The Tent – Midnight Intrusion

Suddenly — the candles extinguish.

And Aurevia's eyes snap open.

She doesn’t scream.

She moves.

Like a shadow made of fire.

In one breath, she rolls off the bed, grabs her sword, and holds it to the throat of the nearest enemy before he can blink.

AUREVIA (calm, deadly)

You took one wrong step… into the lion’s den.

The enemies freeze. One of them tries to laugh.

ENEMY SOLDIER 1

You’re holding that sword like a toy, girl. Want to play—

SHIIING!

In a blur, Aurevia slices his belt and flips his dagger from its sheath. It clatters to the ground.

AUREVIA (quiet rage)

This “toy” was blessed by the gods of the old war.

Want me to show you how they used it?

The others stumble back. Footsteps rush in — soldiers from the camp arrive, swords drawn.

GENERAL #4 (shocked)

Princess! Are you hurt?!

Aurevia doesn’t answer. She stares at the intruders.

AUREVIA (to her soldiers)

Take them. Strip them of their tongues if they whisper another insult.

The enemy soldiers are dragged out, faces pale.

As they vanish, the soldiers stare at Aurevia — in awe.

YOUNG SOLDIER (softly)

She didn’t scream… didn’t even blink.

OLDER SOLDIER

She’s not a commander.

He bows.

OLDER SOLDIER

She’s a queen… in armor.

INT. TENT – MOMENTS LATER

Aurevia sits, breathing quietly. From the shadows, Liora appears.

LIORA

You didn’t need me tonight.

Aurevia turns. Her voice is soft.

AUREVIA

I always need you.

But tonight… I remembered who I am.

EXT. CAMP OUTSIDE AUREVIA’S TENT – NIGHT

The moon hangs high. A soft wind moves the banners. A crowd of soldiers stands outside Princess Aurevia’s tent. Whispers rise like wind over water.

SOLDIER #1 (in awe)

She disarmed three men… before they could draw breath.

SOLDIER #2

She didn’t even flinch.

The flap of the tent opens. Aurevia steps out slowly, sword still in hand, face calm, eyes burning.

One by one — the soldiers drop to one knee.

GENERAL #4 (loudly)

Commander Aurevia…

We stand behind you.

Not because you wear the crown — but because you carry fire in your soul.

Silence. Then — swords rise. Hundreds. A sea of blades glinting in the moonlight.

Aurevia looks at them — and finally, her lips form the smallest, softest smile.

EXT. DISTANT RIDGE – SAME TIME

Hidden behind rocks, cloaked in black, a lone enemy spy watches everything — wide-eyed, breath trembling.

He scribbles something into a scroll, fast.

ENEMY SPY (to himself)

She’s no child.

She’s the storm.

He disappears into the night — racing back toward the enemy camp.

INT. AUREVIA’S TENT – LATE NIGHT

Aurevia sits alone now, polishing her blade. Outside, the soldiers have dispersed. The camp is quiet — except the whispers of the wind.

She stares at her reflection in the steel.

AUREVIA (V.O.)

They bowed tonight.

Not for my crown.

But for the fire I hid from the world.

Her hands shake slightly. She closes her eyes.

LIORA (O.S.)

You’re still scared.

Aurevia nods slowly.

AUREVIA

But I will fight anyway.

Liora kneels beside her — pressing a gentle hand to her shoulder.

LIORA

That’s why they’ll follow you.

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