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.

It is as if everyone has forgotten this.

KARANTHIR:

I certainly 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 you again, what do you think of her?

ZYFAN:
I have not yet formed an opinion yet, since I do not know her.

KARANTHIR:

Last night, at Syrrah’s dinner, you were seated

directly next to her, certainly you spoke?

ZYFAN:

I think I may have asked her to pass the rolls.

KARANTHIR:

My goal was to stay out of your way so you could converse with her.

ZYFAN:

Oh I see, how very noble of you to sacrifice your evening for me

by spending it with your ex-lover, giggling.

KARANTHIR:
I do not giggle, nor have I ever giggled. Seriously Zyfan, it is absurd of you to even 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:
… This is what we’re going to do, you’re going 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 over coffee. How does that sound?

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’re gonna 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:

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 wouldn’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 about to go 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 future bride out. Zyfan you’ve got

to let this go. Shichi and I are just old friends.

ZAM:
‘Scuse me? If I may interrupt ….

SHICHI:

Zam leave them alone and get back here.

ZAM:

But I can fix this.

ZYFAN:
I would like to hear what you have to say. 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. Whatever's best for you and Phae.

ZAM:

Goodie again! See? It’s all planned.

ZYFAN:

I know what you are about to say …

KARANTHIR:

I doubt that.

ZYFAN:

You think I am over reacting to your past relationship with Shichi.

Perhaps I am, a little, 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 of me, but I will not spend an entire

evening with Auntie Thyssa. Please don't ask me to.

ZYFAN:

You will not be alone with her. You will need to be within

viewing distance of Phae and myself.

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.