Snow White, as a Play, scene 13, The Bad News

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[Scene 13, The Bad News -- 

N: Narrator, A: Advisor,

Q2: the 2nd Queen,

M: Mayor, C: Councilor, 

R/M: Runner/Messenger, Jane: Snow White's personal servant,

MM: Magic Mirror]

Q2: Councilor, we must send you to the battlefront for information.

C: What? Battlefront?

M: Your Majesty. It is our pleasure to serve.

C: Where is Snow White?

Q2: She did not take the news very well.

M: What news?

C: Is there trouble?

A: You sent for me, Your Majesty?

Q2: Thank you for hurrying, Advisor. I know you are busy.

A: The Queen's word is my only command.

Q2: Runner, please tell these men the news you have.

R/M: The King is wounded, and the soldiers do not fight.
    There are shortages of food and supplies in the camp.

C: We must send someone!

Q2: Who but yourself would you suggest?

M: Quite right, Councilor. Quite right.
    Who else would be free to go?

Q2: Advisor, you will see to it that the King knows
    he can trust the Councilor.

A: Your Majesty. Not that.

Q2: How else shall he know whom he should trust?

A: Very well. I shall see to it after preparations are complete.

Q2: The Princess is very disquieted. No one is allowed to disturb her.

A: No one, M'Lady?

Q2: Only I and her personal servants may see her.

J: Your Highness?

Q2: Yes?

J: If it please the Queen, I seek permission to attend the King
    for the Princess in the camp.

Q2: Is this by the Princess's request?

J: It is.

Q2: Then you shall also represent me in the camp.

J: I hear and obey.

C: Your Majesty!

Q2: See that there is sufficient preparation.
    Jane must be allowed to attend to the King in every need,
    and she must be brought back safely.

M: Is it wise?

C: She will be in danger.

J: I am understand the dangers.

Q2: If she comes to harm, I will require it of you.

C: It is a hard thing you require.

N: But Snow White disguised herself and traded places with Jane.
    And Jane resigned herself to staying in the Princess's rooms,
    occasionally showing her silhouette at the window.

R/M: See how the Princess worries.

M: It is past midnight. She should be asleep.

C: She must be very worried.

N: Before they left, the Advisor privately gave the Councilor
    secret signs to give to the King.

A: These will assure the King that you speak for us.

C: Are they necessary?

A: It is by arrangement with the King, to show
    how much he can trust your reports.

C: Thank you. I shall go now.


[JMR: Written between 21 January and 6 July 2017 and posted 6 July.]

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