Des Fool Princype

[TheNunnery 1853]

 

 

Penned by Ada Bel Halcourt af Brasca

 

Synopsis:

In a tale as old as time, here is a story of love. But a forbidden love of passion and kindness prevented by the abrasive and malicious husband who only cares for himself and his cheap courtesans from the streets. Here is the story of how an Archduchess escapes a golden cage created from the sorrows of betrayal and abuse. Be warned, this story, this tale, has themes of abuse. Both physical and psychological abuse and is not for the most faint of heart. You are warned, dearest patron. 

 

Spoiler

Trigger Warning :

 

This play does have themes of marital abuse and showcases written imagery of physical abuse. So please if these things trigger you, I would advise not reading this play. If you are experiencing abuse from a spouse or partner, please call the National Domestic Abuse Hotline. The number for the National Domestic Abuse Hotline will be listed below.

800-799-7233

 

Much love,

Orlesian

 

Major Characters:

 

Anthony

 

Anthony is a young and strong lord of the Commonwealth of Petrusa and the current husband of Archduchess Helena. As well as the son of a powerful king to the south, making him a foreign royal. Anthony is considered a cunning fighter, leading the armies of the Commonwealth of Petrusa. The youthful lordling is described to be a young man with black hair, sunkissed olive skin, and dark eyes.. 

 

Helena

 

Helena is the monarch to the throne of the Commonwealth of Petrusa. The young archduchess is seen as a capable and young ruler, being able to complete problems affecting the state through proper means. Helena is also the devoted wife to Lord Anthony. The Archduchess is depicted as a young woman with light ginger hair, pale white skin, and gray eyes. 

 

Audemar 

 

Audemar is the youngest son of the foreign King of Haenstia. The young foreign noble currently resides within the Capital of the Commonwealth of Petrusa as the Haenstia Ambassador to the Commonwealth. Audemar is seen as a charismatic man with a silver tongue, being able diplomatically demolish anyone in a debate of any subject. Besides his silver tongue, he is also known as an excellent fighter. Aduemar is described to be a young man with black coal like hair, pale skin, and navy blue eyes. 

 

Minor Characters:

 

Lady-In-Waiting 

 

Court Doctor

 

Theatrical Props:

 

Golden Goblet 

 

Wooden Brush

 

Fake Ferrum Sword #1

 

Fake Ferrum Sword #2

 

ACT ONE

 

Spoiler

CURTAINS UP. The stage has a chair placed center stage and a gold encrusted mirror placed upon the upper stage center. Within the stage, HELENA is faced towards the left while sitting on the chair, her hair being brushed by her LADY-IN-WAITING. The Archduchess would be in a cheerful mood, speaking with her LADY-IN-WAITING in a whisper.

 

HELENA

(Louder voice, happy, smiling)

Then! The Ambassador kissed my hand after we danced! He spoke to me of his dreams and what not. Oh! How this man makes my heart flutter with cheer whenever I think of him. I cannot wait till I see his sapphire eyes once more when we speak about the diplomatic ties among our nations. 

 

LADY-IN-WAITING

(Teasing, smiling)

Perhaps you should marry him!

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, frowning, somber tone)

Oh you know that I am married to Anthony. The man pig, the bane of my existence, the one who does not pay an ounce of attention to me. Anthony. But only if I could have married Audemar. Could I perhaps have been happier with my sorrowful life.

 

 

LADY-IN-WAITING

(Lowered voice, frowning, somber tone.)

I apologize, Archduchess. I should have thought before speaking. Since you are finished, I shall dismiss myself. Good luck, my fair lady.

 

LADY-IN-WAITING exits the stage from upper stage right, the archduchess standing trying to follow her companion, but instead stubbles into the mirror. Her character facing the mirror, the reflection showing her husband, her consort. ANTHONY. The player for the spiteful lord would enter the stage from center right to go stand from the other side of the mirror.

 

ANTHONY

(Louder voice, scolding, angry tone)

Stupid *****! You truly think you can find a lover better than your own husband! Stupid wench! You know you needed me when your father died and you ascended the throne of the Commonwealth! To think I wasted my time with a royal harlot. What a waste of space, a waste of my breath. Your sin is the reason I insult you, so you may see your faults. This is why I would rather have my brood with a common courtesan of the south than you!

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, crying, sadden tone)

Oh why must you insult thou in such a way! Dearest husband, you insult my own soul and honor with such words and claims! But tis’ my fault. I should be the obedient wife, why step out of line of the role of a wife. I am a wife first, a woman second, and a monarch third. 

 

ANTHONY

(Normal voice, villainous, happy tone.)

There my good wife, all will be well if you listen to me. Remember that you are not the monarch or a woman first, but just my beloved wife. Stay loyal and I shall not ever pay attention to any common cheap courtesans anymore. Just don’t be such a wench that you are. 

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, crying, sadden tone, falling down on the floor, on her knees.)

Oh why must you insult thou in such a way! Dearest husband, you insult my own soul and honor with such words and claims! But tis’ my fault. I should be the obedient wife, why step out of line of the role of a wife. I am a wife first, a woman second, and a monarch third. 

 

ANTHONY’S reflection exits the stage leaving from center stage right, leaving a tearful Helena on the ground upon her knees, the Archduchess covering her face while she cries. CURTAINS CLOSE. After the curtains close, Helena would exit the stage from center stage left to enter backstage the rest of the cast. 

 

ACT TWO

 

Spoiler

CURTAINS UP. There would be a throne placed center stage left, HELENA would be already sitting on the throne prior to the curtains rising. Next to the archduchess would be her LADY-IN-WAITING. Sitting silently and neatly in a ladylike manner to the Archduchess’s right. From center stage right, enters ANTHONY. The lordling would join his lady wife’s flank, standing on the left side of his wife’s throne. Finally enters AUDEMAR. The ambassador of Markov entering center stage left, standing on center stage left, taking a bow before speaking.

 

AUDEMAR

(Louder voice, serious, stern tone.)

Archduchess, it is the honor of a center for you to allow thyself to be present in this meeting for our two powerful nations. I must say, your beauty is forever stunning to look at, such beauty and piety such as the lady-wife of the great father of human, Saint Julia of Paradisus.

 

HELENA

(Blushing, happy, smiling)

Oh Ambassador, your kindness is too much, though. We must discuss matters of the states we hail or rule, such as myself. I wish to impose a trade agreement upon our dear countries. The Commonwealth shall supply the great Kingdom of Haenstia with crops and in return your grand kingdom shall supply the Commonwealth with ferrum and other forms of metal. Is that a proper sounding deal?

 

AUDEMAR

(Grinning, joyful, cheerful tone.)

Archduchess, it shall be an honor to take such a fertile harvest from such a beautiful land and country, ruled by an even more beautiful monarch. If that is all, I shall take my leave. I shall see you till the feast. There shall we sign the papers to agree with this arrangement with our two countries. I shall take my leave. 

 

AUDEMAR exits the stage from center stage left, as the Ambassador leaves, so does the LADY-IN-WAITING. The maid exited from center stage right. As both the Ambassador and the maid exited the stage, ANTHONY would walk forward towards center stage, his body facing the Archduchess. The Archduchess stood up from her throne, her frame mirroring the Lordling’s own stance.. 

 

ANTHONY

(Lowered voice, serious, enraged tone.)

What do you think of speaking to that man like that? Blushing while his mouth opens and closes. You acted like a common courtesan of the streets with your damned smile and blush. Perhaps it was too much makeup! As I’d hope you wouldn’t appear as a *****! Stupid women! Dumb *****! Why must you act in such a way?

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, serious, stern tone)

Do not address me, your ladywife, in such a way. I am your wife, I am your crown and you are my jewels. I might be made of a soft metal but you need me to have purpose and I need you to make me higher! As well, I am not only your wife but I am your monarch! I am your Archduchess! Did your vowels of loyalty within marriage and coronation mean nothing? My husband?

 

ANTHONY

(Bitter voice, serious, enraged tone.)

You know nothing! I have given my dignity to help you stay upon thy throne! To help you? A stupid ***** keeping your throne is a dishonor upon my own soul as a man of god! Stupid *****!

 

At a moment, ANTHONY would back-hand slap the Archduchess before pointing at her. HELENA in this moment would step back, extending her hand upon the area where she had been slapped. The lordling looked back towards his lady wife in an expression of shock, that ounce of empathy vanished. Only turning into rage once again.

 

HELENA

(Raised voice, serious, enraged tone.)

How dare you place your hand upon my temple, my body in such a manner! That is it! I have had enough of your abuse and accepting all the injuries you place upon thou in these minutes we alone. I shall write to the pontiff after this feast and demand him to break off our union! I shall do this for the state and thy own soul. Goodbye!

 

HELENA exits center stage left, storming out of the throne room while mumbling curses under her breath.  ANTHONY grunted as his lady-wife left, turning to his back as the COURT DOCTOR would enter from the right of  center stage, meeting up with the lord-consort. While this happened, AUDEMAR would enter from the left of center stage before hiding behind the throne with an expression of suspicion, spying upon the two persons.

 

ANTHONY

(Bitter voice, serious, enraged tone.)

Doctor! Glad you met up with me upon this minute! It is time for our plan, my plan. The Archduchess does not listen to me at all! She must be stopped, and the only way which she could be stopped is through death. As she threatens to annual our union! To do this would cause ruin to our lands! Wretched *****!

 

COURT DOCTOR

(Hushed voice, Shocked, enraged tone.)

Indeed! She must be poisoned! I shall prepare a poison which cannot be dictated so easily! She would surely die by such! I will work for thy to help the country. I know you must be truthful! You are the lord-consort of the one who wishes to destroy us all! Come! We must meet somewhere more secret to plot!

 

AUDEMAR would rush out of the throne room after the two persons exited the throne room from center stage right, the Ambassador exiting the stage from center stage left. Sneaking out and being hidden from the size and height of the throne. CURTAINS CLOSE. 

 

ACT THREE

 

Spoiler

CURTAINS UP. There would be a large dining table with chairs surrounding the table, HELENA would be standing in front of the dining table from down stage center. As the Archduchess pondered in thought, AUDEMAR would rush to the monarch, his blade covered and connected to his waist. Walking to the archduchess and hugging her, giving her a passionate kiss. The archduchess seemed shocked, the woman walking back a tad bit. The Ambassador appeared to be nervous and frightened.

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, shocked, stern tone)

What was that for?! Is something deeply wrong? You appear to be frightened, pale as a ghost! You worry me my dear crow. It is as if not only you appear as a ghost but appear to have seen a ghost as well!

 

AUDEMAR

(Lowered voice, serious, frightened tone.)

Moya boginya! Your consort wishes to murder you! Wait? Did he slap them? I noticed a mark! Damned bastard, I will murder him!

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, serious, stern tone)

Hush dear lover! Tell me what you heard!

 

AUDEMAR

(Lowered voice, serious, angered tone.)

Your consort with the help of the court doctor will poison you upon this feast! You must prepare for such! Do you have a plan my love?

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, serious, stern tone)

What we shall do is give my drink to my husband! Forcing him to take a sip of the poison as it would be extremely rude to deny a sip from the drink of a monarch. Then after that my husband will die and we can place the court doctor in the cellars! Off to prison with him! After that, perhaps, we could have a gentle courtship.

 

AUDEMAR

(Lowered  voice, serious, angered tone.)

Good idea, my love. Both ideas are well made. I am so sorry I had not seen what you have been going through! I feel a deep pain seeing you suffer for these years. I have so many regrets, I feel as if it is my fault that you suffer through this pain and abuse. But I swear I shall treat you as an angel, my Lorin.

 

HELENA

(Lowered voice, sadden, serious tone)

Do not blame yourself, you are not at fault my savior. We shall go through this scheme together. Then I shall become your Julia and you my Horen. In this, we shall unite our bloodlines into one. My beautiful Sigismund. As you are the rains from heavens, I am the fertile grounds which shall embrace thy warmth to grow into something great. 

 

HELENA would walk forward, pulling upon the collar of the ambassador and giving him a kiss before pushing him away. The two lovers would take their seats. The archduchess would take the seat with the red color (Across from Audemar) while AUDEMAR would take the seat with the blue color. (Across from Helena) The rest of the cast would enter from the upper stage right. The COURT DOCTOR would take a seat upon the green colored seat (In the center) and then ANTHONY would take a seat upon the purple colored seat (Next to Helena), a sword placed around his waist. Finally, the LADY-IN-WAITING would come out and a golden goblet for the archduchess. Taking a seat at the yellow colored seat. (Next to Audemar)

 

HELENA

(Louder voice, fake-happy, cheerful tone)

I am not so thirsty! Please, dear husband! Take my drink, I insist you take a sip to not be so thirsty! You never enjoy yourself at these parties! We are here to celebrate an alliance so I insist. 

 

ANTHONY seemed shocked, did his plot get exposed? He does not know but he retrieves the drink. Placing the goblet to his right. After this, the COURT DOCTOR would let out a cough.

 

ANTHONY

(Hushed  voice, serious, nervous tone.)

Doctor! How are you this fine evening?

 

COURT DOCTOR

(Hushed voice, calm, raspy tone.)

Most tired! Perhaps you can give me that goblet! I am extremely thirsty!

 

ANTHONY

(Hushed voice, serious, nervous tone.)

No! Please! I am very thirsty as well! But I will wait for some food!

 

COURT DOCTOR

(Hushed voice, annoyed, raspy tone.)

Dammit you idiot give me the drink!

 

ANTHONY

(louder voice, shocked, desperate tone.)

No! 

 

 COURT DOCTOR would grab the drink in an annoyed manner before they would fall forward onto the table, reaching their hand out towards the crowd. LADY-IN-WAITING screamed in a high-pitched tone before rushing out of the stage from center stage right. The rest of the alive cast standing up and looking towards the poisoned doctor. The doctor expressed before dying.

 

COURT DOCTOR

(Louder voice, betrayed, enraged tone.)

Dammit! I have been betrayed! You bastard son of a *****! Anthony! You have slain thy and now will do what!? Try to murder the archduchess in bed! May you rot in hell with Iblees and the cursed prince Yakov of Ruskana for betraying your only ally! I swear upon god I was tricked! Tempted by the spirit of the angered people of an old and burnt republic! DAMNED BE YOU!

 

COURT DOCTOR would die, the player, flopping to the ground as he would crawl out of the stage from center stage right. AUDEMAR rushed towards the lordling, the consort. Pulling out his blade and attempting to end the life of the traitorous consort. The consort, ANTHONY, would parry the strike and push away the ambassador back a bit. The two men began to fight downstage center, HELENA would move back to center stage right. The woman stood in shock while she watched the two fight.

 

ANTHONY

(louder voice, angry, desperate tone.)

Bastard! Allow me to kill that ***** you stupid idiot! Get out of my way!

 

AUDEMAR 

(louder voice, angry, collected tone.)

No! Your terror of my love, the most perfect woman who I know, ends now! You will not lay another hand upon her ever again after I end your life!

 

ANTHONY

(louder voice, angry, desperate tone.)

She deserves it! Now! Get out of my way you hound!

 

ANTHONY, would parry the strikes by AUDEMAR. The blade of the ambassador was dropped in front of the Archduchess. As the lordling looked down upon the ambassador, HELENA picked up the sword and begun to sneak around the table, walking from the red table to blue table,  before sneaking behind her husband,

 

ANTHONY

(louder voice, angry, crazed tone.)

Now you die! Wretched dog!

 

ANTHONY, would attempt to plunge his blade onto the ambassador before HELENA would plunge her blade into her husband (What really would happen is that the player will place the fake blade through the space of the arm pit and pull it out, throwing the sword behind) pulling the blade from the body as the consort, the traitor, fell onto the dining table. The archduchess helped her lover, AUDEMAR, up from the ground. The two hugged while the curtains closed. CURTAINS CLOSE.

 

EPILOGUE

 

Spoiler

CURTAINS UP. The stage has a chair placed center stage and a gold encrusted mirror placed upon the upper stage center. Within the stage, HELENA is faced towards the left while sitting on the chair, her hair being brushed by her LADY-IN-WAITING. The archduchess would be in a cheerful mood, speaking with her LADY-IN-WAITING in a normal tone. The scenery seems to be similar to the beginning. This time, the archduchess would be dressed in white.

 

HELENA

(Louder voice, happy, smiling)

It is now! Months of freedom and today is the day!

 

LADY-IN-WAITING would nod, before turning over and looking towards AUDEMAR, entering from center stage right. The maid would exit the stage from center stage right. HELENA would notice her hair stopped being brushed, turning over to see her soon to be consort. Rushing over to the ambassador and giving a passionate kiss.

 

HELENA

(Louder voice, happy, smiling)

My Horen, you have saved thy.

 

AUDEMAR

(Louder voice, happy, smiling)

My Julia, you have guided thy. I swear my soul to you and only you.

 

HELENA

(Louder voice, happy, smiling)

I too shall swear my soul and temple to my lover, my future consort.

 

AUDEMAR, would dip his head down to offer a kiss to HELENA. The archduchess would return the passionate love. The two kissing while the CURTAINS CLOSE.

 

The End

 

[EmiliainWonderland 2309]

Eryane laughed at this when she realized. 

[sondher 797]

Ada's advisor, the Chamberlaine of the River Court Justine, dipped her head approvingly after her Dramaturge presented the new playwright of hers, "I love it! I love it! Great work, Ada."