Summary: Sneaking out was so worth it. You’re having the best night of your life, enjoying the freedom, the grandeur of the palace, and most importantly, the spectacular array of refreshments available at the buffet tables. Then, all of a sudden, you hear a hushed voice calling to you from behind the curtain, asking you to sneak them a couple of canapés. What starts as an odd favor for a mysterious man turns into an unlikely friendship, and perhaps even more. But he may also have a secret or two that he’s hiding.

Author’s Note: I looked up so many types of hors d'oeuvres for this script, and now I’ve made myself hungry, lol T_T

Usage:

• OK to record & monetize, as long as you give me credit in the video/audio description as the scriptwriter! I would also love to listen to the recording when it’s done–please send me the link on Reddit! Paywalling is okay; however, if you paywall, you must make it possible for me to listen to the finished product.
• Gender-flipping and small tweaks are okay (e.g., changing pronouns, leaving out/changing curse words), 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. *Sound effects in bold, set apart by asterisks\*
• Any dialogue or reactions given by the Listener are purely for the benefit of the VA, to help them feel like they have something to respond to while they’re acting. Listener reactions in italics.
• Please let me know if you have any questions!

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Psst–-hey! Hey, you!

The Listener looks around.

Yeah, you! By the buffet table, in the stunning outfit! Listen, um, I’m really sorry to bother you, but—any chance you could sneak me a couple of those canapés?

[...]

I’m over here! No, no, not there. Here, behind the curtain. Wait, no—not that one. The left curtain. Or—no, wait, you’re facing me, so I guess for you, it’d be the right one? Gaahhh—hang on. Let me just—okay, there! See my hand waving?

[...]

Shhhh! I’m hiding! What does it look like?

[...]

(hastily) No; no; I’m not an assassin! I swear! I just, uh—I just needed a break.

[...]

Shhhh! Please—not so loud! If Mum finds out I’m hiding back here, instead of schmoozing with the guests, well…it won’t be pretty, let’s put it that way.

[...]

You do? Is your mum a force to be reckoned with, too?

[...]

Then I guess you know what it’s like. (sigh) Mothers. Why do they always say it’s for our own good, when really, it’s for theirs?

[...]

Huh? What kind of canapes do I want? (happy) Are you serious!? Oh, uh—could you get some of the smoked salmon ones? And maybe some of the goat cheese and pesto, too, if there are any left?

The Listener goes to get the Prince a plate. They bring it back, passing it behind the curtain.

Oh, by the great fairy, thank you! You’re a lifesaver. I swear, if my stomach was growling any louder, it would’ve given me away. Either that, or the guests might think there was a bear in the ballroom. \Optional effect on the following lines—eating food, or trying to speak around a mouthful\** Mmm! So good…you’ve tried almost all of them, haven’t you? Which one was your favorite?

[...]

(awkward) Oh, uh…I, I dunno. I’ve been back here for a while. I’d peek out from time to time, you know, trying to make sure Mum wasn’t nearby, and every time, I’d—I’d see you. Most guests just have a nibble here and there—they’re too afraid to get food on their fancy-shmancy outfits. But you were just going to town on those platters. Not that that’s a bad thing, mind you! I was really impressed at how you demolished half that plate of spinach puffs.

[...]

(cringes; reluctant) Uh…yeah, I guess I was technically watching you, or spying on you, or something like that. I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to be creepy. I just…I just couldn’t help but notice you.

[...]

Well, yeah, your outfit is exquisite—I’ve never seen anything quite like it. But more than that, you seem…different from everyone else here. Most of the guests are just here in the hopes of becoming royalty—they say the whole purpose of this ball is so that the prince can choose his partner. But I don’t think I ever saw you in the receiving line. Aren’t you interested in meeting the prince?

[...]

You’re just happy to get out of the house? Do you not get out much?

[...]

Oh, I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to pry.

[...]

You’re not supposed to be here? But—why not? Everyone in the kingdom was invited.

[...]

What? Why would your stepmother not want you to come?

[...]

(concerned) She prefers your stepsisters to you? That’s awful. I’m so sorry.

[...]

(awkward) Oh. Uh…yeah. Right. Of course. How—how could you sweep the prince off his feet if you haven’t, uh—if you haven’t met him yet?...\clears throat**

[...]

Wow. You’re braver than me! Man, now I feel like a total coward—here I am, hiding from everyone behind a curtain, when you risked everything, just to come here. I guess I should remember not everyone has the privilege of attending fancy parties like these all the time. Still, you shouldn’t have to sneak out just to have some fun—everyone deserves an enjoyable night now and then!

[...]

No, no—I don’t mind at all. Everyone needs someone to talk to. Besides, I’m glad to get to know you a little better. You’re even more amazing than I thought. (shy) Would you, um…it’s just an idea, and it might be a stupid one, I don’t know—feel free to say no if you want to, but, I just thought—would you maybe like to dance?

[...]

Yeah. Dance.

[...]

Well, yeah, I guess I would have to leave the safety of my curtain, but it’s worth it for you. Don’t worry about Mum—she’ll just be happy to see me being social for once, so I doubt she’ll interrupt. Dancing would require us to abandon the canapés, though, so that might be a deal-breaker.

[...]

You will!? I mean, you’d like to!? Okay! Um, hang on. Let me just—

\*Sound effect—rustling cloth; the prince muttering as he disentangles himself\*

Whew, that’s better. I won’t lie, it was getting pretty stuffy back there. Now, let me do this properly. May I have the pleasure?

The Listener takes his arm, and the two of them head out onto the dance floor.

\Sound effect—elegant dance music\**

[...]

Oh, don’t worry—I’m sure you’ll be great. It doesn’t have to be fancy—it’s mostly just spinning slowly in place. You just take my hand, like this. I put my arm around your waist—is that okay? Yes? Okay. And…ready? One-two-three, one-two-three…

They begin to dance.

That’s it!

[...]

\laughs** Don’t worry—my feet have already been stepped on more times than I can count tonight. I’m sure one or two more times wouldn’t make a difference.

[...]

Your shoes are made of glass? Are you serious? But—what if they break!? Won’t you cut your feet?

[...]

What!? They’re magic???

[...]

Well, okay, if you say so. I’m glad your godmother has some magic up her sleeve. Man, you just keep right on surprising me. I hope it never stops.

[...]

Hmm? Oh—well, can you really blame them for staring? I mean, have you seen yourself? You look stunning. And I’m not just talking about your outfit. You could wear rags, and still be the most radiant person in the kingdom.

The Listener’s face falls.

Oh—I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?

The Listener suddenly notices they’re the only ones on the dance floor. They ask why it’s just the two of them.

Huh? Oh—uh, yeah. I guess we are the only ones out here on the dance floor.

[...]

Um…well, to be honest, it’s probably because of me. It’s the first time all night I’ve danced with anyone. They’re probably wondering who finally managed to coax the prince out of his shell.

“What do you—?” Then, the Listener realizes, their eyes widening.

Yup. It’s exactly what you’re thinking.

[...]

I wish I were kidding, but no. Prince <insert VA’s name here>, at your service. What a way to meet your sovereign, huh?

[...]

Oof—I guess I deserved that. I’m sorry—I know I should’ve told you earlier. I just—-I mean, I know there’s not really any excuse, but—I just didn’t want to ruin it, you know?

[...]

This whole ball was Mum’s idea. Yes, my mum is the queen. She’s desperate to see me married off. This is our third ball this year. Every time, it’s always the same thing—hours of being stuck in a receiving line, greeting endless throngs of simpering guests, all falling over themselves to seduce me. They couldn’t care less about what I’m like as a person—all they care about is getting a shot at the throne. To be honest, I’m sick of it. Hence the whole hiding-behind-the-curtain thing—if I had to kiss one more gloved hand, or look at one more pair of fluttering eyelashes, I was gonna scream. But then—then I saw you. You couldn’t have cared less about that stuff—instead, you were stuffing your face with spinach puffs and crostini. You actually went along with my crazy request to pass me some food behind the curtain—I couldn’t believe it. You were so…genuine. And the more we talked, the more I realized that you’re not just kind and beautiful, but also brave, and smart, and funny, and…I was just afraid that I’d ruin it, if I told you that I was the prince. I was afraid that you’d suddenly revert to one of those simpering fools, and I’d lose this amazing person that I’d found. I’m sorry.

[...]

Wait—you understand? Really? Am I forgiven, then?

[...]

Thanks. Man…what did I do to deserve meeting you? (realizes) Wait—oh no. Shoot—this is—I can’t believe myself. I can’t remember your name!

[...]

Wait—did I forget to ask!? Have I seriously been talking to you all this time, and didn’t ask for your name!? (embarrassed) By the Great Fairy…I’ve gotta be the biggest idiot the kingdom has ever seen. I’m so sorry. Would you tell me now? I promise, I’ll remember it, no matter what. I’ll write it down on the cuff of my sleeve if I have to.

\Sound effect—a bell tolling\**

Oh, wow—midnight, already? I didn’t even—(sees the Listener’s expression) What’s wrong?

[...]

Wait, what? Why? Why do you have to—?

[...]

\Optional sound effect—footsteps running, as the Listener flees the ballroom\**

Wait—no, wait! I don’t know your name yet! Please, wait! Stop!---

The Listener runs from the ballroom and vanishes, leaving the Prince behind on the steps.

No…no! Where’d they go!? (exhales) Okay, okay. Calm down. Think. What do you know? Um…they live with their stepfamily. A mother and…sisters? Yeah. Um…they really love spinach puffs. And…um….oh, come on. That can’t be everything! What else!?

\Sound effect—something striking glass, as the Prince’s foot accidentally hits the slipper\**

Huh? What the—? (picks up the item) Their shoe! YES! This'll help, right? I mean, how many people in the kingdom can possibly own glass shoes? Maybe the cobblers in town would know something. No, wait—their godmother gave it to them, right? So that might not work. Then...do I just go around asking everyone if they own glass shoes? But, no—everyone will just say yes, because they want me to think they're my one and only. Gahhhh!...(to himself) No, no; calm down. It’s okay. You’ll find them, even if you have to try this shoe on every person in the kingdom. (pause) (realizes) Wait—that's it! The shoes are magic! They said so! I bet anything it'll only fit them. That's how magic works, right? If I just try it on every person in the kingdom, I'm bound to find them eventually.

By the Great Fairy...this has gotta be the craziest plan I've ever come up with. I can't believe I'm doing this...but for them, it’ll be worth it. (to the Listener) Whoever you are…I know you can’t hear me, but, thank you for an amazing evening. I just want you to know, I won’t give up. I promise, I’ll find you. No matter what it takes.