INT. EMPIRE - AURORA'S BEDROOM - NOON

(Walker, Jax, Caleb, Allison, Charlotte and Justin patiently awaits Aurora's recovery, eagerly anticipating her return to consciousness)

ALLISON: (exasperated) how long is it going to take? It's just a vase to the head.

WALKER: (defensive) are you sure you can take that?

(Aurora awakens, attempting to rise, her groans echoing the discomfort she feels)

AURORA: (strains) what happened? Sir... Walker... I am in the palace? How long have I been out?

ALLISON: two months.

AURORA: (stunned) two months? Why didn't you wake me up. I have school, friends... oh my God, my friends must be worried about me.

WALKER: don't work yourself up, Aurora. It's been a day.

(Allison and Charlotte high-fived each other, bursting out laughing at Aurora)

ALLISON: didn't know you weren't just stupid but also gullible.

WALKER: Allison, Charlotte, provide us with a space, if you may

ALLISON: but...

CHARLOTTE: I didn't say nothing, Sire.

WALKER: extend your understanding, and kindly vacate the room.

ALLISON: whatever!

(Allison smacks her lips and exits, playfully nudging Charlotte on her way out)

CHARLOTTE: well... I have nothing to say but to obey. Like they say; obey before complain.

(Charlotte smirks at Aurora before gracefully walking out with a sense of majesty)

WALKER: I warned you not to tell her anything but you insisted, now look what happened. She tried to take you far way, again.

AURORA: I am so sorry, Sire Walker, I didn't know mom was evil. I thought she was my mother.

JAX: we are glad you are okay, Empress.

CALEB: we were so lucky to have arrived on time.

AURORA: thank you so much for saving me, Sir Jax and Caleb.

JAX & CALEB: (in unison) you are welcome, Empress.

WALKER: okay then, we have to prepare you for the throne before your coronation.

AURORA: coronation?

WALKER: you are still a princess, Aurora. You have to be coronated to become the Empress. Your Highness, before your coronation, there are crucial matters that demand attention. Firstly, a comprehensive understanding of the realm's intricacies is imperative. Study the geopolitical landscape, the nuances of governance, and the delicate balance of power.

AURORA: I appreciate your guidance. What specific actions should I prioritize?

WALKER: Commence by fostering alliances and understanding the concerns of key nobility. Additionally, review the state of the economy, as financial stability underpins a flourishing empire. Lastly, familiarize yourself with the traditions and ceremonies to ensure a seamless transition of power.

AURORA: Understood. I shall dedicate myself to these tasks to lead the Empire with wisdom and strength. But, I want to ask, what about school?

WALKER: you will have a private royal tutor.

AURORA: (stunned) what? What about my friends? I can't... I want to go to school.

WALKER: that's not a problem, but you have to be escorted by Jax and Caleb.

AURORA: but..

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WALKER: Angela is on the run, and being a cunning woman as she is, she will try to hurt you, again.

AURORA: okay, fine

WALKER: one last thing, do not tell anyone about your new identity.

AURORA: I understand that part. You don't want me to get exposed, but I have to tell my friends.

WALKER: Aurora, I trust you, and I trust your friends even though I haven't met with them, but you have to keep this a secret.

AURORA: I have never kept anything from them before.

WALKER: you have to try this time, for your sake

AURORA: okay, I promise.

WALKER: have some rest, Aurora, I'll explain everything to you later on, and I'll introduce everyone to you.

AURORA: thank you so much, Sir. You are like the father I never had.

WALKER: the days of not having a father ends today. Take care of yourself.

(Aurora smiles at Walker before reclining to rest, while Walker makes his exit)

INT. EMPIRE - COURTROOM - LATER

(Walker gathers everyone, including Aurora, prepared to present the new Empress)

WALKER: good day, everyone! Thank you for honoring my invitation.

ALL: (in unison) the honor is ours, Sire.

WALKER: your majesty, may I present the esteemed individuals who play vital roles in the Empire's workings. Firstly, Clark, your unwavering personal guard, ever vigilant.

CLARK: your grace, it's an honor to serve and protect.

WALKER: Erica, the Empress's personal maid, ensures your comfort and well-being.

ERICA: Pleasure to meet you, your majesty.

WALKER: Cecile, the head of the maids, orchestrating the seamless running of the palace.

CECILE: Your Imperial highness, I am dedicated to maintaining the palace's grace.

WALKER: the stalwart protectors you've met before, Jax and Caleb, your trusted bodyguards.

JAX: Your safety is our top priority, Empress.

CALEB: Indeed, your majesty, we stand ready to defend.

AURORA: Thank you, Sire. I am grateful for such a devoted and capable assembly. Together, we shall uphold the Empire's glory.

WALKER: Now, presenting your cousins, Allison, Charlotte, and Justin. While their loyalty is apparent, your majesty, I must caution you about their unconventional demeanor.

ALLISON: Well, look who finally made it to the throne. About time, I suppose.

CHARLOTTE: Empress? More like a stroke of luck, if you ask me.

JUSTIN: I'm sure ruling the Empire will be a real challenge for someone like you.

AURORA: Sire, your warning is duly noted. Let us navigate these familial waters with grace and unity.

ALLISON: when is the coronation, Sire?

WALKER: well, since you aren't the Empress, I don't have to answer to you.

CHARLOTTE: (Chortle) he is right, Allison.

(Allison glares at Charlotte with imtensity)

CHARLOTTE: I mean, she deserves to know.

WALKER: alright, everyone, enough of the chatter! Get back to work!

AURORA: I have to go see my friends, Sire.

WALKER: sure, but remember, you have training later on.

AURORA: am I fighting with a sword or shooting with an arrow?

WALKER: you'll learn both, Aurora.

AURORA: I'll be on my way.

(Walker clears his throat to get Aurora's attention)

WALKER: aren't you forgetting anything?

AURORA: no, I don't think so.

WALKER: you'll have to go with Jax and Caleb for safety reasons.

AURORA: I can't be seen with them; my friends will question me about them.

WALKER: okay, fine. Clark, do what you do best.

CLARK: your wish is my command, Sire. Let's go, your majesty!

AURORA: no, you don't understand, sire. I don't want to take anyone with me.

WALKER: it's impossible to go out alone when Angela is on the loose.

ALLISON: I support your decision, Aurora. You should go wherever you want to go without interference. We will take care of the throne if anything happens to you.

WALKER: do you understand?

AURORA: I do.

WALKER: thank you for convincing her, Allison; you are indeed a good person at heart.

ALLISON: no, I didn't mean to...

(Walker interrupts her and asks Aurora to come back early and exits)

AURORA: shall we?

WALKER: ladies first, your majesty.

(Aurora and Clark exit, while Allison stares in rage)

EXT. PARK - NOON

(Riley, Daphne, Andrew and Aaron engage in conversation when Aurora enters with Clark, appearing guilty and sad)

AURORA: before you say anything, I want to apologize for everything. I know how it feels to...

RILEY: to ditch us and ignore our calls? Who's with you?

AURORA: my friend.

DAPHNE: you mean your new friends? The one you ditched us for?

AARON: come on, girls, let's give her a chance to speak.

AURORA: thank you, Aaron. Look, I fell really sick, so mom took me to the hospital. The doctor asked me to... the doctor asked me to rest and avoid making calls.

ANDREW: it's okay, Aurora. We are glad you are okay.

RILEY: hello? The dude?

AURORA: like I said, he is my friend. I met him at the hospital.

CLARK: I am more like her home doctor. I am in charge of taking good care of her.

DAPHNE: welcome back, Aurora; we missed you.

AURORA: I missed you guys too.

(Aurora, feeling guilty and sad, feigns a smile and hugs her friends)

AARON: are you ready for university?

AURORA: hmm.. um.. about that, I have good news.

ANDREW: you got in?

AURORA: why are you my mind, Andrew?

(They jump up and cheer excitedly for Aurora)

RILEY: I guess we aren't meant to be separated.

AARON: mm-hmm.

DAPHNE: congratulations, girl!

AURORA: thank you so much.

ANDREW: hey, how about heading to the restaurant they unveiled yesterday for a celebratory meal?

AARON: great idea, bro.

(Upon hearing this, Clark discreetly signals to Aurora that their stay doesn't need to be prolonged)

CLARK: as her doctor, I think she needs to rest. Perhaps another time?

RILEY: sure, no problem. Get well soon, Aurora.

DAPHNE: we can't have fun without you.

ALL: (in unison) because we are the fantastic five.

(They burst out laughing and eventually bid their goodbyes)

CLARK: are you ready to go home, your majesty?

AURORA: um.. please address me by my name, okay? I am Aurora.

CLARK: but you are the Empress.

AURORA: I know, but I am not used to it, so address me by my name.

CLARK: sure, your... Aurora.

AURORA: that's better, thank you.

(They make their way to the empire, engaged in conversation)

FADE OUT