STORIES
156 - Chaperones
2010
The next day ...
KARANTHIR:
... So my prince, are you ever going to tell me
what you think of our Miss Phae?
ZYFAN:
Our Miss Phae? When did she become ours?
KARANTHIR:
The moment she announced she was here to marry
you of course, and my prince - what’s yours is mine.
ZYFAN:
She may plan to marry me but it is I who must do the proposing
not her. I think everyone has forgotten this.
KARANTHIR:
I haven't. I told you before I'm here to assure your happiness.
Since you must marry, you might as well do so with someone
you like. So I ask again, what do you think of her?
ZYFAN:
I have not formed an opinion yet.
KARANTHIR:
Last night at Syrrah’s dinner, you were seated
directly next to her. Certainly you spoke?
ZYFAN:
I may have asked her to pass the rolls.
KARANTHIR:
Oh Zyfan!
ZYFAN:
Do not 'Zyfan' me. I saw you talking with Shichi.
You both seemed to be having a wonderful time.
KARANTHIR:
My goal was to stay out of your way so you could chat with her.
ZYFAN:
Oh I see, how very noble of you to sacrifice your evening
by spending time with your ex-lover, giggling.
KARANTHIR:
I do not giggle. Seriously Zyfan, it is absurd of you to
suggest such a thing. And ... oh no you don't, I won't allow
you to turn this back on me. This is about you. You need
to choose a wife and if you don’t like Phae
– then send her back.
ZYFAN:
I never said I did not like her.
KARANTHIR:
Oh?
ZYFAN:
She is quite pretty. Do you not think so? And her voice, it is very
pleasing to the ear. I am just not clear about what I am to do with her.
KARANTHIR:
Honestly my prince, if you need me to explain that
then we are truly in trouble.
ZYFAN:
Oh stop, you know what I mean. When I am near her, I do not
know what to say or how to proceed. I know nothing about her.
KARANTHIR:
Here’s an idea - why not just ask her?
ZYFAN:
I do not want to pry. That would be impolite.
KARANTHIR:
You wouldn’t be prying, you’d be showing an interest.
KARANTHIR:
… You need to ask her on a date.
ZYFAN:
Do you think I should?
KARANTHIR:
It's not as if she'd turn you down. I think a movie would be best.
Then you can discuss it afterwards. How does that sound?
ZAM:
I think it sounds absolutely smashing!
SHICHI:
Sorry, we were just walking by, didn’t mean to interrupt.
Zam what’s wrong with you, butting in on a private conversation?
ZAM:
If it’s so private then why are they having it here where anyone can
hear, huh? They need our help ya know. Chaperones must be chosen.
ZYFAN:
He is right. We cannot go out unescorted. I had almost forgotten.
KARANTHIR:
Don’t be ridiculous. You of all people don’t need a chaperone.
ZAM:
He does too - does too.
SHICHI:
Actually he does, it’s really about protecting his position.
Let’s say they went out unescorted and she came
back … uh … in a compromising situation.
ZAM:
He means expecting.
KARANTHIR:
By Zyfan? You honestly don’t know who you’re dealing with
or the possible difficulties that may … arise with this union.
ZYFAN:
Karanthir hush!
SHICHI:
It doen’t matter. A rumor could start, not that Phae would ever …
but there are others. An un-supervised date would cause a scandal.
Chaperones are for the protection of both parties.
ZAM:
Protocol must be followed to protect them both
from any kind of scrutiny.
KARANTHIR:
It all sounds very old-fashioned to me but if those are the rules, fine.
ZAM:
Goodie. First we must choose the prince’s chaperone - that would
be you Karanthir. You’re his consort after all.
ZAM:
... And Shichi, since you’re responsible for the youngster,
you can act as hers. See that? All settled.
ZYFAN:
Karanthir may I have a word please?
KARANTHIR:
Certainly my prince, excuse us ….
ZYFAN:
I am not going on a double date with you and Shichi.
KARANTHIR:
This is not a double date.
ZYFAN:
Oh no? What would you call it?
KARANTHIR:
Exactly what it is – two chaperones escorting the heir to the
elven throne and his possible bride out. Zyfan you’ve got
to let this go. Shichi and I are just old friends.
ZYFAN:
Old friends and ex-lovers.
KARANTHIR:
That was a long, long time ago.
ZAM:
‘Scuse me, sire? If I may interrupt ….
SHICHI:
Zam leave them alone and get back here.
ZAM:
But I can fix this.
ZYFAN:
Please go on Zam.
ZAM:
Well, I couldn’t help but overhear a bit. Shichi doesn’t have
to be chaperone. We can ask Thyssa.
SHICHI:
That’s true. Zyfan if you prefer Thyssa, I’m sure she’ll agree.
ZYFAN:
She would be more acceptable to me, no offense to you Shichi.
SHICHI:
None taken.
ZAM:
Goodie again! Then it’s all planned.
KARANTHIR:
Now wait just a moment. Zyfan, we need to talk ...
SHICHI:
Come on Zam, they have things to discuss.
ZAM:
So let them. I’m not stopping them, am I?
SHICHI:
You’re not going to eavesdrop again either. Let’s go.
ZYFAN:
I know what you are about to say …
KARANTHIR:
I doubt that.
ZYFAN:
You think I am over reacting … about Shichi.
Perhaps I am, but how can I concentrate on Phae if I
feel the need to watch you and him all evening?
KARANTHIR:
Because I love you Zyfan. I was never in love with Shichi. Normally
I would do anything you want, but I will not spend an entire
evening with Auntie Thyssa. Please don't ask me to.
ZYFAN:
You will not be all alone with her. You will need to be within
viewing distance of Phae and myself.
KARANTHIR:
Exactly. I love you so much that I'm about to sit by and watch you,
on a date with someone else. Someone who will be very important to
you in the future. Allow me the companion chaperone of my choosing.
ZYFAN:
She will never be more to me, than you.
KARANTHIR:
As much as I want to believe that Zyfan, let's be honest
- she will be your queen and the mother of your children.
ZYFAN:
Forgive me. I had not realized how selfish I was being.
KARANTHIR:
You're entitled to a little selfishness, after all you're going to be king.
ZYFAN:
Karan, Shichi shall be Phae's chaperone.
KARANTHIR:
Thank you.
