Your bedroom occupies the entire top floor of the tower, its long slit windows overlooking terracotta rooftops and lush gardens descending to the sparkling sea. The first rays of the morning sun gleam through a large vase of blue crystal on your bedside table, making the counterpane shimmer with sapphire reflections. Cold flagstones are covered with thick woollen rugs. Along one wall, a honey-colored bookshelf overflows with your favorite stories; another is occupied by your dresser and mirror. The chest in the corner is filled with old toys and sewing equipment.
You scrunch your dress in a ball and hurl it into a corner, then flop on the silken coverlet of your bed. Tears blur the sliver of blue sky and sunlight bathing stone walls. What the heck is Father's problem these days?
You and Rain have been best friends since you were both ten years old. He's officially Prince Rain, youngest grandson of the King of Saragai, fostered by your family as part of some treaty. But to you, he's always been just Rain: a wide-eyed boy whose quick smile was as innocent as a summer's day.
Why must everything change, just because you've come of age?
[[It's all the fault of that wretched Tertia.]]
[[When Father calms down, he'll realise how ridiculous he's being.->He's like a brother to you.]]Teasing Rain has always come naturally, but in recent years he's grown increasingly serious and protective. (set: $data's charm to it + 1)
You know you should be grateful for his friendship. But sometimes you wonder what he really feels. The way he looks at you these days, it's like there's a wall of stone behind those dark blue eyes.
Maybe he's just being respectful. After all, you are the king's daughter.
[[And he's always been there for you when it mattered.->You remember]]
[[But it still drives you crazy.->Sometimes, you wish he would.]] Rain's a great friend. He's always taken care of you, even when you talk him into doing crazy things, like you did last night.
And you can't deny, he's handsome. All the maidens fall for those big, storm-blue eyes sooner or later. You remember Tertia telling you how she imagines running her hands through his silky black hair.
Plus, he's as honorable as he is attractive. Father should be grateful that you have such a trusty friend by your side when you sneak out in the middle of the night to dance at Splashglass Harbor.
But try telling that to Father. If he could, he'd chain you up in one of those iron chastity belts. Probably the kind with teeth. Well, you can't blame the king for being paranoid. After all, you are his only daughter, and the heir to the realm.
[[Rain's incorruptible. You should know. ->incorruptibleRain]]
[[Doesn't he remember how Rain saved your life?->You remember]]Does he have any idea how attractive he is? With those deep gray-blue eyes and the lithe, muscular body of a swordsman, he moves like a dancer. Sometimes you wish he would just stop and look at you. Sometimes you wish he would do more than that. You've watched him play the lute, stroking the strings as delicately as a lover with his slender fingers. And you wonder what it would be like to feel those fingers moving gently across your skin. (set: $data's charm to it + 1)(set: $data's likesR to it + 3)
But it's never going to happen. Of that you can be absolutely certain.
[[Never mind. He's still your best friend. Isn't that enough?->You remember]] Unbidden, a memory pushes to the forefront of your mind.
It was a hot July day, and you'd persuaded Rain to look the other way so that you could bathe in the river. He sat with his back to an oak tree, while Tertia perched on a boulder and dabbled her feet. She wouldn't take off more than her stockings even in this weather. But you slipped off your clothes and slid naked into the bubbling pool beneath a fern-laced cascade, gasping as the chill water bit between your thighs. A moment later, it was deliciously cool, and you floated on your back, gazing up at the green-gold canopy of the summer forest, where an iridescent beetle picked its way along a verdant twig.
There was a buzzing sound, like a bluebottle whizzing past your ear, followed by a solid thunk. You bolted upright in the water, and saw Tertia flop to the ground with a scream. For a moment, you wondered what she was doing. Then you saw the arrow jutting from the oak tree, inches above Rain's head.
[[You screamed.->You screamed.]]
[[You ducked for cover. ->ducked]]You let your eyes follow the curve of the woven colors. It's always soothing, like watching waves in the ocean. You've done this since you were a little kid, and sooner or later, you always felt better.
But this time, something stops you. A wrinkle that trips up your gaze every time your eyes pass over it.
And it's moving. Almost imperceptibly, the wrinkle is travelling back and forth.
A scraping sound comes from beneath.
(if: not ((history:) contains "Scream for help."))[ [[Scream for help.]]
[[Pull back the rug.]]]
(else:)[You drag the rug aside. (display: "Pull back the rug.")]Rain was on his feet, blade dancing in his hand. "Seline! Get behind me!"
You leaped from the water and ran toward him, not even thinking to cover yourself. (display: "caught")"Unhand her, knave!" yelled Rain, and flung himself at the bandit, who turned the horse to flee. But as it splashed across the slimy pebbles, the beast stumbled, flinging you sideways. The rider kept his seat, but Rain was beside him, slashing wildly with his broadsword as the horse struggled to its feet.
The bandit's grip loosened as he struggled to fend off Rain's blows and steady his panicking mount. You kicked sideways, freeing yourself, and landed in the muddy shallows with a splash.
The bandit swore, trying to circle back, but Rain stood over you with his sword ready. You scrambled to your feet. Rain tossed you his dagger. You heard Tertia whimper behind you.
The stranger kicked his horse, galloping across the river in a wall of spray. On the far bank he reined in a moment, giving you a mocking wave. "My apologies, Highness. Another time!" He spurred his horse into the woods.
Rain ran to you, his deep blue eyes creased with worry. "Are you okay, Seline?"
You were still panting with shock, and it was only when he held out your cloak, averting his eyes, that you remembered you were still naked. You wrapped yourself, fumbling and shaking. But he'd turned already, and was lifting wide-eyed, trembling Tertia to her feet.
You can only imagine what would have happened, had Rain not been there to save you that day.
[[Sometimes, you like to imagine that.->likeToImagine]]
[[What? No! Eww. ->notLikeToImagine]]You open the chest and leaf through your belongings. There's Miss Molly, your favorite porcelain doll, with glass eyes that really blink! Her silken dress is more faded and tattered than you remember, and you'd forgotten how you scribbled on her face with orange crayon for make-up. Wistfully, you set her aside.
An old manicure set of embossed calfhide lies beneath, and an ornate ivory sewing kit. Could you pick the lock on your door with a needle? There's no way you could lift the bar from inside anyway.
And a creepy old book of fairytales Nurse gave you. You hid it in here because it gave you nightmares. You flick through it, pausing at a vivid drawing of a prince kneeling before a queen. He appears to be kissing her hand. For some reason, the image makes you queasy.
[[Look closer. ->closerLookBook]]
[[Put the book away. ->dropBook]]Your yell shatters the quiet morning. At once, the movements stop. All is still. Nobody comes. Your room is at the top of the tower, far beyond hearing for the castle at large. And the guards at the foot of the stairs have doubtless been instructed to ignore you.
After a while, your heart stops pounding. Surely it was just your overwrought imagination. You were up all night with Rain; perhaps you're so exhausted you're starting to hallucinate.
But you're not sleepy.
Wait... Is that the scratching sound again?
(if: not ((history:) contains "Gaze at the rug."))[ [[Gaze at the rug.]]
[[Pull back the rug.]]]
(else:)[You drag the rug aside. (display: "Pull back the rug.")]Right beneath the middle of the rug, there's a flagstone that's a paler shade of gray than the surrounding ones, as if it were cut from a different rock.
Now it's wiggling like a loose tooth, scraping against the surrounding stones.
[[Try to pull the flagstone out.]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "talkToStone"))[[[Talk to the flagstone.->talkToStone]]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "sitOnStone"))[[[Sit on the flagstone so it can't move. ->sitOnStone]] ]Who can it possibly be down there? Maybe it's one of the courtiers? Hopefully not one with gold teeth and sock-breath.
The gap between the flagstones is too narrow to get your fingers between. You dig with a nail file into the mortar around the flagstone. At first it seems impregnable, but after a few minutes, you're able to get leverage against the hard-packed surface and the material below starts to crumble. You hear a soft cascade of dust, followed by coughing from below. The nail file snaps, but the block is almost free.
You hesitate, frowning. Are you absolutely certain it's a good idea for a Crown Princess to allow a stranger into her isolated tower bedroom?
But then, what else are you going to do all day? It's not like your life can get much worse. Right?
The last of the mortar falls away. You still can't get your fingers around the block, but whoever is down there will be able to lift it as soon as you take your weight off.
[[Move aside. ->warriorEmerges]] Feeling slightly foolish, you put your mouth to the narrow gap between the stones, and call out:
(if: not ((history:) contains "sayHello"))[[["Hello? Who's down there?"->sayHello]]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "whoTheHell"))[[["Who the hell are you? And what are you doing in my floor?"->whoTheHell]]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "stayOut"))[[["Stay out of my bedroom, creep. I'm armed and dangerous!"->stayOut]]]You restore the rug and plonk yourself down on top of the flagstone, suppressing its wiggling once and for all.
Now everything is very, very quiet.
Nothing moves.
At all.
Well, this is exciting.
Not.
(if: not ((history:) contains "talkToStone"))[[[Talk to the flagstone.->talkToStone]]](else:)[[[Go on sitting on the flagstone. There's no way you'll fall for this trick!->sitAgain]] ]
[[Try to pull the flagstone out.]]The flagstone stops moving. For a minute, all is silent. Then a whispering voice replies. Its accent is strong, and it sounds embarrassed.
(set: $data's charm to it + 1)
"I seem to be stuck. Do you think you could help me out of here?"
(if: not ((history:) contains "whoTheHell"))[[["Who the hell are you? And what are you doing in my floor?"->whoTheHell]]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "stayOut"))[[["Stay out of my bedroom, creep. I'm armed and dangerous!"->stayOut]]]
[[Try to pull the flagstone out.]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "sitOnStone"))[ [[Sit on the flagstone so it can't move. ->sitOnStone]] ](else:)[[[Sit on the flagstone again. There's no way you'll fall for this trick!->sitAgain]] ]After a moment's silence (if: ((history:) contains "whoTheHell"))[the](elseif: ((history:) contains "sayHello"))[the](else:)[a harshly-accented] voice whispers:
(set: $data's will to $data's will + 1)(set: $data's deceive to it + 1)
"Sweet as ever, aren't you, Princess? I'm sorry, but I really do seem to be stuck. Do you want me to die down here? I promise I'll stink horribly for months."
(if: not ((history:) contains "whoTheHell"))[ [["Who the hell are you? And what are you doing in my floor?"->whoTheHell]]
][[Try to pull the flagstone out.]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "sitOnStone"))[[[Sit on the flagstone so it can't move. ->sitOnStone]]](else:)[[[Sit on the flagstone again. There's no way you'll fall for this trick!->sitAgain]] ](if: ((history:) contains "sayHello"))[Despite the distortion of the narrow rock, the harsh accent is strangely familiar.](elseif: ((history:) contains "stayOut"))[Despite the distortion of the narrow rock, the harsh accent is strangely familiar.](else:)[There is a brief silence as the flagstone stops moving. Then a voice whispers from beneath. Despite the distortion of the narrow rock, its harsh accent is strangely familiar.]
"Ah, Princess, you don't remember me? Perhaps that's for the best. I'm afraid our previous encounter was a little, umm, awkward. But I'm confident today will go much more smoothly. Now if you'd just help me out with that flagstone, we can have a proper introduction."
(if: not ((history:) contains "stayOut"))[[["Stay out of my bedroom, creep. I'm armed and dangerous!"->stayOut]]
][[Try to pull the flagstone out.]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "sitOnStone"))[[[Sit on the flagstone so it can't move. ->sitOnStone]]](else:)[[[Sit on the flagstone again. There's no way you'll fall for this trick!->sitAgain]]]Prince Rain of Saragai steps warily into your tower bedroom, his shoulders hunched beneath a blue velvet doublet. Seeing his misery, you feel slightly ashamed, but you can't help admiring how the snug-fitting jacket outlines his slim waist and broad shoulders. He has definitely changed over the last year. Though he's still smooth-skinned as a boy, his frame reveals the strength of a man. He's taken to cropping his raven-gloss hair short like a warrior, and the look emphasises his cheekbones.
It's a pity your father would never let you marry him. But the King despises Saragai, and Rain is merely the youngest grandson of Saragai's monarch - hardly likely to rise to power.
Rain glances around the room, looking anywhere except at you. The silence lengthens.
At last he looks up at you, cobalt eyes filled with anguish. "Seline, are you okay? What did His Majesty say?"
You snort. Father said a lot of things, but he was just blowing off steam. Right?
[["He's mad with both of us, of course. I think he knows I'm to blame, but I'm afraid he'll be harder on you."->punishBoth]]
[["Rain, you shouldn't be here. What if Father catches you in my bedroom? After last night, it'll be the last straw."->shouldn'tHaveCome]]His blue eyes remain hard as flint. "Thank you, Your Highness. Knowing that will make my execution so much more pleasant."
(set: $data's charm to it + 1)
You grind your teeth.(set: $data's likesR to $data's likesR + 1)
(if: not ((history:) contains "whyNotLockedUp"))[[["Now you're catastrophising. If Father intended to execute you, you'd be in the dungeon already." ->whyNotLockedUp]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "notThePoint"))[[["Rain, please, listen to me. You don't understand." ->notThePoint]]
](else:)[[["Prince Rain, I have apologised for involving you in a task for which you were unready. Do *not* try my patience!"->insultedQueen]]
][["Rain, I deserve your anger, and I don't expect you to forgive me. But I can't change the past, so can we please talk about the future?"->sorryRain2]]"Hmph." Rain scoffs. "Of course he knows the truth, but that does not change what he will do." (set: $data's charm to it + 1)
He paces back and forth. "If justice were relevant here, he'd clap us both in irons. Fortunately for you, such indignity cannot be inflicted on a Crown Princess. So instead, he'll just leave you here to rot for a few weeks, and tell everyone you are indisposed. Whilst I shall entertain the dungeon rats until he gets around to beheading me."
(if: not ((history:) contains "whyNotLockedUp"))[ [["Now you're catastrophising. If Father intended to execute you, you'd be in the dungeon already." ->whyNotLockedUp]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "shouldn'tHaveCome"))[ [["Rain, you shouldn't be here. What if Father catches you in my bedroom? After last night, it'll be the last straw."->shouldn'tHaveCome]]
](display: "sorryRainOption")Rain shrugs exasperatedly. "I think the last straw happened when we disappeared all night together and were found drinking with smoke-dealers in an illegal bar in our city's seediest dockland precinct. What exactly did you expect, Your Highness?" He puts a little acid into the last words.
(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
When he puts it like that, it does sound somewhat risque.
(if: not ((history:) contains "cowardTertia"))[[["I expected that two-faced little coward Tertia to keep her mouth shut!"->cowardTertia]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "punishBoth"))[[["Doesn't he know me? I thought he would understand, you were just trying to protect me."->punishBoth]]
](display: "sorryRainOption")Anger flares in Rain's eyes. "Seline, you're not thinking straight. Tertia's loyalty is beyond reproach. She almost took an arrow for you, remember? It was you, with your headstrong foolishness, who forced her to choose between yourself and the King." (set: $data's will to it + 1)
You wince at the memory. Could he be right?
But then he continues. "And for what? So that you can enjoy a night of drunken revelry, down by the docks. Dressing up as a fisherman's wife. Pah! Have you no care for your family's repute?"
Fury and hurt nearly overwhelm your reason. Your face is hot, your stomach roils, and it's all you can do not to yell. But you clamp your teeth together until you can keep your voice down.
[["Rain, stop talking. You don't understand." ->notThePoint]]
[["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]
(display: "sorryRainOption")Rain looks skeptical. "Oh, really? What exactly don't I understand? That you're bored and lonely? That you manipulate your friends into risking their lives, just so you can have some fun, and then blame them when things go wrong?" (set: $data's will to it + 1)
Words fail you. You knew Rain didn't entirely sympathise with your adventurous spirit, but it had never occurred to you that he had so little respect for your decisions.
As he stands by your bookshelf, you suddenly see him with crystal clarity. He's not the little boy who used to climb trees and steal sweets at your side. He's not even the fiery lad who faced down a kidnapper last year. He's a prim young nobleman, torn between childish loyalty and an unthinking devotion to propriety.
(if: not ((history:) contains "queenPower"))[[["Rain, I'm supposed to become a Queen. Someone with actual power in the world. How am I going to use that power for good, if all I've ever experienced is the life of the court?"->queenPower]]
][["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]Rain's eyes blaze with fury, and his words are cold and clipped. "Do you think I care? I risked my honor to come here, to see you one last time before I go into the dark. But all I see is a naughty child who understands nothing of the world and cares only for herself. Goodbye, Seline. If I'd never known you, I might have lived a long and happy life."
(set: $data's will to it + 1)
(if: not ((history:) contains "whyNotLockedUp"))[[["Go into the dark? Surely you don't *actually* think Father will have you executed? That's ridiculous!" ->drama]]](else:)[[["Rain, wait! I didn't mean -" ->waitRain]]]
[[Say nothing. ->RainGone]](set: $data's persuade to it + 1)Rain's eyebrows rise. "Power? I don't think you need to worry about that, Seline. Your husband and his advisors will take care of policy. All that need concern you as Queen is managing the royal household, and not obliterating the reputation of the royal family. Something you seem to find challenging right now."
[["Do you really think I could ever be that kind of queen?" ->notThatQueen]]
[["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]"Seline, I'm supposed to be! One of the kitchen maids warned me there's a warrant for my arrest. Don't you understand? The king intends to make me your scapegoat. He'll say I'm a scoundrel who persuaded you to elope with me. Luckily you came to your senses in time."
(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
You frown. You'd been certain your father's threats were just hyperbole.
"I'll have to surrender myself soon, but I needed..." Rain hesitates, and his azure eyes flick upwards to meet yours for a moment. "I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
(if: not ((history:) contains "runAwayWithMe"))[[["Please, Rain. Don't surrender. We'll run away together." ->runAwayWithMe]]
](else:)[(if: not ((history:) contains "runAwayRain"))[[["Please, Rain. Don't surrender. Go now! You'll be out of the city before anyone notices." ->runAwayRain]]
]](if: not ((history:) contains "surrenderRain"))[[["Thanks, Rain. And don't worry. I'm sure Father will come to his senses soon. I'll tell him -" ->surrenderRain]]](else:)[(display: "sorryRainOption")]He scowls, staring out the window. "And make his slander true? For goodness sake, Seline. Think of someone other than yourself for once. Don't you realize what's at stake here? My family's honour, your honour. And something even more important. You're the only heir in direct line to the throne. If we eloped, your cousins would tear the kingdom apart, battling for the crown." (set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
(set: $data's likesR to $data's likesR + 3)
Frustration wells inside you. Nobody else seems to care about your happiness -- or Rain's life. Why should you care about them?
[["Let them! Rain, don't we deserve a chance at happiness as well?" ->makeSlanderTrue]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "surrenderRain"))[[["You're right. Anyway, I'm sure Father will come to his senses soon. I'll tell him -" ->surrenderRain]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "passiveAggressiveRain"))[[["Rain, listen. These people don't care about you or me. We're just pawns to them. Dying for them isn't honorable, it's... stupid."->passiveAggressiveRain]]](else:)[(display: "sorryRainOption")]Rain shakes his head. "Seline, I know I've been a fool. I should never have let my loyalty to you override my good sense. I told myself I was just protecting you, that if I didn't accompany you, you'd put yourself in danger. But the truth is, I let you sway me. It should have been me who told the King, not Tertia. Now I must take responsibility for my choices, as a man." (set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
You grit your teeth.
[["Seriously? You wish you'd ratted on me? Because that would have been more manly?" ->ratRain]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "notThePoint"))[[["Rain, stop talking. You really don't understand." ->notThePoint]]
](else:)[(if: not ((history:) contains "rainGoAway"))[[["Please, Rain. Just think about this rationally for a second." ->rainGoAway]]
]](display: "sorryRainOption")Rain's eyes narrow as he glares at you. "Yes, I wish I'd told the King. Tertia made the right decision. She saw that you were making bad choices, acting like a little child, and she understood that she had to protect you from yourself." (set: $data's will to it + 1)
Your teeth are clenched, and your face feels hot.
(if: not ((history:) contains "cowardTertia"))[[["The only thing Tertia understands is which side her bread is buttered."->cowardTertia]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "notThePoint"))[[["Rain, stop talking. You really don't understand." ->notThePoint]]
](else:)[(if: not ((history:) contains "rainGoAway"))[[["Please, Rain. Just think about this rationally for a second." ->rainGoAway]]
](else:)[(display: "sorryRainOption")
]][["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]
##Chapter 1
#Castle Stelgarte
In the vast Throne Room, shadows reign. Each torch ensconced in a marble pillar casts an isolated circle of golden light. By day, the Throne Room is as lovely as it is impressive; daylight glimmers through agate slices set in the towering ceiling, softening the interwoven starbursts and flowers of the floor mosaic.
But now, in the chill darkness before dawn, the distance between torches seems achingly long. You can barely make out the distant form of the King of Thronheim, hunched in his gilded chair like an eagle brooding in its eyrie.
Every muscle in your body screams at you to run, but there are two guardsman right behind you, pikes poised.
[[Flee. ->flee]]
[[Walk forward. ->walkForward]]King Torveld's mouth turns downward in revulsion. "Pathetic! Who would have thought my line could spawn such a snivelling worm?"
(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
(display: "betrayalChoice")"You believe you know my mind, eh?" shouts the King. Echoes repeat him, like a horde of furious ghosts. (set: $data's will to $data's will + 1)
You hesitate. Before you can find a tactful reply, he spits: "Pah! Your arrogance is as disgusting as your impropriety. To think my line spawned such a fool."
(display: "betrayalChoice")You spin on your heel, keeping your back straight as you march out of the Throne Room. The pikemen trail willingly behind you. Apparently all three of you are glad to keep up the pretense that they are an honor guard, rather than a prison escort.
(display: "outsideHall")King Torveld gestures impatiently at the guards behind you. They look at each other, and shrug. With brutish practicality, ignoring your flailing and protests, they grab your arms, spin you around and frogmarch you out of the throne room. (set: $data's fight to it + 1)(set: $data's will to it + 1)
(display: "outsideHall")The King's laughter echoes around the throne room. He slaps his knees and cackles. "Ah, you fool. Thank you for that information. Poor, honorable Prince Rain. Not that I doubted good Tertia's words, of course, but your testimony finally confirms his guilt. Now Saragai shall pay..."
(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
(if: $exposedTertia is 0)[Your mouth drops open. For a moment you feel only incomprehension. Tertia's words? What can he mean? Tertia would never... would she? *Had she?*
"As for Tertia," he continues, watching you with malicious pleasure, "she shall be suitably rewarded. I must admit I underestimated your mousy little handmaid. Who would have thought she would finally stand up to your lunacy? After you and Rain left last night, she came to me in tears. It took some persuasion, but she told me exactly where to find you."
Fury builds in you as the enormity of his words sinks in.
[["Tertia betrayed me? That cowardly, faithless turncoat!" ->betrayedByTertia]]
[["I don't believe you! Tertia would never do that!" ->tertiaWouldnt]]](else:)[[["Wait, that's not what I meant --" ->getOut]]] (set: $betrayedRain to 1)To your surprise, the King leans back in his chair and chuckles wheezily.
(set: $exposedTertia to 1)
"An excellent choice, Seline. At least you have the good sense to betray those who have already betrayed you."
The blood drains from your face. Surely not...
(display: "tertiaBetrayed")The King's eyes glint with satisfaction. "Perhaps you are not altogether without honor. Though lying to the Crown is itself a serious crime, at least you are unwilling to betray your friends. And if I did not know the truth already, I might have believed you."
Then he chuckles. "Still... consider this, child. "If you persist in this charade, I shall simply have *all* the suspects arrested. My head torturer will enjoy the exercise. Is that what you'd prefer?"
(display: "betray")You hesitate as the King's scowl darkens. (set: $data's charm to it + 1)
[["Father, I only wanted to --" ->beg]]
[[Say nothing. ->submit]]King Torveld smiles as ruthlessly as a sabre-toothed cat. "Now Rain, on the other hand... His actions leave me no choice. Congratulations. Your impropriety has destroyed Saragai's youngest Prince."
(if: $betrayedRain is 0)[[["What do you mean? Father, please! It wasn't Rain's fault. He only went along because he couldn't talk me out of it, and he wanted to protect me." ->betrayRain]]
][["You can't punish Rain, Father! He's done nothing wrong." ->cantPunishRain]]
[["Please, father --" ->getOut]]"What I thought, Seline, is that you were a rebellious kid who needed some time to grow up. I thought -- heaven forgive me -- that if I gave you the latitude to explore, you'd get over it, calm down and learn to take your responsibilities seriously. Like I did." (set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
[["Like you did, Rain? Last night, you didn't seem so serious. Remember that lovely dancer with the honey-colored eyes?"->stickyDancer]]
[[(set: $difficulty to 11)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "I do take my responsibilities seriously, Rain. And I don't think that means sitting around practicing needlepoint. How could I ever rule a kingdom if I were afraid of a little court gossip?"->checkSeriousResponsibilities]]Rain raises his hands. "Seline, when I was ten, I would have followed you anywhere. I thought you would be the greatest Queen ever. That you would bring our land to a new age of justice and wisdom. But that's not how the world works. You shall have a dull and wealthy courtier for a husband, and I shall die to avoid tarnishing your pristine reputation. Maybe you even believe that nonsense about understanding your people. But the truth is, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that you acted like a brat once too often."
(if: not ((history:) contains "whyNotLockedUp"))[[["Die? Nonsense. If Father intended to execute you, you'd be in the dungeon already." ->whyNotLockedUp]]
](else:)[(if: not ((history:) contains "passiveAggressiveRain"))[[["Rain, listen. These people don't care about you or me. We're just pawns to them. Dying for them isn't honorable, it's... stupid."->passiveAggressiveRain]]](else:)[(display: "sorryRainOption")]
][["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]Rain flushes. "That was your fault! If you hadn't nudged her, she'd never have spilled wine on her... uh, her - anyway, it was my duty as a knight to help her!" (set: $data's charm to it + 1)
[["Was it your duty as a knight to use your tongue?"->useTongue]]
[[(set: $difficulty to 9)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "The point is, you did things that might be considered... improper. Because you thought it was right. Like me. I won't let propriety stand in the way of serving my people."->checkSeriousResponsibilities]]"I didn't... did I?" He hesitates. "I don't remember... You, you know I wasn't thinking straight! I think I'd inhaled some of that smoke." (set: $data's deceive to it + 1)
He straightens. "Anyway, that's not why I came here. You might pretend you're serving some noble purpose by going out to shoddy wharf-side taverns and getting blind drunk, but the fact is, you acted like an idiot, and my life is over because of it."
[[(set: $difficulty to 9)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")(display: "makeDice"): "The point is, you did things that might be considered... improper. Because you thought it was right. Like me. I won't let propriety stand in the way of serving my people."->checkSeriousResponsibilities]]
[["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]
(display: "sorryRainOption")Rain flushes pink with anger. "Oh, that is so typical of you! I'm about to die to preserve your honor, and all you can do is make snide remarks."
(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
(if: not ((history:) contains "rainGoAway"))[[["Please, Rain. Just think about this rationally for a second." ->rainGoAway]]
](display: "sorryRainOption")
[["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]The guards hustle you onwards, but you hear a choked sob behind you.
[[Look back. ->lookBackTertia]]
[[Ignore her. ->ignoreTertia]]You should never have told her you were planning to go to Splashglass Harbor. But where else in the city can you dance the night away, chatting with sailors and merchants, listening to all the rumors, secrets and legends of far-off lands? And with Rain by your side, what could possibly go wrong? Dressed in your fishwife and sailor costumes, nobody would ever have recognized the Princess Seline and Prince Rain.
You couldn't have known Tertia would rat you out. She's always been a coward, but you thought she'd at least have the decency to keep your secret.
It wasn't your fault you trusted that traitor.
[[How did things change so much between you? ->You remember]]
[[At least it wasn't Rain who betrayed you. ->He's like a brother to you.]] "Think rationally? Oh, that's rich, coming from *you*!"
(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
[["You know you didn't do anything wrong. And your death won't make anything better. If you just disappear for a while, this will blow over." ->rainRainGoAway]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "surrenderRain"))[[["I'm sure Father will come to his senses soon. I'll tell him -" ->surrenderRain]]
](else:)[(display: "sorryRainOption")
][["You tread on thin ice, Prince Rain. Only a fool insults a future queen."->insultedQueen]]"Seline, I can't just run away! That would only confirm my guilt to everyone. I would look like a coward as well as a wicked seducer."
Your temper snaps -- possibly because you fear he's right.
[[(set: $difficulty to 8)(set: $skill_name to "Persuade")
(display: "makeDice"): "Letting someone kill you because you're too scared to try to escape: now that's what I call cowardly." ->cowardRain]]
[["Ugh! Rain, this is stupid. I'm not going to let you die because of my mistake." ->drama]]The wooden door slams shut behind him. Too late, you run to catch it, but the bar has fallen outside.
You slam your fists against the solid wood in rage and howl with anger, but there is no answer. Soon, your yells subside into helpless sobbing.
You crawl back into bed and weep.
(display: "endRainScene")(set: $data's charm to it + 1)(if: ((history:) contains "sorryRain2"))[[["I already told you I'm sorry, Rain. What else can I say?"->sorryRain3]] ](else:)[(if: ((history:) contains "sorryRain"))[[["Rain, I deserve your anger, and I don't expect you to forgive me. But I can't change the past, so can we please talk about the future?"->sorryRain2]] ](else:)[[["I'm sorry, Rain. I never should have dragged you into my crazy schemes."->sorryRain]] ]]"Talk about the future? Seline, I have no future. I will give myself up to the King's justice, and he will have me executed."
(set: $data's likesR to $data's likesR + 1)(set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
(if: not ((history:) contains "whyNotLockedUp"))[[["Now you're catastrophising. If Father intended to execute you, you'd be in the dungeon already." ->whyNotLockedUp]]
](else:)[(if: not ((history:) contains "runAwayWithMe"))[[["Please, Rain. Don't surrender. We'll run away together." ->runAwayWithMe]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "rainGoAway"))[[["Please, Rain. Just think about this rationally for a second." ->rainGoAway]]
]][["I already told you I'm sorry, Rain. What else can I say?"->sorryRain3]](display: "dice")
(if: $success is true)[Rain flinches; your words hit home. He takes several deep breaths. (set: $data's persuadedR to 1)
"You know what? You're right, Seline. Why should I be slain for your foolishness? If I die now, I can never atone for my sins. But if I live, I may yet serve some greater good."
He straightens his shoulders and marches to the door. "I bid you goodbye and good riddance, Highness. And I hope your father finds you a deserving husband."
The wooden door slams shut behind him. You run to catch it, but the bar has fallen outside.
You hope he escapes. But his words still sting. Alone in your bedroom, you feel the ache in your throat swell unbearably.
You throw yourself on the bed and weep.
(display: "endRainScene")](else:)[(display: "insultedQueen")]Rain's reply is slow and soft, as if he is not sure of his words. He looks at the backs of his hands as he speaks. They are finely proportioned hands, combining the finesse of a dancer with a swordsman's strength.
(set: $data's likesR to $data's likesR + 1)
"I guess you're right. There is nothing more you can say. Nothing can change anything."
Abruptly he turns to stare at you with eyes as cold as the heart of a glacier. "I don't even know why I came here any more. Goodbye, Seline. If I'd never known you, I might have lived a long and happy life."
[["Rain, wait! Please - I didn't mean -" ->waitRain]]
[[Say nothing. ->RainGone]]Rain snorts. "Seline, the more you intervene on my behalf, the more you'll condemn me. The King can't show mercy to his daughter's seducer! No, my life cannot be saved; I only hope to prevent the destruction of others."
(set: $data's deceive to it + 1)
(if: not ((history:) contains "runAwayWithMe"))[[["Then don't surrender. We'll run away together." ->runAwayWithMe]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "runAwayRain"))[[["So don't surrender. Go now! You'll be out of the city before anyone notices." ->runAwayRain]]
](display: "sorryRainOption")You've never been able to forget those dark, hungry eyes. Nobody at court ever looked at you quite that way. If only Rain hadn't startled his horse, would the bandit have galloped off into the woods with you? Would he have ransomed you back to your father, untouched? Or would he have done something else? Was the intensity you sensed in him mere goldlust, or something more?
(set: $data's charm to it + 1)(set: $data's fantasyA to 1)
You know it's foolish to daydream, but then, what else do you have? (if: $settings's censored is 0)[Recalling the way his arm pressed against your soft skin, you idly imagine him sliding his hand higher, brushing across a nipple - then lower, until you gasp.]
(display: "interruptFantasy")Recalling his disrespectful gaze, you shudder. Nobody at court ever looked at you that way - thank goodness! With some effort, you banish the despicable kidnapper from your mind, and successfully contemplate the slightly-wilted flowers in the blue crystal vase on your dresser for almost three minutes.
(display: "interruptFantasy")He pauses, breathing heavily. Now he looks old and burdened, his eyes unfocused as if staring into mist. You notice that he is still in his bedrobes, and his grey locks hang limp, uncombed.
"Now, child, I offer you one chance to partially redeem yourself. Who were your accomplices in last night's idiocy?"
You steel yourself.
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Deceive")(display: "makeDice"): "Nobody assisted me, Father. I went alone."->checkBetrayNobody]]
[["My actions were my own, Father, and none other shall answer for them." ->sayNothing]]At last, the tears run dry as exhaustion overwhelms you. You lie silently, twisting your fingers through the slender chain of your locket.
Does Rain really think so little of you? Or was he just overcome with fear and anger?
Perhaps you'll never know. Even if Rain survives, he'll likely never be welcome at court again. And would he visit, even if he could? Would he ever forgive you?
And your father's actions still puzzle you. No matter how angry the King was, he'd always been a wily politician. Did he truly mean to have Rain executed over such a ridiculous thing? Surely, even caring nothing for justice, he'd be afraid to offend the King of Saragai.
Unless... that was his intent. But why would he want that?
You doze, then fall into fitful dreams.
Abruptly, you awaken. Your fingers are still wrapped around the locket. Something must have disturbed you. But all is silent, and the mid-morning sun gleams upon your silken coverlet.
[[Fiddle with the locket. ->locket]]
[[Go to the chest. You haven't looked in it in years.->Go to the chest.]]
[[Go to the mirror. ->mirror]]Abruptly, Rain turns toward you. He clasps your hands in his and gazes down at you. His storm-blue eyes glimmer with emotion, and you realise he's trembling.(set: $data's charm to it + 1)
"Yes, Seline, you do deserve a chance at happiness."
You hold his gaze. He leans closer, until your faces almost touch, and for a moment you think he will kiss you. Then he pushes you away.
"Part of me wishes I could think like you. I don't want to die! But how could I live with myself if we ran away together? Without honor, without family or wealth... I would have destroyed both of our lives. So, for you to have your chance at happiness, I must submit to the King's justice."
(if: not ((history:) contains "rainGoAway"))[[["Please, Rain. Just think about this rationally for a second." ->rainGoAway]]
](if: not ((history:) contains "surrenderRain"))[[["I'm sure Father will come to his senses soon. I'll tell him -" ->surrenderRain]]
](display: "sorryRainOption")A soft knocking at the wooden door interrupts your rumination. Hastily, you shrug on the nearest garment - a crumpled nightdress of rose silk.
You glare at the door. Who can that be? Father would never relent. He'll probably leave you stuck in here until he can marry you off to some senile courtier with gold teeth and sock-breath.
[["Come in." ->AnswerKnocking]]
[["Go away!" ->GoAwayAnswerKnocking]] You set yourself firmly in the middle of the carpet. You decide to practice meditation. That always has a calming effect.
Everything is peaceful. Peaceful and silent. Silent and...
You're grinding your teeth. You hum a tune. *You know where this is going to end, don't you?*
You pick up your favorite story book and open it to the most exciting page.
One minute later, you hurl the book at the bookcase. *It's really not your fault. 'Tis your nature.*
You pull out your sewing kit and embroider one eye on a handkerchief kitten. You scrunch the handkerchief in a ball and throw it at the chest.
You admit defeat. The stranger has unwittingly exposed your greatest weakness - curiosity.
[[Try to pull the flagstone out.]]
[[(set: $difficulty to 19)(set: $skill_name to "Will")(display: "makeDice"): Never! Your will is indomitable, even in the face of unendurable boredom.->dragChest]]*Italics* or //Italics//
-----
**Bold** or ''Bold''
<u>Underlined</u>
==Strikethrough== or ~~Strikethrough~~ doesn't work
Subscript H~~2~~O doesn't work
Super^^script^^
#Heading
##Subheading
<center>Centered</center>
<abbr title=“Alt text”>Alt Text doesn't work</abbr>
<small>Small Text</small>
<big>Big Text</big>
@@color:magenta;Inline styling doesn't work@@
<p style="color:red">Red</p style>
Normal
(link: "Quit")[<script>window.close()</script>]
His eyes widened, and the quirk of his scar seemed more fascinated than displeased. He wiped his face on his shoulder, still gripping you firmly. "Call me old-fashioned, Highness, but I'd prefer a date before we exchange saliva."
(set: $data's fight to it + 1)
(display: "Rain roared with fury.")Amusement glittered in the stranger's eyes. "Where would be the satisfaction in that?" (set: $data's will to it + 1)
(display: "Rain roared with fury.")
-----
<p style="color:red">Skills Gained: Deceive (print: ($data's deceive/10).toFixed(1)) | Persuade (print: ($data's persuade/10).toFixed(1)) | Charm (print: ($data's charm/10).toFixed(1)) | Will (print: ($data's will/10).toFixed(1)) | Fight (print: ($data's fight/10).toFixed(1))</p style>
<script>window.StrayHeirs.createChapter(2)</script>(print: "<a href=\"ch2.html\">Chapter 2</a>")
(print: "<a href=\"index.html\">Go to Contents Page</a>")(goto-url: "index.html")Green-flecked eyes blink angrily back at you, shimmering with unshed tears.
Your locks, usually satiny, have coalesced into a dull, gummy mess; the braids at your crown are disheveled and collapsing. You shake them out and force a comb through the worst tangles, reminded bitterly of Tertia. She always commented admiringly on the streaks of sunlit mahogany that glimmer in your dark hair. Lying sycophant. Jet-black would be more striking, and gold would be prettier. Why did you ever imagine you could trust her?
The tears overflow, making fresh mascara-stained runnels through layered city dust. Furiously, you dampen a corner of your robe and scrub away the mess. Your locket hangs askew; you center it. There, that's better.
Not that it matters. Nobody is coming to see you up here, anyway.
You straighten your back and glare haughtily at your reflection, resolving not to move until every trace of self-pity is extinguished. At last you manage a cool, calm smile, lips closed to conceal your sharp canines.
A scraping sound interrupts your rumination. It's coming from beneath the rug.
[[Look at the rug. ->Gaze at the rug.]]
[[Pull back the rug.]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "Scream for help."))[ [[Scream for help.]]](display: "dice") (set: $data's will to it + 3)(if: $success is false)[Indomitable. Yes. That's you.
Totally.
Indomitable. Such a great word. You should use it more often.
About yourself, obviously.
In...dom...it...a...ble...
Does that guy down there know how indomitable you are? Probably not. You should really tell him. After all, what's the point in being indomitable if nobody knows about it?
And conversations like that are much better held face to face.
[[Try to pull the flagstone out.]]](else:)[You fling the rug aside. The sewing chest screeches against the flagstones as you haul it to the center of the room.
You stand panting, admiring your handiwork. Now *nobody* is coming up through your floor. Ever.
Who can it possibly be down there anyway? Maybe it's one of the courtiers? Probably one with gold teeth and sock-breath.
Gradually, your heartbeat slows, and your breath returns.
All is silent once more.
Utterly silent.
[[Until... ->until]]]A shadow blots out the sunshine streaming through your window.
You gasp. Silhouetted against the light, a warrior is dangling from the window-frame outside your room. Before you can react, he swings his feet onto the sill and slithers inside, landing with cat-like grace on your floor.
His broad shoulders are encased in black leather armor. A spiked helm shadows his eyes, and his features are obscured by a metal visor. You're not sure what the spikes are for, but they don't look friendly.
On the plus side, it isn't Sir Sockbreath.
(display: "ch2")Hesitantly, you stand up and back away from the flagstone.
For a moment, nothing happens. Then, with a dreadful scraping sound and a fountain of mortar, the flagstone bounds upward, shooting out of its hollow, followed by a hand gauntleted in black and steel. The hand bobs down again, like a weasel into its hole, and the surrounding flagstones shudder under a series of ringing blows as if somebody is hitting them with a sledgehammer. A second stone comes loose, and then a third. Now the hole is big enough that a man's shoulders could fit through it.
This observation requires little perspicacity, because a man's shoulders are coming through it right now.
They are broad shoulders, encased in leather armor. A spiked helm shadows his eyes, and his features are obscured by a metal visor. You're not sure what the spikes are for, but they don't look friendly.
As he clambers out of the hole, you notice that he's tall, and agile as a mountain lion despite the weight of his armor.
On the plus side, it isn't Sir Sockbreath.
Even so, you start to wonder if you have made a *very* bad mistake.
(display: "ch2")For a moment, all is silent.
"Seline?" Rain's voice is low. "Are you okay? Can I come in?"
Before you can reply, you hear the bolts slide back. (display: "AnswerKnocking")(set: $data to StrayHeirs["datastore"])(set: $settings to StrayHeirs["settings"])(set: $canundo to false)(set: $array_position to 1)(set: $randarray to (a:(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20),(random: 1,20)))
###Before we start
You play the part of Princess Seline's executive mind. She is her own character, with a range of thoughts and impulses that arise from her subconscious in response to her situation. You choose between these responses.
Feel free to explore, but there’s no need to search every path. Most choices are simply opportunities for self-expression. It's rare for Seline to die.
* **Undo**: Use the arrow at the bottom of each page. Don't use your browser's back button.
* **Privacy**: Local storage is used only as needed to transfer some choices between chapters. No personal data returns to the server.
* **Configuration**: Change display settings and explicit content [[here->otherInfo]]
####Content warning
*Stray Heirs* contains text that some readers may find disturbing and/or offensive, including mature content, violence and horror, sexual descriptions and dark romance.
=><=
------
[[Begin->Throne Room]]The golden locket clicks open between your fingers. From it tumbles a fiery black opal, brilliant as a teardrop.
Your mother's gift. Nurse said she was a lot like you. Nobody else ever talks about her.
You turn the opal in your fingers, holding it in a sun-ray that slants across the bed. Liquid rainbows dance and shimmer through its midnight heart. When you were small, you used to pretend that you could contact her spirit through the stone. But it was only a game.
A scraping sound interrupts your rumination. It's coming from beneath the rug. You snap the locket shut again.
[[Look at the rug. ->Gaze at the rug.]]
[[Pull back the rug.]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "Scream for help."))[ [[Scream for help.]]]The King's nostrils tighten, the sharp intake of breath audible.
(set: $data's will to $data's will + 1)
"So, you defy me openly? No matter." His tone is mild, but his eyes are hard. "I am sure the suspects themselves will be less reticent in the hands of my head torturer. Shall I have them *all* arrested, then?"
(display: "betray")Actually, he's licking blood from her wrist. On the next page, he's clambering out of a grave, all grinning fangs.
Whatever was Nurse thinking, giving *that* to a toddler?
(display: "dropBook")Your thoughts are interrupted by a scraping sound. It's coming from beneath the rug.
[[Look at the rug. ->Gaze at the rug.]]
[[Pull back the rug.]]
(if: not ((history:) contains "Scream for help."))[ [[Scream for help.]]]"Don't start! Your soft spot for Saragai's whelp just makes it worse!" he snaps. (set: $data's charm to it + 1) (display: "getHerOut")"Pah!" the King snorts contemptously. (display: "getHerOut")He signals the guards. "Get her out of my sight. Lock her in the Tower!"
The pikemen glance at you uneasily. They are accustomed to saluting and escorting you in royal parades. Arresting the Crown Princess is evidently a new experience for them. Then again, being arrested is also a new experience for you. You'll all have to play it by ear.
[[Leave with dignity.->leaveWithDignity]]
[["Father, wait! You have to listen to me!" ->stayPut]]Her eyes are red with crying, and (if: $how is 1)[your last doubts melt away at the shame in them.(set: $data's likesT to it + 1)](else:)[she trembles at your expression.(set: $data's will to it + 1)]
"Se... Seline -" she mumbles, her voice a broken whisper. (if: $how is 1)["Please, you have to understand..."](else:)["I... I never meant to..."]
She trails off. Before you can speak, the guards tug you away.
(display: "hall")Straightening your back, you march ahead of the pikemen.
(display: "hall")Your face burns as you pass whispering servants and giggling maids in the halls and bailey. Mercifully, it's only sunrise: the court has not yet awakened to witness your humiliation.
You manage to hold back tears until you reach the winding stairway. At last you stumble into your isolated bedroom at the pinnacle of Castle Stelgarte's highest tower.
With a loud click, the key turns in the lock behind you, and the heavy bar drops. Footsteps recede.
[[You are alone.->lockedBedroom]]You spin on your heel and duck beneath the nearer soldier's pike, pushing him off balance as you bolt for the entrance. The man yelps, and the other guard gives a startled curse. (set: $data's fight to it + 1) (set: $canundo to true)
But as you fling open the door, a shadow blocks the light.
"You!" A portly general stands in your way, one hairy white brow raised. You could easily shove him aside, but the four soldiers behind him are another matter.
Eyeing you beadily, the general emits a nervous chuckle. "Wherever are *you* going at this ungodly hour?"
Behind you, the King stirs impatiently. The general jumps like a startled chicken and retreats, bowing.
[[Follow the general. ->followGeneral]]
[[Turn and face the King. ->atLeast]]Ignoring the hammering of your heart, you force your unwilling limbs steadily onward. (set: $data's will to $data's will + 1)(display: "atLeast")At least nobody else is here to witness your humiliation.
(set: $canundo to true)(set: $madeDice to false)
Every scuff of your dancing slippers echoes on the marble floor. You halt before the lowest step of the dais, eyes to the ground, acutely conscious of your low-cut dress.
"Look at me," growls King Torveld. He speaks softly, but his voice reverberates like thunder. You know it's just a trick of the acoustics; how many times have you played upon the dais steps? Even so, your spine prickles.
You look up, then crumble to your knees. The fury in his pale eyes is palpable. You want to run to him like a child, to throw your arms around his ankles and cry. But his mouth is twisted with cold distaste, his stance as rigid as any of his bronze statues. You can find no mercy there.
"Have you nothing to say for yourself, daughter?" Every word is a dagger of ice.
[["Please, father, forgive me! I am so sorry! Show clemency, I beg you!"->begKing]]
[["Your Majesty, there is nothing I can say that would change your mind."->snubKing]]The King wrinkles his nose. "Gods, what a naive little idiot you are. Think about it. How else could my guards have found you?"
(set: $data's likesT to it + 1)
Though it's searingly painful to admit, he has a point.
He nods, satisfied with your expression. Then his lips twist into a sneer. "At least this moronic escapade permits me to finally dispose of your Saragaian pet."
[["You can't punish Rain, Father! He's done nothing wrong." ->cantPunishRain]]
(if: $betrayedRain is 0)[[["Father, please! It wasn't Rain's fault. He only went along because he couldn't talk me out of it, and he wanted to protect me." ->betrayRain]]](else:)[[["Please, father --" ->getOut]]]"He's done nothing wrong? *Nothing*?" The King's mockery rises to a shout, filling the room with gibbering echoes. When they fade, his voice is soft, but hissing with venom. "Tertia's testimony alone would suffice to condemn him(if: $betrayedRain is 0)[, no matter how stubbornly you cling to your lies.](else:)[, even without your own words.]" (set: $data's deceive to $data's deceive + 1)(set: $data's likesR to it + 1)
[["Please, father --" ->getOut]]Outside, a familiar figure waits with bowed head. Tertia's eyes are downcast beneath her grey hood.
[["You'll pay for your treachery, coward!" ->passTertia]]
[["How could you do this to me?" ->passTertiaHow]]
[[Ignore her. ->ignoreTertia]]The guards hustle you onwards, but you hear a choked sob behind you. (set: $how to 1) (set: $data's likesT to it + 1)
[[Look back. ->lookBackTertia]]
[[Ignore her. ->ignoreTertia]]You leapt from the water and dashed for the shelter of a large boulder.
(set: $data's fight to it + 1)
"Seline! Watch out!" yelled Rain. (display: "caught")Hooves splashed behind you, and something struck you around the waist, knocking the wind from your lungs as you were hauled upward.
You gasped and fell backward across a horse's back. Caught by iron-hard arms, you found yourself staring up into the rider's eyes, dark and hungry as a black hole. The stranger's face was angular as beaten bronze, marred by a pale scar.
Gazing down at you, he grinned wickedly. "Please excuse my informality, Highness." His accent was harsh, the consonants grating like the clash of sabres. His eyes contained no apology; quite the reverse, they sparkled with amusement, and something more intense.
Acutely conscious of your nakedness, you writhed away, but he only pulled you up against his chest with one gauntleted hand.
"Let her go!" Rain's voice shook, and your captor just laughed.
"And why would I want to do that?" The stranger's hands tightened on you. His voice sounded as if he were crushing marbles with his teeth.
"You think she's just some milkmaid for you to carry off for your enjoyment?"
"Oh, no, not at all." He laughed. "Do you think I can't recognise the Crown Princess? The King will pay richly to have her restored undamaged."
You felt the hilt of a dagger at the stranger's belt digging into your hip.
[[(set: $difficulty to 10)(set: $skill_name to "Fight")(display: "makeDice"): You tried to get hold of the blade.->blade]]
[[You yelled for Rain to help you.->Rain roared with fury.]](set: $canundo to false)
###Info & Settings
* **Undo**: Use the link at the bottom of each page. Don't use your browser's back button. To change a choice in an earlier chapter, you need to complete that chapter *and* any subsequent ones again.
* **Skills**: Some choices can succeed or fail. You succeed if your skill + a D20 roll exceeds the difficulty of the choice. Skills increase as you use them.
* **Relationships**: Relationships can affect the difficulty of skill-based choices.
* **Endings**: The story has up to 20 chapters and a variety of endings. All major endings remain accessible until Chapter 15, though the paths leading to them may change. From Chapter 16, the story diverges.
####Your data
* **Data storage**: Local storage is used only as needed to transfer some choices between chapters. If you change browsers or delete your browser history you will start over.
* **Privacy**: No personal data returns to the server.
####Settings
* **Content**: Sex scenes are |button>[(display: "Button")]
* **Display**: |modeButton>[(display: "DarkModeButton")]
* **Font**: |fontButton>[(display: "FontSizeButtons")]
(print: "<a href=\"index.html\">Go to Contents Page</a>")(set: $settings to StrayHeirs["settings"])<script>window.StrayHeirs.applyStyle();</script>
------
(if: $settings's darkmode is 1)[(link-undo:'<img alt="Undo" src="arrow3.png"/>')](else:)[(link-undo:'<img alt="Undo" src="arrow3dark.png"/>')](set: $settings to StrayHeirs["settings"])<script>window.StrayHeirs.applyStyle();</script>
(if: $canundo)[
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|==
(if: $settings's darkmode is 1)[(link-undo:'<img alt="Undo" src="arrow3.png"/>')](else:)[(link-undo:'<img alt="Undo" src="arrow3dark.png"/>')]
==|
(if: $settings's darkmode is 1)[(link: '<img src="settings.png" alt="Info & Settings" />')[(goto:"otherInfo")]](else:)[(link: '<img src="settingsdark.png" alt="Info & Settings" />')[(goto:"otherInfo")]]](else:)[(set: $canundo to true)]"As for Tertia," he continues, watching your face with malicious pleasure, "she shall be suitably rewarded. I must admit I underestimated your mousy little handmaid. Who would have thought she would finally stand up to your lunacy? After you and Rain left last night, she came to me in tears. It took some persuasion, but she told me exactly where to find you."
Your mouth drops open. For a moment you feel only incomprehension. Tertia standing up to you? Tertia would never... would she? Had she?
[["I don't believe you! Tertia would never do that!" ->tertiaWouldnt]]
[["Tertia betrayed me? That cowardly, faithless turncoat!" ->betrayedByTertia]]The wooden door slams shut behind him. You run to catch it, but the bar has fallen outside.
You hope he escapes. But his words still sting. Alone in your bedroom, you feel the ache in your throat swell unbearably.
[[You throw yourself on the bed and weep. ->endRainScene]]He doesn't look at you, and he speaks slowly and carefully, loading each word with contempt. "It doesn't matter what you meant, Seline. I have to go."
(display: "RainGone")"The King's men are searching for me this very moment - and all you can do is belittle my sacrifice? How typical!"
[["Rain, wait! I didn't mean -" ->waitRain]]
[[Say nothing. ->RainGone]]You bite your lip. Someone must have betrayed you. How else could his guards have found you? But the only people who knew your location were your best friend, Prince Rain of Saragai, and your faithful handmaiden, Tertia. You trust them both absolutely. Just last year, Rain saved you from a brutal kidnapping. And Tertia has served you since you were eight years old.
"Choose with care, child," purrs Torveld. "Remember, to refuse to answer the Crown's inquiry is treachery."
[["It was Rain, but he was only trying to protect me. He knew he couldn't talk me out of it."->betrayRain]]
[["It was Tertia, but she never wanted to. I gave her no choice!"->betrayTertia]]
[["Call me a traitor, then, Father! At least I will never betray those who trust me." ->silent]]Your father's face darkens. "This mulish obstinacy does not charm me, daughter." (set: $data's will to it + 1)
He waits a few moments more, pinning you like an insect with his pallid glare. Your lips tighten.
Suddenly he chuckles, shaking his head. "So - you are immune to reason. No matter. A little time on the rack will doubtless squeeze a confession from young Rain."
The blood drains from your face. Does he really mean...
(display: "tertiaBetrayed")
[["Father, please! It wasn't Rain's fault. He only went along because he couldn't talk me out of it, and he wanted to protect me." ->betrayRain]] (set: $exposedTertia to 1)As you start to move, a gauntlet clamps upon your arm. The pikeman winces at your furious glare, but turns you firmly back toward the throne. This time, there's no chance to run.
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}(set: $show_roll_details to 0)(set: $roll to $randarray's ($array_position))(set: $array_position to it + 1)(set: $total to $ability + $roll)(set: $recorded_difficulty to $difficulty)(set: $recorded_ability to $ability)(set: $recorded_skill_name to $skill_name)(if: $total >= $difficulty)[(set: $success to true)Success!](else:)[(set: $success to false)Failure :(] |roll_details>[(display: "Roll_details")](display: "dice")
(if: $success is true)["I... I suppose that sort of makes sense. I never really thought of it like that before." Rain's shoulders slump. He pauses, then looks at you again, his eyes cold. "So you took a gamble and lost. And the cost of that gamble is my life." (set: $data's persuade to it + 1)
He straightens and marches to the door. "It doesn't even matter to you, does it?"
Before you can reply, he continues bitterly, "You know what? I've changed my mind. Why should I be slain for your carelessness? If I die now, I can never atone for my stupidity. But if I live, I may yet serve some greater good. I bid you goodbye and good riddance, Highness. And I hope your father finds you a deserving husband."
The wooden door slams shut behind him. You run to catch it, but the bar has fallen outside.
You hope he escapes. But his words still sting. Alone in your bedroom, you feel the ache in your throat swell unbearably.
You throw yourself on the bed and weep. (set: $data's persuadedR to 1)
[[Continue->endRainScene]]](else:)[(display: "seriousResponsibilities")](display: "dice") (set: $data's deceive to it + 1)
(if: $success is false)[The King's eyes narrow with disgust. "You are a poor liar, child. Perhaps your only redeeming feature is that you are unwilling to betray your friends."
Then he chuckles. "Still... consider this, child. "If you persist in this charade, I shall simply have *all* the suspects arrested. My head torturer will enjoy the exercise. Is that what you'd prefer?"
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(if: $success is true)[You twisted one arm to tug the dagger from the warrior's belt. It slid smoothly free, and you angled it to slam into his belly.
As you made the thrust, he glanced down at you, his dark eyes widening.
He pulled your wrist back painfully, snapping the knife from your hand. A lopsided grin strained his scar. "My, aren't you fun? Perhaps I won't ransom you after all."](else:)[You twisted one arm to tug the dagger from the warrior's belt. But even as you moved, he turned, and the hilt slipped from your grasp. His gauntletted fingers wrapped yours, and his dark eyes gleamed with sudden intrigue. "Highness, did you just try to...?"]
[[You spat at him. ->spatKidnapper]]
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