A Medieval Princess In Today's Modern World

By MelMuff

Author's Notes: This is something completely original that I made up back in the year 2000 for my high school drama class. Actually, the title use to be "A Medieval Princess in the Year 2000" but I now changed it cuz I see it now fitting to update with the times. My close friends and other people in my class helped acting it out in class. Thanx to all of them. I really appreciate all your help. Anyway, this is not exactly a story but a play that I created. I hope everyone will enjoy it.

Scene 1: Lily and Princess Gwendolyn take a stroll to a pond in the month of the middle of March, Princess Gwendolyn ignores her warnings not to go on the ice but walks on the ice any ways and then she then falls through. Lily goes off to tell Queen Valeska & King Thomas about what happened.

Scene 2: Her parents are very upset especially the queen. Queen Valeska places a spell to save her daughter’s life which can only be broken when her true love comes. Along with the spell, the whole kingdom is frozen until the princess awakes. The queen is so much in rage that she blames Lily and punishes her by turning her to stone.

Scene 3: 200 years after, two village kids are talking amongst themselves with Queen Valeska staring at the pond where Princess Gwendolyn is frozen until the spell is broken.

Scene 4: Archeologists, Paul & Valerie, uncover Princess Gwendolyn and realize that the legend was true. (Then the narrator explains how she is transported to New York City.)

Scene 5: A special few selected people that Valerie organized all chosen to see the exhibit a week before it opens to the public. Paul apologises about her absence. There he talks to them about the discovery and how it was found. Kodi, an 18 year old janitor hired part time at the museum, is in the back of the crowd overhearing what Paul says. When Paul and the crowd leaves, Kodi and one person from the crowd are left behind. She introduces herself as Victoria and tells him of how she admires the exhibit. Then Kodi tells her to leave and to join the other group which she then does. While he is alone with the princess, he starts to talk to her.

This is when the spell starts to take effect.

Scene 6: The ice around Princess Gwendolyn melts and she then finds herself in a cold deserted room. She starts to wonder where she is and then she leaves the museum to start exploring of where she is.

Act 2

Scene 7: She wonders around and finds herself in front of an ally where she encounters a homeless guy named Jacques. After speaking with him for a while, she crosses the street to Central Park where she calls for her carriage and talks to a carriage driver named Michael. After that, she then bumps into a little girl named Alena who she talks with for a while as well.

Scene 8: Princess Gwendolyn crosses back over the street to the sidewalk then comes across a florist named Flora who gives her a flower for free. Then Princess Gwendolyn accidentally bumps into a stranger named Veronica and she drops the flower. Veronica helps Princess Gwendolyn up and hands to her the flower that she just dropped. At first, Veronica is surprised to see Princess Gwendolyn. After they introduce each other, talk for a while and then go they’re separate ways.

Scene 9: Kodi bumps into Princess Gwendolyn in the street and then brings her back to the museum.

Scene 10: He brought her back and then he tried to look for Paul who could explain everything to Princess Gwendolyn. Kodi finds finally finds him and when Paul learns about the spell being true. (She only awaken when her true love comes to her.) Since Paul believes that since he was around her most often, he thinks that he is her true love. Then he starts to explain everything to her.

Scene 11: Queen Valeska enters the room and they all wonder of who she is. First, Princess Gwendolyn thinks that it’s Veronica then Kodi thinks that it’s Victoria, and then Paul says that it must be Valerie since this stranger looks a lot like her. She then reveals her true self. They are all surprised and look at her with astonishment when they learn the truth that she is really Queen Valeska and was all this time. She explains to them that over the years she slowed her aging. That every century she ages 1 year. Then Princess Gwendolyn is very happy to have her mother back. Paul starts to go on again that he is Princess Gwendolyn true love but Queen Valeska said that, after Kodi was done talking to Princess Gwendolyn, she went back to the exhibit as Valerie and noticed that some ice might have been beginning to melt. But she wasn’t sure if it was the spell actually beginning to wear off. So she truly reveals that Kodi is Princess Gwendolyn real true love and not Paul. Also, Queen Valeska casts another spell turning Lily back into a human.

Scene 12: This scene takes place in the future. It’s a follow up of how everyone is doing.

Actual Play:

Act 1

Scene 1

Narrator: This story starts in 13th century in the land of Sensburg located somewhere on the north coast of Scotland. The rulers are King Thomas and Queen Valeska along with their only child and daughter, Princess Gwendolyn. Last night, there was a major snow fall in the kingdom and, since Princess Gwendolyn loves the snow, the next day she decides to take a walk followed by her companion, Lily. Here, this is where the story starts as they begin to walk into Grenwood Forest.

Princess Gwendolyn: Lily, (Princess Gwendolyn breathes in some air) smell the fresh air. Truly refreshing. Away from that damp old castle. Spring is finally coming. I truly that today is such a beautiful day, don’t you agree?

Lily: Yes your majesty.

Princess Gwendolyn: (Princess Gwendolyn stares at the pond for a while and then a dangerous idea pops in her head.) Boys must think that I’m a stuck up snob. Lily, I think it’s time to prove them all wrong. And you shall be my witness. (Starts to walk onto the pond which is the stairs below the stage.)

Lily: Your highness! (Princess Gwendolyn stops walking and stands right where she is listening to what Lily is saying to her.) What are you doing? Are you foolishly walking onto that pond just to impress and brag about this to the boys? You know that the spring equinox will fall upon us 7 nights from now. The ice is thin and you will surely fall through. Are you are mad? And I’m not going to join you. And since you’re parents hired me to protect you, I’m going to have to stop you.

Princess Gwendolyn: And I’m the a princess and you were also hired to obey me, remember? Now I order you to stay right where you are. And besides I didn’t even give you an invitation to join me. Just watch, that’s all. (Orders Lily to.) Stay right where you are. That’s an order.

Lily: Fine! (Says it sarcastically then mumbles to herself.) You’re were right before when you called yourself a stuck up snob.

Princess Gwendolyn: (Shouts at Lily.) What did you day?

Lily: Nothing your highness.

Princess Gwendolyn: Good! (Then continues to walk further onto the pond. Then Princess Gwendolyn starts to notice that the ice is starting to break.)

Sound FX Person: (Makes a slight cracking noise for when the ice is just beginning to break.)

Princess Gwendolyn: Lily help.

Lily: What’s wrong your highness?

Princess Gwendolyn: (Princess Gwendolyn falls through the ice and screams.) Ahhhh!!!!

Lily: (Lily yells.) Princess! (Lily pauses for a moment while she is in shock of what happened then starts to speak again.) Oh no! Now what am I going to do? She did fall through the ice. I warned her. Why didn’t she listen to me? (An idea pops in her head.) That’s it. The Queen. She’ll know what to do. (Lily rushes to get the king and queen.)

Narrator: Just like Lily predicted. Princess Gwendolyn did fall through the ice and Lily could not do anything to help her except to go get Princess Gwendolyn’s parents, King Thomas and Queen Valeska. The reason is that her mother is a sorceress and could perhaps be able to save her daughter.

Lily: Right here your majesties. This is where she fell through into the ice. (Queen Valeska rushes over to the edge of the pond grieving about her daughter then after that Lily says to the queen.) Your Majesty, I believe that since you are a sorceress that you could perhaps save her, if it’s still not too late?

Queen Valeska: You fool! (Queen Valeska looks back at Lily and says.) Why didn’t you stop her? It was your job to look after her. Why did you let her do this? (Looks back at the pond and begins to cry.) Why?

Lily: I’m so sorry. Really.

King Thomas: Sorry isn’t good enough. Our only child is now gone because of you. You can’t possibly know what we’re feeling right now. (Lily lowers her head in disappointment.) Because of you, our darling daughter is now gone forever. (Queen Valeska stares beyond the pond then she starts to stand up.)

Queen Valeska: No! Not forever.

King Thomas: What do you mean? (Lily lifts up her head to listen.)

Queen Valeska: Let me show you. (Raises her arms out in front of herself.) Jack Frost come forth for I call upon you now. Freeze my daughter till she awakens from this spell. And may the same go for the kingdom. Let winter reign here forever. Only to be broken by her true love and no other.

Lily: I just knew that you could save her.

King Thomas: Silence you fool! You’ve caused enough trouble for one day. Now my queen. How should we punish this her.

Queen Valeska: I know. I shall cast another spell. Hail the north wind who shelters the cold.

Lily: Wait.

Queen Valeska: Freeze this girl.

Lily: I didn’t mean to. It’s not my fault.

King Thomas: Too late.

Queen Valeska: Turning her heart to stone. (Lily then turns to stone. Queen Valeska turns to face the king.) It’s done. Lets go. (King Thomas nods his head and then they both leave.)

Narrator: For many years the king and queen wait for the spell to break but it never did. Decades after, the king announces that his queen has died and a few years after that, he passes away as well. Now 400 years after, the myth is still remembered and here are 2 village kids who are talking about the incident.

Megan: Well Theresa. Here we are.

Theresa: Where’s the so called princess in the pond suppose to be?

Megan: Right here! I think her name was Lily. She was the princess’ caretaker.

Theresa: Besides, it doesn’t matter. The myth isn’t true, right Megan?

Stranger: And just how would you know?

Megan: We don’t.

Theresa: And by the way, who are you? (The stranger walks away. The 2 village make faces thinking that the stranger was a weirdo and then they leave as well.)

Important Note:(The sound FX person makes a sound ever time Paul picks at the ice with the ice pick.)

Paul: Valerie, do you think that we will really find this princess? Do you really think that this myth is real?

Valerie: Yes! I strongly believe in it. Why do you think I organized this exhibition for? Or then I wouldn’t have done this.

Paul: Sorry! I didn’t realize that this meant so much to you.

Valerie: That’s okay! This is just going to be one of the greatest finds of the 20th century.

Paul: I sure have to say that looking for this princess sure seems like a lot of work. My hands are getting very sore from chipping away this ice.

Valerie: I agree but I’m willing to do anything to prove that this myth is real. No one else ever believed in it until I stumbled upon it. Ever since then, I’m the only one who has ever tried to prove that this myth is real.

Paul: I see.

Valerie: Look! Under the ice. It’s a big black shadow under the ice. It’s her. It just has to be her. See! I told you that she really existed.

Paul: Now lets not get too excited. I could be anything.

Valerie: No! It’s her. I just know it.

Narrator: Valerie proved that it was her. Princess Gwendolyn was then taken out of the ice and flown across the ocean in an air plane to a museum in New York City.

Paul: Thank you all for coming here today. My name is Paul Swanger and today I will be your guide. As you all know, you were all selected specially for today’s tour. You are all quite lucky because this exhibit still won’t open to the public for about another week or two. And to let you all know, I’m assistant to Valerie Leblanc. She’s the one who organized this excavation of Princess Gwendolyn and prove that the myth was true. But I’m sorry to say that she couldn’t be here today and I apologize for that. She has other important matters to attend to for the entire day. Next, these are the tools used when we found Princess Gwendolyn in the ice. This a scroll that her mother, Queen Valeska, left to her daughter for when she awakens so she’ll understand of what has happened. And this is the princess herself trapped in pure solid ice. Now do any of you have any questions to ask me?

Reporter: How long ago was the princess discovered?

Paul: I believe that was about 5 months ago.

Reporter: What is the name of the princess’ caretaker who was turned to stone by the queen?

Paul: Her name was Lily.

Reporter: Is the story about Princess Gwendolyn’s caretaker true?

Paul: We’ll only know that if and when the spell breaks and if anyone here would like to see Lily then please follow me this way. Legend says that Queen Valeska turned her into stone as punishment for not saving her daughter. (The crowd walks offstage from where they walked in from. Victoria stays behind and Kodi approaches her.)

Kodi: Ya know.

Victoria: (Victoria is startled by Kodi.) Don’t scare me like that.

Kodi: Sorry!

Victoria: That’s okay. Just please don’t ever do that again.

Kodi: Sure! Well anyway, I was just saying that I think that you should catch up to your group.

Victoria: Soon. I just want to admire this exhibit a little longer.

Kodi: So will I.. I think I’ll join you. I’m a new janitor hired recently but don’t think that this is a full time job. I’m 18 and I only this is only a part time job help pay the rent. Anyway, it’s my 3rd time working here but my first in this area. I haven’t had time to admired this exhibit myself yet. By the way, my name is Kodi. What’s yours?

Victoria: Victoria. Anyway, I think that I’ve stayed here long enough. It’s time that I go join the others. Bye!

Kodi: So long. (Both wave goodbye at each other and Victoria leaves.) Now its just you and me princess. (Silence for a while.) You’re giving me the silent treatment, eh? (More silence.) I guess that I’ll see you later. Farewell your majesty. (Kodi leaves.)

Narrator: After Kodi leaves, the ice on Princess Gwendolyn starts to melt. This means that the spell must now be broken. Remember the last line of the spell. Only to be broken by her true love and no other. But by who is Princess Gwendolyn’s true love? Could it be Kodi the janitor, one of the reporters or Paul the archeologist. In time, soon all will reveal itself.

Princess Gwendolyn: (Starts to twitch her left hand.) Where am I? (Starts to walk around the room.) What is this place? (Keeps roaming around the room.) Light. I see light. All I remember is darkness for a very long time and now I finally see light. (She walks towards an emergency door and bumps into it and does so a second time.)

Act 2

Narrator: So the princess emerges from her sleep, leaves the museum, and goes off to explore this new strange world that she sees. She walks down a side walk and enters an alley where she meets a homeless guy named Jason.

Jason: Hiya toots! (Jason hiccups.) Nice day today, eh? (Hiccups again.)

Princess Gwendolyn: I guess! Who are you?

Jason: The name’s. (Hiccups.) Jason. (Hiccups.) Nice to meet ya. (Hiccups.)

Princess Gwendolyn: Same here. My name is Princess Gwendolyn.

Jason: Royalty, eh? (Hiccups.) Then why don’t we. (Hiccups.) Dance. (Hiccups.) Come here baby. (Moves towards Princess Gwendolyn.)

Princess Gwendolyn: Stay away from me. (Princess Gwendolyn runs away from Jason and attempts to cross the street.)

Sound FX Person: (Makes a honking sound of a car.)

Princess Gwendolyn: (Princess Gwendolyn makes it across to the other side of the street.) What sort of monster was that?

Michael: It’s called a car.

Princess Gwendolyn: (Turns around and says.) Don’t scare me like that. I’m a princess you know.

Michael: Sorry Mam. My name is Michael. Michael Turner. I’m a carriage driver.

Princess Gwendolyn: Yes! I see. My name is Princess Gwendolyn and I demand that you take me back to the castle at once.

Michael: Yah! Whatever. I can only anywhere here in Central Park.

Princess Gwendolyn: Never heard of the place.

Michael: Never mind that. Do you have any money with you?

Princess Gwendolyn: (Looks around herself.) I did but I’ve seemed to have lost it somewhere.

Michael: No money. No ride. Sorry. (Rides away.)

Princess Gwendolyn: Wait. I don’t need any money. I’m a princess. You’re suppose to do what I command you to do.

Alena: (Note: Alena tosses a baseball in the air time to time.) You can’t go bossing other people around ya know.

Princess Gwendolyn: I can to because.

Alena: You’re a princess. As if. You’re a phoney.

Princess Gwendolyn: I am not. And what does "as if" mean?

Alena: Geesh! You’re totally clueless, aren’t ya? (Princess Gwendolyn tries to speak but Alena interrupts her first.) Forget it. Don’t answer. Just let me tell you one thing.

Voice: Alena!

Alena: Sorry. I’ve gotta go. My mom is calling me. See ya later.

Princess Gwendolyn: Wait! Please. (Silence for a while.) I miss my mother and my father too.

Narrator: After Princess Gwendolyn meets Jason, Michael, and Alena, she crosses another street and ends up on a sidewalk filled with many venues where she meets a florist named Flora.

Flora: Flowers for sale. Flowers for sale. Flora’s flowers are the most beautiful one in New York City. Hi!

Princess Gwendolyn: Hello!

Flora: (Takes a flower out of a pail and says.) Wanna flower?

Princess Gwendolyn: Sure but do I have to buy it.

Flora: Yes but... (Looks around.) But between you and me, this once I’ll give it to you for free. Just don’t tell anyone about this, okay?

Princess Gwendolyn: Thank you very much. I promise that I will not tell a soul.

Flora: Good. It looks like you really need a flower to cheer you up.

Princess Gwendolyn: I certainly do. I’m truly sorry but I’m afraid that I must get going. Bye!

Flora: Bye! Have a good day.

Princess Gwendolyn: You too. (The princess keeps walking and accidentally bumps into a stranger and drops the flower that Flora gave to her.) Ouch.

Veronica: Watch where you’re going.

Princess Gwendolyn: Why don’t you do the same?

Veronica: (An astonished look suddenly appears on Veronica’s face.) I’m so sorry. (Veronica then suddenly picks up the flower that Princess Gwendolyn just dropped and hands it to the princess.) Here you go. My name is Veronica.

Princess Gwendolyn: (Princess Gwendolyn takes the flower.) I’m Princess.

Veronica: Gwendolyn. I know. I’m so happy to meet you again.

Princess Gwendolyn: How do you know my name? And have we met before? I’m sorry to say but I don’t even remember ever meeting you before.

Veronica: It doesn’t matter. Time will soon reveal itself and I’m sorry too. I have to go. But stay right here.

Princess Gwendolyn: But why?

Veronica: Just do it.

Princess Gwendolyn: She doesn’t have the right to order me around but I will do what she says. All this wondering around has just gotten me into trouble. Perhaps if I stay put, something good may happen.

Narrator: Veronica suddenly ran off because she saw Kodi in the distance and she needed to tell him about the princess.

Veronica: Kodi!

Kodi: Yah! That’s me. Don’t wear my name out. Oh hi Victoria.

Veronica: No! I’m not Victoria. I’m Veronica. Victoria is my twin sister.

Kodi: I didn’t know she had one.

Veronica: That doesn’t matter right now. My sister showed me pictures that she took yesterday of the princess when she was chosen to be in that special group of reporters. Anyway, just look over there.

Kodi: My God! Is that the princess?

Veronica: Yes! Now go to her. I’m in a hurry so I’m afraid that I have to go. I’m sorry but I can’t help you. Bye!

Kodi: That’s okay. Bye! She sure seems to be more livelier than her sister. (Walks up to the princess.) Princess Gwendolyn, is that you?

Princess Gwendolyn: Yes! But at least address me in a proper manner.

Kodi: Sorry but I don’t have the time. I must get you back to the museum immediately. Paul and Valerie are going to be so thrilled.

Princess Gwendolyn: Who are Paul and Valerie?

Kodi: Just come with me. Paul and Valerie can explain everything to you, okay? (Reaches to grab her hand.)

Princess Gwendolyn: (Moves her hand away from his.) Don’t touch you fiend.

Kodi: Sorry! Then just follow me, okay?

Princess Gwendolyn: Fine!

Narrator: They walk back to the museum where they find Paul polishing the statue of Lily.

Kodi: Paul!

Paul: Yes!

Kodi: Look!

Paul: My goodness. The princess.

Kodi: I know. Amazing, isn’t it.

Paul: So spell has finally been broken. But by who?

Kodi: You of course.

Paul: No! I can’t be me. I’ve been around her so many times. The spell would have broken a lot sooner.

Kodi: Are you certain?

Paul: Yes! But then who is her true love?

Kodi: Then perhaps it the reporters?

Paul: Can’t be. They were all females.

Kodi: Unless a girl is the princess’s true love.

Paul: It could be. Is this true princess?

Princess Gwendolyn: No, of course not. I only walked on to the ice to impress the boys and I also thought that the ice was strong enough to walk on.

Kodi: That’s a relief.

Princess Gwendolyn: Why is that a relief? Can someone please tell me of what’s going on here.

Paul: (Grabs the scroll off of the table and hands it to Princess Gwendolyn.) Here. Read this. (Princess Gwendolyn sets her flower be the statue of Lily, takes the scroll from him, and reads it.)

Narrator: After Princess Gwendolyn reads the scroll that her mother left for her, she finally understands of what her mother did.

Princess Gwendolyn: So this is what happened. My future is now the present and I’ll never see my parents again. (Princess Gwendolyn starts to cry.)

Paul: Oh how I wish Valerie was here to see this.

Queen Valeska: Here I am and don’t cry my dear. You will see your mother again.

Princess Gwendolyn: I will.

Queen Valeska: And sooner then you think.

Paul: Valerie, why are you dressed like that. Are you mocking the princess.

Queen Valeska: No! And my name isn’t Valerie. She doesn’t exist.

Princess Gwendolyn: Then you’re Veronica? The one I bumped into in the street today.

Queen Valeska: I’m her neither nor does she exist.

Kodi: Then you must be her twin sister Victoria, the reporter?

Queen Valeska: Wrong again. None of those people really existed. I just made them all up.

Paul: But why? And who are you really?

Queen Valeska: I truly am..........Princess Gwendolyn’s mother, Queen Valeska. (They all react with astonishment looks on their faces.)

Princess Gwendolyn: Mom! Is that really you?

Queen Valeska: Yes dear!

Paul: But how can that be? You should have died centuries ago.

Queen Valeska: I know but let me explain. You all know that I’m a sorceress and can cast pretty powerful spells. Well, I cast a spell upon myself that slowed my aging process since I cannot cast any immortal spells. Even those are even to powerful for me to cast. Anyway, every 100 years that would go by, I would only age by 1 year. Since the 13th century, I’ve only aged about 8 years.

Princess Gwendolyn: So that’s why you look a little different. You do look a bit older than the last time that I saw you. Though is was so long ago. 800 hundred years is such a long time that I didn’t even recognize you.

Queen Valeska: And now I must tell you of who Princess Gwendolyn’s true love is.

Paul: Do you really know who it is?

Queen Valeska: Yes and now I’ll tell you. I will not keep you all in suspense any longer. He is.....you Kodi.

Kodi: Now way. You’ve got to be kidding me.

Queen Valeska: No it’s true. I disguised myself as Victoria to get to close to the princess. I had a feeling that there was something special about you. And after you were alone with the princess, I went back as Valerie just to check her and that’s when I noticed that the ice that was upon her was starting to melt away. But I didn’t mean for her to wondering about the city like that. I knew that I would be dangerous. I was so excited that I went to get Paul but I got sidetracked when someone started talking to me of something about the exhibit. I thought that it wouldn’t take long. After I was done talking to them, I suddenly remembered about the princess. I went back to check upon her and she was gone. A trail of water led to an emergency door and I followed but lost the trail somewhere among the grass. I cleaned up the mess and kept everyone out of the exhibit until the princess would be found. And at least now the princess knows everything and she’s safe.

Princess Gwendolyn: Thank you mother for saving me but what ever happened to father?

Queen Valeska: I’m sorry dear. He’s gone. He never ever wanted me to cast any spells upon him so I did what he asked of me. I hope you understand.

Princess Gwendolyn: I do. And what ever happened to Lily.

Paul: She’s right here. (Points to Lily.)

Queen Valeska: I punished her because she did nothing to stop you from going onto that ice.

Princess Gwendolyn: It wasn’t her fault. It was all mine. I was on the ice before she could even do anything to prevent this. I’m telling you the truth. I really am.

Queen Valeska: I know didn’t that. I’ve made a terrible mistake but I can fix of what I’ve done and if it’s true of what you say then I will reverse the spell.

Princess Gwendolyn: Oh mother! Please do.

Queen Valeska: All of you. Witness magic in the making. Reverse this spell that I once cast upon this poor mortal soul. May she be fine and all be well. May she now return to normal. It is now done.

Lily: What happened? Where am I? (Looks at Princess Gwendolyn and Queen Valeska) Your majesties.

Narrator: They explained everything to Lily and Lily, herself, is happy to be back with them then they all talk about so many things but the story doesn’t end yet. What does the future hold in store for them. Kodi goes to college and graduates then him and Gwendolyn get married. She and her mother drop there status as royals and live the rest of there lives as normal human beings. Valeska undoes her aging spell she cast upon herself. Lily is given her freedom and is no longer has to work for Valeska and Paul gets married and still is examining the artifacts about this strange occurrence with the help and Gwendolyn and her mother. And so this is how the story ends. Hopefully it was fun for you all to listen and may we meet once again perhaps about another mythical story.