Arianna, The Demon Queen Act I, Scenes 1+2

ARIANNA
THE DEMON QUEEN1

By Aaron Bierstein2

Characters:3

Prince Marius- A young, noble prince.
Arianna- A beautiful, mysterious woman
Alfred- Friend of Marius and advisor to his family
Bernard- A peasant
Lords
Townspeople4

ACT I5

Scene One6

(A street in the capital city, twilight)7

Townspeople8

Sleep well children, and may happy dreams find you. Night falls, the moon rises. All is safe, all is well, sleep well children, goodnight, goodnight.9

(Enter Prince Marius and Alfred, walking through the streets)10

ALFRED11

It does an old heart such as mine good to see such times of peace and prosperity. Our brave men no longer know the weight of the sword, much thanks, of course, to you my lord.12

MARIUS13

Much thanks to my father. It is by his rule and wisdom that we enjoy such peace. 14

ALFRED15

Yes, it is so that you’re father is a great and wise leader, but give credit where credit is due. The final victory we owe to you. Do not forget, my lord, that by your deed, and your sword our foes were given their just reward
MARIUS16

It was only my duty that I did. I swore to defend my country when it’s enemies drew near. I am bound to protect the country that I hold dear. I only pray, when I wear the royal crown on my head, that I will do it such honor when my father is dead.17

ALFRED18

So you shall, my lord.19

MARIUS20

Alfred, that day is near. I cannot hide what my heart does fear, my father Alfred, he is ill. His face is pale, his gait is frail. He has become feeble in his old age. I know that he will soon be among our fallen soldiers.21

ALFRED22

I fear it to my dear Marius. I cannot make is easier to lose a father, but be consoled in knowing his pride, and on the brighter side, he knows the honor you will do his crown when all is said and he has died23

MARIUS24

Leave me Alfred, a restlessness grows in my heart, I wish to be alone to appease it. I have much to consider
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ALFRED26

I am...uneasy to do so my lord.27

MARIUS?28

Why?29

ALFRED30

I sense danger, there is something in the air, a feeling, it disturbs me. Do you know what tonight is?31

MARIUS32

Friday.33

ALFRED34

Tonight, they say that all the evil things in the world hold sway, that the boundaries between the living and the dead, Hell and Earth, are blurred. It is a night of magic and witchcraft.35

MARIUS36

Alfred! You are a man of reason and of science, a well-educated man. I am surprised to hear such superstition from you. What foolishness! I am not a child to be frightened by ghost stories.37

ALFRED38

I am sorry my lord, it is simply a feeling. Foolish, yes, forgive me, I just have a lot on my mind.39

MARIUS40

No matter Alfred, leave me to my thoughts now. I beg of you.41

ALFRED42

As you wish.43

(Exit Alfred)44

Scene Two45

MARIUS46

Oh, great and mighty heavens. Please, as I prepare to take the crown of my father, and sit upon the royal throne in his stead, grant me the wisdom and the strength to be a wise and strong leader. Let me not flinch from my duty.47

Grant me the will and the way to guide my people in prosperity and through times of trouble.48

As the people of this powerful nation sleep safe and warm in their beds. Give me what I need to keep them from harm. 49

Oh great and mighty heavens, let me grace the throne of my father with peace and love and continue in his legacy. 50

In return, I give my everything and my all. I give my life to the people I protect and watch over.51

Oh great and mighty heavens. Grant me the will and the way, the wisdom and the strength, the grace and goodness, in prosperity, and poverty, in war and peace, in sadness and in great joy. Amen.52

(As Marius finishes his prayer on his knees, Arianna enters)53

ARIANNA54

Excuse me sir, I heard you, and forgive me for disturbing you but I must ask your assistance. You see, I’m trying to get to my father’s house, he is ill and I’ve lost my...55

(She suddenly recognizes him as the prince)56

ARIANNA57

...Way. Forgive me your highness, I did not recognize you. Let me be on my way then.58

MARIUS59

No, no, please, I am at your service. How can I assist you?60

ARIANNA61

Well, I’m going to go visit my sick father. I’m hopelessly lost, I need to get to his house. He left me this letter with the address on it. (She shows him the paper)62

MARIUS63

Ah, yes, I know the way, let me take you there.64

ARIANNA65

No, please, that is too much to ask, if you could just give me directions-66

MARIUS67

Nonsense, You should not be out alone on a night like this. Tonight, all evil in the world runs free and the dead walk among the living. (He is slightly embarrassed to have spoken this superstition)68

ARIANNA69

Who told you that?70

MARIUS71

Only a superstitious fool miss (He smiles) A dear friend of mine. I do not make much of such foolishness. Forgive me.72

ARIANNA73

One folly deserves another, we are even now.74

MARIUS75

Haha, yes we are. I am sorry to hear of your father’s illness. Let me take you to him now.76

ARIANNA77

Thank you my prince (She curtsies and he bows in an equal show of respect that makes her blush)78

(Exit Arianna and Marius)79