CRYSTAL LAND

BEYOND THE PALACE GATE

THE AYINLA PALACE

AFTERNOON — EXTERIOR

The palace grounds were unusually busy.

Servants moved about, preparing the princess’s carriage. Maids dusted the polished wood while guards stood nearby, keeping watch.

Xena entered the palace grounds and immediately noticed the activity.

She walked closer, greeting the maids as she approached.

XENA

Good afternoon.

The maids greeted her in return.

Xena turned toward one of the guards standing beside the carriage.

XENA

Sir Edmond.

The guard looked at her.

SIR EDMOND

Yes, Xena?

XENA

Is the princess going out?

Before Edmond could answer, another guard, Sir Hebana, spoke.

SIR HEBANA

Yes, she is. Are you not aware?

Xena looked at him, slightly confused.

SIR HEBANA

You are her personal maid. You should know.

Xena nodded.

XENA

I’ll go and see her. Excuse me.

She turned and walked toward the princess’s chambers.

Just before she reached the entrance, she heard a familiar voice coming from the garden.

Xena stopped.

XENA

That’s the princess’s voice.

She turned to one of the guards standing nearby.

XENA

Is the princess in her chambers?

GUARD

No, she’s not.

XENA

Thanks.

Xena immediately changed direction and headed toward the garden.

Moments later, the princess emerged from the garden.

She noticed Xena and her face brightened slightly.

PRINCESS

Oh, Xena. You’re back.

Xena lowered herself in a courteous greeting.

XENA

My princess.

She waited for the princess to move forward before following behind her.

XENA

Your carriage is ready, my princess.

PRINCESS

Yes. I’m aware.

Xena hesitated before speaking.

XENA

If I may ask… where is Your Grace going?

The princess glanced away.

PRINCESS

I’m bored. I just want to see what’s going on outside the palace.

She paused, then looked at Xena.

PRINCESS

Would you like to ride with me, Xena?

Xena smiled.

XENA

Yes, my lady.

The princess nodded.

PRINCESS

Okay. Let’s go.

Xena took her hand and helped her into the carriage.

Once the princess was seated, Xena climbed in after her.

The carriage door closed.

Outside, the guards prepared the horses.

The princess looked through the carriage window as the palace gates slowly began to open.