A Royal Escort

Emily spent a short time with a costume assistant called Kerry, who made sure that her outfit was correct and re-applied the scary looking make up. After a cup of coffee and a bottle of water Emily felt {if Hangover = 1}almost as if she could function like a human. {else}ready for whatever the day presented to her. {endif}

Onyx and Amber seemed completely unaffected by their excesses of last night, both standing and chatting at the entrance to the Command Tent, each with a bottle of mineral water.

‘How are you feeling, Your Highness?’ Onyx asked when Emily joined them. {If Onyx = 1}’My cunt is missing you,’ she whispered, ‘I hope we can do that again.’ Emily blushed beneath her white make up.{else} {endif}

{If Hangover = 1}’I feel like my head is full of cotton wool,’ replied Emily. ‘I just hope I can get through today without throwing up.’ {else}’I’m good, thank you!’ replied Emily chirpily. ‘I’m sorry I didn’t stay out with you last night, but I know all my spells now!’{endif}

Ted arrived, leading a group of soldiers. Their costumes were good, black armour with silver snakes. There were about 12 of them. ‘Good morning Queen Denaasi,’ he smiled warmly, nodding to the two bodyguards. His eyes sparkled when he smiled and Emily felt that tingle again, recalling the images from her dream. ‘I’m here to take you to your first story event. This is where you offer Denaasi the chance to surrender, so you know the drill.’ Emily felt that she would soon regret not reading the notes they had sent through.

‘Here are your lines,’ he said, passing Emily two printed A4 pages. ‘Of course, you are okay to go off script if you need to, but the bold sections are things we have to cover. So,’ he stood aside, gesturing to the small army behind him, ‘Shall we, Your Highness? Your escort awaits!’