an old prince like me be with someone so beautiful? Please don't hide your face.

I want to see it. Hmm, there you are. Exquisite.

Oh, princess. May I please remove this dress? I want to see you.

No? Princess, please. Don't talk of yourself in that manner.

Pains me to hear those words. You are beautiful. That I can guarantee.