Summary: A great ball is thrown to celebrate the king’s recovery. In the middle of the festivities, you slip out into the gardens for some air, seeking refuge from all of the idle gossip. Unbeknownst to you, however, an uninvited guest has also found his way into the gardens…and he’s finally ready to name his price: you.

Usage:

• OK to record & monetize, as long as you give me credit as the scriptwriter! I would love to listen to the recording when it’s done.
  
• Gender-flipping and small tweaks are okay, but no large edits are permitted.
• Feel free to use music or insert sound effects if you’d like. Any sound effects given are suggestions–use at your discretion.
• Please let me know if you have any questions!

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\Sound effects–an elegant party, with music. Then, the sound of a door opening and closing, at which point the party sounds become muffled. Footsteps crunch on gravel. The party sounds fade away, replaced by the sounds of a garden in the evening–insects, leaves rustling, etc.\**

The Listener walks along in the royal garden, alone. The Sorcerer approaches, unseen.

Good evening, Your Highness.

The Listener jumps, whirling around.

–Oh! \laughs** My, someone’s jumpy. Forgive me for startling you, my dear. What brings you out into these beautiful gardens all alone? Growing weary of the festivities, perhaps? \sarcastic** I can't imagine why...who could possibly get bored with all that riveting prattle?

The Listener recognizes the Sorcerer.

You remember me! I’m flattered. Though, I can’t say I’m terribly surprised…mine isn’t a face that one tends to forget easily. I’m just too handsome, I suppose…but, compared to you, I am merely another grain of barley in the harvest. You look ravishing tonight, Your Highness. That outfit…the cut of the fabric, the color, it all suits you perfectly. I’m glad to see the king spared no expense, now that he is well.

Hmm? Oh, yes; I heard. Even in my forsaken corner of the world, I have ways of obtaining information. They say it’s remarkable how swiftly he recovered. Why, it’s almost as if it were magic…(grinning, sarcastic) but that would be impossible. After all, His Majesty banished magic from the kingdom years ago. It must simply be his own resilience that brought him back from the brink of death, or perhaps his sheer devotion to his kingdom... (lowers voice)...but you and I both know the truth, don’t we?

The Listener asks how he got into the gardens.

How did I get in? \laughs** Don’t you think there’s a more important question to be asking right now?...That’s right, my dear. I’m here to name my price. It’s time to fulfill your end of the bargain. Or had you forgotten about our little deal?...

The Listener wryly assures him they couldn’t forget if they tried.

Ouch. Wit as sharp as a razor…it would seem the rose has thorns. I must say, though, your honesty is refreshing. Very well, then…let us discuss my price.

The Listener asks if he wants an end to his exile.

No; I don’t want an end to my exile, though that’s a good guess.

“What, then?” the Listener asks.

Then what do I want?...\chuckles** Oh, not “what”, my dear. I don’t care about gold, or land, or worthless titles. What good would they do me? No, it’s not a question of “what” I want…but “whom.” \locks eyes with the Listener** You, my dear. I want…you.

The Listener freezes, eyes widening.

Yes. You are my price. You promised me anything I desired, after all. What better reward than the jewel of the kingdom? You are your father’s most prized possession…and in exchange for his life, you shall be mine.

The Listener refuses, trembling.

No?...\laughs** How adorable. It’s almost like you think you have a choice. Or do you mean to say you’re backing out of our deal? I would strongly advise against it, my dear…\menacing** I may have given your father his health back, but I can just as easily take it away. And, should you force me to do it, I guarantee you he will die. Slowly, agonizingly. We wouldn’t want that, now, would we?...

“No!” The Listener goes pale. “No, please!--”

Just as I thought. No, my dear…I’m afraid there’s only one way that this ends. Finally, that devil you call father shall know the pain he’s caused me all these years. Finally, he shall know what it feels like to have everything ripped away from him, when I have his precious jewel in my grasp!–

The Listener turns, running for their life.

–Ah, ah, ah!!!

\Magical sound effect\**

Not so fast, Your Highness! Aww…what’s that? Can’t move? *laughs\* Good. A brave attempt, my dear, but as you can see, my magic stretches far beyond simple potions. Now…isn’t it time you stopped resisting? As I’ve said, there’s only one way this ends. Make it easy on yourself, and surrender to me. It won’t be so bad, I assure you. I take very good care of my treasures…and you will be my greatest treasure of all. Well? What do you say?

The Listener strains against the magic, giving one final defiant display–what that means (hurling a curse word at the Sorcerer, spitting in his face, or something else) is up to the VA to decide! :)

Still so stubborn. Well, if you’re not going to be cooperative…I’m afraid you leave me no choice.

\Another magical sound effect\**

There. Hmm? What did I do? \chuckle** Can’t you feel it?...Yes. Feel your eyes growing heavy, the tendrils of sleep stretching out, wrapping themselves around your mind. Don’t try to fight it. Just surrender…\Sound effect–the sorcerer’s voice begins to echo, fading out\**...yes, that’s it. Sleep, my dear. Sleep…and when you wake, you’ll be mine.