Confidential
(c) Y. Ruzhytska
4.
NEONILA
It was an honor to serve with him.
LADA
No, about the marriage!
FREASIA
He refuses, because he's not blind.
Everyone can see our dear Nila
doesn't like the man. Everyone,
except for Swarg himself.
NEONILA
That's exactly why I stay inside.
As long as my father protects me
from Swarg's unpleasant company and
you two keep visiting me I'll be
fine. I think.
She looks with longing at the gardens visible through the
large windows. Her fingers nervously tug at the rims of her
dress. Freasia places a hand on her shoulder in silent
support. Lada is oblivious, flashing a wide grin at Neonila.
LADA
All for you, darling! One thing we
can't bring you are boys.
She leans in, speaking lower in a jokingly conspirational
voice.
LADA
A shame, really. Just look at those
nobles - old, ugly, or both.
Nothing to look at.
FREASIA
But only here we have Neonila's
cheerful spirit to inspire us to
keep going.
Lada nods eagerly. Neonila smiles shyly at them both, giving
them a rare genuine smile in gratitude.
NEONILA
You two are the only reason I'm
looking forward to these evenings.
Lada and Freasia suddenly freeze without responding. Neonila
looks behind her and sees a MYSTERIOUS MAN. She looks back
at them, confused at their unusually surprised yet curious
face expressions.
NEONILA
You know him?
Lada and Freasia shake their heads.