CRYSTAL LAND

A DIFFERENT LOOK

INT. PRINCESS’S CHAMBER — NIGHT

Xena stood before the mirror, wearing the dress the Princess had chosen for her.

She looked uncomfortable.

The Princess, however, looked delighted.

She adjusted the final detail of Xena’s dress.

PRINCESS

I told you I would dress you up one day.

XENA

My lady, I’m perfectly fine with what I’m wearing.

The Princess continued fixing her dress.

XENA

I don’t want to look like a princess.

The Princess stopped and looked at her.

PRINCESS

You will tonight.

A beat.

PRINCESS

Because I insist.

Xena sighed, accepting defeat.

The Princess stepped back.

She admired her work.

Then gently turned Xena toward the mirror.

PRINCESS

Look.

Xena slowly looked at her reflection.

She froze.

For the first time, she saw herself differently.

The simple maid had disappeared.

In her place stood a woman of rare beauty.

The Princess smiled.

She had always known.

She had always admired Xena.

XENA

I’ll need a mask, my lady.

The Princess frowned softly.

PRINCESS

Why?

XENA

I don’t want to steal the show.

The Princess laughed.

PRINCESS

You don’t need a mask.

Xena glanced at herself again.

XENA

I don’t want the King and Queen to be angry with me.

The Princess’s expression softened.

PRINCESS

You don’t need to worry about that.

She took Xena’s hand.

PRINCESS

Come. We’re already late.

They walked toward the door.

The Princess squeezed her hand.

PRINCESS

You are my best friend, Xena.

Xena looked at her.

PRINCESS

You’re more than my personal maid.

Xena smiled.

They stepped out together.

CUT TO:

INT. AYINLA PALACE — PRINCESS’S CHAMBER CORRIDOR — NIGHT

The Prince stood outside, waiting.

Gideon stood beside him.

The chamber doors opened.

The Princess stepped out.

PRINCESS

Brother!

The Prince turned.

His face brightened.

PRINCE

You look gorgeous, sister.

The Princess blushed.

Then—

The Prince’s eyes shifted past her.

He saw Xena.

He stopped.

Just for a moment.

The noise of the palace seemed to fade around them.

Xena looked up.

Their eyes met.

Neither spoke.

The Prince’s expression softened, almost imperceptibly.

Xena was the first to look away.

She lowered her gaze, suddenly aware of herself in the dress.

The Princess noticed everything.

She quickly stepped in.

PRINCESS

I dressed her myself.

The Prince looked at his sister.

PRINCESS

She’s always denied her beauty, so I wanted her to see how beautiful she really is.

The Prince glanced at Xena again.

This time, Xena caught him.

A tiny smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

PRINCE

She looks…

He paused.

Xena waited.

PRINCE

…different.

The Princess raised an eyebrow.

PRINCESS

Different?

The Prince cleared his throat.

PRINCE

In a good way.

Xena finally smiled.

XENA

Thank you, Your Highness.

Their eyes meet again.

Only for a second.

But long enough.

The Prince looks away first.

His gaze lands on Gideon.

Gideon is already watching him.

A knowing smile slowly appears.

The Prince gives him a quick jerk with his elbow.

PRINCE

Let’s go.

The Princess laughs and takes her brother’s hand.

They begin walking toward the feast.

Behind them, Gideon and Xena follow.

Gideon glances at Xena.

Then at the Prince.

Then back at Xena.

He says nothing.

Xena notices.

Her fingers instinctively touch her earring.

GIDEON

Interesting evening.

Xena gives him a warning look.

XENA

Don’t start.

Gideon smiles.

GIDEON

I didn’t say anything.

Xena shakes her head.

Ahead of them, the Prince briefly glances back.

His eyes find Xena again.

She doesn’t notice this time.

Gideon does.

The music from the grand hall grows louder.

They continue toward the feast.

CUT TO:

THE GRAND HALL — NIGHT

The doors begin to open.

THE FEAST AWAITS.