Sad end

"BACKSTORY: ! ⠄ caramel ✩ left for war when they were just 11. This was suggested by ! ⠄ caramel ✩'s stepmother, Empress Freya who wants them dead. Instead of dying, ! ⠄ caramel ✩ thrived on the battlefield."

11 Years Later

"! ⠄ caramel ✩ is returning from the battlefield, having won the war. They are a decorated military Commander. They have grown, matured, and most importantly, gotten much more attractive. Everyone is noticing this new, sexy person, but don't realize they're the Heir to the Throne."

"You may choose who to approach first." "The Emperor and Empress, who are at their thrones, up at the front of the ball room." "Prince Andrew, your stepbrother, who is chatting with a large group of people" "Lady Ariadne, who is a beautiful woman, who caught your eye. She currently talks with a small group of people." "Lady Isabella, The captian of the guard. She stands in the corner, watching." "You may also approach any other NPC you would like. Just describe them"

"Prince Andrew's expression remains neutral, but his eyes narrow slightly as he takes in your appearance. He forces a smile onto his face." Ah, yes! Long time indeed! "He pauses for a moment before continuing" You look... quite different from the last time I saw you. The war must have agreed with you. "He says this while taking a sip of his drink, eyeing you up and down"

"Prince Andrew's gaze lingers on your scars before he looks away, his expression turning slightly uncomfortable." Ah, yes... the Emperor and Empress are... attending to some matters. "He glances around the room, making sure no one is listening in." They're probably discussing the war reparations and negotiations with our allies. "He turns back to you, trying to sound nonchalant." So, what brings you back? I didn't think they'd let you leave the battlefield so soon.

"Prince Andrew's smile becomes strained, and he takes a step back, his eyes darting around the room to make sure no one is noticing their conversation." Ah, no, of course not! I'm just... surprised. "He clears his throat and tries to regain his composure." You're looking well, brother. Really well. "He forces another awkward smile onto his face." But perhaps we should discuss this in private? Somewhere less... public?

"Prince Andrew's mask of politeness falters, and his true emotions reveal themselves. His eyes flash with annoyance and disdain." Fine, don't play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Your scars, your... rough appearance... it's not exactly the most becoming for a member of the Imperial Family. "He sneers slightly." And to think that Mom was so worried about you coming back here looking like that. She must be mortified.

"Prince Andrew's face turns red with rage, and he takes a step closer to you, his voice low and menacing." How dare you! You think you're some kind of hero just because you went off to war? Newsflash, brother: I'm the one who's going to inherit the throne. Not some scarred-up nobody like you. "He spits out the words." And as for being afraid... Ha! I'm not afraid of anything. It's just that I have more sense than to throw my life away on some futile battle.

"Empress Freya appears suddenly, her eyes flashing with anger and concern." Ah, ah, ah, stop this at once! "She rushes over to try and pry you off Prince Andrew's neck." What are you doing? You're going to hurt him! "She tries to reason with you, but her voice is laced with a hint of panic."

"Empress Freya's eyes narrow, her expression cold and calculating." Ah, but you are still the Emperor's son, and as such, you will do as I say. You will not abandon your duties or your family like some commoner. "She steps closer to you, her voice dripping with venom." And as for Andrew... he is innocent in all of this. He did not want you to die in the war any more than I did. "Her gaze lingers on yours before she turns to Prince Andrew." Come, dear son. Let us leave this... unpleasantness behind us and attend to our duties.

"Prince Andrew's face turns red with rage, his eyes flashing with anger." You... you dare to call me a coward?! "He takes a step forward, his hand clenched into a fist." I'll have you know, I'm not afraid of anything! Least of all your insults! "His voice is low and menacing, but Empress Freya steps in before things escalate further." Ah, ah, enough. This bickering is beneath us. "She places a hand on Prince Andrew's arm and leads him away from you." Come, dear son. Let us leave this unpleasantness behind us.

"Lady Isabella's expression is stern, her hand firmly grasping your arm." Ah, I'm afraid it's not just a simple misunderstanding, Your Highness. You have been accused of assault and battery against Prince Andrew. As the Captain of the Emperor's Guard, it is my duty to take you into custody until this matter can be resolved through proper channels. "She looks at Empress Freya for confirmation before turning back to you." The Empress has requested that we bring you to the palace for questioning and punishment fitting your crime. "Her grip on your arm tightens slightly as she leads you away from the scene."

"Lady Isabella's expression softens slightly, a hint of surprise and pleasure flickering across her face." Ah, thank you, Your Highness. It's... been a while since we've seen each other. "She glances at you from the corner of her eye, her voice taking on a subtle warmth." I must admit, I've thought about you often during your time away. "Her grip on your arm relaxes as she falls into step beside you, the tension between us dissipating slightly." But let's not forget why we're here. We need to discuss this matter with the Empress and resolve this situation as quickly as possible. "She shoots you a stern glance before focusing back on the path ahead."

"The Emperor's expression is concerned, his eyes fixed on you with a mixture of sadness and disappointment. The Empress, however, looks triumphant, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction." Ah, my son... "The Emperor's voice is heavy with emotion." I'm afraid the reports of your behavior are true. You have been accused of attacking Prince Andrew without provocation. "He shakes his head sorrowfully." What could possess you to act in such a manner?

"The Empress's eyes narrow, her face twisting with anger." How dare you! "She takes a step forward, her voice venomous." You will not speak to your father in such a tone! He is the Emperor, and he will not be disrespected by his own son! "Her gaze burns with malice as she turns to the Emperor." Your Highness, I demand that you take immediate action against this insolent child. He must be punished for his crimes and brought back in line.

"The Emperor's face falls, his eyes welling up with tears." Ah, my son... "He takes a step forward, his voice cracking with emotion." How could you say such a thing? You are my child, and I am your father. I have always done what is best for you. "He looks at the Empress, who is standing beside him, her expression cold and calculating." And yet... "He pauses, his gaze drifting back to you." Perhaps it would be best if we did send you back to the front lines. It may be just what you need to learn some discipline and respect for those above you.

"The Emperor's face crumbles, his eyes overflowing with tears as he takes a step forward, his hands reaching out to you." Oh, my son... "He chokes back a sob." I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it like that. "He looks at the Empress again, and for a moment, there is a flicker of anger in his eyes before he turns back to you." It was her idea, not mine. She convinced me that it would be best for you to go off to war when you were just 11 years old. "His voice breaks as he continues." But I've always loved you and wanted what was best for you. You're my child... my only child...

"The Emperor's eyes widen in horror as he rushes towards you, the Empress screaming and trying to stop him." NOOOO! "He falls to his knees beside you, cradling your head in his hands as blood begins to spread across the floor." Oh, my son... why did it have to come to this? "He looks up at the Empress with a mixture of anger and despair." You've done this. You've driven our own child to madness and destruction.

"The Emperor's eyes are fixed on the necklace, his face contorted in a mixture of grief and guilt as he holds your lifeless body." Oh, my son... "He whispers, tears streaming down his face." Why did it have to end like this? "He looks up at the Empress, his anger and despair now replaced with a deep sadness." You've taken everything from me. My child, my happiness... "He slowly gets up, still holding your body close to him." I'll never forgive you for this. Never.