Just another fairy tale (10/14)
NINTH STROKE
The curtain opens to reveal a garden full of flowers at night. There is a fountain in the center. Two figures are dancing under the moonlight following the rhythm of the music that can be listened from far away. At that moment, the tower clock begins to make some light strokes announcing the proximity of midnight. One of the figures gets away surprised from the other one stopping the dance.
- Ohno: Oh! It's almost twelve o'clock.
- Nino: Yes, in around five minutes it will be midnight... It's a bit late isn't it? ... Perhaps it would be better if you spent the night at the castle, don't you think so?... My room is really big and has wonderful views... in fact the best of the castle, in addition...
- Ohno: What do you prefer right or left?
The Prince looks confused at Ohno.
- Nino:... eh? ... right or left?... what are you talking about?
- Ohno: Choose please, right or left?
- Nino: Um... left I suppose.
Holding the Prince's hand, Ohno leads him towards the fountain and instructs him to sit down.
- Ohno: Now, close your eyes.
- Nino: ... close my eyes?
Ohno sits down near the Prince facing him.
- Ohno: Yes, please.
The Prince looks at Ohno's solemn face surprised and a bit hopeful. His heart is beating at full speed and his voice sounds a little strangled when he speaks again.
- Nino: ... Um, ok.
The Prince closes his eyes licking his lips in anticipation. Without warning, something falls in his lap with a PLOF. Nino opens his eyes startled and looks at his lap.
- Nino: Eh? A shoe? Why are you giving me a shoe? Aren't we going to ki...
The Prince raises his eyes to question Ohno, but he isn't at his side anymore.
Clap-plof-clap-plof-clap-plof.
He sees Ohno leaving hastily the garden wearing only one shoe.
- Nino: Eh?... Where is he going?! ... And now that I think about it... I don't even know his name!
The Prince breaks to run after him with the shoe in his hand.
- Nino: EH! WAIT!! YOU DIDN'T TELL ME YOUR NAAAMEEEEE!! WAAAAIIIIIT!!!
Nino exits the scenery and the curtain closes.
To the next chapter