KINGS LODGE CAFETERIA CH7
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— The cafeteria is unusually quiet — only a few soldiers scattered at tables, the smell of broth and iron lingering in the air. Phillip and Jeffrey sit together, posture stiff, bowls untouched. Traeven approaches fast.
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Traeven:
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“What happened?"
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Phillip exchanges a look with Jeffrey before answering.
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Phillip:
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“Cat’s men crossed the boundary line. Not scouts this time. A full group.”
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Jeffrey:
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“They hit the outer farms. Smoke was seen from the ridge. They’re testing how fast we respond.”
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Traeven’s jaw tightens.
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Traeven:
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“And the villagers?”
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Phillip:
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“Scared. Some already fled into the woods. They know the land is in limbo because of the weight of debt they owe. They think Cat is sending a message.”
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Jeffrey leans forward, voice low.
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Jeffrey:
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“If they push again, it won’t be a warning. It’ll be a takeover.”
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Traeven stands abruptly, chair scraping.
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Traeven:
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“I need to speak to the King...”
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He turns and strides out, boots echoing through the stone corridor.
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Traeven walks up the steps, deep in internal dialougue.
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“Cat is moving faster than expected… and Theron is still pretending he has time.”
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“If the king hesitates now, the villages will burn. The debt, the borders, the politics — none of it matters if Cat takes the ridge.”
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“I cannot let this kingdom fall because its ruler is afraid of his own shadow.”
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“If Theron won’t act… I will.”
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THE LODGE CHAMBER —
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Traeven reaches the king’s chamber and knocks once.
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No answer.
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He pushes the door open.
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Queen Susan sits at her desk, facing a tall mirror, adjusting a simple braid in her hair. Papers are spread across the desk — letters, reports, a half‑written note. She looks up, surprised but composed.
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Queen Susan:
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“Traeven. You look troubled.”
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Traeven steps inside, closing the door behind him.
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Traeven:
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“Your majesty… Cat’s forces struck Rabbit’s Village. They’re escalating. We need the king’s directive immediately.”
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Queen Susan turns in her chair, studying him with calm eyes.
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Queen Susan:
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“Theron isn’t here.”
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Traeven:
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“Then where—”
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Queen Susan rises, walking toward him with slow, measured steps.
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Queen Susan:
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“You carry too much weight on your shoulders.
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Sit.
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Breathe.”
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Traeven shakes his head.
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Traeven:
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“There’s no time. The villagers are in danger. Cat is pushing for territory. If we don’t respond—”
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Queen Susan reaches to him and gently takes his wrist — not forceful, but firm enough to stop his pacing.
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Queen Susan:
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“Traeven… you cannot solve every crisis alone.”
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He stiffens, torn between duty and discomfort.
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Traeven:
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“I’m not trying to. I’m trying to find the king.”
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Queen Susan steps back slightly, resting one hand on the carved bedframe behind her.
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Queen Susan:
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“You’re exhausted. You haven’t slept. You haven’t eaten. You rush from fire to fire until you burn yourself out."
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Traeven looks away, trying to keep the conversation on track.
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Traeven:
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“This isn’t about me. Rabbit’s Village is under threat. We need leadership.”
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Queen Susan:
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“And you are providing it.”
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Her voice softens, but her expression stays steady.
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Queen Susan:
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“You are the Hand. The kingdom leans on you more than you realize.”
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Traeven pulls his wrist free gently.
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Traeven:
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“I appreciate your confidence, but I need orders, not comfort my Queen.”
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Queen Susan tilts her head, studying him — not offended, simply thoughtful.
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Queen Susan:
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“Very well. Then go. Find what you need. But remember this—”
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She steps aside, giving him a clear path to the door.
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Queen Susan:
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“You cannot protect the kingdom if you destroy yourself in the process.”
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Traeven hesitates — just for a breath — then nods once and turns.
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The door clicks shut. Susan exhales slowly, the tension leaving her shoulders in a single, quiet wave. Her fingers linger on the carved bedframe where Traeven stood — the warmth of his presence fading too quickly.
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“He carries the kingdom like a shield strapped to his spine…”
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She turns back toward her desk, but she doesn’t sit. Her eyes stay fixed on the door.
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“And he refuses to see how close he is to breaking.”
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She smooths her braid, steadying herself.
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“Theron needs him… more than he will ever admit.”
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“And Traeven needs someone to remind him he is not a weapon.”
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Her gaze softens, but only for a heartbeat.
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“If he falls, the kingdom falls with him.”
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She gathers the scattered letters on her desk, but her hands pause again.
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“I must keep him standing… even if he never thanks me for it.”
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A final thought flickers — quiet, private, unspoken:
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“And even if he never sees how much I worry for him.”
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Scene fades out.
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and then Add to home screen.