INT.    EMPIRE - AURORA''S BEDROOM - NOON


    (Walker, Jax, Caleb, Allison, Charlotte and Justin patiently awaits Aurora''s recovery, eagerly anticipating her return to consciousness)


    ALLISON: (exasperated) how long is it going to take? It''s just a vase to the head.


    WALKER: (defensive) are you sure you can take that?


    (Aurora awakens, attempting to rise, her groans echoing the discomfort she feels)


    AURORA: (strains) what happened? Sir... Walker... I am in the palace? How long have I been out?


    ALLISON: two months.


    AURORA: (stunned) two months? Why didn''t you wake me up. I have school, friends... oh my God, my friends must be worried about me.


    WALKER: don''t work yourself up, Aurora. It''s been a day.


    (Allison and Charlotte high-fived each other, bursting out laughing at Aurora)


    ALLISON: didn''t know you weren''t just stupid but also gullible.


    WALKER: Allison, Charlotte, provide us with a space, if you may


    ALLISON: but...


    CHARLOTTE: I didn''t say nothing, Sire.


    WALKER: extend your understanding, and kindly vacate the room.


    ALLISON: whatever!


    (Allison smacks her lips and exits, playfully nudging Charlotte on her way out)


    CHARLOTTE: well... I have nothing to say but to obey. Like they say; obey before complain.


    (Charlotte smirks at Aurora before gracefully walking out with a sense of majesty)


    WALKER: I warned you not to tell her anything but you insisted, now look what happened. She tried to take you far way, again.


    AURORA: I am so sorry, Sire Walker, I didn''t know mom was evil. I thought she was my mother.


    JAX: we are glad you are okay, Empress.


    CALEB: we were so lucky to have arrived on time.


    AURORA: thank you so much for saving me, Sir Jax and Caleb.


    JAX & CALEB: (in unison) you are welcome, Empress.


    WALKER: okay then, we have to prepare you for the throne before your coronation.


    AURORA: coronation?


    WALKER: you are still a princess, Aurora. You have to be coronated to become the  Empress. Your Highness, before your coronation, there are crucial matters that demand attention. Firstly, a comprehensive understanding of the realm''s intricacies is imperative. Study the geopolitical landscape, the nuances of governance, and the delicate balance of power.


    AURORA: I appreciate your guidance. What specific actions should I prioritize?


    WALKER: Commence by fostering alliances and understanding the concerns of key nobility. Additionally, review the state of the economy, as financial stability underpins a flourishing empire. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the traditions and ceremonies to ensure a seamless transition of power.


    AURORA: Understood. I shall dedicate myself to these tasks to lead the Empire with wisdom and strength. But, I want to ask, what about school?


    WALKER: you will have a private royal tutor.


    AURORA: (stunned) what? What about my friends? I can''t... I want to go to school.


    WALKER: that''s not a problem, but you have to be escorted by Jax and Caleb.


    AURORA: but..


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    WALKER: Angela is on the run, and being a cunning woman as she is, she will try to  hurt you, again.


    AURORA: okay, fine


    WALKER: one last thing, do not tell anyone about your new identity.


    AURORA: I understand that part. You don''t want me to get exposed, but I have to tell my friends.


    WALKER: Aurora, I trust you, and I trust your friends even though I haven''t met with them, but you have to keep this a secret.


    AURORA: I have never kept anything from them before.


    WALKER: you have to try this time, for your sake


    AURORA: okay, I promise.


    WALKER: have some rest, Aurora, I''ll explain everything to you later on, and I''ll introduce everyone to you.


    AURORA: thank you so much, Sir. You are like the father I never had.


    WALKER: the days of not having a father ends today. Take care of yourself.


    (Aurora smiles at Walker before reclining  to rest, while Walker makes his exit)


    INT.    EMPIRE - COURTROOM - LATER


    (Walker gathers everyone, including Aurora, prepared to present the new Empress)


    WALKER: good day, everyone! Thank you for honoring my invitation.


    ALL: (in unison) the honor is ours, Sire.


    WALKER: your majesty, may I present the esteemed individuals who play vital roles in the Empire''s workings. Firstly, Clark, your unwavering personal guard, ever vigilant.


    CLARK: your grace, it''s an honor to serve and protect.


    WALKER: Erica, the Empress''s personal maid, ensures your comfort and well-being.


    ERICA: Pleasure to meet you, your majesty.


    WALKER: Cecile, the head of the maids, orchestrating the seamless running of the palace.


    CECILE: Your Imperial highness, I am dedicated to maintaining the palace''s grace.


    WALKER: the stalwart protectors you''ve met before, Jax and Caleb, your trusted bodyguards.


    JAX: Your safety is our top priority, Empress.


    CALEB: Indeed, your majesty, we stand ready to defend.


    AURORA: Thank you, Sire. I am grateful for such a devoted and capable assembly. Together, we shall uphold the Empire''s glory.


    WALKER: Now, presenting your cousins, Allison, Charlotte, and Justin. While their loyalty is apparent, your majesty, I must caution you about their unconventional demeanor.


    ALLISON: Well, look who finally made it to the throne. About time, I suppose.


    CHARLOTTE: Empress? More like a stroke of luck, if you ask me.


    JUSTIN: I''m sure ruling the Empire will be a real challenge for someone like you.


    AURORA: Sire, your warning is duly noted. Let us navigate these familial waters with grace and unity.


    ALLISON: when is the coronation, Sire?


    WALKER: well, since you aren''t the Empress, I don''t have to answer to you.


    CHARLOTTE: (Chortle) he is right, Allison.


    (Allison glares at Charlotte with imtensity)


    CHARLOTTE: I mean, she deserves to know.


    WALKER: alright, everyone, enough of the chatter! Get back to work!


    AURORA: I have to go see my friends, Sire.


    WALKER: sure, but remember, you have training later on.


    AURORA: am I fighting with a sword or shooting with an arrow?


    WALKER: you''ll learn both, Aurora.


    AURORA: I''ll be on my way.


    (Walker clears his throat to get Aurora''s attention)


    WALKER: aren''t you forgetting anything?


    AURORA: no, I don''t think so.


    WALKER: you''ll have to go with Jax and Caleb for safety reasons.


    AURORA: I can''t be seen with them; my friends will question me about them.


    WALKER: okay, fine. Clark, do what you do best.


    CLARK: your wish is my command, Sire. Let''s go, your majesty!


    AURORA: no, you don''t understand, sire. I don''t want to take anyone with me.


    WALKER: it''s impossible to go out alone when Angela is on the loose.


    ALLISON: I support your decision, Aurora. You should go wherever you want to go without interference. We will take care of the throne if anything happens to you.


    WALKER: do you understand?


    AURORA: I do.


    WALKER: thank you for convincing her,  Allison; you are indeed a good person at heart.


    ALLISON: no, I didn''t mean to...


    (Walker interrupts her and asks Aurora to come back early and exits)


    AURORA: shall we?


    WALKER: ladies first, your majesty.


    (Aurora and Clark exit, while Allison stares in rage)


    EXT.    PARK - NOON


    (Riley, Daphne, Andrew and Aaron engage in conversation when Aurora enters with Clark, appearing guilty and sad)


    AURORA: before you say anything, I want to apologize for everything. I know how it feels to...


    RILEY: to ditch us and ignore our calls? Who''s with you?


    AURORA: my friend.


    DAPHNE: you mean your new friends? The one you ditched us for?


    AARON: come on, girls, let''s give her a chance to speak.


    AURORA: thank you, Aaron. Look, I fell really sick, so mom took me to the hospital. The doctor asked me to... the doctor asked me to rest and avoid making calls.


    ANDREW: it''s okay, Aurora. We are glad you are okay.


    RILEY: hello? The dude?


    AURORA: like I said, he is my friend. I met him at the hospital.


    CLARK: I am more like her home doctor. I am in charge of taking good care of her.


    DAPHNE: welcome back, Aurora; we missed you.


    AURORA: I missed you guys too.


    (Aurora, feeling guilty and sad, feigns a smile and hugs her friends)


    AARON: are you ready for university?


    AURORA: hmm.. um.. about that, I have good news.


    ANDREW: you got in?


    AURORA: why are you my mind, Andrew?


    (They jump up and cheer excitedly for Aurora)


    RILEY: I guess we aren''t meant to be separated.


    AARON: mm-hmm.


    DAPHNE: congratulations, girl!


    AURORA: thank you so much.


    ANDREW: hey, how about heading to the restaurant they unveiled yesterday for a celebratory meal?


    AARON: great idea, bro.


    (Upon hearing this, Clark discreetly  signals to Aurora that their stay doesn''t need to be prolonged)


    CLARK: as her doctor, I think she needs to rest. Perhaps another time?


    RILEY: sure, no problem. Get well soon, Aurora.


    DAPHNE: we can''t have fun without you.


    ALL: (in unison) because we are the fantastic five.


    (They burst out laughing and eventually bid their goodbyes)


    CLARK: are you ready to go home, your majesty?


    AURORA: um.. please address me by my name, okay? I am Aurora.


    CLARK: but you are the Empress.


    AURORA: I know, but I am not used to it, so address me by my name.


    CLARK: sure, your... Aurora.


    AURORA: that''s better, thank you.


    (They make their way to the empire, engaged in conversation)


    FADE OUT