Our Love From The Moon - Princess Charming Script

I'll be posting the play adaptation of the original story. I will be posting the final chapter of Our Love From The Moon very soon.

DISCLAIMER: I had to write this one-act play for my theater class, so some parts have been scrapped due to length, and as an extra challenge to myself, I left out the werewolves (I did add a few characters to make up for this). It feels like a whole new story to me, but since this is the inspiration, it feels only fair to share it.

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Princess Charming?

Cast of Characters

Olivia - A farm girl that falls for a person who she thinks is a boy. She is a hard worker and is

influenced by MOTHER’S dislike for royalty.

Abigail - The rightful heir of the kingdom that falls in love with a farm girl. Daughter of

ARABELLA.

King Aurther I – An older man who is narcissistic and believes everyone is below himself.

Prince Aurther II – A man who follows his father in anything he is told to do, he also believes

he is better than most other people.

Prince Aurther III – A polite and caring boy who somehow escaped his father and

grandfather’s teachings.

Mother - A woman who is hardened by her past, but loves her daughter and believes in a better

future.

Young Mother - A timid girl that is afraid of what others think and what authority will do. Can

be played by the same actress as OLIVIA.

Arabella - A strong willed girl ready to stand up for what she believes in. Secretly dating

YOUNG MOTHER. Can be played by the same actress as ABIGAIL.

Setting

A fictional kingdom in a fictional time. A ‘modernish’ fairytale.

Scene One

[Curtains open to a ballroom with KING AURTHER I, PRINCE AURTHER II, PRINCE AURTHER III,and OLIVIA are dressed in ball attire along with other ball goers. A huge full moon shines down on the characters. OLIVIA is closer to the audience than the others. Everyone is wearing a mask.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

I want to welcome everyone to Moonlight Ball. It was my son’s wonderful idea to host a masked ball this year! [Pause for applause as he claps PRINCE AURTHER III on the back. PRINCE AURTHER III smiles shyly.] I want to officially apologize for Princess Abigail’s absence. Ever since her mother was in that horrible accident, Abigail has been quite sickly. My son, who is now officially of age, will be taking her place on the throne. So, tonight we will not only celebrate a class moving on to adulthood, but my son earning his rightful place in our family’s lineage! [Applause.]

[The three men disperse and start to move around the party speaking to different partygoers.]

[OLIVIA starts spinning and dancing to the music by herself. PRINCE AURTHER III catches sight of her and walks over to her.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Amused.] May I have this dance?

OLIVIA

[Keeps dancing, but hugs herself. She doesn’t notice who asks.] I would, but I have a partner already.

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Faking disappointment, but still amused.] That’s disappointing.

OLIVIA

Why?

[She comes to a slow stop to get a better look at PRINCE AURTHER III.]

Oh crap, sorry. You can have this dance.

[She bows in a clumsy curtsy, still dizzy from the dancing.]

Your majesty?

PRINCE AURTHER III

You don’t have to dance with me just because I’m the prince.

OLIVIA

You think I would tell any of the royals no on purpose? [Moving her hand to her throat.] I’d like to keep my head, thanks.

PRINCE AURTHER III

You think we would kill you for declining to dance with me?

OLIVIA

Think?

[Pause.]

I know you will.

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Concerned.] Why would you think that?

OLIVIA

You pretend like you don’t know anything.

[Pause.]

Did you want that dance or not?

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Joking.] I guess since you asked this time.

[PRINCE AURTHER III and OLIVIA start to dance together.]

What did you mean though?

OLIVIA

[Stops dancing.]

What are you doing?

PRINCE AURTHER III

What do you mean? I just-

OLIVIA

Can we just get this dance over with?

PRINCE AURTHER III

Okay.

[Pause.]

[They start dancing again.]

Look, I’m sorry for whatever I did to offend you.

[OLIVIA nods quietly.]

[KING AURTHER I and PRINCE AURTHER II walk up and interrupt PRINCE AURTHER III. OLIVIA notices and curtsies again this time she is not dizzy.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

[Obviously drunk.] Arty! You didn’t tell you had a girlfriend!

KING AURTHER I

[Looking over OLIVIA and laughing loudly. Also drunk.] Although, your father had better taste.

[PRINCE AURTHER II and KING AURTHER I burst into laughter.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

She’s not my girlfriend, I-

KING AURTHER I

Well why didn’t you say anything? [Grabbing PRINCE AURTHER III on the shoulder and spinning him around.] Come on over here, there is a girl I want to introduce you to over here.

PRINCE AURTHER II

Father, the most impressive thing about her is her décolletage.

KING AURTHER I

Exactly! What more could you want?

[OLIVIA watches them move back to the other party goers before dancing by herself again.]

[There is a sound of running and yelling from off stage.]

[ABIGAIL enters the stage wearing all black including a face and hair covering. She is carrying a painting and running from a few out of breath guards.]

[Pause.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

RUN!

[ABIGAIL takes off for the opposite side of the stage.]

[The guards begin to run after her.]

[OLIVIA looks indecisive for a moment then flips the buffet table in front of the guards splashing them with food and things (NOTE: This can be different like candle polls that start a fire or something easier that gives the girls a chance to get away.).]

[Pause.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

What are you waiting for?! GET THEM!

[The guards start to climb over the mess and OLIVIA takes off in the same direction as ABIGAIL.]

[Lights out when the guards exit.]

Scene Two

[The lights slowly come on to a dark forest. OLIVIA and ABIGAIL run on stage. They are both out of breath and in the same outfits as the scene before.]

OLIVIA

I think we lost them.

ABIGAIL

How do I know you aren’t one of them?

OLIVIA

I helped you get away.

[ABIGAIL leans the painting against the tree and sits down on the ground. The painting looks like a painting of ABIGAIL but older.]

ABIGAIL

Why did you help me anyway?

OLIVIA

I would have felt guilty.

[She sits down next to ABIGAIL.]

ABIGAIL

You would have felt guilty if you didn’t help me break the law?

OLIVIA

If I didn’t help, then they would have caught you.

ABIGAIL

So?

OLIVIA

They would have killed you.

ABIGAIL

I doubt that.

[Pause.]

What’s your name?

OLIVIA

Olivia…

[She removes her mask.]

What’s yours?

ABIGAIL

Its probably better if you don’t know. I’m a thief remember?

OLIVIA

That’s kind of unfair.

ABIGAIL

[Laughing.] Fine, call me A.

OLIVIA

Is A short for something?

ABIGAIL

Probably.

[OLIVIA playfully punches ABIGAIL in the arm.]

ABIGAIL

[Laughing.] Ow, ow, okay fine. Just ask me anything else. I really don’t want you getting in trouble. That wouldn’t be very chivalrous of me.

OLIVIA

Wow my prince charming…

[Pause.]

I can ask anything else?

ABIGAIL

Well, we’ll be here for a while. We might as well get to know each other.

OLIVIA

Why did you risk your life for a painting of some woman?

ABIGAIL

That’s my Mother. The last painting of her.

OLIVIA

Oh.

[Pause.]

[Looking at the painting.] She is very beautiful.

ABIGAIL

I think so too.

[Pause.]

This is the first time that I’ve seen her… That I can remember.

OLIVIA

[Joking.] Did the king outlaw her paintings because she was a powerful which or something?

ABIGAIL

Something like that.

OLIVIA

Go on…? Like you said, we have a while.

ABIGAIL

My mother once tried to escape the prince and it costed her life.

OLIVIA

[Puts her head on ABIGAIL’S shoulder and grabs her hand.]

I’m sorry that happened to you.

ABIGAIL

Everyone always says they are sorry. Sorry the royals did this. Sorry they did that. Sorry your family died of pneumonia while the king lives it up at the top of the castle while his servants wait on his hand and foot.

OLIVIA

I know.

ABIGAIL

Sorry doesn’t bring my mother back! Sorry doesn’t get rid of the old corrupt government. Sorry doesn’t cut it for me!

OLIVIA

You sound just like my mother. [Laughs.]

ABIGAIL

I’m serious!

[Stands.]

Sometimes I just want to reach over and-

[She mimics chocking someone.]

OLIVIA

Like they would every let anyone like us that close to the king!

ABIGAIL

Like us?

[Looks down at herself then at OLIVIA before sitting down again.]

I guess you’re right.

[Pause.]

I don’t think I’ve ever told anyone what I told you.

OLIVIA

You don’t have to be embarrassed. Mother goes on and on about the same stuff all day.

ABIGAIL

That’s not really what I was worried about.

OLIVIA

What? [Playfully pushes ABIGAIL.] Afraid I’m going to turn you in?

ABIGAIL

I’m more afraid you’ll run away screaming.

OLIVIA

Why would I do that to the first boy I’ve ever met that can speak his mind?

ABIGAIL

Boy?

OLIVIA

[Sarcastically.] I’m sorry, do you prefer man? Or prince charming?

ABIGAIL

I don’t think I really fit any of those.

OLIVIA

Anyone willing to help the people is a prince charming in my book.

ABIGAIL

I doubt I could come close to those definitions.

OLIVIA

Don’t put yourself down because you stole one painting. Honestly, it was justified.

[Pause.]

ABIGAIL

Well, I don’t mean to be rude, but we should both be heading home so we won’t get caught.

OLIVIA

What’s wrong? I thought we were having a nice night?

ABIGAIL

We are! We are. It’s just…

OLIVIA

[Touches ABIGAIL’S cheek over her face covering.]

[ABIGAIL holds OLIVIA’S hand to her cheek.]

Can I at least see you again? Like really see you?

[Laughs.]

In the daylight, face to face?

ABIGAIL

I would really like that… but… you need to know now in not your prince charming.

OLIVIA

It doesn’t matter what you look like.

ABIGAIL

You say that now, but-

OLIVIA

No, really. You could look like a troll!

ABIGAIL

I’ll take your word on that.

[She picks up the painting.]

I hope to see you soon.

OLIVIA

[Quickly kisses ABIGAIL on the cheek.]

Have a nice night.

[She exits stage right.]528Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrxpRMpUzV

ABIGAIL

[Stands silently with her hand on her cheek.]

Wow…

[Slowly exit stage left.]

Scene Three

[ABIGAIL walks on wearing her outfit from the previous scene. It’s a dimly lit room in the basement of the castle. This is ABIGAIL’S room. She hangs up the painting, then takes off her head piece and shakes out her hair reviling she is a woman. She sits in a chair looking at her painting with her hand on her cheek where OLIVIA kissed. There are footsteps from off stage that she doesn’t seem to register and KING AURTHER I and PRINCE AURTHER II enter.]

KING AURTHER I

See, I told you it was her!

PRINCE AURTHER II

You little rat. That is my painting!

[ABIGAIL seems to slowly register what is going on and turns to face the two men with a hand still on her face.]

KING AURTHER I

[Whispers to himself.] Mostly your painting… I use it from time to time.

ABIGAIL

You left it just hanging there…

PRINCE AURTHER II

In my room behind locked doors… and guards!

[PRINCE AURTHER III runs on stage out of breath.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

Grandfather! Father! It wasn’t her fault!

ABIGAIL

It’s okay Art, they caught me red handed.

KING AURTHER I

So, you admit to stealing the painting?

ABIGAIL

[She sighs then stands up.]

How else would I have it?

PRINCE AURTHER II

Do you think its okay to talk to your grandfather like that?

[Walking closer to ABIGAIL.]

You never give us any respect!

[Grabbing ABIGAIL by the arm.]

Do you even know what respect is?

PRINCE AURTHER III

Father, leave her alone.

KING AURTHER I

[Putting his hand on PRINCE AURTHER II’S shoulder.]

Let’s go Aurther, I think you proved long ago that you weren’t capable of the self-

restraint needed to discipline a woman. I don’t think you want your son watching another

one of your failures.

[PRINCE AURTHER II let’s go of ABIGAIL but stays close by.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

Tell us who your accomplice was.

ABIGAIL

Who?

KING AURTHER I

Just tell us the truth and this will be a lot faster.

PRINCE AURTHER III

Its no big deal, she just stole a painting of some lady. I don’t even know why you have

that painting anyway.

PRINCE AURTHER II

No big deal? She made a fool out of the entire royal family in front of the whole

kingdom.

KING AURTHER I

That includes you, Arty.

PRINCE AURTHER III

So? We’ll just say we caught the thief and ground her for like a month. That’s fair.

KING AURTHER I

This is more serious than that.

ABIGAIL

If its so important to you, why don’t you try to find my -so called- accomplice yourself?

PRINCE AURTHER II

We just might, even if we have to visit every house personally.

KING AURTHER I

I think we will do that… Arty, you’ll be coming with us. Aiding in the theft of royal

property is a very serious offence. Very serious indeed.

PRINCE AURTHER II

And I’ll be taking that back.

[Walks over and takes the painting from the wall.]

[KING AURTHER I and PRINCE AURTHER II exit.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

What’s with you? You’re normally all over them.

ABIGAIL

Thanks Arty, they always go easier on me when you’re here.

PRINCE AURTHER III

You’re dodging the question. [Crosses arms.]

ABIGAIL

[Almost like a child on Christmas.] I met someone.

PRINCE AURTHER III

Outside of the castle? Who?

ABIGAIL

The beautiful lady that stopped the guards.

PRINCE AURTHER III

That was a girl?

ABIGAIL

Yeah… [Crossing arms and giving ‘a look’.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

Its just… the laws… You know?

ABIGAIL

So? In the words of grandperv, [Making her voice deeper.] “I’m royalty, I’m above the law.”

[PRINCE AURTHER III puts one hand on ABIGAIL’S shoulder and gives a worried expression.]

It will be fine; besides, you’re next in line for king and I trust you with my life.

PRINCE AURTHER III

Ignoring the fact that I’m not king yet, how do you know that she even likes you? I

mean… did you like… kiss… or something?

ABIGAIL

[Playfully shoving PRINCE AURTHER III.]

Grooosss! Don’t ask about that! Brothers aren’t supposed to care!

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Embarrassed.] I’m just asking because I don’t want any guy... or gal to break your heart.

ABIGAIL

It’s not your job to protect me.

PRINCE AURTHER III

No one else is here to do it. You need someone you can count on.

ABIGAIL

Fine, I guess I can tell you.

[Pause.]

[Quickly.] She doesn’t know I’m a girl.

PRINCE AURTHER III

What?

ABIGAIL

[Sigh.] She doesn’t know I’m a girl.

PRINCE AURTHER III

Yeah, yeah, that’s what I thought you said.

[Deep breath.]

Are you insane! What are you going to do when she finds out? What are you going to do

when Father and Grandfather find out?

ABIGAIL

She was masked. And they have no idea that I like her.

PRINCE AURTHER III

We are going to every single house tomorrow. They are going to find out.

ABIGAIL

That’s where you come in. Since you are going, make sure they don’t suspect her.

PRINCE AURTHER III

Lying to our father and grandfather? Abigail you are bound to be the death of me.

[Fade to dark.]

Scene Four

[Lights come up to a farm house living room. The mask OLIVIA was wearing at the ball is hanging somewhere in the room. There is a loud knock from off stage and MOTHER rushes on stage whipping her hands on her apron.]

MOTHER

I’m coming. I’m coming. Hold your horses.

[MOTHER opens the door and KING AURTHER I, PRINCE AURTHER II, and PRINCE AURTHER III step through.]

MOTHER

[Shocked at first then catching herself.]

[Curtsying and a voice with fake happiness.] Your majesties, for what do I owe the

absolute pleasure?

KING AURTHER I

Do I know you; you look awfully familiar?

PRINCE AURTHER II

That’s unimportant Father.

We are looking for information about someone who helped a thief at the ball last night.

Your daughter attended so we have some questions for her.

MOTHER

Oh my, you don’t think she had anything to do with that do you?

PRINCE AURTHER III

No mam, we just have a few questions for her.

[He looks around and notices the mask. He quickly walks to the mask and grabs it down

to hide it behind his back. He then grabs a small knickknack that is close by.]

This is quite the… uhh… thing you have here.

MOTHER

Thank you..?

[Pause.]

How about I go fetch her?

KING AURTHER I

And while you’re gone, bring us whatever smells heavenly from that oven of yours.

MOTHER

Of course, your majesty.

[Whispering to herself through a smile and clenched teeth.] Just like always, take what

you want you old bastard.

[MOTHER exits.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

We really don’t have time to eat.

KING AURTHER I

Speak for yourself, it smells exquisite.

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Pretends to just have a seat on the couch while stuffing the mask under a throw pillow.]

You’ve been dragging me around since sunrise, I’ve defiantly learned my lesson. Can we

go back to the castle now?

PRINCE AURTHER II

This isn’t only about what you did Arty, we have to find the girl that crossed our

kingdom. You have to learn this for when you become king.

[MOTHER and OLIVIA enter.]

[OLIVIA stops in a panic when she sees the royalty. She looks to where the mask was the sighs in relief when she notices it isn’t there.]

[OLIVIA curtsies.]

OLIVIA

Mother tells me that your majesties have a few questions for me.

[MOTHER begins to pass around a tray with a few small cakes.]

KING AURTHER I

Its not this one, I specifically remember her being more [Making a hand gesture.]

endowed.

PRINCE AURTHER II

Father, how many times do I have to tell you, that’s the girl on 5^th street that you keep

pushing Arty to marry.

[KING AURTHER I shrugs and takes a huge bite of cake.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

[Looking at OLIVIA.]

Do you remember a thief from the ball last night?

OLIVIA

No, I left early because I wasn’t feeling well.

[MOTHER casts a suspicious look at OLIVIA. PRINCE AURTHER III also looks at her curiously. OLIVIA ignores them both and keeps her eyes on PRINCE AURTHER II.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

I didn’t get any reports of a guest leaving early.

OLIVIA

I did think it was weird there were no guards manning the front gate when I left.

PRINCE AURTHER III

You know I do remember seeing one lady leaving while two guards took advantage of

the wine table close by.

PRINCE AURTHER II

[Visibly agitated.] Father, Arty, I’ve changed my mind. We are going back to the castle at

once.

[He stomps off stage.]

KING AURTHER I

[Mouth full.]

I’ll take a few of these to go.

[He grabs a few cakes and follows PRINCE AURTHER II off stage.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Stops next to OLIVIA and whisper to her.]

I know your Prince Charming. It’s my sister.

OLIVIA

[Shocked.] What are you talking about?

PRINCE AURTHER III

She told me everything.

OLIVIA

That’s impossible. [Pause.] Even if it was, your sister is sick.

PRINCE AURTHER III

She isn’t sick… she’s just… unwanted?

OLIVIA

Is that a question?

PRINCE AURTHER III

Look. If you want to see her again, meet me at the castle gates tonight after sundown.

[He exits.]

MOTHER

[Abandons her smile and fake happiness.] Are you going to tell me what that was about?

OLIVIA

You heard his majesty, he wanted to ask about a thief in the ball last night.

MOTHER

Do you think I’m stupid? I know you lied to them.

OLIVIA

What? You want me to help them or not? I thought you hated royalty!

MOTHER

You come back home last night on cloud nine, hours after the ball finished, then I get a

visit from the whole royal family where the youngest member [she goes to the couch and

angerly pulls out the mask from behind the throw pillow] covers for you. And I just want

to know how long you’ve been seeing the prince.

OLIVIA

Mother! I am not seeing the prince!

MOTHER

Well there has to be an explanation, and you better start sp-

OLIVIA

[Softly.] But I think I’m seeing the princess…

[MOTHER sits heavily on the couch and sighs. She places her head in her hands.]

OLIVIA

But in my defense, I didn’t know she was royalty! …or a girl…

[OLIVIA looks at MOTHER. MOTHER doesn’t look up.]

[OLIVIA sits next to MOTHER and put her own head in her hands.]

I just don’t know what to do. I like her... A lot.

[Pause.]

Prince Aurther, the youngest one, he told me to meet him at the castle gates after

sundown if I want to see her again… I want to go see her, its just-

MOTHER

So, go see her.

OLIVIA

What? You aren’t mad?

MOTHER

[Looking at OLIVIA.] No, I’m not mad.

OLIVIA

But she’s royalty, and a girl. And its… its illegal!

MOTHER

Do you like her? And I mean really like her?

OLIVIA

Yes, I mean, I didn’t know she was a girl, but I think she did try to tell me, and-

MOTHER

Olivia.

OLIVIA

Yes, yes I do like her.

MOTHER

Then you need to go see her.

OLIVIA

Why? I mean, what-

MOTHER

It’s time I told you about my past…528Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuNJP4JH25Q

Scene Five

[Open to a dark stage and only MOTHER’S voice can be heard.]

MOTHER

It was the day of the Moonlight Ball. I had spent hours beforehand making sure

everything was perfect. My dress, my makeup, my shoes, the ring. Well, you get it. This was a once in a life time dance.

[Lights brighten up the stage and we can see all the characters dressed in ball gowns and

tuxedos. The room is a huge ballroom with no roof. A huge full moon shines down on the

characters. ARABELLA and YOUNG MOTHER are closer to the corner away from everyone else. KING AURTHER I is standing on a small stage with his arm around an uncomfortable

looking PRINCE AURTHER II. Everyone looks to be mingling.]

ARABELLA

[Sigh.] I’ve never understood this dance. Why throw a party for a bunch of kids? They

will forget about us tomorrow anyway.

YOUNG MOTHER

[Visibly nervous and fidgeting.] Come on Ara. Its just a celebration. Be happy.

ARABELLA

[Grabs YOUNG MOTHER’S hand.] I’m not totally bummed about being here.

YOUNG MOTHER

[Blushing.] Not in public!

ARABELLA

[Crossing her arms.] Well, they won’t completely forget.

[Pause.]

One slip up and its straight to the dungeons.

YOUNG MOTHER

Don’t say that. After today we can work. Then we can save for a farm. When we move away from the city, we can live however we want.

ARABELLA

I wish we didn’t have to pretend.

MOTHER

I wasn’t the only one setting the stage for the rest of my life. Each and every person there

had plans for the future they wanted.

KING AURTHER I

[Addressing everyone.] Good evening everyone. Its my pleasure to host the Moonlight

Ball every year for the graduating class. But this year is special. This year [Pauses so he

can pull a shy PRINCE AURTHER II on stage and put his arm around him.] I am

personally involved. My brilliant son has graduated at the top of his class. Tonight, he

will pick the woman that will rule by his side. I have no doubt that he will pick the most

beautiful and accommodating woman here. [Pause for effect.] Now, eat! Drink! Dance!

[Partygoers cheer.]

[KING AURTHER I and PRINCE AURTHER II exit the small stage. KING AURTHER

I pulls PRINCE AURTHER II to a private corner.]

KING AURTHER I

I meant what I said.

PRINCE AURTHER II

I know father. You’ve been drilling me on it for the past few weeks.

KING AURTHER I

You don’t speak to your father like that. I don’t care how many times I repeat something.

Your answer is always ‘Yes, Father.’

PRINCE AURTHER II

Yes, Father.

KING AURTHER I

Good.

[Looking around the crowd.]

Now which one of these girls will be my new daughter in law?

PRINCE AURTHER II

Arabella was the most beautiful lady in my class, but she hasn’t dated anyone. She turns

everyone down.

KING AURTHER I

That won’t be a problem. No one says no to me.

[KING AURTHER I and PRINCE AURTHER II make their way to ARABELLA and YOUNG MOTHER.]

ARABELLA and YOUNG MOTHER

[Curtsying.]

My king.

KING AURTHER I

[Grabs both their hands and kisses them lightly. Then studies ARABELLA and slightly

licks his lips hungerly.]

You must be Arabella. My son told me you were beautiful, but he neglected to mention

that you are also charming.

ARABELLA

Thank you, my king. For what do we owe the pleasure?

[KING AURTHER I pushes PRINCE AURTHER II toward ARABELLA.]

KING AURTHER I

I assume you heard my speech? I do intend to have the best woman for my boy. [Pause

as he looks over ARABELLA again.] You’ll have to do.

ARABELLA

[She scowls.]

What do you mean?

KING AURTHER I

I wouldn’t have you marrying any of these other men when I could have your beauty for

my own. [Clears his throat.] That is to say, for my son.

ARABELLA

Who are you to tell me who to marry?

KING AURTHER I

[Angerly.] Your king.

[Voice back to normal.] Now how about we go make arrangements? Come along.

YOUNG MOTHER

[Grabbing ARABELLA’S hand.] Arabella, wait.

ARABELLA

[Faking a smile.] It’ll be okay.

KING AURTHER I

Hurry up, I have a wedding to plan.

YOUNG MOTHER

That’s not it. Mostly. [Timidly.] I have something to ask you.

KING AURTHER I

I don’t have time for this. [Grabbing ARABELLA and PRINCE AURTHER II.] Come

along.

[KING AURTHER I, PRINCE AURTHER II, and ARABELLA exit.]

[Lights fade to black.]

MOTHER

No matter how many plans you have for the future, you can never be prepared for the

selfishness of others. I didn’t speak to Arabella until almost a year later. She sent me a

secret letter asking to meet at midnight in the ballroom. Even now, I wouldn’t trade that

night for the world.

[The lights turn on to dimly light the stage, almost like early morning.]

ARABELLA and YOUNG MOTHER

[Run on stage from opposite sides and embrace.]

YOUNG MOTHER

I missed you so much. I thought you forgot about me.

ARABELLA

[Whipping away tears.] I would never.

[The two women stand in embrace for a few moments longer. ARABELLA is the first to

break away.]

YOUNG MOTHER

I’ve been working at the bank. In a few months I’ll have enough saved to apply for a

loan. It’ll be just enough for a small plot of land about a mile from the outskirts of the

city.

ARABELLA

We don’t have much time-

YOUNG MOTHER

[Talking over ARABELLA. Getting louder when ARABELLA tries to speak.]

That’s okay. You can still come live with me.

ARABELLA

No, listen-

YOUNG MOTHER

It will be far enough away for you to hide while they look for you, then when they give

up-

ARABELLA

I can’t-

YOUNG MOTHER

[Almost yelling.] Then we can live like we dreamed. Just you, me, and-

ARABELLA

[Covering YOUNG MOTHER’S mouth.] Hush! Do you want us to get caught?

YOUNG MOTHER

[Pulling ARABELLA’S hand away and speaking quietly again.] Sorry. I’ve just missed

you so much. I’ve been waiting for you to come back to me.

ARABELLA

I don’t think you understand-

YOUNG MOTHER

What’s there to understand? I finally get you back.

ARABELLA

I actually wanted to bring you here to give you a proper goodbye.

YOUNG MOTHER

[Pause.]

[Takes a step toward ARABELLA and cups her cheek.]

[Softly.] I think I knew that.

[Pause.]

You know, that night, the night of the dance? I was going to propose to you.

ARABELLA

I think I knew that. [Forced laugh.]

YOUNG MOTHER

Okay. I’ll leave.

[Pause.]

Just tell me one thing, what changed?

ARABELLA

[Moves YOUNG MOTHER’S hand from her face to her lower stomach.]

YOUNG MOTHER

[Looks from her hand to ARABELLA’S face. A few tears fall and her voice trembles.]

I’m sorry, Ara. I love you.

ARABELLA

[Trying to remain poised.] I love you too.

[They embrace again this time in a kiss.]

[Fade to dark.]

MOTHER

I should have pleaded for her to come with me. I should have pushed harder. I should

have known that something was wrong. Then maybe she would still be here. They said

her body was mangled beyond recognition, almost like she fought off a pack of lions. The

official cause? Childbirth. Its “why her daughter was so sickly” they’d say. My only

comfort is knowing she gave them hell until the very end. Don’t sit by and watch as you

loose Abigail. Do what I didn’t have the guts to do. Go out there and fight for the person

you love. Together you can make a difference.

Scene Six

[Lights come on to ABIGAIL’S room. She is sitting down reading a book or newspaper. A knife is laid by some bread on a table.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

[From offstage.]

Come on, she is probably in her room. It’s this way.

[PRINCE AURTHER III, OLIVIA, and MOTHER enter.]

ABIGAIL

What’s going on Arty?

[Looking at OLIVIA.]

Oh crap.

PRINCE AURTHER III

I found her, the girl you told me about. I invited her here.

ABIGAIL

[Looking at MOTHER.]

OLIVIA

[Embarrassed.] Uhh… that’s Mother.

ABIGAIL

You brought your-

[MOTHER rushes forward and hugs ABIGAIL.]

MOTHER

[Wiping away tears.] You look just like her.

OLIVIA

It’s a lot to explain.

MOTHER

[Releasing ABIGAIL and trying to regain composure.] I had to make sure Olivia didn’t

chicken out.

PRINCE AURTHER III

How about we go keep watch? [Motions for MOTHER to follow him.]

[Mother and PRINCE AURTHER III exit.]

OLIVIA

I probably should have listened harder that day in the forest.

ABIGAIL

I’m at fault too, I should have out right told you. I was scared.

OLIVIA

For good reason, this is pretty much suicide.

ABIGAIL

I was scared for you. They wouldn’t have done anything to me.

[OLIVIA nervously laughs then hesitates for a second before extending a hand.]

[ABIGAIL takes OLIVIA’S hand and pulls her closer.]

ABIGAIL

Are you sure this is okay? Me being a girl.

OLIVIA

I did say you could be anything, even a troll.

[They lean in to kiss, but right before their lips touch PRINCE AURTHER II enters with a shackled MOTHER. They are followed closely by KING AURTHER I holding PRINCE AURTHER III by the arm. ABIGAIL and OLIVIA push away from each other.]

KING AURTHER I

[Looking at MOTHER.]

I knew I recognized you from somewhere, Arabella kept a small painting of you hidden

in her wardrobe. The servants found it while cleaning it out.

PRINCE AURTHER II

[Looking at ABIGAIL.]

Do you want to tell me why this woman and my son were standing outside your door?

And why they tried to block me from coming into your room?

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Trying to jerk his arm away.]

Father, its not what you think.

PRINCE AURTHER II

Oh, I don’t think anything.

[Grabbing ABIGAIL by the face.]

That’s why I’m waiting for you to tell me. Did you think I wouldn’t see what was going

on when I came in?

KING AURTHER I

Do you know the price for homosexuality? [He makes a slicing motion across his throat.]

Unless of course, it’s for the express pleasure of the king.

PRINCE AURTHER II

I could have your head for this. [Motioning to OLIVIA.] I could have her head for this.

Nothing is stopping me.

PRINCE AURTHER III

[Fighting harder.]

Father, please-

MOTHER

What are you talking about? You don’t have superiority over your sister?

[Everyone on the stage stops and slowly turns their head to MOTHER. PRINCE AURTHER II let’s go of ABIGAIL.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

What did you just say?

[Starts to laugh.]

It sounds like you just said Abigail, my dear first-born daughter, is actually my sister.

MOTHER

[Looking from PRINCE AURTHER II to KING AURTHER I.]

Oh, did you not tell him? What a shame he has to find out like this.

PRINCE AURTHER II

[Looking to KING AURTHER I.]

Tell me what? Father, what is she talking about?

KING AURTHER I

Don’t listen to her, listen to me, like you always do.

MOTHER

She told me what you used to do to her. She told me how bad you were in bed, every

little de-

[KING AURTHER I releases PRINCE AURTHER III and slaps MOTHER in the face causing her to collapse to the floor. OLIVIA runs to MOTHER’S aid and tries to pull KING AURTHER I away from MOTHER, but PRINCE AURTHER II grabs her and throws her back. ABIGAIL runs in front of OLIVIA to protect her.]

PRINCE AURTHER II

What are you going to do? Hm?

[He lunges forward and places two hands around ABIGAIL’S throat and begins to choke

her.]

I loved killing Arabella. It was the first thing in my life I had some control over.

[He gets a huge creepy smile on his face as ABIGAIL begins to claw at his hands.]

You look and act just like her. It’s like I get to do it all over again.

[PRINCE AURTHER III grabs the bread knife and puts it to his throat.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

STOP! Stop or I swear I will end this now.

[PRINCE AURTHER II slowly loosens his hand on ABIGAIL. OLIVIA crawls over to her and comforts her. KING AURTHER I moves away from MOTHER.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

Good, now I have your attention.

PRINCE AURTHER II

[Angerly.] Put down the knife, Arty. You aren’t going to do anything anyway.

PRINCE AURTHER III

Shut up. SHUT UP! Y-you killed Abby’s mother, and you were about to kill her! How

could you do that? She’s my best friend! She’s my sister dammit!

KING AURTHER I

She isn’t your best friend; she is barely even your sister – or aunt…

PRINCE AURTHER III

And you, I thought you were just a weird old man… I don’t even want to think about

what you did. [Pause.] You both make me sick.

[He stops to take a calming breath and look over everyone.]

GUARDS!

[The guards from the ball come into the room and take in the scene. PRINCE AURTHER

III drops the knife.]

I’m claiming the crown, quod per insaniam. Proud of me Father? I actually listened to

your lessons. An immediate transfer of leadership on the grounds of insanity.

[The guards take PRINCE AURTHER II and KING AURTHER I off stage.]

[Fade to black.]

Scene Seven

[The lights come on to the ballroom. PRINCE AURTHER III is standing on the small stage. OLIVIA and ABIGAIL are standing beside him holding hands. MOTHER is in the crowd mingling with other guests. All the guests are dressed in everything from ball gowns to potato sacks.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

Can I have everyone’s attention please? [The party goers quiet down and turn to him.]

The past couple months have been hard for our family, but they have been necessary. We

were able to bring about a fresh start, not only for ourselves, but for the kingdom as well.

We’ve all worked together to get resources to the public and begin a new era of

prosperity. Today we celebrate a peaceful transfer of power to the person who really

deserves it.

[PRINCE AURTHER III removes his crown and places it on ABIGAIL’S head.]

ABIGAIL

I wasn’t the only one to bring about this change. It was a team effort. So that’s why I

can’t be the only one to rule.

[ABIGAIL motions for a guard to bring another crown to the stage. She takes it and

places it on PRINCE AURTHER III’s head.]

[She breaks out in a huge smile.] And where would I be without my people?

[ABIGAIL motions for the guards to pass out small toy crowns to the crowd.]

We will continue to do everything we can to bring about positive changes to our

kingdom!

[The crowd cheers and the three exit the small stage.]

PRINCE AURTHER III

[He hugs ABIGAIL.] Thank you, this means a lot.

ABIGAIL

I would never leave you out.

[They break their hug and PRINCE AURTHER III leaves to talk to other party goers.]

[OLIVIA brings ABIGAIL to a less crowded part of the ballroom.]

OLIVIA

[Holding ABIGAIL’S hand.] These past few months have been a dream come true.

ABIGAIL

[Playfully swatting OLIVIA’S shoulder with her free hand.] You are so cheesy.

OLIVIA

That’s why I wanted to ask you… [Getting down on one knee.]

ABIGAIL

No, no way!

[OLIVIA stops and looks up at her.]

Sorry, you can continue, I just didn’t expect this.

OLIVIA

[Continues to get down on one knee and pulls out a ring.]

Will you be my princess charming?

ABIGAIL

[Pulls OLIVIA up off the ground holds her in a hug around her waist.]

Before I give you an answer, I want to know how long you’ve been waiting to use that?

OLIVIA

[She starts to laugh.]

Awhile.

[ABIGAIL joins in OLIVIA’S laughter and pulls her in for a kiss.]

[Curtain.]

ns3.16.30.154da2

Princess Charming Script

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