CRYSTAL LAND

A QUIET IMPRESSION

Yes — Xena should feel like a character with presence, not simply the maid who walks in to deliver a message. I’d give her confidence, intelligence, a little mystery, and a moment that makes the prince notice who she is, not just that she’s beautiful.

INT. PRINCE’S CHAMBER — NIGHT

The PRINCESS sat beside her brother, completely absorbed in his stories.

PRINCE

And then we reached the northern mountains. The journey took longer than expected, but the view from the top—

The door opened.

XENA stepped inside.

She paused at the entrance, taking in the room before her eyes settled briefly on the Prince.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Xena lowered her gaze and gave a graceful bow.

XENA

Your Highness.

The Prince studied her.

There was something about the way she carried herself. She wasn’t nervous. She wasn’t overly eager to impress him.

She simply stood there, composed.

PRINCE

Was she here before I left?

The Princess shook her head.

PRINCESS

No. She joined the palace the month you left.

She smiled toward Xena.

PRINCESS

She’s Xena, my personal maid.

Xena gave the Prince another small bow.

XENA

It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highness.

The Prince noticed the word finally.

PRINCE

Finally?

Xena’s expression remained calm.

XENA

I’ve heard enough stories about your return to know everyone has been waiting for this day.

The Princess laughed.

PRINCESS

She’s been listening to palace gossip again.

XENA

Only the useful parts, my lady.

Gideon, who had been hanging the Prince’s ceremonial robe, glanced at her.

A faint smile tugged at his mouth.

GIDEON

That’s quite a skill.

Xena looked at him.

XENA

One has to be careful in a palace, Gideon.

The Prince looked between them.

PRINCE

You two know each other?

Gideon shook his head.

GIDEON

Barely. I only met her briefly before leaving joining you. I can’t say I know her.

Xena’s eyes met Gideon’s for a brief moment.

There was something unspoken in the look.

Then she turned back to the Princess.

PRINCESS

Xena, you need my attention?

XENA

Yes, my lady. The royal tailor has arrived with the dresses. She asked that you come before she starts threatening to dress you herself.

The Princess laughed.

PRINCESS

She wouldn’t dare.

XENA

She said the same thing about you last time.

The Princess stood.

PRINCESS

Then we’d better go before she becomes impatient.

Xena stepped aside to let her pass.

As the Princess reached the door, Xena turned back toward the Prince.

XENA

Welcome home, Your Highness.

This time, the Prince smiled.

PRINCE

Thank you, Xena.

She gave him a knowing little nod before following the Princess out.

The door closed.

Silence.

Gideon slowly turned toward the Prince.

GIDEON

I’ll pretend I didn’t see you staring at the maid.

The Prince looked at him.

PRINCE

I wasn’t staring.

GIDEON

Of course not.

He returned to arranging the Prince’s robe.

A beat.

GIDEON

She’s interesting.

The Prince glanced toward the door.

PRINCE

Yes.

GIDEON

Beautiful too.

The Prince was quiet for a moment.

PRINCE

Yes, she is.

Gideon gave him a knowing look.

The Prince quickly changed the subject.

PRINCE

I missed home.

Gideon’s expression softened.

GIDEON

Home missed you too.

The Prince looked once more toward the door through which Xena had disappeared.

For the first time since returning, something other than home occupied his thoughts.