Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Beacon Brewery Breakdown

This past Monday, April 7, beer enthusiasts across the United States celebrated the 75th anniversary of the lift of the ban on beer after 13 years of national Prohibition. A full eight months before the end of Prohibition, this change to the U.S. laws was strongly encouraged by President Roosevelt, and highly embraced by the American public.

During the first 24 hours of the legalization in 1933, Americans consumed over 1.5 million barrels of beer, according to The Brewers' Association Web site. In honor of this historical date, breweries and bars nationwide will be holding special events and celebrations. Two of the most well-known breweries in Massachusetts offer free tours and tastings for the over 21 crowd just a few T-stops away.

The Boston Beer Company brews the popular New England staple Samuel Adams beers. Founded in 1984 by Jim Koch, the company has won at least 650 awards worldwide for some of their 17 different beers. The brewery in Jamaica Plain opened in 1988, three years after the Boston Lager debuted in a mere 25 bars in the Boston area.

A quick walk from the Orange Line brings you onto the Boston Beer Company property, where tours of the brewery occur every 30 minutes. The waiting area is full of trophy cases, memorabilia and televisions looping mini-documentaries on the history and merits of Sam Adams.

Before beginning, a $2 donation is requested, with proceeds going to a local charity. A tour guide then shows a six-minute documentary before bringing the group into the brewery, where he passes around plastic cups filled with hops and encourages everyone to taste them. After a walkthrough of the brewing facilities, everyone is carded and led into a room resembling a bar and the tasting finally commences.

The flagship beer of the Boston Beer Company is their Samuel Adams Boston Lager, an example of the popular American lager standard. Although the style is typically associated with nondescript generic beers, like college staple PBR, the quality of Sam Adams Boston Lager is far superior to that of many of its peers. The first thing that comes to your attention is the translucent amber color of the beer-much richer and deeper than any of its mass-produced counterparts.

"You should be able to see your fingers on the other side of the glass," said tour guide Andrew. "If you can't see your fingers through the beer, or if you happen to see fingers in your beer, you should send that beer back right away."

The aroma is pleasant but mild, releasing mostly caramel tones with only a slight infusion of hops. Well-balanced and well-rounded are the best ways to describe this beer-while there is nothing distinct about the brew, it is undeniably satisfying in its subtlety and simplicity. There is little to no aftertaste; while this may be a selling point for some beer drinkers, it is vaguely disappointing for others.

The next sample was Sam Adams' current seasonal offering, the White Ale, sold only in the early springtime and brewed with coriander, orange peel and grains of paradise. This abundance of spices is one of its most distinct qualities. It boasts a light golden yellow body obscured with a whitish cloudiness-wheat beers such as this are often left unfiltered of proteins and yeast, which causes this characteristic haze.

A burst of sweet and fruity flavors first finds the tongue, but its high carbonation teamed with hops keeps it from being overwhelming. Slightly unbalanced, the hops, spices and citrus carry it most of the way, with the malt mostly absent until the end. This tends to be the point of fruity wheat beers such as this. The White Ale is clearly an American imitation of a Belgian style, but unique in its own right.

The final taste was a Bohemian Pilsner, brewed in a limited batch as part of Sam Adams' Beer Lovers contest, and only available on draught at the Boston Brewery. Very light, as with the last two offerings: this pilsner releases a sweet, piney aroma with a bit of citrus, although not nearly as much as the White Ale. It has a very light, translucent yellow color-beer detractors might criticize its likeness to urine.

The first taste is remarkably hoppy, and each consecutive sip follows suit. The malt is only noticeable in the aftertaste, and remains isolated to the tongue while the hops flavor clings to the sides of the mouth. This is a beer for inexperienced beer drinkers who think they like hops, but aren't quite ready to indulge in an IPA.

The Harpoon Brewery, located on the waterfront in the Seaport District, was the first brewery to be issued a permit in Massachusetts to brew and bottle commercial beer in 1987. Realizing that the only reason most people go on brewery tours in the first place is for the free beer, the folks at Harpoon have tastings rather than tours.

During the tasting times, everyone is given a seven-ounce glass that is filled and re-filled by two "bartenders" with whichever of the nine varieties you shout out over the crowd. The bartender who also doubles as a tour guide introduces the beer, serves for twenty minutes, stops to give a more in-depth profile of each type, and then commences another twenty minutes of drinking. There is no limit to how many times you can fill up, and it's a first-come, first-served basis at the bar, so it is up to you to throw them back.

Harpoon's seasonal offering is an Irish-style Red Ale. The Hibernian-after the Romans' name for Ireland-does not give off much of an aroma, but pours a beautiful amber. The flowery tones of hops rule the aftertaste, and it could easily be described as a more distinct, robust and flavorful version of the Sam Adams Lager.

The India Pale Ale came into being when beers from England were infused with extra hops that were intended to act as a natural preservative to help the beer survive the long trip to India. Harpoon's IPA is the most popular in New England, and accounts for 65 percent of their sales, according to the tour guide. The flavor is undeniably hoppy, as IPAs should be, but it is hardly overwhelming; the flowery tones of hops seem to balance out their own bitterness more than the malt does.

Every few months, to break up the monotony of brewing the same beer every day, Harpoon selects an employee-past or present-to brew 100 barrels of anything they'd like. The 100 Barrel Series brews are available only for a limited time, and once the 100 barrels are all gone, these beers become only memories to those that tasted them. The current offering, Steve Stewart's Firth of Forth Ale, is a twist on traditional Scotch Ale made with American ingredients. Its mahogany-amber color gives way to a smoky aroma of hops that is pleasantly light and unobtrusive.

Harpoon recently stumbled upon one last barrel of their previous offering, a Weizenbock, which they were gracious enough to offer to their visitors this time around. Although not traditionally a bock-bocks are usually made using lager yeast, and Harpoon only uses Ale yeast-this dark wheat offering is easily the most unique beer of the trip. A cloudy amber color, much darker than your typical wheat beer has an aroma that screams banana and cloves.

Next to the IPA, Harpoon's most popular beer is a wheat beer, cleverly titled UFO-for UnFiltered Offering. Similar to the Sam Adams White Ale, though without the overabundance of spices, UFO pours a cloudy yellow color. The first flavor is crisp and citrus.

Although the tastes and wallets of the average college student may run closer to Natty Ice and Milwaukee's Best there is no reason that co-eds should option out of the chance to expand their palates when it comes to the sixth and most potable food group.

Berkeley Beacon Lifestyle Section, 4/10/08. Co-written with Kasey Fielding.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

A Rose for Emily

FADE IN:
INT. ALEKSANDER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
ALEKSANDER, sleeping, writhes in his twisted bedsheets next to a shapeless and unidentifiable form. He is an attractive male in mid- to late-twenties, with dark hair. He is the recently crowned King, although he still has the immature air of a Prince about him. As such, his bedroom is decorated lavishly and excessively. Shots of Aleksander flailing in his sleep.
INTERCUT:
INT. KING’S COURT - DUSK - FLASH BACK
A lavish and majestic theater-in-the-round, of sorts. Empty bleachers rise up along the walls. The KING and QUEEN are seated at their thrones at one end of the room. There was a royal battle at hand of epic proportions. We see close shots focused on swords, being pulled eloquently and violently from their sheaths, the screeching “shink” of metal against metal reverberating heavily in the hall.
The PRINCE looks very similar to Aleksander in that he is an attractive, dark-haired male, although it should be easy enough to tell their faces apart even if their bodies are similar. He faces off against LUCAS, a male in his late twenties to early thirties, with long blonde hair and bangs; it is an Arthurian mullet, and this should be a good indicator of the savage absurdity of his appearance and actions. He is psychotically medieval in every way. There are several other pairs of Red Shirt fighters duelling, but the focus should be on Lucas and the Prince.
Meanwhile, the KING, an overly indulgent glutton undeserving of his title and probably sporting a goatee and lavish clothing, sits at his throne beside his QUEEN. She is the mother of the Prince, and the King is his Uncle, the brother of the Queen’s recently deceased husband. The Queen watches these fights with a serious intentness on her face, while the King shifts nervously.
We see various shots of every duel that takes place, as well as the King’s and Queen’s reactions. During the fights, however, we should almost always notice Lucas and the Prince. Several key moments should take place:
PRINCE
Well, brother? Have at me!
Lucas tears his sword from its sheath and raises it above his head as he leaves the King’s side and charges towards the Prince. The Prince draws first blood.
Eventually, the Queen notices the King’s discomfort and nervousness; eventually, we see her drink from a goblet. The King attempts to stop her but it is too late; she has been poisoned, and almost immediately begins choking and coughing up blood.
PRINCE (CONT’D)
Mother!
This distracts the Prince and allows Lucas to gain the upper hand, as the other duelists attack him as well. The Prince is easily able to fend off these attacks, but Lucas gets a stab in through the Prince’s side; the Prince falls to his knees.
PRINCE (CONT’D)
...Poison?
The Prince feels the effects of the poison almost immediately. A maniacal smile spreads across Lucas’s face as he raises his sword above his head to deal the killing blow, but the Prince’s resolve is strong, and he thrusts his sword through Lucas’s chest before he has the chance to strike. Lucas falls to the ground, dead.
PRINCE (CONT’D)
Did you really think I’d let you be my foil?
His victory is short lived, however, as the poison begins to take an affect on the Prince once again. Dying, he ambles towards the King like a corpse.
PRINCE (CONT’D)
Revenge is sweet, Uncle.
The Prince uses the last of his strength to drive his sword through the King’s chest. The King is only able to mutter his last words:
KING
Revenge is best served cold, my boy.
The Prince coughs again, more violently, and spits blood at the King’s face as he quickly pulls the sword out of the King’s gut. The King falls to the ground, face first, dead.
In the same scene, we see Aleksander enter the throne room, along with MR. CALLAN and a group of soldiers. Mr. Callan is Aleksander’s personal advisor, an old man who resembles more of a corpse than anything else; unfortunately for Aleksander, he shows no signs of actually dying any time soon. Aleksander surveys the room, and the corpses spread throughout, in shock and silence; HARRY, early thirties and rugged, probably bearded with light brown hair, cradles the Prince’s corpse.
ALEKSANDER
(more impressed than appalled; almost deadpan)
Well. Shit.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Aleksander sits up quickly in bed, startled, as if waking from a nightmare. He is sweating and panting, with eyes darting around in shock. He looks to the surface of the bed below him, although we do not see what he sees. Hold tight on Aleksander’s face-focusing perhaps on his mouth alone:
ALEKSANDER
I just fucked a ghost.
INT-CASTLE HALLWAY - LATE MORNING
Aleksander is walking down a hallway; he is clearly stressed, and walking with determination. AMBASSADOR sees him, and attempts to start a conversation.
AMBASSADOR
Your highness! I just met with the ambassador regarding our treaty with-
ALEKSANDER
Not now.
He keeps walking,more briskly than before
TREASURER (O.C.)
My lord!
Aleksander answers without stopping or even looking behind him.
ALEKSANDER
Yes?

TREASURER attempts to catch up.
TREASURER
My lord, are you so sure about inflating the exchange rate?
ALEKSANDER
Absolutely sure. My country, my currency
TREASURER
But sir, the majority of the people have refused to exchange their bills, and most businesses are still accepting-
ALEKSANDER
Then out law it!
Treasurer stops walking, and grabs Aleksander’s shoulder to stop him as well
TREASURER
Sir, do you realize the effect that this could have the country’s overall economy? This will essentially create another social caste, with the majority of the citizens being pushed back down the ladder. If this happens-
ALEKSANDER
Wonderful.
He keeps walking.
SCULPTOR (O.C.)
Prince Aleksander!
ALEKSANDER
What.
SCULPTOR
Prince Aleksander, the statue is completed and erected in the courtyard outside. It is still covered, however; I assumed you would prefer a more public and ritualistic unveiling.
Aleksander stops walking. He turns around to face the Sculptor.
ALEKSANDER
Okay, two things. One-I am the ruler of this entire country-I am not a goddamn prince anymore. And two-
(Aleksander’s mood suddenly shifts, genuinely)
Thank you. For the only positive bit of news that I’ve received before noon today.
He shakes the sculptors hand and keeps walking, until he reaches a door in the next hallway and opens it.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S PRIVATE MEETING ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Aleksander enters through the doorway, slamming the door behind him. He lets his body collapse against the closed door for a moment before continuing into the room.
Mr. Callan stands ominously near the center of the room, while Harry stands impatiently in the corner, mostly obscured in shadows.
MR. CALLAN
I have received word from your Uncle. He is growing anxious, anticipating information on your progress in civilizing these peasants...
HARRY
Watch it, old man.
MR. CALLAN (CONT’D)
Given your Uncle’s...sensitive condition, I would think it unfair to aggravate him any more. Any added stress could mean the end.
ALEKSANDER
(under his breath)
A simple “Good Morning” would suffice as well.
MR. CALLAN
Perhaps your lack of productivity is to be attributed to your vehement passion for pleasantries?
HARRY
Or perhaps his lack of productive comes from forcing arbitrary, bull shit changes on a people that-
ALEKSANDER
Do you want to leave this room, Harry? Do you? Because you can. I offered you a position on the advisory board, much to dear Mr. Callan’s dismay, in hopes that maybe you could offer us some insight into the wonderful lives of your adorably indigenous kinsfolk. I thought that it might make them happy to have Sir Harry, last of the Old Guard, still working on their behalf and trying to help them.
HARRY
And yet, you’ve never asked for my opinion.
ALEKSANDER
That’s because I don’t need it. Or I haven’t, yet, but believe me, Harry-when I do need your opinion, you’ll be the first person I ask.
MR. CALLAN
Aleksander, I need something to report back to your Uncle, and I would much prefer it come from you than I.
ALEKSANDER
“Me,” you mean. Not “I.”
MR. CALLAN
Pardon?
ALEKSANDER
Never mind.
MR. CALLAN
Your Uncle’s advisors are already uncertain of the faith that they’ve instilled in you. Do not give them reason to confirm their paranoia.
Callan turns to leave the room

Your Uncle has sent word that he would like to see you. He has requested your attendance back home at the end of the month. He’d like to know how his favorite nephew’s conquest is going. He wants to see how much of a man you’ve become. I do hope that you’ll make him happy; I’m not sure of how much more his frail heart could take.
Smirking, he leaves the room
Harry and Aleksander stand in silence together in the room. People are shouting in the streets outside the window, steadily growing in volume and intensity.
ALEKSANDER
So, uh...how’s Jennifer doing?
HARRY
She’s fine.
ALEKSANDER
That’s good. Fine is good.
The loud crash is heard outside.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Please don’t tell me that was my statue.
Harry looks out the window, trying hard to suppress a smile and a laugh.
HARRY
I do believe it was, your highness.
ALEKSANDER
Oh, fuck me...
Aleksander turns to look out the window and survey the damage below

EXT. COURTYARD - DAY - CONTINUOUS
The dust clears to reveal an angry mob of people have knocked down the statue; the sheet covering lays on the ground, with shattered pieces of marble and stone spilled across the ground. People are kicking and throwing pieces of stone, and urinating on the rubble.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S PRIVATE MEETING ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
ALEKSANDER
God. Dammit.
HARRY
I-
ALEKSANDER
Leave.
HARRY
Yes, sir.
Harry leaves, smiling and holding back laughter.
Aleksander slides down against the wall until he is sitting on the ground below the window. He drops his head into his hands.
EXT. ALEKSANDER’S BALCONY - EVENING
Aleksander sits stamping papers with his signet ring. He is clearly bored and grumpy. He sits with a glass of wine beside him, occasionally looking out across the balcony and towards the moonlit stream that flows through the castle garden. After a few moments, he notices something in the direction of the stream that the audience cannot see, and he focuses on it while:
MR. CALLAN (V.O.)
He is a fool; he is inexperienced.
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
Mr. Callan speaks to a small group of ADVISORS.
MR. CALLAN (CONT’D)
He is young, he is reckless, he is completely unaware of the responsibilities of a ruler and the duties of a leader.
ADVISOR 1
But that is why we’re here, sir, is it not?
CUT TO:
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING
A pale girl in a dirty white dress, EMILY, in her mid-20s, with dirty blonde hair and piercing grey-blue eyes, walking across a tree branch above the stream.
ADVISOR 2 (V.O.)
The lad is just a figurehead, a public face. The only duty that he has is to uphold the grand tradition of a monarchy...
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
ADVISOR 2 (CONT’D)
...and its a duty he fulfilled by being born.
MR. CALLAN
Precisely my point! The monarchy is archaic! It is nothing but an antiquated tradition....
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEKSANDER’S BALCONY - EVENING
Aleksander walks to the railing on the balcony, putting down his glass and shifting his focus towards Emily, the girl on the branch.
MR. CALLAN (V.O.
...Why, then, do we continue to honor it?
ADVISOR 1 (V.O.)
Because that’s what you do with traditions. That’s why...
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
ADVISOR 1
...they exist.
ADVISOR 3
And if nothing else, it keeps the people happy.
MR. CALLAN
Why does it keep the people happy?
(beat)
Because it is...
CUT TO:
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING
Emily placing one foot in front of the other, slowly walking across the branch.
MR. CALLAN (V.O.)
...tradition; why is it tradition? Because someone, some...
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
MR. CALLAN
...hundreds of years ago, decided it would be, and has ingrained this...
CUT TO:
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING
Another foot step on the tree branch, still single file.
MR. CALLAN (V.O.)
...sick and delusional sense
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
MR. CALLAN
...of honor into the heads of those too foolish to realize that it carries no real weight.
CUT TO:
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING
Tree branch cracking as Emily continues walking towards the end.
ADVISOR 2 (V.O.)
So what are you suggesting, Callan, that we...
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
ADVISOR 2
...overthrow the system that has governed the people-successfully, might I add-for hundreds of years?
MR. CALLAN
Hardly. While perhaps, in a perfect world...
CUT TO:
EXT. ALEKSANDER’S BALCONY - EVENING
Aleksander panicking as he sees Emily near the end of the branch. We see his mouth move as he cries out to warn her for fear that she might fall, but we don’t hear it. Aleksander runs from the balcony and back towards his room.
MR. CALLAN (V.O.)
...such a scenario would be desirable, it would be far too complicated right now. All that I am doing is voicing my concerns: the boy is reckless...
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
MR. CALLAN
...and part of me fears that he must be supplanted.
ADVISOR 3
But there’s a crucial something you’ve ignored here, Mr. Callan. Who receives the blame when things go...
CUT TO:
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING
Emily, barely maintaining balance, near the very end of the branch. Her arms are spread, but she does not seem scared at all. We hear the branch crack again and see her start to lose her footing.
ADVISOR 3 (V.O.)
...wrong? Who is the victim of the backlash of a displeased public? We keep the boy around, much like we keep his...
CUT TO:
INT. A CONFERENCE ROOM - EVENING
ADVISOR 3
...Uncle around in his vegetable state, to keep the people happy, and dare I say, to take the pressure of responsibility off of our own shoulders.
MR. CALLAN
But whereas his Uncle cannot contest nor overrule a thing that we might say-Aleksander does not listen.
CUT TO:

EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING
Aleksander running from the castle, across the lawn and towards the stream with a look of shock and fear across his face. He pauses for a moment in panic, but then keeps running.
MR. CALLAN (V.O.)
He is headstrong, and he continues to act on his own accord and make his own decisions, regardless of what he is told. Worse yet, he will take action without informing or consulting us.
CUT TO:
INT. EVENING, A CONFERENCE ROOM
MR. CALLAN
Mark my words, this reign will end in disaster, just as it began.
CUT TO:
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING
Aleksander darts towards the stream, as the branch on which Emily stands finally cracks and drops her into the stream. Aleksander rushes into the water with his arms spread in front of him in an attempt to catch her. Though he gets into position just in time for Emily to land in his arms, she appears to fall through them, hitting the water without a splash, and disappears. Aleksander leaves his hands outstretched for a moment, shocked and confused. Puzzled, he looks down at the water, and then up and all around.
EMILY (O.C.)
You saved me.
Aleksander turns his head back towards the shore.
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING - FLASHBACK - SEVERAL YEARS EARLIER
Emily runs towards the stream with the Prince in tow. Both are dressed festively, and music can be heard coming from the Castle in the distance. The Prince looks longingly at Emily. They stop once they reach the tree.
PRINCE
Where are we going?
EMILY
We’re here.
PRINCE
(laughing)
You pulled me away from my Father’s birthday party for...a tree?
EMILY
Not just a tree. It’s my tree. My father planted it for me the day I was born. And so it grows as I would grow, and continue growing so.
PRINCE
Oh? Is that a poem you wrote?
EMILY
(looking down, slightly embarrassed)
It is...or I started to. I-I’ve always loved poetry very much, but I’m afraid I’m not very good at it myself.
PRINCE
That’s alright. I think it’s sweet.
(beat, as he looks at her)
Come though, we should get back. If we’re gone too long, your father could get suspicious. You know how he is.
EMILY
Oh, better than you do.
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - EVENING - PRESENT
We see Emily standing on the grass beside the stream; she is ghostly pale, in a faded, expensive dress. She smiles a beautiful but haunting smile while her eyes stay wide open. She is very distant in her speech; while she sounds sincere, she also sounds a million miles away, as if she is responding to someone else entirely.
EMILY
Multitudes, gratitudes, I thrust upon you sir. I’ve never been saved for a life of me before, though everyday I take this walk to dance the branch, and every day I die and die...but not this time...
Aleksander looks around again; he looks to the water, then up to the tree, and back towards her as he replays the scenario in his head.
ALEKSANDER
...yeahbutwhat?
EXT. GRAVEYARD - NIGHT
A rose is laid against a gravestone. As the camera pulls away from the scene, we see Jennifer kneeling by the grave, which is topped by an extravagant gravestone. It is marked, “Emily Greer, loving daughter.” Harry enters, and places a hand on Jennifer’s shoulder. Jennifer stands up and walks away. Harry follows with his arm around her.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
Aleksander is rummaging through sheets and clothing while talking to Emily, who is obscured by a changing screen. He has a glass of wine nearby that he is drinking.
ALEKSANDER
So, Emily, I guess I’m still a little bit confused. You said that you’ve been here for a while, yes?
EMILY (O.C.)
I was here before the ones inhabiting and though I know I would that I could stay much longer than I did. Some things keep on growing, seems.
ALEKSANDER
Okay, and where have you been exactly?
EMILY (O.C.)
I’ve been in upon the water, Aleksander. On a branch, and all around and round and round and round...Day out and in and out again, I was only where you found me, only ever where you found me to be.
ALEKSANDER
(beat)
Do you always talk this funny?
EMILY
I do not understand.
ALEKSANDER
(laughs)
Nothing really, you’ve just-you’ve got this strange way of saying things. Anyway, here’s some dry clothes for you...
Emily walks out from behind the changing screen, with her dress completely dry and clean. She appears freshened up, though her skin is still quite pale.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
...to try on. That was-that was quick. Air dry.
EMILY
The spirits in the breeze will keep me dry and warm and here.
ALEKSANDER
Are you sure you wouldn’t like a glass of wine?
(aside)
I really hope you have some catching up to do.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - NIGHT.
Emily and Aleksander walk through the halls of the castle. While Aleksander tries to show her around, Emily displays a distinct familiarity with the place; she still seems distant. He points out a series of paintings, representative of his family lineage; each one, however, looks exactly like him, but with different clothes.
EMILY
There used to be a curtain here...a bright red curtain. Shiny; frilly!
(beat)
Is this a painting of you, Aleksander?
She points to a painting.
ALEKSANDER
Oh, no, actually. This one...
He points to a painting hesitantly.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
...No, this one. This one’s me right here.
EMILY
Your father dimples much the same you. Craters on your faces both from little drops of sun.
ALEKSANDER
That’s my great uncle in that picture, but that’s my father over there. And yeah, I’ve been told we look a lot alike.
EMILY
Where is the man that gave the seed to sow you from your mother’s earth?
ALEKSANDER
You mean my father? He died, actually. About a year ago. In fact, that’s actually kind of why we’re here.
Emily’s eyes widen; she stops listening to Aleksander, and notices something past him. He continues speaking without realizing that she isn’t paying attention anymore.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
The old King-the one you knew before, I guess-he killed my father. It was almost a year ago now. Time flies, huh? Anyway, you know what they say-an eye for an eye, a Father for a Father, or something to that effect. And here I am.
EMILY
Lady Jennifer?!
JENNIFER, a plain but attractive woman in her late 20s, walks down the hall. She is dressed well, but humbly.
ALEKSANDER
You guys know each other?
Jennifer walks by, glaring at Aleksander, and keeps walking. She does not react to Emily.
ALEKSANDER (CONT'D)
Hrm. Okay.
(beat)
When was the last time that you said that you were here?
EMILY
Strangely as it seems to me, I just cannot recall...
(beat)
Can you bring me to throne room, Aleksander? I would like to see the court.
Aleksander pauses for a moment before responding. He moves in close to Emily and speaks softly.
ALEKSANDER
I’m not so sure about that, Emily. Hostile takeovers already border on insensitive, but even we have our limits.
EMILY
But how can there be limits on the one who tells the laws, Aleksander?
ALEKSANDER
No, it’s not like that, it’s-when Callan put me up to this whole avenging crusade, he obviously expected some resistance, but even the old bastard couldn’t anticipate a massacre the likes of which we saw.
EMILY
Callan? Massacre? What happened, Aleksander?

Mr. Callan walks down the hall, and notices Aleksander; from his point of view, however, we do not see Emily.
MR. CALLAN
Ah, Aleksander. I pray the day has been constructive since this morning’s brief engagement?
ALEKSANDER
(to Emily)
That’s Callan.
Callan is puzzled by this introduction. Aleksander then addresses Callan directly, before Callan has the chance to inquire into whom Aleksander was speaking.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Of course, sir. Dare I say, it’s even been fruitful. I watched my brand new statue get destroyed, I had a glass or six of wine, I made some headway on the currency exchange, and, lest we forget, I saved an innocent life.
He indicates Emily.
MR. CALLAN
Well, that’s...wonderful. I will see you in the morning, then?
ALEKSANDER
Yes, sir. Subsidizing agriculture, taxes and so on-I’ve got it all under control.
MR. CALLAN
Excellent. I hope that it’s enough to keep your Uncle satiated.
Callan smirks again, and exits.
EMILY
The man is strange.
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, he’s an asshole, but that’s life, I guess.
EMILY
Like my father, he is. Or was he is. Living through and through and through in you.
ALEKSANDER
And it all comes down from my Uncle back home.
EMILY
But you are King, Aleksander! No authority can hover, smother from above you but He which you might choose to let float on.
ALEKSANDER
King Aleksander. I’m never going to get used to hearing that. My father’s the King, that’s how it’s supposed to be. He died, my Uncle took his title and he sent me over here to claim my own. Or what he wants to be my own. Mr. Callan’s here to ensure that.
EMILY
I’d a father used his daughter’s heart for him to gather something more; a lonely Lover’s spy like paper hearts to twisted dry.
ALEKSANDER
I’ll drink to that. I think.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - NIGHT
Harry exits a room as Jennifer walks down the hall and finds him.
JENNIFER
Harry!
HARRY
What is it, darling?
JENNIFER
I just...I just had the strangest encounter with the King.
HARRY
Well, Aleksander is an little bastard.
JENNIFER
No, this-this was different. The hallway got cold-it was like there was a draft, but-different, somehow. He looked me and he asked if we knew each other.
HARRY
You and Aleksander?
JENNIFER
No...I don’t know who he was referring to. But then it suddenly got colder, and...I was scared, Harry.
Jennifer falls into Harry’s arm and comforts her, looking up curiously as he tries to make sense of this new information.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
Harry and the Prince walk together, laughing and joking.
HARRY
There is something special about her. I would kill for a woman like that.
PRINCE
Is that a threat, Harry?
HARRY
Well, I hope it never come to that.
PRINCE
I don’t think it will. To be honest, I don’t know how much longer it can last.
HARRY
You’ve thought of leaving Jennifer?
PRINCE
It’s not all me, Harry. It’s-it’s my father. If he ever found out I was sleeping in the servants’ quarters...
HARRY
Well, bring her back to your room, then!
PRINCE
(laughs)
That’s a simple solution. Meanwhile, my father’s all but promised me to Emily.
HARRY
That’s to be expected, I suppose.
PRINCE
I’ve grown up beside her my entire life, and now...
CUT TO:
INT. LOBBY LEADING INTO THE THRONE ROOM - NIGHT - PRESENT
ALEKSANDER
...here we are. Like I said, no one’s really been up here since the day that we arrived. Partially out of respect, partially out of superstition. I guess there was some crazy talk about ghosts before, and some folks are still a little spooked.
EMILY
What talk of ghosts?
ALEKSANDER
Spirits unavenged, making people do all sorts of crazy things. I don’t know, I try to stay out of it.
EMILY
I believe that I am not aware of much of what has happened in my absence from my wake. Of what such things can you enlighten me, Aleksander?
ALEKSANDER
I don’t really know. When I got here, I found the place...
CUT TO:
Flashes of the throne room, covered in blood and dead bodies.
ALEKSANDER (V.O.) (CONT’D)
...littered with corpses. The entire royal family, and all their closest confidantes, slaughtered. And there was Harry, with the dying Prince collapsed in his
arms.
The corpses start to move and rise and look towards the camera with zombie-like eyes.
HARRY (O.C.)
Aleksander?
Harry enters the room with Aleksander; we do not see Emily from his point of view. Aleksander quickly snaps out of his day dream.
ALEKSANDER
Harry! What the hell are you doing here...?
HARRY
Just...going for a walk. I haven’t yet had a chance to really take in all the changes that you’ve made to this place. You know, what with work and all. Responsibilities.
ALEKSANDER
Right, of course. Well, nothing has really changed up here, I can tell you that much.
HARRY
What brings you up to throne room now, your highness?

ALEKSANDER
Same thing, really. I was taking Emily around, to show her everything that’s changed since...well, since whenever the hell she was last here.
(to Emily)
You know, you’ve been a little vague about the details.
HARRY
Sir...?
ALEKSANDER
Ah, yes. I wasn’t sure if you had met. You’ve both been around here for a while but, it’s a pretty big place, so I’m not that surprised that you-
HARRY
Sir, I mean no offense-well, okay, I do mean some offense, but what the hell are you talking about?
ALEKSANDER
Emily.
He gestures towards where Emily was standing; she is no longer there.
HARRY
Sir, there’s no one there.
Aleksander turns to where Emily stood before, and notices that she is gone. Beat.
ALEKSANDER
I swear to God there was a woman standing there a moment ago.
HARRY
You were standing here alone when I found you.
ALEKSANDER
No, no. There was a girl here. About yea high, kind of pale and thin, but pretty. Curly, dirty blonde hair, really distant, cloudy eyes...Her name was Emily...well, is Emily. Wherever she is.
(beat)
What’s the matter, Harry? You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.
Harry begins breathing heavily, his eyes darting frantically around the room.
HARRY
I forget something, Aleksander, I...I need to go...
ALEKSANDER
What? Listen, I know that you don’t like me very much, but you don’t have to freak out every time I try to have a conversation with you.

HARRY
I’m sorry, I need to go.
Harry turns and quickly walks away.
ALEKSANDER
Harry, wait-
Harry stops and angrily turns to look at Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
I wasn’t the one that killed him, Harry.
HARRY
Oh, I’m well aware of that. But your arrival and your presence salt the wounds.
He tries again to leave, but stays when Aleksander keeps on talking.
ALEKSANDER
This-this wasn’t a choice, Harry. I didn’t want to come here, I didn’t want to do any of this. I never wanted to be a King. But I had to, Harry. For my father. It’s not like I had a choice.
HARRY
We always have a choice.
Harry walks way certainly and defiantly. He’s not turning around this time.
ALEKSANDER
Then you don’t have to hate me, Harry.
HARRY
Well, that’s my choice, then, isn’t it?
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
CIRCLE AROUND Jennifer as she sits at a piano playing a song. We hear the sound of a crisp breeze and see Jennifer shudder, goose bumps spreading up her arm. WHEN THE CIRCLE IS COMPLETE, WE SEE Emily hovering behind her, several inches off the ground, looking over her shoulder. Jennifer does not notice Emily, but certainly feels the chill. She places her hands on Jennifer’s shoulders and then glides through Jennifer’s body, until the song changes to a classical rendition of The Zombies’ “A Rose For Emily.” After a few bars, a frightened Jennifer pulls her hands away from the piano and feels suddenly warm again.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Aleksander looks in the mirror as he changes into his pajamas. Eventually, he closes the wardrobe and the door behind him. Singing quietly to himself, he turns away from the door to face the bed, and he notices something, although we don’t see what just yet.
ALEKSANDER
...Emily?
Emily is facing the bed with her back towards Aleksander. She is wearing a silky slip and standing with her arms wrapped around her body. It is very provocative (read: sexy).
EMILY
Whatever you are wearing in the evening air, sir, I hope it suits you well.
There was a draft through the room that seems to originate with Emily, not from any of the closed windows. Aleksander feels a sudden chill.
ALEKSANDER
Emily? Emily, what are you doing here?
EMILY
Waiting.
ALEKSANDER
Where did you run off to earlier? Are you-what’s going on?
EMILY
Nightly yet, another death had swiftly settled on me, but you put a lovely stop to it, and I hoped perhaps that I could still repay you...in the flesh.
Emily moves the straps of the slip off her shoulder and allows it to fall to the floor. Aleksander jaw drops; he is stunned.
ALEKSANDER
Oh my.
EMILY
Aleksander...
Emily turns her head around to look at him with vast and infinite eyes; her neck almost seems to roll. When she finally looks at him however, her face, along with the rest of her body, suddenly resemble a rotting corpse.
EMILY (CONT’D)
Make love to me, Aleksander.
CUT TO:
INT. ALEKSANDER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Aleksander shoots up in his bed, screaming in fear. When his screaming finally subsides, he notices that he is not wearing any clothes. He looks to his left, and notices a figure lying in the bed, wrapped up in the sheets. He pulls the sheets away, and sees that it is Emily sleeping beside him, also naked. He breathes a heavy sigh of relief and reaches down to wake her up, but his hand goes through her. A look of shock inhabits his face.
ALEKSANDER
(quietly, almost whispered)
I just fucked a ghost.
(beat)
(louder)
I just fucked a ghost.
Aleksander leaps out of bed in a panic, waking Emily. She rolls over to face him; as she speaks, she glances down at his crotch.
EMILY
Good morning, lover.
For a moment, Aleksander is uncertain of how to react, but he then tries to cover himself, forcing a nervous and awkward smile.
FADE TO BLACK.
FADE IN.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
Harry twists and turns restlessly in his bed for a few moments before he sits up, unable to sleep or get comfortable. Much like the opening sequence, this is intercut with flashback shots of:
INT. KING’S COURT - DUSK - FLASH BACK
Harry runs to the dying Prince’s side as he collapses to the ground.
PRINCE
(coughing)
It’s done then? I put my father’s ghost to rest?
HARRY
That you, did, my friend. That you did.
PRINCE
(Still coughing, struggling to get the words out)
So we won? The good guys won?
Harry swallows hard, hesitant to answer.
HARRY
Prince Aleksander and his army have overtaken our home. He contacted your Uncle not too long ago, requesting safe passage through.
PRINCE
And he attacked? Lying bastard; tragedies will always come in pairs.
His thoughts are interrupted by another violent coughing fit
PRINCE (CONT’D)
Harry-don’t let it die. Whatever happens, just don’t let it die.
The Prince dies with Harry cradling his body as the echo of the footsteps down the hall continues to grow louder.
Prince Aleksander marches into the room with Mr. Callan by his side and a dozen of his finest troops-well armed and armored, towering and menacing. Aleksander steps forth, approaching Harry and the Prince.
ALEKSANDER
(condescending, menacing; very different than Aleksander’s flash back.)
Well. Shit.
(beat)
I think you got something right there.
Aleksander points to a spot on his own face.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
Harry wakes up from his dream. Jennifer sits up beside him, roused by his reaction.
JENNIFER
Darling? What is the matter?
HARRY
Nothing, I’m just...I’m tired, Jennifer. I’m tired of all of this. Sometimes I feel like I should have killed them both when I still had the chance.
JENNIFER
Harry, don’t even say such a thing. You know that no one would want to touch that sick old man’s body even to clear it from the room, and we couldn’t have some rotting corpse stinking up the throne room for the weeks to follow, would we?
Harry laughs for a moment and kisses her.
HARRY
I love you.
JENNIFER
What, because I talk about corpses? Darling, the day the living dead get you going is the day that I walk out that door.
Harry laughs a bit again, but grows serious again as his laughter fades away.
HARRY
I just hope that there’s someway I can honor all the horror that this place has seen in recent months. I’d rather not contribute to the body count, but if they continue to ignore and disrespect me, I may not have a choice.
JENNIFER
Oh, Harry. Someday, they’ll realize what a brilliant strategist you are. Aleksander can’t be a spoiled royal brat forever, and when he finally realizes that he has a country to run and it’s time to grow up, then you’ll have your chance to prove yourself.
Of course, that realization might take some time...
HARRY
(beat)
Jennifer-do you know...has there been another person in the throne room since...?
JENNIFER?
Not that I am aware of, other than to clear the bodies out. Why? Darling-are you still haunted by that day?
HARRY
No, no, I’ve come to terms with it. Mostly, anyway. But it’s the room itself that worries me. Considering the circumstance that brought us to this point, I just can’t help but think there is there’s still another unsettled spirit, just waiting for the right time. And after what you told me yesterday, I-
JENNIFER
Harry, don’t tell me you believe the Prince’s crazy ghost stories still, he-
HARRY
He was not mad, Jennifer; he was right.
Harry takes a deep breath to calm himself.
HARRY (CONT’D)
There has been more blood shed in this place than one should ever see. But even if it’s haunted, it’s still my home. And another vengeful ghost is just what this place needs to make it even crazier. And this...encounter last night? With Aleksander?
JENNIFER
That’s just Aleksander, darling. Playing his boyish little games.
HARRY
But the cold air? Speaking to no one? The same thing happened to me when I was with him!
Jennifer looks down, disturbed, but says nothing.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Darling? What is it?
JENNIFER
Last night...when you left the room, I guess you were talking to Aleksander. I-I was playing piano and I felt it again, I-and then...
She swallows, struggles to either rationalize or vocalize it
JENNIFER (CONT’D)
It felt like someone was playing for me, I began playing this song I’d never even heard before. The air was cold again, just as it was before. Harry-do you think...?
HARRY
Emily.
INT. KITCHEN HALLWAY - NIGHT
Aleksander walks down a hallway towards the kitchen, in a bath robe, in the lower level of the Castle. As he approaches the door, Advisor 2 exits. When he notices Aleksander, he grows immediately uncomfortable. He nods and acknowledges Aleksander as he buttons up his shirt and walks away quickly. Aleksander pauses, puzzled, and then shakes his head and continues into the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN - AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
Emily and the Prince, alone in the kitchen, make out passionately.
JENNIFER (O.C.)
Madam Emily? Are you in there? I brought you-
Jennifer enters the kitchen and freezes, shocked by the scene before her. She drops whatever she is carrying-glasses, a bottle, pots, etc.-and the crash alerts Emily and the Prince to her presence.
JENNIFER (CONT’D)
Emily? Oh God...
PRINCE
Jennifer! I’m sorry! I-this isn’t-it’s-
As the Prince struggles to get an excuse it, Jennifer turns and runs away in tears. Emily and the Prince share a concerned look.
INT. KITCHEN - AFTERNOON - PRESENT
Aleksander enters the kitchen to find INGE, the cook, pulling her skirt down.
INGE
King Aleksander! Hello! What brings him down to this level of castle? You were not happy with the last night’s feast? Goose is belief to be delicacy in these parts after all, and-
ALEKSANDER
No, that’s not it at all, Inge. It was actually very tasty.
INGE
Oh, good! I am glad to hear! I tried marinating it in mead, actually, so you were probably pick up on the honey flavor, but I always throw include a few fresh peppers in the-
ALEKSANDER
Actually, Inge, I’ve got a question for you. About um....about some of the-former inhabitants of this castle.
INGE
Oh, certain, my lord! What can do for you?
ALEKSANDER
I wanted you to tell me about Emily.
Inge sits down slowly.
INGE
Emily...Emily was a sweet girl, she was. Her skin, it was like snow, and she was so graceful-she was dancer, Aleksander-and she loved the poetry. She loved to read and to write it, and sometimes-sometimes she would speak in the verse. She were a pretty girl, but strange. It verses were beautiful, very beautiful, they were always...how do you say, different. Stranger, but sad.
ALEKSANDER
Tell me what happened after that. Before she died.
INGE
The Prince, he drove her to crazy. He loved her, promised her the marrying, but her father spied her on him.
ALEKSANDER
Pardon?
INGE
In secrets she tell her father what the Prince is doing, what he is thinking, so the Prince, he cast her aside. He takes her flower and he push it away, and it drove her to mad.
Aleksander struggles for a moment to decipher this last statement.
ALEKSANDER
Okay, and, uh, what can you tell me about Jennifer?
INGE
(laughing)
The Prince were handsome boy. All the girls like him-Jennifer were one of them.
ALEKSANDER
She were-was, she was?
INGE
Oh yes. But it was sh-sh. No Prince can love a servant, no, and soon, he leave her, for Emily, no less, after making promise to her. Same promise he make to Emily later on.
ALEKSANDER
Okay, and uh, one last thing, Inge. Before you start dinner, you know. Do you believe in ghosts?
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Aleksander sits at the head of the table, falling asleep and looking bored, while Mr. Callan entertains the Advisors. Harry also seated around the table.
MR. CALLAN
Clearly, we cannot just sit on this land forever. Rather, our mission here, as far as I am concerned, is to assert a certain level of self-reliance amongst the people and economy- under our influence, of course-and to establish a steady surplus of resources and a consistent trade partner for our home country and King. Last month’s tax increase will further enable us to assist the natives, but they cannot rely on us forever. In order to secure the kingdom’s independence, we need to find a way to increase the quantity of goods exported monthly.
ADVISOR 3
Callan, that requires much more labor than we have available to us, and considering the late frost and even later rainfall this past year, crop production is already promised to suffer quite a bit.
MR. CALLAN
Hence, the new education bill I’ve proposed. By allowing the children to finish their schooling earlier, even by several years, they will be able to assist in the labor force sooner. Parents won’t have to worry about children during the months they are out of school, because they won’t be. And of course, we can then re-allocate the education budget cuts to more...important things.
ALEKSANDER
They broke my statue.
ADVISOR 2
But that doesn’t change the fact that only a limited number of crops were prepared for this fiscal year. We can’t miraculously plant more seeds on such a short notice. That would push the ripening season back into the colder months-
ADVISOR 1
Thus setting next year’s even further back
ADVISOR 2
Correct, in addition to the aforementioned difficulties involved in making more raw materials magically appear in the first place.
HARRY
Can we talk about the whole lowering education standards part first?
ADVISOR 1
No.
ALEKSANDER
(louder, whinier)
They broke my fucking statue!
MR. CALLAN
Aleksander, now is not the time.
ALEKSANDER
Now is absolutely the fucking time! They tore it to the ground! I tried creating some thing pleasing, some thing to rally the people together with, and they tore it down! Meanwhile, all you guys have done for the last hour and a half is bicker about kids and potatoes, and quite frankly I don’t give a shit about either one. We’ve got the money since your little tax increase went into effect anyway, so we might as well put it some good use.
MR. CALLAN
That is quite enough, young man.
ALEKSANDER
No, it’s not, because-lest you forget, Mr. Callan-I’m the King. I’m supposed to be making all the big executive decisions here.
MR. CALLAN
And what have you done so far, Aleksander? Hrm?
(beat)
You shouldn’t need a statue of yourself to bring the people all together, Aleksander. A true leader knows how to take advantage of the time that follows tragedy and unite the people in mourning and pride. And what have you done?
HARRY
The Massacre that happened here is not a political crutch!
MR. CALLAN
Oh, but it was. Before poor Aleksander let the opportunity escape.
ADVISOR 2
Wait a minute-
HARRY
You’re trying to dumb down my people.
ADVISOR 2
(more urgent)
Wait a minute-
HARRY
You want to make them all subservient and ignorant.
ADVISOR 2
Be quiet for a moment! Perhaps Aleksander does have a point, Mr. Callan.
ALEKSANDER
Thank you! At least someone listens to the fucking King!
MR. CALLAN
Quiet, boy.
Aleksander gets riled for a moment but is cut off by the Advisor’s speaking. Emily then appears in the room, dancing around and on top of the table, although no music is heard. Only Aleksander notices her, and her dance captivates him and distracts him from the conversation.
ADVISOR 2
Perhaps it would be best to create some kind of rallying point for the people. Make them trust us. Make them welcome us.
MR. CALLAN
Why? To what end?
ADVISOR 2
Because, Mr. Callan, they would then be more susceptible to any change we might enforce in years to come. We don’t want the people to be constantly resisting our control.
MR. CALLAN
That’s why it’s called control, Mister-
HARRY
No, he’s right. It’s just going to be more difficult for you to accomplish all the things you want to do if the people are against it. You need to appease them somehow, make them feel as if you’re working in their favor. Which, you know, I’m sure you aren’t, but still, you need to create the illusion.
(beat. All eyes on Aleksander)
ALEKSANDER
Oh. Harry, you actually had something moderately intelligent to say. Gentlemen, as my dear friend has demonstrated, a statue is a great idea.
ADVISOR 1
But not a statue of you.
ALEKSANDER
Pardon?
ADVISOR 2
Harry said that we need something that appeals to the people. Something progressive, but still reminiscent of the way things were.
MR. CALLAN
This is ridiculous.
ALEKSANDER
It might be, Mr. Callan, but at least productive, and not dreadfully boring. So everyone get to brainstorming, we’ll reconvene tomorrow and we’ll call it a day.

ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Wonderful.
I’ll see you gentlemen tomorrow.
With a cocky smirk, Aleksander turns to exit. Emily is waiting at the door him and motions for him to walk through, smiling seductively.
INT. DINING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Advisor 2 sits at the long feast table, eating some kind of meat directly off the bone. He is not at either head or in the center, but rather, he has arbitrarily situated himself along the side. Inge stands behind him with her hand on his chair. Aleksander knocks on the molding of the doorway and enters the room.
ALEKSANDER
Excuse me?
Advisor 2 perks up and sees Aleksander. Inge takes her hand away from the chair and tries to act inconspicuous.
INGE
Yes, sir. I-I hope that turkey baste good from the marinate I make for-I will go now.
Inge turns to leave.
ALEKSANDER
No, Inge. It’s fine. You can stay.
She stops and stands ready by the door to the kitchen.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
(to Advisor 2)
Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something quickly.
Advisor 2 finishes chewing and swallowing his food as quickly as he can before answering.
ADVISOR 2
Yes, Aleksander?
Aleksander takes a seat beside him. Emily waltzes across the table in the background.
ALEKSANDER
Okay, so earlier, we were talking about the statue-my statue or any other number of statues, really-about ways to appeal to the people more.
Advisor 2 mumbles an affirmative response with his mouth full of mood. Emily bends over to look at the food on the plate and tries to take it. Aleksander picks off the plate instead with his fingers, examines a piece of food, and pops it in his mouth.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
What if...What if we did something to show unity between the new governing body and the old? Show them together, you know, the new and the old. The past and the future. What do you think?
ADVISOR 2
What are you suggesting, Aleksander? We have a statue of your father and their old King shaking hands? Should we have the sculptor put the knives in the front or the back?
Advisor 2 goes back to eating. Some of his food is cold now.
ALEKSANDER
Not like that. Something like...Harry and I, breaking ground, forging a new future.
ADVISOR 2
Harry? That Neanderthal that we let sit in at our conferences? I think it’s fairly common knowledge that you boys hardly get along.
ALEKSANDER
Right, we don’t have quite the same relationship as, say, you and Inge.
Advisor 2 chokes on his food for a moment. Inge shifts uncomfortable and bows her head down.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Right, then. I’ll leave you two alone now.
He takes another bite of Advisor 2’s food with his fingers.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
My regards to the Chef!
Aleksander winks at Inge and leaves; Emily follows, but not before reaching for the food and making the whole plate cold. Once they are gone, Advisor 2 groans and then gets back to eating, noticing that his entire meal has gone cold. Inge waits for a moment awkwardly and then heads back into the kitchen.
EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - AFTERNOON
Aleksander is in the garden having a glass of wine. He finds himself frequently turning his attention back towards the branch from which Emily fell-curiously, it is once again intact. Emily appears behind him, massaging his shoulders which just sends a chill through his body. Harry happens upon Aleksander during this.
HARRY
Aleksander? Aleksander, it’s Harry.
Surprised, Aleksander quickly shrugs Emily away from his shoulders and turns around to face Harry.
ALEKSANDER
Harry, what can I do for you?
HARRY
Well, first of all, I wanted to thank you for giving me a chance to speak this morning.
ALEKSANDER
Don’t worry about it. Anything to shut Mr. Callan up, even if only for a second.
HARRY
Yes, well...the other thing I wanted to talk to you about...

ALEKSANDER
Well, Harry? What is it?
HARRY
Has anyone told you about the Prince’s lover?
ALEKSANDER
No, why? Is she single? Kidding.
(beat)
Oh, sorry. Sensitivity, right. Did you want a drink, Harry?
HARRY
She’s dead, Aleksander. She drowned, not long before the massacre and your arrival.
ALEKSANDER
Well, talk about ill-timed jokes.
HARRY
Her name was Emily.
ALEKSANDER
Emily? How-how did she die?
Aleksander notices that Emily is no longer standing near him. She is several yards past Harry now, dancing and frolicking towards the stream.
HARRY
I just said that she drowned, Aleksander. Weren’t you listening?
ALEKSANDER
No, I wasn’t actually, but now you’ve got my attention.
HARRY
She drowned down there. Supposedly she was dancing on a tree branch or some nonsense, and fell. She hit her head on a rock and drowned. Most people think it was a suicide though.
ALEKSANDER
...Suicide?
Emily appears behind Harry, sticking her head out over his shoulder, feigning shock, and continues gallivanting.
HARRY
Yes. She-the girl was more than just a little bit unstable for a number of reasons, and with the Prince intent on speaking to ghosts and getting revenge, I think it pushed her past the breaking point.
ALEKSANDER
I see...and what does this have to do with me, Harry?
HARRY
Nothing, my lord. Well, that’s not entirely true. Jennifer...she had a frightening experience last night.
ALEKSANDER
Please be aware that I’m actually going to forego the opportunity at this moment to make a joke about your sex life.
Emily is beside Aleksander once again, massaging and touching him with his own hand.
HARRY
She thinks it may have a ghost, Aleksander.
Aleksander takes control of his hand once again. Emily is clearly unhappy with the lack of attention being paid to her by Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER
Damn it, Harry, what did I tell you? No more ghost stories. They’re ridiculous, Harry, and you saw first hand what happened last time someone spoke of spirits in this castle.
HARRY
I’m sorry, my lord, I just...Emily, the girl you claimed to be with last night, who just disappeared all the sudden?
ALEKSANDER
Harry...don’t say it...
She disappears, although the audience should think for a moment that we are just seeing the scene from Harry’s point of view. Aleksander realizes that she is gone.
HARRY
Damn it, Aleksander, this can’t be just coincidence! Look at what’s happened! Look at what’s happening!
(beat)
ALEKSANDER
Do you see that tree over there? That branch right there, jutting out across the water? Last night, I-I saw Emily from the balcony, dancing along that tree branch. I knew that it was going to break, so I ran out here to help her. The branch snapped, and I caught her just in time before she hit the water. At least...I think I caught her. I was a little drunk at the time, but the whole thing was just...kind of...something wasn’t right about it. I don’t know.
HARRY
Don’t you get it, Aleksander? It was her. It was Emily.
ALEKSANDER
No, no. I don’t do ghost stories, Harry. I’ll admit, it was all a little strange, but there’s no way in hell that she’s a ghost. Some kind of wacky performance artist, maybe, but not a fucking ghost. Besides, why the hell would she be interested in Jennifer?
HARRY
Because she was Emily’s chambermaid, Aleksander. And she was with the Prince before Emily stole him away.
Harry, storms away, leaving Aleksander alone in the garden once more. He looks over towards the branch once more.

EXT. CASTLE GARDEN - DUSK
Aleksander stands alone waiting beneath the tree from which Emily fell.
ALEKSANDER
Why this tree?
Emily appears seemingly from behind the tree.
EMILY
But wherefore why and then the tree, my dear sweet Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER
What the hell does that even mean? Why did you pick this tree, Emily?
EMILY
I could never but such do a thing as find you right where you would be.
ALEKSANDER
This is the tree you fell from when you died, isn’t it?
EMILY
Death is only ever something else that swiftly comes.
Emily reaches her hand through Aleksander shoulder and her arm disappears into his body. She breathes into his ear-we see her cold breathe, and Aleksander shivers. He begins to feel himself up, and enjoys it immensely for a moment until he realizes he’s doing it to himself. Startled, he pulls away from her; we see her arm slide out from inside his body.
ALEKSANDER
Is that how you did it?
EMILY
I did nothing but for you.
ALEKSANDER
Can you just give me a straight answer, Emily?
EMILY
Straight is but a line that only once will ever be.
ALEKSANDER
Emily. Why this tree?
EMILY
Childly, I softly tilled this soil on my own.
ALEKSANDER
So you planted the tree. Why couldn’t you just say that?
(beat)
Why are you here, Emily? Why me?
EMILY
The words are much simple there than that you might have expected, Aleksander. Love. For I once thought I was in love before, but it was not enough. But there’s a certain everything I want that you can give, if I give to you, and how I think you would.
Emily lays a passionate kiss on Aleksander.
PULL BACK to reveal that Mr. Callan has been watching the scene; of course, as far as he can tell, Aleksander is getting really into making out with thin air. He watches for a moment, then turns and walks back into the castle.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - MORNING
Aleksander catches Harry before the meeting. He is with Jennifer.
ALEKSANDER
Harry, can I have a moment?
HARRY
(uninterested)
What?
ALEKSANDER
Listen, Harry...
Aleksander pulls Harry aside so that they may speak in private. He is constantly looking around for anyone that might listen, but he is especially cautious of Emily.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Can you-drop the whole “ghost” thing?
HARRY?
Drop it?
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, like, not bring it up in public places type thing?
HARRY
Sometimes I get the feeling that you don’t have the slightest bit of respect for me, your highness.
Harry turns and angrily walks away back towards Jennifer.
ALEKSANDER
No, no! Harry, that’s-that’s not what I mean. I just worry that not everybody takes so well to things that go bump in the night, you know? We wouldn’t want old Mr. Callan to have a heart attack from a little scare now would we?
(beat)
Yes. Yes, we would actually. Does he have a heart to attack?
HARRY
Don’t chastise me, Aleksander. Just because I’ve grown up in this place doesn’t mean I’m idiot. I know what I have seen, I know what I have heard, and I know that this is cause for serious concern. I am a firsthand witness to the chaos and calamity that these unsettled spirits cause when-
ALEKSANDER
Shut the fuck up! Can you quit it with the long-winded classical bull shit? Harry, I believe you.
HARRY
You do?
ALEKSANDER
Harry-yes! I just-she’s a ghost, okay? I figured it out myself, that she’s not really there. Or, she is really there, just dead and all untouchable. And Jennifer-I think you might have something to do with it.
JENNIFER
Pardon me?
Harry punches Aleksander and knocks him to the ground.
HARRY
How dare you come here and insult with my wife.
Aleksander wipes the blood from his lip as he tries to verbally defend himself.
ALEKSANDER
I’m not insulting anybody! Christ, Harry, for someone that keeps bitching about respect, you’re sure quick to throw a punch.
JENNIFER
The situation with Emily was...sensitive, to say the least.
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, so I heard.
HARRY
And what did you hear, exactly?
ALEKSANDER
Relax! I just heard that you got some sloppy seconds, that’s all.
Jennifer, disgusted, storms away. Harry clenches his fists, silently threatening Aleksander once more, and follows Jennifer.
Aleksander gets up off the ground to follow after them.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
No, that’s-I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.
JENNIFER
You’re a pig, Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, so I’ve been told. Just-listen, the point is-I believe you. And I’m not sure what to do about it, but I just don’t think we should bring it up in public very much, you know?
HARRY
So you insult my wife, and then expect us to forget about it?
ALEKSANDER
First of all, if anything, I was insulting you. Second of all...I don’t know, we just can’t be talking about this. Everyone’s going to think we’re crazy.
HARRY
Just the way you thought about the Prince?
(pause)
ALEKSANDER
Yeah. Just like that, actually.
Harry takes Jessica to walk away.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Look, I-I know you don’t like me very much-I can be kind of insensitive prick, so it makes sense-and I know my timing could not possibly have been worse for taking over, but that’s just the way it is, and I’m asking for your help here. Ghosts sound crazy, Harry. And when you’re the ruler of a country telling ghost stories to your cabinet-which, mind you, is already suffering from an incredible lack of faith in you, and well, all things with decency and humanity-it just gets a little complicated. You understand, right?
HARRY
I suppose. You still could do without insulting my wife or myself.
ALEKSANDER
I said I’m sorry! Alright! What else do you want from me?
HARRY
There are some changes I’d like to see around here. Maybe you could ask for, and even listen to, my ideas for once. Believe it or not, I’ve actually got a good idea of how this country works.
ALEKSANDER
I can do that, Harry. Just-help me take care of this? I mean, as far as I can tell, it’s kind of her fault, right? Unfinished business and all that?
JENNIFER
Oh, I believe my business with Emily had a rather finite ending, your highness.
HARRY
Aleksander-you said that you first saw her by the stream. That’s where she committed suicide-if that’s what she did.
ALEKSANDER
Okay...your point?
HARRY
You must have somehow broken her cycle of penance or something, when you saved her from falling, or at least tried to.
ALEKSANDER
So this is my fault now? I’m not the one she’s mad at!
(aside)
You can trust me on that...
JENNIFER
Yes, but you are the one brought the ghost into our lives when you disturbed her spirit.
ALEKSANDER
I didn’t disturb her! I tried to help her! She disturbed me! All I wanted to do was sleep, and she wouldn’t let me! They call that rape in some circles, you know.
Harry and Jennifer looked at him with skepticism as Emily comes out from behind a wall.
EMILY
My love is hide away.
ALEKSANDER
Yes...well, let’s deal with this later then, shall we? Wonderful. Harry, I will, uh-I’ll see you in about an hour? Great. And Jennifer, I-I’m sure I’ll see you around.
Aleksander exits, leaving Harry and Jennifer alone together.
JENNIFER
I told, Harry. He is a strange, strange boy.
HARRY
I can’t believe this is happening.
(beat)
Did you hear what he said about...?
INT. DINING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Aleksander sits at the head of the table, eating alone. Inge puts his food in front of him and walks away. Emily dances on the table and explores the room, trying to entertain or appeal to Aleksander, who just continues eating, deep in thought. Emily notices that Aleksander seems to be ignoring her, and just se she does, Mr. Callan walks into the room, and takes a seat at the table as well.
MR. CALLAN
Hello, Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER
Can it wait? I’m kind of eating.
Aleksander goes back to eating, occasionally glancing up at Emily, equally intrigued and annoyed.
MR. CALLAN
Oh, certainly. It’s nothing of real importance.
Mr. Callan gets up to leave the room.
MR. CALLAN (CONT’D)
I was just wondering what you were doing down by the stream last night...
Aleksander looks at Emily, then to Mr. Callan, and back down at his food. He looks back up only to answer Mr. Callan.
ALEKSANDER
Fuck you.
Aleksander continues eating.
MR. CALLAN
Have a good day, my lord.
Mr. Callan smiles and walks out of the room.
EMILY
Voyeurism. A strange, strange, it is.
Aleksander looks up at her one last time, and continues eating.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - LATE AFTERNOON
Harry and Jennifer walking back to their room, past the paintings that Aleksander previously showed Emily.
MR. CALLAN (O.C.)
Harry! My dear friend!
Harry and Jennifer stop, reluctantly, as Mr. Callan joins them.
HARRY
Good morning, Callan.
MR. CALLAN
And Jessica! You look as ravishing as ever, my dear.
JENNIFER
Jennifer.
MR. CALLAN
Right. Jennifer
Callan smiles like a creep. Harry and Jennifer keep walking.
MR. CALLAN (CONT’D)
(beat)
Tell me, Harry, how is the day treating you thus far?
HARRY
Well, I-
MR. CALLAN
Wonderful. I just saw you conversing with our young King Aleksander a moment ago.
HARRY
Okay...
MR. CALLAN
Well, I just as curious as to the topic of your conversation. Aleksander has-been acting rather strangely, lately, don’t you agree?
Harry and Jennifer exchange a knowing and concerned glance.
HARRY
He hasn’t been acting any differently than he usually does.
JENNIFER
Which is to say, still pretty different.
MR. CALLAN
Yes, well. I would ask that you would inform me of any-strange behavioral shifts of which you might take note. Harry, about what were you two speaking exactly? What I observed, it seemed rather intense.
HARRY
You were spying on us?
Jennifer attempts to calm Harry down and cover for him.
JENNIFER
Harry was just brainstorming some ideas he had with Aleksander. He’s really a brilliant thinker, my husband. When he is given the chance to be.
MR. CALLAN
Is that so? Would you care to inform me of this brilliant idea you had, Mr. Tudyk?
HARRY
Well, uh, we were discussing Aleksander’s plans for his-his unity model. You know, to appeal to the people without using a massacre as a crutch.
(beat)
We were discussing the idea that, perhaps some kind of peace or camaraderie between he and I might look good. Since I was the Prince’s best friend before he died, I may as well continue in such a capacity.
MR. CALLAN
I see.
JENNIFER
They also thought of ways to put the surplus from your tax increase to good use...
HARRY
It was just some dialogue, a little brainstorming. Nothing substantial.
MR. CALLAN
Well, the boy is prone to his rash decisions.
(beat)
I’ll leave you two be, then. Harry, I will see you shortly. Jessica, always a pleasure.
JENNIFER
Jennifer.
MR. CALLAN
Yes, well, so long!
He exits.
HARRY
I really hate that man.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Aleksander sits at his desk, signing and signet-stamping paperwork once again, devoid of all enthusiasm. Piano music (similar to the song heard previously in Harry’s chamber) begins playing softly.
ALEKSANDER
Would you-
The music stops playing.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
-stop that. Sorry, I have difficulty concentrating when there’s music playing.
He turns around to look at the piano; there is no one standing near it.
EMILY (O.C.)
And thus do I direct my deepest and my dearest shivers of remorse towards your heart, my lord.
Aleksander turns back around to find Emily sitting seductively on his desk.
ALEKSANDER
If you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of work to do.
Aleksander waits for Emily to move off of his desk, eyes pleading silently. Finally he gives up, and gets back to his paperwork, signing and sealing and stamping and working through Emily’s ethereal form.
EMILY
The wax’ed finger and your darkly quill play softly on my skin.
ALEKSANDER
You don’t have skin, Emily. You’re a ghost.
EMILY
My lord, it is simply not of I to still such think that your hope for silence prays exasperate upon the lever lain between the tenses.
(beat)
Perhaps, then, are the tenses that are tensing ever tightly more instilled intently deep in you.
ALEKSANDER
Would you knock it off with your poetic bull shit, and your crazy little terms? I’m just-
Aleksander stops and takes a deep breathe; he calms slightly.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
It’s been a hell of a day-hell of a week, really-and I’m just a little tired.
EMILY
Then let us hide our heads and flesh beneath the dark and sparkled blanket of the night.
ALEKSANDER
Emily, I can’t. I have lot of shit to get done right now before the trip. Sometimes, Mr. Callan likes to take things into his own hands without actually conferring with me first. Old bastard needs to know his god damn purpose.
Aleksander gets back to work.
EMILY
He only wears the thorns and pulls them deeper, deeper towards his other temple’s skull. But where you speak, he does not see the crown that rests upon your head and ever-chair majesty that rests beneath your weight. Support as such, his body has not known.
Aleksander ignores her and keeps working.
EMILY (CONT’D)
In the while, what I mean to stumble on is the dying drip of nature in its world.
A loud clap of thunder is heard outside, startling Aleksander. Heavy rain begins to fall.
EMILY (CONT’D)
For when a reign falls, it falls because it must. Because the clouds that keep it floating safely up above collapse, and send it spiralled down.
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, well, it’s a long drop.
EMILY
Step outside with me and feel the rain.
ALEKSANDER
Emily, I can’t, I-
There is a knock at the door, and Inge enters.
INGE
Good evening, highness. I have brought the toddy hot like asked before.
ALEKSANDER
Inge! Thank you! You can-you can just put right here, thanks.
Inge walks towards Aleksander’s desk. He sees that she is about to walk in to Emily and tries to warn her, but Inge keeps walking right through her; when she emerges on the other side of Emily, she shivers. She reaches the desk and puts the tea cup and saucer down.
INGE
Apologies, lord, but it seems to have the toddy cold and not the hot.
ALEKSANDER
That’s fine, Inge. Don’t worry about it.
INGE
No, I bring you the hot. Here is cold, yes? And the rain come-when come the rain? Kings cannot get the sickness, no.
ALEKSANDER
Really, Inge, it’s-
INGE
I close the window. Cannot have the cold be getting King!
She moves to close the windows and the blinds.
INGE (CONT’D)
Has not rained like in long time, Aleksander. Perhaps is sign of King, yes? Make a thing grow, keep fresh and green and living, yes!
ALEKSANDER
Maybe.
He smiles, and looks over at Emily.
INGE
I go now, and when return, I bring the hot, yes? Bye bye now.
She leaves.
ALEKSANDER
It’s still hard to believe that I’m a King. I don’t think that I’ll ever quite get used to it.
EMILY
Our bodies can at times deceive us, Aleksander. For sometimes, what is in the blood does not come from the heart.
Lightning crashes, and Emily disappears. Aleksander looks outside through the rain and sees Emily walk across the branch above the stream again. This time, however, she stops and turns towards Aleksander, smiling both seductively and evilly, before she continues her descent.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
Harry and Jennifer are both sleeping soundly. Emily floats into the room and hovers above the bed; both Harry and Jennifer adjust and fight for sheets as they feel suddenly colder. Emily kisses Jennifer on the forehead, and Jennifer sits up, quickly and suddenly. She glances around the room, finding nothing, before rejoining Harry in sleep.
INT. SCULPTOR’S STUDIO - DAY
Aleksander enters to find the Sculptor hard at work. Sculptor does not notice him at first.
ALEKSANDER
Excuse me...?
SCULPTOR
Yes, what can I do for you, my lord?
ALEKSANDER
I just wanted to talk with you, about an idea I had.
SCULPTOR
Oh? Another rendition of your likelihood, perhaps? Certainly, I will do whatever work that I’m commissioned to, but...considering what happened last time, I’m not sure it’s what you’d want.
ALEKSANDER
No, I understand. That’s why I wanted to talk to you, about a way to make it appeal to the people, rather than, ya know, revolt them.
SCULPTOR
Your highness, please don’t take offense at this, but-
ALEKSANDER
It’s okay. I’m well aware of the general opinion of the public towards me, don’t worry. That’s why I wanted to get your opinion on this-see what you can do, you know? Something...something that pays homage to the past, but offers a...progressive prospect.
SCULPTOR
I see. Well, what did you have in mind?
Suddenly, Emily appears to Aleksander and he extends his hand towards her.
ALEKSANDER
Shall we?
Emily smiles and takes his hand. The Sculptor looks puzzledd.
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY
Mr. Callan sits at his desk, looking through paperwork, in an otherwise barren, stonewall room devoid of life or personality. Advisor 1 stands in the corner, looking out a window or perhaps reading a book. Harry enters through the door.
HARRY
You wanted to see me, Mr. Callan?
MR. CALLAN
Harry, my boy, come in. Please, take a seat. How are you today, Harold?
HARRY
I’m fine, sir.
MR. CALLAN
Wonderful. Could I interest you in some tea, perhaps? Anything?
HARRY
I’m fine-Mr. Callan, are you alright?
MR. CALLAN
Absolutely! Dear Mr. Tudyk, why would you possibly think that something was wrong?
(to Advisor 1)
Would you mind fetching tea for us both? Thank you.
Advisor 1 exits.
HARRY
Forgive me for being surprised but, I’m not used to you feigning compassion for other human beings unless you’ve got some other agenda in mind. And even then, you’re not nearly as eerily kind as this.
MR. CALLAN
Ah, Harold. Always with the jokes!
HARRY
I am very much not kidding. You’re a terrible human being.
MR. CALLAN
(deadpan)
Well, I’m glad you could join us today.
Advisor 1 re-enters and places tea in front of Harry and Mr. Callan.
HARRY
I said I didn’t-
MR. CALLAN
We have some business to discuss with you.
ADVISOR 1
A proposition, really.
MR. CALLAN
One that we think would interest you, and one that might require your unique talents.
HARRY
I assume that you’re referring to my scintillating wit?
MR. CALLAN
Always with the jokes.
HARRY
Get on with it.
ADVISOR 1
Aleksander is-
MR. CALLAN
I spoke to you earlier about my concerns regarding our young King.
HARRY
Right. When you were spying on my wife and I.
ADVISOR 1
Aleksander’s stability has frightened us as of late.
HARRY
Well, he’s a nut alright.
ADVISOR 1
And unfortunately, an unstable King could spell disaster for a country that is already in the midst of a volatile transition.
MR. CALLAN
You’ve spoken enough with the boy, Harold. You’re aware of his hot-headed nature, his disregard for all responsibility and his frequent abuses of power.
HARRY
Such as?
ADVISOR 1
The boy is grossly under qualified to rule a country.

HARRY
Well, no shit. But how do I relate to this at all?
ADVISOR 1
Because we trust you, Harry.
HARRY
You trust me? I didn’t think you knew I had a voice until a week ago.
MR. CALLAN
But now we’ve heard that voice, Mr. Tudyk. We’ve heard the courage and the brilliance behind it.
ADVISOR 1
We’d like you to kill Aleksander.
EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY
Jennifer stands in front of Emily’s grave stone.
JENNIFER
I thought that we gave up this ghost.
Yet again, she feels a sudden chill.
JENNIFER (CONT’D)
Emily? That’s you, isn’t it.
Emily appears, though Jennifer cannot see or hear her.
EMILY
Indeed, although I might suppose I’m hardly but a thought of what I were.
JENNIFER
I wish-I wish that I could at least see you right now, Emily.
EMILY
Still I haven’t got the flesh for you to feel or for to see.
JENNIFER
I wish that I knew why you always creep around here, and-why you always make me cold.
EMILY
Ever can I only speak in flesh for he that saved me, in not knowing what’s to come. Just as I am alive when I am found but to be sure.
(beat)
Would that I could whisper words remorseful on the wind.
JENNIFER
When you betrayed me, Emily-when you stole the Prince’s heart from me, with your snow white skin and your strange little poems.
EMILY
You mentioned not my fleet of foot
Emily does a little dance.
JENNIFER
It took me so long to get over that. Harry, he helped me. He listened, and he cared, and eventually, I moved on. With him, no less. I just-I never thought that I’d be haunted by that memory again.
EMILY
A haunt of which was not a-wait for you and you alone, but for an intimate response that we had shared between our throes.
JENNIFER
I wish that you would tell me what you want, what I can do, and just move on. Everything is different now, and I-I just want to put that ghost to rest. I always thought it was, but I was wrong.
EMILY
Both our ways were wronged, my lady Jennifer-but I’ve the heart un-beat to make it right as I must do.
She disappears.
JENNIFER
So, are you going to say anything?
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
HARRY
You want me to murder someone?
MR. CALLAN
It has come to our attention that we simply cannot trust him as a ruler. But unfortunately, the laws of a monarchy dictate that position.
HARRY
So you want me to kill him?
ADVISOR 1
It’s the only way to ensure the placement of a more adequate ruler in his place.
MR. CALLAN
It’s the only way to secure the future and longevity of this kingdom.
ADVISOR 1
Think of your homeland.
HARRY
Look, I understand your concerns, but-murder? There are other ways to go about this, even-
MR. CALLAN
Aleksander is insane, Mr. Tudyk. He’s lost his mind!
(beat)
The other day, I saw him standing alone by the stream, speaking and groping with no one at all. I do believe that the King was seeing ghosts.
(beat)
HARRY
Well, that’s a twist.
INT. CASTLE CORRIDOR - DAY
Aleksander and Emily walk hand-in-hand through the Castle.
MR. CALLAN (O.S.)
Aleksander, there you are! I’ve been looking all over for you!
Mr. Callan joins Aleksander; he notices Aleksander’s hand held as if it were holding another hand, but does not see Emily attached to it.
ALEKSANDER
So do you pretty much just lurk around every hallway waiting for someone to pass by? Because this happens a lot.
MR. CALLAN
I was just checking in with you to be certain that you’ll be ready to leave in the morning.
ALEKSANDER
Bags are packed and I’m ready to go.
MR. CALLAN
Excellent. Your Uncle cannot wait to see you.
ALEKSANDER
I’m sure.
Aleksander and Emily keep walking. Harry is hidden from their sight behind a wall with a knife.
EMILY
Aleksander, there is something I would like to show you before your departure in the morning.
ALEKSANDER
What is it?
EXT. MARKETPLACE - DUSK
Aleksander walks with Emily through the city streets outside the castle. It is the end of the day, and all the street stands are closing down. Dirty children run and play, two of which almost knock Aleksander over. Most of the people are lower middle class, with a few extremities. Aleksander looks around in astonishment, eventually stopping at one of the stands.
ALEKSANDER
How much for a pomegranate?
(to Emily)
Would you care for a pomegranate?
EMILY
No thank you. I have not the stomach for them.
ALEKSANDER
Fair enough. Just one, then. How much is it?
SHOPOWNER
Seventy.
ALEKSANDER
Seventy! You, sir, are a very expensive fruit dealer.
Aleksander searches through his pocket and eventually pulls out a large bill.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
There you go then, I guess.
(to Emily)
Think of all the wine I could have bought with that! If I paid for wine, I mean. Seventy for a pomegranate.
EMILY
The price as paid was in and of the native coin, my dear, and not of yours.
Aleksander sees the Shopowner staring at the bill in shock, awe, and excitement.
ALEKSANDER
But that’s-I made that illegal. You can’t trade in that currency any more. Give me that!
He grabs the bill back from the furious Shopowner, who begins screaming at him. Ad lib.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
You over charged me!
EMILY
The paper mark, when in his hand, means far more than it could to you.
ALEKSANDER
You’ve got a point, I guess.
He hands the bill back the Shopowner, who takes it and continues yelling.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
But just for that, I’m taking a few of these kumquats. Deal?
The Shopowner ignores him and keeps yelling.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Deal.
Emily and Aleksander continue walking through the streets.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Why does it smell like shit?
EMILY
It’s the death of the ocean, death of the sea. Waves that crash and kill me.
A nearby shop owner is selling fish, clearly putrid and rotting after having been sitting out in the sun all day.
ALEKSANDER
What are we doing out here anyway?
EMILY
The governing body please should know the bodies that it governs, as a King should the kingdom where he sits.
ALEKSANDER
So far I’m getting putrid smells, greedy beggar merchants, and children that don’t bathe enough and can therefore be categorized under putrid smells as well. I think I’ve seen enough.
EMILY
We are here.
They approach a small house, shabbily constructed and worn with age, and stand outside the window.
ALEKSANDER
Well, thanks for that astute observation. Is that Jennifer?
Aleksander looks in the window and sees Jennifer having a meal in a small home with an older man and woman, and eight more children/young adults, ranging from Jennifer’s age to about 9 years old. The inside of the house is plain, but very welcoming nonetheless. It is comfortable, but based on the number of inhabitants, it is certainly overcrowded, and the decor is reflective of a low but livable income that grasps for signs of culture and class. Jennifer looks up and sees Aleksander. She excuses herself from the table to get up and open the door.
JENNIFER
Aleksander? What are you doing here?
ALEKSANDER
What are we doing-I, what am I doing here?
JENNIFER
Thats...what I just asked.
(beat)
ALEKSANDER
Surprise?
INT. JENNIFER’S HOME - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS
Jennifer walks back inside with Aleksander in tow.
JENNIFER
...try to come home every once in a while, to see my family. Not that castle living is all that bad, but there’s a certain...warmth here.
She turns her attention to her family, seated around the table.
JENNIFER (CONT’D)
Everyone-this is the King, Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER
Uh, hello.
JENNIFER’S MOTHER
Good evening, your highness. Would you care for some dinner?
Aleksander looks nervously to Jennifer, who nods with acceptance. Her Father is clearly less than excited about this, but he remains silent.
ALEKSANDER
...Yes, yes I would actually. Thank you, your, um, your Madamness.
JENNIFER’S FATHER
You can sit down that end.
He points to the end of the end of the table opposite him, and Aleksander obliges.
Emily, meanwhile, is standing on top of the kitchen table, bent over and looking at the dishes, poking at the food.
EMILY
Carrots. Why do rabbits need to see through darkness?
EXT. CASTLE GATES - MORNING
Aleksander is talking with Mr. Callan as he prepares to leave. Luggage is all around, being loaded into their transportation. Advisor 2 stands nearby. The sky is overcast.
ALEKSANDER
But I thought that you were coming with me.
MR. CALLAN
I was planning on it, my lord, but unfortunately, I’ve other matters to attend to.
ALEKSANDER
Such as?
MR. CALLAN
It’s nothing of importance.
ALEKSANDER
Once again, you seem to have forgotten that I’m the fucking King.
MR. CALLAN
I’ve never met a King with a tongue quite like yours.
ALEKSANDER
Well, in my kingdom, a King can say whatever he damn well pleases.
MR. CALLAN
Someone must stay behind to take charge, Aleksander. Keep the country running. We couldn’t leave Harold behind without someone to watch him, for example. He’d destroy the place. Besides, I have provided another travelling companion for you.
He motions towards Advisor 2.
ALEKSANDER
Wonderful. Maybe we can bond over the fucked up things that Inge says mid-coitus.
(to Emily)
Are you coming?
EMILY
Alas, my lord, but I cannot. The me you have is bound to such a place as this from which I cannot stray.
ALEKSANDER
So no. Okay then.
ADVISOR 2
Sir...?
ALEKSANDER
Shut up. Let’s go.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - MORNING
Harry is getting changed while Emily sits at her piano, playing sparsely.
HARRY
How was dinner last night?
JENNIFER
It was nice. It’s been a while since I’ve seen them, and it just felt good to be there. Kind of an escape from everything going on here.
HARRY
I’ll bet. No wicked plots and no angry ghosts.
JENNIFER
William has grown quite a bit. You probably wouldn’t even recognize him!
HARRY
You know I wanted to come, Jennifer. But sometimes duty calls.
JENNIFER
Aleksander was there.
(beat)
HARRY
What?
JENNIFER
Aleksander. He came to dinner last night with my family.
HARRY
Did you invite him?
JENNIFER
No, he just...appeared. He showed up at the window, so I invited him in.
HARRY
I’d say it’s rather tasteless for a King to show up invited to another person’s home, but I can’t say it’d be the first time he’s done it.
JENNIFER
Harry, stop. It wasn’t like that. I think-I think Emily had something to do with it. Why are you so hostile towards him again?
HARRY
I’m not hostile.
JENNIFER
He was courteous and polite-surprisingly-and he actually seemed to care.
HARRY
I’ll believe it when I see it.
JENNIFER
But you have seen it! What were you doing last night that was so important anyway?
HARRY
I just had some things to talk over with the council, that’s all.
JENNIFER
You met without Aleksander?
HARRY
Apparently, he was too busy having dinner with you.
JENNIFER
While you were not.
(beat)
HARRY
Jennifer, I’m sorry. I-
Jennifer leaves the room.
EXT. GRAVEYARD - DAY
Harry finds Jennifer standing by Emily’s grave once again. It is still cool and overcast.
HARRY
Jennifer, I’m sorry.
She does not respond.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Jennifer, did you hear me? I said I’m sorry.
JENNIFER
I heard you, Harry.
HARRY
Why do you always come here when you’re upset?
JENNIFER
Something poetic about it, I suppose.
Emily appears, pirouetting on top of her own gravestone. They do not see her.
EMILY
Simpleism. It’s a mark of everything.
HARRY
I understand how important your family is to you, and you know I would have been there-
JENNIFER
I don’t care that you couldn’t make it to dinner last night. I’d have liked you there, but that’s not the point. You’re keeping something from me, Harry. You’re back to holding grudges, and there’s something you’re not telling me.
EMILY
Secrets. Deceit-crets. Lovers left to lose in lies.
HARRY
It’s...it’s complicated, Jennifer.
JENNIFER
So uncomplicate it. Tell me what’s going on.
EMILY
They want his hands to painted red, but he doesn’t. But there’s still a slight appeal to drip a crimson fresh complexion...
HARRY
Jennifer, I can’t do that.
JENNIFER
Why not?
HARRY
Because...because if I do, you’ll hate me.
JENNIFER
Oh, this is making everything so much better.
She turns away from him.
HARRY
Jennifer-they asked me to kill Aleksander.
He brandishes the knife. Jennifer is speechless in shock.
HARRY (CONT’D)
I’ve got a little more than a week to decide.
EXT. UNCLE’S CASTLE - NIGHT
Kelley, the advisor to Aleksander’s Uncle, greets Aleksander and Advisor 2 outside of their castle.
KELLEY
Aleksander! The past few months have been good to you!
ALEKSANDER
Thank you, Kelley.
KELLEY
How was your trip?
ALEKSANDER
Oh, you know. Long, boring, miserable, uncomfortable.
KELLEY
Ha. You look older now, Aleksander. Like you’re actually a man for once.
ALEKSANDER
You don’t look so young yourself.
(beat)
How’s my Uncle doing today? Still walking fine, I hope? I mean, as much as you can with a cane and a bad knee.
KELLEY
(solemnly)
You’ll see him soon enough. And once you do, you can answer that for yourself. Come, follow me, let’s get you settled.
Aleksander and Advisor 2 follow behind Kelley as they walk towards the Castle. When Kelley is enough ahead of them to be out of earshot, Aleksander turns to Advisor 2:
ALEKSANDER
So is it more of a “Ooh yes,” or a “Ooh ja?”
Advisor 2 ignores him and keeps walking, head to the ground.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
(mocking, ad lib)
Oh the baby, ohh Ja, Ja, Give it to me, give to me, Ja.
Advisor 2 walks ahead and catches up with Kelley
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
What?
ADVISOR 2
Have there been any more developments in the Baron Coitere negotiations?
KELLEY
Yes, but not as you’d expect. We’ll discuss it more in depth after you see the King. I think you’ll understand.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - EVENING
Jennifer plays piano; she feels a chill, and Emily appears beside her on the bench. Emily begins to play as well, accompanying Jennifer’s song. She looks to Jennifer and smiles. As Jennifer cannot see Emily, she looks down at the moving ivory and smiles as she plays.
JENNIFER
I never knew I had a player piano.
EMILY
I never knew I could play at all, but I’ve the dainty ten!
The camera pulls back as Jennifer and Emily share this tender moment, and focuses on the knife which ominously rests on the bed stand.
INT. DINING ROOM - EVENING
Mr. Callan is seated at the head of table; a booming belch escapes from his mouth before we even see him. A feast is laid before him, though the other chairs around the table remain undisturbed. He takes small bites from nearly every plate; his cuts are square and precise, almost petite, and he chews with a gross, almost sexual satisfaction. Inge stands nervously across the room, waiting.
MR. CALLAN
Inge. Why do you stand so far away?
INGE
Just to be the ready one, my lord.
MR. CALLAN
My Lord. Yes. Well, come closer, Inge. You needn’t be a stranger in this of all places, you know. This is your kingdom, too.
INGE
Is my kingdom, Lord? No, is the King’s Dom. Aleksander’s Dom, not my dom.
MR. CALLAN
Aleksander is away, and it is not his kingdom until he returns. But regardless, that was not my implication.
A place like this...
Mr. Callan indicates the dining room as a whole.
MR. CALLAN (CONT’D)
...belongs to she whomever lays the feast across the landscape. To she whose art is thy bounty, and like a mother, satisfies her kin.
INGE
Is nice words, yes. Is the satisfaction for you good and well then, Mr. Callan?
MR. CALLAN
It’s almost enough. But you see, Inge, I’ve quite the appetite.
INGE
Yes, we have the appetite good, yes. All table is food of deliciousy (”delicacy”) for appetites.
Mr. Callan strokes Inge’s cheek.
MR. CALLAN
But I’ve tasted all before me on the table, and my appetite desires something...delicate. Delicious.
He pulls her face closer to him.
INGE
I will make the pie. I will bring to you the pie, is good, and I can-
Mr. Callan grabs Inge by the waist and pulls her into him.
MR. CALLAN
The greatest Queen of such a kingdom as yours-she who is always remembered, always revered-should satisfy her people-or a person-in all they might desire.
Mr. Callan kisses Inge violently, pushing her up against the table forcibly. She resists as best she can, and as he presses himself against her even harder, she places hands on the table and accidentally knocks several plates off. At some point here, we notice Emily standing on the table, arms crossed, with a vengeful and disapproving glare. The sound of the plates smashing on the ground startles Mr. Callan for a moment, but just long enough for Inge to squirm free and run out of the room.
MR. CALLAN (CONT’D)
Selfish Whore!
EMILY
A King can do the cruelest things.
Mr. Callan shivers, and Emily sends chairs crashing against the walls. Everything is very haunted house-like. As the wind in the room picks up, Callan’s fork and knife begin to spin in circles on the table, eventually aiming themselves at Mr. Callan.
EMILY (CONT’D)
But a Queen’s revenge is meanest when she means it.
The fork and knife shoot off the table at Mr. Callan and stick in the wall behind him on either side of his head.
HARRY (O.C.)
Callan!
As Harry enters the room, we see that it is completely undisturbed. He finds Callan cowering against the wall. Jennifer cradles and comforts Inge in the doorway.
HARRY (CONT’D)
What the hell just happened here?
Callan stands up cautiously and runs to Harry’s side, begging for mercy.
MR. CALLAN
Something...something attacked me, Harold. I know not what. I was...I was pummelled by this violent gust of wind. It swept through, like a demon storm that-
Harry throws Callan off of him and back to the floor.
HARRY
Don’t touch me, you sick old corpse.
Callan tries for a rebuttal, but is immediately denied.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Shut up. Anything you might have to say, I don’t want to hear it. I don’t want your filthy breath even touching the air. What the hell did you do to Inge?
Callan tries to speak again, but Harry cuts him off.
HARRY (CONT’D)
I said don’t talk.
Harry squats beside Mr. Callan and grabs Callan’s face in his hand, staring Callan down.
HARRY (CONT’D)
You are a cancer. An old, decrepit leech that multiplies through manipulation and refuses to die. A failed tumor that has piggybacked on me, on Aleksander, and on his uncle as little more than a nuisance, than a handicap that we all learn to live with. Try to defend yourself, Callan. Try to justify your actions. It doesn’t matter anymore. You’re a cancer, Mr. Callan, and I’m going to cut you out.
Harry brandishes the knife that Mr. Callan gave him to kill Aleksander. He fingers the edge of the blade, bringing it closer and closer to Callan’s neck. Just as Mr. Callan thinks that Harry’s going to kill him, Harry leaps to his feet and walks away, stabbing the knife into the dining room table as he leaves. Mr. Callan lies on the ground, shaking and breathing heavy, running his fingers in relief across his neck.
Emily picks up a piece of food from the table and tosses it into her mouth.
EMILY
Revenge is sweet after all.
She tastes another bite of food and walks away with a satisfied smirk.
EMILY (CONT’D)
Even when it gets cold.
Naturally, the food she eats goes through her ethereal form and falls to the ground, both bites rolling back towards Mr. Callan, who is undoubtedly spooked.
INT. A HALLWAY IN UNCLE’S CASTLE - DAY
Aleksander walks alongside Kelley.
ALEKSANDER
I understand he’s ill-he’s been sick for years now-but I came here to see my Uncle. I’ve been here three days now-meaning Callan’s been free to wreak havoc back home-and I haven’t seen the man I came to see.
KELLEY
I apologize, Aleksander. It’s just that, given his delicate condition, we’ve been cautious about further agitating-
ALEKSANDER
Richard is the only living family I have left, and while I appreciate all the free food and booze you’ve thrown at me the last few days, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me speak with him.
KELLEY
That’s the problem, actually...
ALEKSANDER
What, are you going to feed me more of that ‘No Bad News, or Uncle Richard has a heart attack’ bullshit? I don’t need your lectures, Kelley. Have some fucking faith in me.
KELLEY
He’s not the one that I’m concerned about. Come on.
ALEKSANDER
Where are we going?
KELLEY
To see your Uncle.
INT. UNCLE’S BEDROOM - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Kelley opens the door and allows Aleksander to walk through first; he follows and closes the door behind him, but chooses to remain standing by the door. Aleksander walks towards his Uncle’s massive and majestic bed. The entire room has a rustic and antique quality about it, a classic and traditional feel of regality. UNCLE is ancient; he sports a massive white beard, but everything else about him is faded and dying. He is hardly able to open his eyes, but we should see that his eyes are bright beyond the slits of their lids. He is laid out on the bed like a Viking in his funeral.
ALEKSANDER
Uncle...? Uncle, it’s me. It’s Aleksander.
UNCLE struggles to open his eyes and shifts slightly towards Aleksander. He moans or tries to speak, but his the sounds are unintelligible. To call his responsiveness subtle is an overstatement.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Uncle, I’m a King. Three whole months I’ve been a King. I guess it’s a not a long, you know, comparatively, but for me, that’s an accomplishment.
(to Kelley)
Can he hear me?
Kelley nods with uncertainty.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
I have my own castle now, Uncle. My own girl. My own ghosts. Well, I guess those can be one in the same. I thought I-
(to Kelley)
He doesn’t understand a word I’m saying, does he?
KELLEY
No, he does, it’s just...His body clearly suffers, but his brain is still intact. He is as perceptive as he ever was. You just wouldn’t think it.
ALEKSANDER
I had hoped to make you proud of me. And since my Father isn’t here, I’d hoped to bring you pride enough for both of you.
Uncle mumbles something softly, and Aleksander leans in to hear him.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
What? I can’t understand you, I-
Aleksander moves his head to right beside his Uncle’s mouth, trying to decipher the whispers
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Robots and what?
(to Kelley)
I can barely even hear him, and he’s hardly making sense when I-
KELLEY
Allow me.
Kelley moves to Uncle’s side and leans in closely.
KELLEY (CONT’D)
My lord, it’s your nephew, Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER
I thought you said he was perceptive?
Kelley shushes him, and leans in even closer to hear what Uncle has to say. Kelley cups his ear, hiding Uncle’s mouth, as he listens.
KELLEY
He says that he thought it was you when you walked in the door, but he was shocked but by how much older and mature you’ve gotten in the past few months.
ALEKSANDER
Oh really? He said all of that, right then?
KELLEY
Well, I’m embellishing a bit. It’s important that a King maintain a certain air of eloquence, even in such a state as this.
(beat)
ALEKSANDER
You’re so full of shit.
KELLEY
I beg your pardon?
ALEKSANDER
Look at him! The old man’s a fucking vegetable! He hardly knows how to breathe, let alone have a conversation, or-or lead a country!
KELLEY
Aleksander, that is quite enough-
ALEKSANDER
Oh, it’s more than enough! You locked my Uncle in his room to let him rot, didn’t you? And then you sent me out on this selfish fucking conquest, saying it was his idea to have me honor my father and have my revenge, but it was you, wasn’t it? You and Callan and all your scheming rat kin.
KELLEY
Aleksander, as a Prince, you are bound by duty to avenge-
ALEKSANDER
I’m not a Prince, Kelley. Not anymore. And my Uncle’s not the tactical genius that he used to be. It’s a low form of life that takes advantage of that.
KELLEY
Well then, “King” Aleksander, what would you have done in our position? You act like you’re some great leader when you’ve hardly been respected for even two months time. We are enslaved to the laws and traditions of this monarchy, archaic though they might be, and we could do nothing without the King’s voice. You, my boy, you were not prepared to step up and take his place. If we had simply waited until he died, then the entire kingdom would have crumbled. We had to do something, or we risked losing everything.
(beat)
ALEKSANDER
My Uncle is a victim. Of you. Of his health. And he’s helpless against it. But I’m not your puppet anymore, Kelley.
Aleksander exits the room, leaving Kelley stunned in silence. Uncle moans something as a small smile sneaks across his face.
INT. UNCLE’S BANQUET ROOM - DAY
Advisor 2 enjoys drinks and conversation with a number of politicos, advisors, and other royal workers. Aleksander storms into the room, interrupting the light social mood with the slam of a door, and grabs Advisor 2 by the shirt collar, holding him up against a wall.
ALEKSANDER
How much did you know about my Uncle?
ADVISOR 2
I-what are you-my Lord? What is going on?
ALEKSANDER
Did you know that he was pretty much a zombie? That they were putting words in his mouth this whole time?
ADVISOR 2
Ow! Aleksander, put me down. I have no idea what you’re talking about.
Aleksander lets Advisor 2 go. The rest of the room still stares in shock, mouths agape.
ALEKSANDER
Grab your things. We’re leaving.
He begins to storm out of the room.
ADVISOR 2
...My Lord?
ALEKSANDER
We’re leaving.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
Harry stands in the window, looking outside. Jennifer comes up behind him and puts her arms around him.
JENNIFER
Harry? I’m proud of you, Harry. What you did today, it was brave.
(beat)
Harry? Harry, did you hear me?
HARRY
You didn’t want me to kill Aleksander.
JENNIFER
And you didn’t, Harry. You were a hero.
HARRY
But I almost stabbed Callan. I had him, right there, and my first instinct was to take the knife, and just finish it. Is that wrong?
JENNIFER
Harry...
Jennifer tries to hug him, put he pushes her away.
HARRY
Don’t touch me. Was it wrong? I wanted to kill a man, Jennifer, and even though I held back, I’m still not entirely sure that I would’ve been wrong if I did it.
Jennifer looks up at Harry; she looks him in the eyes, and then wraps her arms around him and holds him close. Harry wraps his arms around her in response, but keeps gazing straight ahead, emotionally distant and confounded.
PULL BACK to reveal Emily, at the piano, supplying the soft, tender, but mysterious MUSIC in the background.
EXT. CASTLE GATES - DUSK
Aleksander and Advisor 2 step out in front of the castle gates, having just returned from their trip. Advisor 2 is still mostly in the dark regarding their early return.
ALEKSANDER
Home sweet haunted castle. I think I kind of missed you.
He walks towards the Castle; Advisor 2 hesitates for a moment, then follows.
INT. GRAND FOYER - DUSK - CONTINUOUS
They enter the Castle just as Mr. Callan comes storming down the hall to see who has just approached the Castle unannounced.
MR. CALLAN
What is the meaning of this? Who gave you permission to-Aleksander?!
ALEKSANDER
Surprised to see me?
MR. CALLAN
What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to-
ALEKSANDER
What can I say, we got down to business. We did what we had to do, and went our separate ways. Very separate ways, actually. As a leader, I’d say I’m nothing if not efficient.
(beat)
So c’mon, did you miss me? Because I really could have gone without ever seeing your face again, but, you know, that’s just me.
MR. CALLAN
I’d like at least to know what happened on your trip. How your Uncle is doing. You did give him my regards, yes?
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, you could say that.
MR. CALLAN
What happened? And why wasn’t I informed about any of this beforehand?
ALEKSANDER
Why does it matter? My trip, my castle. What, were you going to throw a big ol’ party while I was gone? Kids these days. You can’t leave them alone for a minute!
Aleksander looks around the foyer.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
But I’m impressed. You didn’t burn the place down. I was kind of hoping that you would.
Without another word, Aleksander walks away, leaving Advisor 2 and Mr. Callan in the foyer together. They look at each other and Advisor 2 just shrugs.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Aleksander stands alone in his chamber, looking around and examining all of his possessions.
ALEKSANDER
I figured you’d be here waiting when I got home.
Curtains blow aside, and Emily walks into the room.
EMILY
My apologies, my lord. I was otherwise occupied.
ALEKSANDER
With what? What do ghosts do in their spare time?
EMILY
Perhaps I was off in the arms of another man.
ALEKSANDER
Ha. Not likely. The wind’s not blowing hard enough today.
Emily smiles as she floats towards Aleksander. She looks deep into his eyes, as if she is about to kiss him, placing her hand along his face and making him shiver.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Sorry. I forgot what that was like.
EMILY
It’s quite alright, my dear.
ALEKSANDER
I’m surprised you haven’t me asked why I’m back so soon.
EMILY
I’m sorry, I did not realize it. You’ll find that when you’re living in eternity, there’s difficulty following the clock from time to time.
Aleksander lets out a soft laugh, and proceeds to kiss her tenderly.
EMILY (CONT’D)
Something is the matter, love. Your lips aren’t locking quite the same. I thought I held the key.
ALEKSANDER
You do. It’s just that manipulation tends to ruin the mood.
EMILY
My apologies, my lord, but it’s all I can do with my limited self.
ALEKSANDER
No, it’s not you. I like that kind of manipulation. That sounds dirty. Kind of is.
EMILY
Then what is all the matter?
ALEKSANDER
Do you know what it’s like to find out someone’s pulling strings? That you were lied to, or tricked, into doing something that you thought was right?
EMILY
I do.
Aleksander looks up at Emily and smiles.
ALEKSANDER
Yeah. You do. Where do you go from there?
EMILY
The only place to go is up.
Emily kisses Aleksander, and the two of them begin to float in the air as they embrace.
EMILY (CONT’D)
What slips your mind is that whoever thought they pulled the strings, did not expect to lead you here, to right were you belong. To what you need to be. Do you understand what I’m saying?
ALEKSANDER
I’m not sure. I-I’ve never levitated before...
EMILY
This is what you were born to become.
FADE OUT.
FADE IN:
INT. DINING ROOM - DUSK
Inge clears the dining room and cleans the table. The light changes in the room, and she looks up to a silhouette in the doorway; her eyes light up, and Advisor 2 steps into the Dining Room.
ADVISOR 2
Surprise.
Inge runs into his arms.
ADVISOR 2 (CONT’D)
Did you miss me?
Advisor 2 notices that Inge is crying.
ADVISOR 2 (CONT’D)
What’s wrong? Inge. Talk to me. What’s wrong?
INGE
I am sorry, I am so sorry.
ADVISOR 2
Sorry? Inge, what happened.
INGE
It was not my...when he tried, and I just...I am so sorry.
She falls back into his arms in tears. Advisor 2 strokes her hair and comforts her.
INT. SCULPTOR’S STUDIO - DAY
Sculptor is hard at work on his sculpture that Aleksander had previously commissioned.
ALEKSANDER (O.C.)
Do I really have those dimples when I smile?
Sculptor turns around to find Aleksander in his studio.
SCULPTOR
Oh! Aleksander, why-yes, yes you do actually.
ALEKSANDER
Huh. I like it. It really helps maintain my boyish features. Capture my charisma.
SCULPTOR
Indeed. Weren’t you away on a business trip, my lord?
ALEKSANDER
I was, yeah. But it looks I’m back now. Trip was a lot shorter than I planned on it being.
SCULPTOR
Well-welcome home.
ALEKSANDER
Thanks. How’s that statue going?
SCULPTOR
I have to admit, I’m still a little baffled by the concept but-it’s coming, certainly.
ALEKSANDER
Everything’s going on schedule? It looks like you’re still missing a good half of it.
Sculptor looks over at the statue, and back at Aleksander.
SCULPTOR
No, I don’t believe I am. Trust me, Aleksander. I’ll admit, I might be cutting it close, but it will all get done, I promise that much.
ALEKSANDER
Can you have it done by Wednesday?
SCULPTOR
Excuse me?
ALEKSANDER
Time’s been moving much quicker than I thought it would, so I wanted to move the dedication ceremony up to Wednesday.
SCULPTOR
I’m really not sure how-
ALEKSANDER
Wednesday.
SCULPTOR
You can’t rush a work of art, Aleksander, there’s a-
ALEKSANDER
Wednesday?
SCULPTOR
(reluctant)
Yes, my lord.
ALEKSANDER
Wonderful.
Aleksander begins to exit.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Don’t let me down!
SCULPTOR
Yes, my lord.
Sculptor gets back to work.
SCULPTOR (CONT’D)
Callan was right. That boy is insane.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - DAY
Aleksander is walking back to his room from the Sculptor’s studio and encounters Harry as he turns a corner.
ALEKSANDER
Harry! Good to see you, old buddy!
HARRY
Aleksander. You’re home early.
ALEKSANDER
You say that like I have a curfew.
HARRY
Well, it might not be such a bad idea.
ALEKSANDER
How many kings you know that have a curfew?
(beat)
Don’t answer that.
HARRY
You’re in chipper spirits today.
ALEKSANDER
Let’s just say my trip helped me reach an epilogue of sorts.
HARRY
...an epiphany?
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, whatever. Listen-I never got to properly thank Jennifer for inviting me to dinner before I left.
HARRY
From what I heard, you hardly were invited...
ALEKSANDER
...so when you see here, tell her-tell her thank you. It meant a lot to me.
HARRY
I’m sure it did.
ALEKSANDER
No. Really. Just-let her know. And one more thing-how does tomorrow morning look for you?
INT. CONFERENCE ROOM - MORNING
Aleksander lectures to Harry and the assembled advisors from the head of the table. Advisor 3 sits to Harry’s left, reading a piece of paper, pen at the ready. Harry, more so than any one else, is in awe.
ALEKSANDER
...because if we care enough to establish a self-sustaining economy-which, let’s face it, is probably in everyone’s best interest-this is the only plausible path to follow.
Advisor 3 signs the paper and hands it to Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Excellent, thank you. Of course, as most of you know, I may have, regretfully, done away with some of that surplus kind of haphazardly. However, if all goes well, the statue I’d commissioned will still serve its purpose-at least to some degree-and I-
CALLAN (O.C.)
What is going on here?
Callan storms into the room, fed up and frustrated.
CALLAN (CONT’D)
Who called this meeting and why wasn’t I informed of this?
ALEKSANDER
Yeah, I’m sorry Mr. Callan, but this is actually a closed meeting. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.
CALLAN
Excuse me?
Callan notices the signed piece of paper lying on the table beside Aleksander.
CALLAN (CONT’D)
What is this?
ADVISOR 1
Sir, it’s a tax cut and refund. Effective immediately. As you can tell by the signatures, the entire council supports the bill.
CALLAN
But I-I wasn’t aware of this. I was never even told we were meeting, or that such a matter was even under consideration! This is absurd, Aleksander. A tax cut? What kind of brash ideas have gotten into your foolish head this time? Do you have any idea how this will affect our-
ALEKSANDER
Actually, I do, Callan. It’s gonna put the money back in the hands of the people who earned it. Maybe they can finally live comfortably and not constantly struggle to make ends meet. All we’ve ever done is horde the revenue, and waste it on whatever shit we feel like spending money on at any given moment. Meanwhile, there are hard working families out there who can’t feed their children. If the money isn’t doing any good for us, it might as well for someone.
CALLAN
I can’t believe this. Why wasn’t I notified?

ALEKSANDER
Yeah, I’m sorry. Like I said, my trip was productive. You’ve been a valuable asset, and, well, you’re a dirty, conniving son of a bitch.
(beat)
New business, anyone? No? Alright, then. I hope to see you all Wednesday at the unveiling of the new courtyard statue. Should be interesting. Meeting adjourned.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - MORNING - CONTINUOUS
As everyone files out of the meeting, pushing past, Callan, Advisor 2 is the last to leave the room. Callan grabs his arm.
CALLAN
How could you let this happen without telling me? You were supposed to keep him away for 10 days!
ADVISOR 2
Get your hands off of me.
Advisor 2 shakes himself free of Callan’s grasp and walks away, leaving Callan standing stunned and alone.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - DAY
Harry stands talking with Jennifer.
HARRY
...surprised, certainly, and I suppose it’s the thought it counts but still. You should’ve seen the look on Callan’s face when he-
A knock is heard, and Harry and Jennifer turn their attention towards the source of the sound.
ALEKSANDER (O.C.)
Jennifer? Can I speak to for a moment?
JENNIFER
Aleksander! Sure, come right in. We were just-we were just talking about you actually.
Aleksander enters the room; Emily is in the room as well now.
EMILY
Whispered words behind a back are good for me...
ALEKSANDER
Don’t tell me that. Hello, Harry.
HARRY
Aleksander.
ALEKSANDER
Thanks for coming today, by the way. I know it was all kind of sudden, but, you know, it’s something that had to get done.
(to Jennifer)
I’m assuming he already told you what happened.
JENNIFER
He did, and I-
ALEKSANDER
Jennifer, I don’t think I got to properly thank you for inviting me to dinner last week.
EMILY
A Maiden’s manners did she show, as you showed up surprisingly alone.
ALEKSANDER
(to Emily)
Hey, it was your idea. I didn’t know where we were going! But thank you for bringing me there...
(to Jennifer)
...and thank you for having me.
JENNIFER
You’re welcome, Aleksander. It was our pleasure. My entire family-
ALEKSANDER
I don’t think you understand. I-my trip home was a bit of an eye-opener to say the least. And after what I’d seen when I met your family, it just...I don’t know. I think that things are going to be different around here.
HARRY
What, because you cut some taxes? I’m sorry, Aleksander. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the sentiment, but it’s going to take a lot more than a pity-driven tax-cut to turn this place around.
JENNIFER
Harry...!
EMILY
Some are things that won’t be different, as the way it seems.
ALEKSANDER
No, Harry, you’re right. But I mean, I’ve only been home for two days, and I think I’ve done a lot so far to get us back on the right track. After talking-well, after seeing my Uncle, and seeing Jennifer’s family, and-and the way these people live-no offense-I just thought I’d do what I could, you know? It’s more than I’ve done in the last few months.
EMILY
Oh, he’s done a bit.
HARRY
If you really wanted to do something, Aleksander, you would actually get something done.
ALEKSANDER
But I-
HARRY
What, you gave some money back to the people? Gave back what you robbed from them, and let them fend for themselves? It’s just another way to avoid responsibility.
JENNIFER
Harry, stop it.
ALEKSANDER
Avoid responsibility? I’m taking the fucking responsibility. For the first time in my life, admittedly, but still.
HARRY
If you were responsible for your kingdom, for your people, you wouldn’t just throw their money back at them and hope it solves their problems. You’d take that money, and all the resources available to you as King, and you would do something to make a difference yourself. That’s what a leader does, Aleksander. He leads the people, guides them. He doesn’t just throw money back and say, “Here you go! You’re on your own now!” That’s anarchy. When you got here, there was no government at all; looks like nothing’s changed.
ALEKSANDER
I can’t win with you, can I?
JENNIFER
It’s not that. It’s a noble effort, Aleksander, it really is, and we-I-I appreciate it. We’ve just seen a lot of things go wrong around here.
EMILY
I want to be anarchy
ALEKSANDER
What? Forget it. We should-I should go now.
Aleksander walks out of the room.
JENNIFER
Aleksander, wait-

Aleksander stops at the door and looks over his shoulder with a soft, tragic laugh.
ALEKSANDER
You know what’s funny about all of this? I never even wanted to be the King.
The door slams, cutting off Jennifer’s call. A beat of solemn silence. Emily appears beside Jennifer.
EMILY
Boys will be boys.
JENNIFER
(letting out a sad, quiet laugh)
Some things never change, I guess.
Jennifer’s head and eyes perk up as she realizes that she actually heard Emily’s voice, and maybe saw her out of the corner of her eye; by the time she reacts, however, Emily is gone once again.
INT. DINING ROOM - EVENING
In desperation, Callan addresses the Advisors, hoping to appeal to them. He moves around the table, as they eat their dinners and hardly react like Callan is a fly at a barbecue.
CALLAN
I am disgusted that you would not only let this happen, but not even have the nerve, the gall to inform me of it.
ADVISOR 3
The meeting was called; how were we to know who was or was not invited?
CALLAN
My absence should have served as such an indicator.
ADVISOR 1
By then, it would have been too late. Aleksander proposed the bill, and gave sounding reasoning for it. You can’t blame us for doing our jobs.
CALLAN
Is your job to agree with him, blindly, as a lemming?
ADVISOR 3
Our jobs are to advise and assist the leader of the country. To act in the best interest of the kingdom. As far as I’m concerned, this decision was made in everyone’s best interest.
CALLAN
(to Advisor 2)
And you! Why didn’t you tell me that you’d be returning prematurely? I sent you along with Aleksander because I trusted to make sure that his trip went off without a hitch. What were you thinking, coming back here days before expected, and signing off on bills that I had never even seen?
ADVISOR 1
With all due respect, sir, I don’t believe that you have any precedence in viewing bills before they’re passed and publicized. The King can make his own decisions.
CALLAN
Was I speaking to you?
ADVISOR 2
Aleksander knows. He knows everything.
(beat)
CALLAN
What?
ADVISOR 2
He knows about his Uncle’s condition. He’s seen the wool you pulled over his eyes-over everyone’s eyes. Manipulating our allegiances to serve whatever agenda you and Kelley and all your kin might have had in mind.
CALLAN
There’s no agenda, we’ve just-the man has been ill, and...it’s the nature of our positions to act in the best interest of the kingdom, as you said, and-
ADVISOR 2
I know what you did to Inge, Mr. Callan. I know you tried to rape her, and the pretended that you were attacked by something. There’s a special place in hell reserved for people just like you.
CALLAN
But I-I was attacked! By a ghost, or something, I-
ADVISOR 1
A ghost? Now you sound like Aleksander.
Callan is speechless and embarrassed. When he realizes that he has nothing more to say, he turns to leave the room.
CALLAN
Everything that I have done was to perpetuate our kingdoms, our home land, and the royal family. Anything perceived as “dishonest” was still acted on with the best intentions for all involved parties. You are all traitors, turncoats to the country and the government that bore and raised you up. Would that I could see you all hung for treason beside that brat of a King.
Callan storms out angrily. The Advisors, mostly apathetic, continue eating their meals.

EXT. ALEKSANDER’S BALCONY - DAY
Aleksander stands on the balcony with an ensemble of people, including Harry, Jennifer, Callan, and the Advisors. Emily hangs off of him, and his arm is wrapped around her waist. Everyone carries a glass of champagne. Off the balcony, we see a covered statue in the background in the garden between the balcony and Emily’s tree, with the Sculptor attending to any last-minute preparations necessary. A crowd of citizens, including Jennifer’s family, have gathered in the castle garden to witness the unveiling. The mood is very festive.
ALEKSANDER
So anyway, thank you all for attending. I feel like this monument will stand as an important symbol, a reminder of the past and a beacon of the future. It should-at least, I hope-pay respect to the past, and those who’ve passed on, but it’s also a mark of progress and things to come. Above all, I feel that it’s a symbol of unity, of the merger of our two cultures, and the combined beauty that we can all bring to this world. Thank you. Cheers! Or down the hatch, if you’re like me.
The gathered ground on the balcony raises their glasses in salute and drinks.
EMILY
What eloquence, my lord. One should be proud of the way you’ve mastered the manipulation of the tongue.
ALEKSANDER
Without any further ado-
Aleksander makes a grandiose gesture towards the statue. The sheet is pulled away, to reveal Aleksander, standing alone in what seems to be the typical stance of a male in a prom photograph, with a foolishly cocky grin. If there was a statue of a woman accompanying it, it might look sweet, but without it, the statue looks awkward and vaguely uncomfortable.
The reveal is met with silence and confusion. Whispers of “I don’t get it” “Another statue of himself?” “What a stupid pose,” etc., can be heard from both the balcony and the crowd below.
Aleksander stands, shocked and mortified, staring at the statue.
The Sculptor stands at its feet and looks up, shrugging.
EMILY
I feel like it’s missing something, don’t you think? I don’t think that he quite got my likeness right.
Aleksander snaps out of shock and forces his way through the crowd, leaving the room. The crowd is confused and concerned.
Mr. Callan, however, smiles mischievously.
INT. ALEKSANDER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Aleksander sits on his bed with his head in his hands, breathing deeply, slowly and sporadically.
ALEKSANDER
I wish that there was just some reset button I could push, you know? Just go back and change all this shit. I probably should have not come here at all.
EMILY
But then they’d have no government to lead them forth into the world.
ALEKSANDER
Right. ‘Cause I do so much fucking leading. Should’ve left a power vacuum; someone would’ve picked it up eventually.
Emily appears, stroking his hair until he pushes her hand away.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Stop. Just fucking, stop it. It doesn’t feel good, it just feels...it feels cold. Everything feels fucking cold.
(beat)
I’m sorry, Emily, but everything that brought me here, everything I thought that I was doing or here for, it’s all been a fucking lie. The whole fucking country thinks I’m probably crazy now, and now I’m seeking solace in a girl that I can’t touch. I’m sleeping with a fucking ghost-or my right hand, I really can’t tell any more. I want you to hold me, Emily, but all I do is feel colder. You’re the only person that’s been straight with me since day one-well, I think you’ve been straight with me. I don’t quite follow half the fucked up things you say-but comparatively, you know? And this is what I get.
(beat, laugh)
I’m finding comfort in a ghost.
EMILY
Would that I could be here as corporeal, I would, but such is not the nature of it. But still without a body, there’s a soul that can connect.
ALEKSANDER
You act like that’s enough.
EMILY
Why is it not?
ALEKSANDER
We’re physical creatures. It’s what we crave, it’s what we need. And when everything inside is done or called to question, the only thing that’s left to live for is simple human contact. Everything’s all metaphysical or emotional bullshit; it has no grounding to begin with and then it’s all called into question. And I can’t even kiss you.
EMILY
But that is what you’d like?
ALEKSANDER
I’m kind of losing every other battle in my life right now. I’d like to win one.
Aleksander looks up optimistically and chuckles to himself.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
And that’s the way to do it, of course!
INT. CASTLE CORRIDOR - MORNING
Callan chases after the Advisors down the hall; they clearly have no interest in hearing him talk.
CALLAN
But the boy is mad! Did you see that statue?
ADVISOR 3
We all saw it, Mr. Callan
ADVISOR 2
I don’t think that anybody missed it.
CALLAN
How could you trust him to lead your country? He’s clearly unstable.
ADVISOR 3
Perhaps he was making a statement.
ADVISOR 1
I don’t suppose you have much knowledge in the field of art history, Mr. Callan?
CALLAN
There was no statement being made-Aleksander thinks he’s seeing ghosts! He’s seeing things that no one else can see-he’s not right, I tell you!
ADVISOR 2
Ghosts. Like the ones that attacked you on the night that you tried to rape Inge?
Callan stops walking, letting his shoulders drop as the breathe leaves his body.
CALLAN
What if I said that I had a plan?
The Advisors keep walking, without looking.
ADVISOR 3
You always do, Mr. Callan. You always do.
INT. KING’S COURT - DUSK
Harry cautiously enters the throne room.
HARRY
Aleksander? Aleksander, what are you doing here?
Aleksander’s back is turned to Harry; we hear him swallow, and one hand drops, holding a bottle of some kind.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Is that....poison?...Aleksander, what the hell are you-
With his other hand, Aleksander pulls a knife out and flashes it to Harry.
HARRY (CONT’D)
This isn’t funny, Aleksander. I lost my best friend in-
Aleksander turns around.
ALEKSANDER
I know, Harry. I was there, remember? I was there, but I shouldn’t have been.
Aleksander begins to cough violently; he spits up a bit of blood.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Damn. That’s a bitch.
Aleksander runs the knife into his gut and pulls it out.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Ow! Mother fucker! Ow!
He starts to cough some more. Harry runs to his side as Aleksander starts to double over. The coughing gets progressively worse as the dialogue goes on.
HARRY
I don’t understand, I-
ALEKSANDER
Oh, don’t be fucking stupid.
(beat)
It’s called poetic justice, Harry.
HARRY
How is this poetic justice?
ALEKSANDER
This is how it all began. Everything that’s happened, all the shit that’s gone down in the last couple of months-it all started here. Just like this.
(beat)
Don’t you get it Harry? Everybody wins this way.
HARRY
You’re dying, Aleksander!
ALEKSANDER
I know. That’s the point. There’s a cycle here, where everything begins just like it ends. I just keep fucking up the cycle.
(beat)
I should have never come here, Harry, and if I can’t undo the things I’ve done, at least I’ll clear the slate.
Aleksander slips further and further away from consciousness.
HARRY
Have I ever told you, Aleksander, that you’re a complete fucking idiot?
ALEKSANDER
Time and time again. You think I’d finally get it, but some people never learn.
(beat)
Its all on you now, Harry. This is how it should have been, if we hadn’t shown up in the first place.
(beat)
Just don’t let it die, Harry. Put the ghost to rest, but don’t let it die.
HARRY
You’re not making sense.
ALEKSANDER
It makes perfect fucking sense. It’s the only thing that does. The people get what they need, what they deserve, and so do you. And me-
Aleksander looks up and stretches out his hand. Emily takes his hand and smiles back at him.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
I get what I want, too. Don’t worry-if you really miss me, I’ll probably still be here, way things tend to work in this place.
Aleksander begins coughing more violently, clearly in pain.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
Well. Shit.
Aleksander coughs more, and dies. Harry helps his body fall gently to the ground. For a moment, Harry is speechless, shocked.
INT. KING’S COURT - NIGHT - FLASHBACK
Harry and the Prince gaze in awe at the lavish decor of the room.
PRINCE
You know, Harry...some day, this is all going to be ours.
HARRY
You mean it’s all going to be yours.
PRINCE
Don’t be ridiculous. No matter what I’ve done, you’ve always been right there beside me. And I’ve done some stupid things. You think it’s going to be any different when I’m the King?
HARRY
Some day.
INT. KING’S COURT - NIGHT - PRESENT

HARRY
You didn’t have to do that.
Aleksander appears as a ghost beside Emily.
ALEKSANDER
Of course I did. Tragedies always come in pairs.
He looks to Emily, and takes her hand in his.
ALEKSANDER (CONT’D)
If you’d even call it a tragedy.
Come on, love. We’ve got a lot of afterlife ahead of us.
Aleksander and Emily walk away, fading away.
Harry takes the signet ring from Aleksander’s finger and examines.
HARRY
You’re an idiot.
Harry slips the ring on his finger. He examines it closely.
HARRY (CONT’D)
But it’s a nice fit.
INT. CASTLE HALLWAY - DAY - CONTINUOUS
Harry walks past the wall adorned with paintings of Aleksander’s family, leaving the throne room and headed towards his chamber, and encounters Mr. Callan.
MR. CALLAN
Harry! I don’t suppose you’ve seen our dear boy Aleksander since his brilliant public display, have you?
HARRY
In fact, I have. And he left me a message for you: You’re fired, Mr. Callan. You have three days to get out of this country, or I will send my men to hunt you down. Or I might just do it myself.
MR. CALLAN
Fired? What men? Harry, this is ridiculous, even for you. Where is the King?
HARRY
The King is dead.
Harry raises his hand, revealing the signet ring on his finger.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Long live the King.
Harry turns away from Callan, defiant and triumphant, and continues on his way, leaving Callan stunned and alone.
INT. HARRY’S CHAMBER - NIGHT
Jennifer sits alone at her piano, trying to play the song that Emily had played through her earlier, although she cannot quite remember it.
HARRY (O.C.)
So tell me, darling...
Harry steps into the room, with a somber look on his face.
HARRY (CONT’D)
How does it feel to be the Queen?
Harry and Jennifer embrace. PULL BACK to reveal Aleksander and Emily, hand-in-hand, watching them, before they, too, kiss, and dissipate.
FINAL FADE OUT.