It has been two years since Princess Christina ran away. For the past two years, Prince Edgar and Princess
Christina have grown very close, but Princess Christina refuses to have a romantic relationship with Prince
Edgar out of fear that someday Prince Edmund or King William II will find her and take her back. The
scene takes place on the grounds of King David�s and Queen Marie�s castle, where Princess Christina is
sitting under a large willow tree when Prince Edgar enters. It is dusk.
Enter Prince Edgar
Christina, what are you doing our so late alone?
It was not late when I first came out. You needn�t worry, Edgar.
And there lies the paradox. I think of you constantly, yet you discourage me. Edmund can not find you here. You
are safe.
It seems so. I want to believe that Edmund has given up, but my heart tells me otherwise. By now he will have
scoured both our lands. Not finding me would only fuel his passion.
Speak no more of Edmund, Christina; he lies only in your past.
The past two years with you have been the only time I felt sage since I was betrothed.
You have been my confidant and friend since you came here. I value your presence above all others. I could not
bear to see you leave.
Edgar, you cannot say these things to me. My future is far too vague.
Exit Princess Christina
This pain I suffer is absolute. To know that the one you love cares for in return, but to have them not confess it is
far worse pain than any wound could bring. I love her, and, to express it would be ecstasy. I need not her love in
return, but merely to say the words to her. Someday I shall.
Over the past two years, Prince Edmund has convinced King William II that Princess Christina has been
kidnapped. Prince Edmund is off searching for Princess Christina while Queen Kiyome and King William II
have a meeting.
Enter Queen Kiyome
Kiyome, I am glad you�re here.
What is so urgent that you have balled me here William? Has Edmund found her?
No. Not a soul has seen her since she left.
Then what does this pertain to?
I am losing hope in ever finding Christina. I wish to make Edmund my heir.
No, I shall not allow such a thing to happen.
Pardon me? What other solution do I have if Edmund does not find Christina? I am offering your son my kingdom,
what objection could you possible have?
The only way you make my son your heir is by marrying me, and making him your step-son.
I do not wish to marry you Kiyome, not even to give myself an heir.
Then you are willing to forsake you kingdom to keep your pride.
Yes, I am.
Enter Prince Edmund
Edmund, my son, what are you doing here?
Do you have news of Christina?
I have the smallest lead, but I must take it. I do believe I will soon find her.
What of her captors?
I have an idea, but I must find her to be certain.
My gratitude goes deeper than you know. You have become a good man, Edmund. Go get your bride.
Thank you sir, I shall not fail.
Exit Prince Edmund
It seems that you have no reason now to make my son your heir.
No, I do not. Even if he had not come in with that news I would not have met your terms. I will not marry you,
Kiyome.
Than I suggest you pray harder that my son finds your daughter.
Exit Queen Kiyome and King William II
Just outside of the door in which he left, Prince Edmund has overheard King William II�s and Queen Kiyome�s
conversation.
So that is why my mother has been so very reluctant on letting me follow this lead of mine. She wants William to be
her new husband. Well isn�t that sweet. She denies me a thrown so she does not have to become an old maid. How
frustrating! This only strengthens me in my assumption of where Christina is. I will lay a trap for Christina that will bring
her back. But who will I destroy my mother?
Exit Prince Edmund
A few days have passed. It is a warm, sunny day and Princess Christina is standing, overlooking the lake.
Enter Prince Edgar
It is a beautiful day, is it not, Christina? Why are you sad?
I was just thinking of my father. I miss him terribly.
Is there nothing I can do?
It was my choice to leave him. I brought this pain upon myself.
I hate to see you so sad.
Edgar. . .
What is it, Christina?
I am afraid, and I don�t even know what of.
It�s alright. You�re safe with me Christina.
Edgar. . .
Christina. . .
Prince Edgar and Princess Christina kiss
Enter Prince Edmund
Unhand my bride!
Edmund!
Release her, and I may not harm you.
Not if I harm you first.
Is that a threat?
Enough! I will not have you fight for me. This is my battle.
Oh, this is no battle, Princess. I just came to give you your invitation.
Invitation to what?
Your father�s wedding, to my mother.
Prince Edmund hands Princess Christina the invitation
Exit Prince Edmund
That�s Edmund?
My father�s marrying Kiyome? I cannot stay here, I must return.
What!
Because of me my father is marrying Edmund�s mother. I cannot let that happen.
Princess Christina turns to leave
Christina, where are you going?
Home
Let me go with you.
No! There is no doubt in my mind that Edmund has planned for you to follow me. For your safety, you must stay here.
I cannot allow you to go alone. What of your safety?
Edmund wants me to return, he will not harm me, yet.
Yet? I cannot let this happen
If you must come, wait. Wait until I may stop my father from marrying Kiyome. I will send word to you then.
I hate the thought of seperation for you.
It is the only way
Exit Princess Christina
The scene takes place inside King David�s and Queen Marie�s castle. King David and Queen Marie are talking.
The day has not changed.
Enter Prince Edgar
Edgar, what is wrong?
She has left.
Who has gone where, Edgar?
Edmund, Edmund came and said, something, her father, marrying, someone. . .
Edmund? Edmund who?
Yes, he was here!
Christina�s father, remarrying? That wouldn�t happen.
I am just repeating what happen.
Did Christina leave?
Yes, she left! Where does her father live?
You cannot go after her, Edgar.
What!?
It is as I feared. Christina is going home. By going home, she is sacrificing herself to this, Edmund fellow; probably to
save her father from marrying, whoever he�s marrying.
But if she returns. . .
She will have to marry Edmund.
No! I swore to protect her, and I shall.
You cannot protect her from this.
Where does her father live?
This is not of your concern, Edgar.
It is of my concern.
Son-
I love her! I will not stand by a watch her throw her life away.
What did you say?
I love her. Where does her father live?
Ride to the fork in the road; take the road on left, ride until the forest clears.
Thank you, mother!
Be safe, my son.
I shall.
Exit Prince Edgar
How could you grant him permission to go, Marie? You know as well as what dangers lay ahead of him.
I had to, David.
Why?
He spoke the same words I did about you.
Prince Edmund has returned to King William II�s castle. King William II is speaking with a servant.
Enter Prince Edmund
What are you doing here Edmund? Is there news of Christina?
She will be home soon.
How do you know that?
Just believe me William; Christina will be back in this castle before you know it.
Enter Princess Christina
Christina!
Father! It does me good to see you!
Christina, thank heavens you�re alright. How did you know Edmund?
That is not important, all that is important that she is home. Now we can finally get married.
We shall have a ball tomorrow night, in honor of your return, Christina. Then, you and Edmund can wed.
I�ll send for you mother, Edmund.
She is not here?
No, why would she be here?
But Edmund said. . .
What I said before is not important.
Well, I must be off. I have much to do and less time to do it in.
Exit King William II
You coward. You ran away.
I ran because I had no other choice. I did not lie.
My lie brought you back here, where you belong. You would have sacrificed your kingdom, your people,
Princess, just to live. You are not worthy of being royal.
I have no desire to be royal if it means I must act like you.
Do not taunt me, Princess, for now I have leverage against you.
You have no power over me.
Edgar means nothing to you, then?
You can do nothing to him now. My coming here prevents that.
How so, Princess?
He will not follow me here, and that is the only way you can condemn him.
You are almost more trouble than you are worth, Princess.
Then why did you tempt me here?
To make you miserable, Princess. You are not allowed to be happy while I am alive.
I will not marry you.
You do not have that choice, Princess.
I left once; I can do it again.
You will lack opportunity from now on. Your father will keep a close eye on you, and I a closer one. You will not
slip between my fingers again.
When you die, I shall stand before your corpse and smile.
Exit Princess Christina
Exit Prince Edmund