(At the dinner table, Catherine sat confidently at the head of the table. By her right hand was her fair daughter, Diane and opposite Diane sat Carissa. The remaining seats were filled with extras, people from all works of life who came to seek the favour from a more powerful person than they. Catherine so enjoyed the attention and Diane, starved of her mother, played the part of generous hostess she hoped would please Catherine. on the other hand, Carissa didn't care. she never even said a word. In return, they didn't bother her. but tonight was a different case)
CATHERINE: (bellowed) Carissa.
CARISSA: (looked to her) yeah?
CATHERINE: I heard you interfered when Diane tried disciplining a servant today.
CARISSA: (shrugged) it was wrong to stand and watch her discipline someone I put under the heat, so I said something.
CATHERINE: And what was really your intention?
CARISSA: (confused) I just needed him to run an errand. am I not allowed that courtesy?
CATHERINE: I've been told you didn't see him before the confrontation or receive anything after so how was it an errand?
CARISSA: well a gate should not be placed above the importance of a man. or is this because Diane didn't get the ending she expected?
CATHERINE: you flatter yourself if you think this is about Diane or a gate! (laughed. Everywhere fell silent) you seem to forget why you're here. or who you are for that matter. A girl, yes. A simple girl? definitely no. you cannot compare yourself with these ridiculousness we call servants. that's why we hand-picked only the best to serve you.
CARISSA: I think what's ridiculous is the way you look down at fellow humans who are not as great as you, servants and...(eyed the number of people on the table) lesser aristocrats alike.
CATHERINE: That is not your call to make.
CARISSA: if I live like this, what difference would it make from being a servant myself?
CATHERINE: Think of it as being princess under probation. then you'll understand. we cannot expect just anything from you. and you know it like I do, this all ends when you decide it.
CARISSA: I decide it now! call my father and have me removed from your presence immediately! I couldn't bear another word from you. telling me about how rich I am to be unable to beckon who I want when it actually implies I'm extremely wretched.
CATHERINE: Do the needful! (Still glancing at Carissa) Everybody out. (The hall emptied in two minutes)
DIANE: mom...
CATHERINE: Go. (softened) you go my darling. (she left)
CARISSA: so you're clear, I don't plan to do what either of you want for me. if you think he's so right a man, perhaps you give him wed your daughter.
CATHERINE: I would if he weren't already interested in you. you're a fool. Did you think your parents built all their empire by being nice to some ne'er-do-wells? they didn't like each other but they had you. now you're on the radar of someone as big as the Edward, and you're refusing.
CARISSA: do you think I'll marry him and end up with a household like yours with strangers gawking at my table? eventually refusing my husband the leadership and being fine with a daughter as arrogant as Diane.. one arrogant daughter! (frustrated) arrrgh! I am a free bird. what I was born with is only my aid in flying not my shackles. Tell Dad I will not bend. and neither will I to you.
CATHERINE: what will you do then dear?
CARISSA: I'll find my own way. you can watch out for it.
CATHERINE: (nodded) I think you'll have enough time to think it up in the solace room. (to no one in particular) come in. (two ladies ushered themselves in) bind her hands and foot. give her only a glass of water for each day, and keep her there for half a month. I'm sure you find the quiet room very much up your taste now.
CARISSA: (reddened. breathing heavily) you will pay for everything.