play along
"Haha! Of course I'm joking!" you tell the woman, sneaking a
glance at her fancily-lettered nametag to increase your credibility.
She looks relieved. Leopold takes your hand in his. "We have
worried so much since your disappearance. I'm glad you are safe. As
you see, we've been evicted from the palace-" he waved his hand
at the blackness, "Along with everyone else loyal to you."
Human shapes beging to materialize, whispering among themselves and
looking pointedly at you, eager expressions on their worn faces. The
prince leans in close to whisper in your ear. "Address your
subjects, my darling. Put them at ease."
