INT. STAIRWAY OF THE PALACE OF THE KING - DAY (FLASHBACK)

Isabel is sitting on the steps of the big grey and marbled stairway. She's wearing a long black dress with some white lace inserts, a black and white headband, a pearl necklace, and pearl earrings. She's reading a book.

Leo gets closer to her and distracts her from the book. He's wearing a black studded blouse, wrapped in a black belt, and trousers of the same color. Leo is holding a black saddlebag made of cloth. He puts it on a step.

LEO: I'm eager to know which gentleman you'll pick this Saturday...

ISABEL: I don't mean to tell you that. Besides, you shouldn't know that the ball is in my honor...

LEO: If Malie and Muriel know, the entire country knows it, too. (In an insisting way) I won't tell anybody. Who will you choose?

ISABEL: Go away.

LEO: Just one name. Pretend that I'm Muriel.

ISABEL: I would never say anything to Muriel's big mouth.

LEO: Your cousin, then. Althea.

ISABEL: Althea?!

LEO: Her male version.

Isabel thinks about it for a few seconds, and then proposes something to Leo.

ISABEL: Fine, I'll tell you who I'm going to choose, but you should do something for me in return!

LEO: What kind of thing do I have to do for you?

Isabel whispers something in Leo's ear.

LEO: Alright. Fine. I can do it. Now, tell me, are you interested in someone?

ISABEL: NO.

LEO: Is there no one in this reign, or outside of it, that you could like a bit?

ISABEL: No one.

LEO: You're lying.

ISABEL (bored): I am not.

Leo doesn't give up. He takes a little book, a feather, and a little pot of ink out of the black saddlebag. Isabel looks at the little pot of ink, worried.

ISABEL: Be careful with that pot of ink!

Leo ignores the advice of Isabel and starts taking notes on the little book.

LEO: So, what should he look like? Blonde hair or brown hair? Dark eyes or light eyes? Confident or shy?

ISABEL (Getting more annoyed): Will you let me read my book in peace, please?

LEO: Only if you give me an answer. Blonde hair or brown hair?

Isabel closes the book angrily.

ISABEL: Go away, Leo.

LEO: But I haven't finished yet...

She takes some steps and arrives at the peak of the stairway. Then she looks back at Leo.

ISABEL: Keep your word.

LEO (snorts): Fine.