Episode 7

"**The Curtain Rises**" is the seventh released episode of *Your Throne* by SAM. In a flashback, Medea recalls the events of the debutante ball that took place three years ago where she first met Psyche. In the present day, the crown prince's birthday banquet rapidly approaches as Helio attempts to prepare Psyche for her first public appearance as "Lady Medea."

## Synopsis

The might of the Vasilios Empire is sustained through divine power shared by two factions. One of these factions, the imperial family, manages affairs outside of the empire's borders to strengthen the nation's power beyond its limits. The other faction, the Grand Temple, oversees activities within the empire itself to preserve its stability and security. Thus, this balance of power allows the Vasilios Empire to thrive and prosper. Each year, its citizens experience two springs and two winters. The debutante ball marks the beginning of the first spring, and is the most highly-anticipated event by all budding socialites.

Three years ago, the debutante ball followed its tradition of introducing new socialites into high society. The talk of the evening was the debut of the elusive daughter of Count Callista, Psyche Callista. Though the count was a reputable man, his daughter had never been spotted in public. Over the years, curious speculation had grown into nasty gossip among the nobles. Many believed that the count's daughter was bedridden with a chronic illness, or purposefully hidden due to her monstrous appearance. As guests discussed amongst themselves in anticipation for Psyche's appearance, one particular noble confided with his acquaintance that he believed the count hid his daughter out of love. His acquaintance scoffs at the absurdity of the thought.

At that moment, Medea happened to walk by. At the youthful age of nineteen, Medea Solon was already a distinguished member in the uppermost echelons of high society. The noble and his acquaintance beckoned her to join their conversation, inquiring about her opinion on the rumors of the count's family. With the proper grace of the duke's daughter, Medea states that while it was common for a household to hide their troubles, it was just as sensible to hide what they deemed precious. The nobles praised her for making such an astute comment, remarking on how well-read she was. A sudden hush fell over the crowd. Medea turned around and watched as a young girl with flowing blond hair, dressed in a lavish gown of white and gold, descended the grand staircase. Psyche Callista had made her formal debut into high society. With her radiant smile and elegant manner, she had defied all expectations and successfully won the public's favor.

In the present, Helio and Psyche sit across from each other at a large wooden desk. The moon sits high in the night sky as Psyche attempts to transcribe piles of dusty volumes and complex manuscripts. Slightly exasperated, Helio reminds Psyche to adjust her posture and stay alert as they work; she will need to finish transcribing at least half of what he prepared in order to begin mimicking Medea in public. Frustratedly, Psyche protests that the work is far too advanced for someone at her level, let alone Medea, who mastered the subjects at the age of eight. Helio turns away, uncomfortable that Psyche is using Medea's face to portray a desperate expression. Without looking at her, he advises Psyche to practice speaking in a condescending tone. Though Medea maintains a kind, generous facade in public, she typically speaks down to others in private. Helio watches as Psyche unwillingly returns to her transcription. With no cultural knowledge, common sense, or savoir-faire, Psyche appears to have no chance in pulling off a convincing impersonation of the knowledgeable Lady Medea. Helio recalls when Psyche exhibited good intuition when she managed to hold her own at the sparring match, and determines that he has no choice but to gamble on that instinct.

At the count's manor, Medea gazes out of the basement window underneath the vast mansion. Days have passed since Eros locked her away, and the crown prince shows no intention of allowing her to leave any time soon. On the ground level, Eros also peers through a window at the night sky. A servant approaches the crown prince and informs him that there have been no signs of suspicious activities at Duke Solon's estate. With an enigmatic smile, Eros remarks that two is still better than one.

On the day of the royal banquet celebrating the crown prince's birthday, Helio arrives in his carriage to pick up Psyche. Dressed in fine fabrics of white and silver, he stops short at the sight of Psyche. In harsh contrast to what Medea usually wears, Psyche chose an extravagant pink gown decorated with large, gaudy peonies. Noticing Helio's expression, Psyche asks if she looks strange. He states that people will mistaken her as the guest of honor at the banquet if she shows up wearing such flashy clothes. He quickly leads Psyche back inside and helps her choose a subtler dress of muted pink with black lace. As he carefully styles her hair, Helio reminds Psyche that she is no longer the crown prince's fiancée. In Medea's body, she must refrain from standing out and avoid jeopardizing her life. Abashed, Psyche admits that she was aware of this, but could not control herself. The crown prince's birthday is a day she has been looking forward to for a long time. Since he was too busy last year for a proper celebration, Eros promised to celebrate his birthday this year with her.

In the foyer at the imperial palace, Eros bends down and gently kisses Medea's hand. The golden cuff bracelet slides back slightly, revealing a purplish bruise on her wrist. He states that after facing so many trials, they will finally stand together as one. Medea smiles and takes his arm as they walk down the hall together. On the day she was brought to the basement of the count's manor, she wondered what sort of secrets the count's family harbored underneath their well-mannered, submissive exterior. Though the basement gave the impression that it contained a prayer room, Medea would not have been surprised to see a dungeon. What she did not expect was to be brought into an ordinary bedroom. Its interior was homely, furnished with a comfortable bed, a desk, and large bookcases filled with weathered volumes. Though it was covered with a fine layer of dust, it had signs of someone living there for quite some time. During the period she was confined to the room, Medea concluded that Psyche must have lived in the basement for her entire life until the day of her debut into society. What she could not fathom was why the count would lock his daughter away, or how Eros knew of the room's existence.

Trumpets blare deafeningly, silencing the crowd as a servant announces the arrival of the royal couple. Eros and Medea enter the ballroom and are greeted with cheers from the onlooking crowd. As Eros waves at the adoring nobles, Medea spots Psyche on the ballroom floor. Medea recalls how furious she was on the day of the royal engagement, hidden in the crowd as she watched Psyche ride off with the crown prince on the royal carriage. Now, standing above everyone with Eros at her side, Medea has now stolen Psyche's spot. Unease begins to fill her heart as Medea wonders whether she has indeed usurped Psyche's future, or relieved her of misfortune.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance. Character first appearances are **bolded**.*

* Medea Solon
* Psyche Callista
* Helio Niccolo
* Eros Orna Vasilios

## Trivia

* Many medieval European empires had a division of power between its reigning monarchs and the Catholic Church. The evolution of shared power between church and state during this era influenced cultures of developing worlds and shaped the western world.
* Debutantes, or debs, were young women from esteemed families who formally entered high society upon reaching maturity, typically through a debutante ball. This milestone marked the point in a woman's life where she was deemed eligible by society to marry into another family. The formality of hosting a ball was to display her good graces to an elite circle of bachelors and their families.
* Peonies are linked to two Greek myths. The etymology of "peony" derives from the Greek word παιωνία (paiōnia), which can either refer to the talented physician of medicine, Paeon, or the beautiful nymph, Paeonia.
	+ Paeon was a renowned physician who used a peony root to heal Hades, which consequently incurred the wrath of Aesculapius, the god of medicine and Paeon's teacher. To save Paeon from dying at the hands of Aesculapius, Zeus transformed him into a peony. According to this myth, the flower signifies romance, prosperity, and a happy marriage.
	+ Paeonia was an extraordinarily beautiful nymph that attracted the attention of Apollo. Jealous of her beauty, Aphrodite turned Paeonia into a peony out of spite. According to this myth, the flower signifies misfortune.

## Gallery

The balance of power of the Vasilios Empire.Rumors of the elusive Psyche Callista, the only daughter of Count Callista.Young Medea at the debutante ball three years ago.Helio helps Psyche study books.Medea waits to be freed from the basement.Helio styles Psyche's hair.Eros kisses Medea's hand.Eros and Medea at the imperial banquet together.Medea and Psyche stare at each other from afar.
## References

1. ↑ Church and state in medieval Europe - Wikipedia
2. ↑ Debutante - Wikipedia
3. ↑ Peony Meaning and Symbolism - FTD By Design
4. ↑ History and Meaning of Peonies - ProFlowers