Camera cuts back on a wide shot showing a large garden lying behind the castle
The courtyard is River's choice, and they walk together along the stone path with flower beds at either side and the sun shining upon them.
Haden
I'm sorry your father is being hard on you. It isn't right.
River thinks on what he said prior, when they last spoke at the ball.
Haden
It's upsetting to me that he's not giving you a choice.
River
(Nervous)
You said that... That your mother was doing the same, yes?
She looks at him.
Haden
(Laugh)
Yeah, she is. If I could have my own way, I wouldn't even be here right now.
Quickly realizes how that might sound.
Haden
(Nervous)
Ah! I mean- Your company is wonderful! I just... Y'know?
River can't help but smile at this display of dorkiness.
River
(Laugh)
You know, you're kinda goofy. In a good way, I mean.
Haden
(Relieved)
Do you think so? Well, you're kinda fun yourself. In a good way, I mean.
With this joking remark, they both laugh.
River can't help but smile afterwards, looking at Haden with new eyes. From what happened with Stace, she believes Stace and her own initial view of him was wrong.
River
Now I have a question...
Haden
(Warm)
Do tell. I look forward to hearing it.
With a big smile, River's view changes even more to being positive.
River
(Blush)
Do you wanna... Talk more?
Haden
Really...?
His face seems to light up.
Haden
(Excited)
Yeah, I'd love that...!
He grabs her hand as he walks beside her still.
River's face turns even redder.
River
(Blush)
...
Haden sees her reaction and releases her hand, rubbing the side of his neck and looking away.
Haden
I... I'm sorry. I forgot that it makes you uncomfortable. Sorry.
River unexpectedly reaches back and grabs his hand herself.
This shocks Haden, who looks over at her with wide eyes.
River
(Blush)
It's fine.
She looks over at his shocked expression with her own reddened look.
River
(Blush)
I-I like it.
She gives a bashful smile.
He can't help but smile in response.
Haden
(Blush)
I'm... I'm glad!
They share a nervous laugh, hands clasped together with one another as they walk along the stone pathway and weaving between a labyrinth of different colored and beautiful flowers.
Camera pans out from above, showing the full garden as they continue to walk before cutting to black.
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Like a River Page One
Mystery / ThrillerRiver Lucrece, a princess from the island kingdom of Lupresia (Lou-Pre-Zha), off of the west coast of the mainland, receives pressure from her father, the king, Phosphorus Lucrece, to wed and bear an heir thanks to his own failing health. In an earl...
