(quiet, steel) “You trained me to survive, Dad. Not you. Not Darius. You just taught us to follow orders. I’ve been watching. The water rises from the south first. The seals are probably in the east chamber. And Rowan won’t expect a girl in a dress.” She turns to the King. “I compete. But my family goes free tonight, win or lose. You’ll sign the release.”
(smiling, cold) “Then let’s make sure Episode 7 is her last.” Fade to black. Title card: “FAMILY FARING – NEW EPISODE NEXT WEEK – ‘THE DROWNING TRUTH’” Family Faring -Ep. 6- By Royal Games
Prince Rowan announces the trial: “The Sunken Gallery.” An underground labyrinth that floods in stages. Each family’s champion must retrieve a “royal seal” from the drowned throne room. First one back wins. Last one? The water doesn’t stop. (quiet, steel) “You trained me to survive, Dad
Final five minutes. The family is escorted to a wagon at the palace gates—real freedom. But Elara stops. “The door under the chapel. Rowan said.” You just taught us to follow orders
King Aldric laughs, then coughs, then nods. “Bold. I like her. Signed at dawn.”