The Man in the Iron Mask Page #5

Aramis bows and Louis turns back to his mirror. There are

mirrors everywhere in his palace, and he loves his

reflection, adorned as he is all in golden cloth, like fabric

from the sun. Aramis leaves and the advisors return.

LOUIS:

Ah yes, the riots. We have food

stocks on the wharves right now, no?

PIERRE:

That food has spoiled. That is why

it was not shipped to the army.

LOUIS:

Exactly why it should be given away.

PIERRE:

What... an excellent idea, your

Majesty!

EXT. PALACE GARDENS - DAY

Among the guests are Raoul and MICHELLE, a stunningly

beautiful young woman. Michelle is awed by the richness all

around them, while Raoul sees only her. He holds the ring.

MICHELLE:

Isn't it glorious!

RAOUL:

Michelle...

But just as he starts to speak, trumpets blast and the King

steps through the doors and out into the lavish gardens; the

party goers give him a rousing ovation. Raoul returns the

ring to his jacket, to wait for another moment.

Everyone watches the King, who begins guzzling wine and

telling jokes to his sycophants, who howl at the King's

witticisms. Then Louis catches sight of Raoul and Michelle,

and lowers his voice, to his FRIENDS...

LOUIS:

Who is that?

FRIEND 1

Raoul, son of Athos.

LOUIS:

Not the soldier, you idiot!

FRIEND 2

Her name is Michelle.

The king is transfixed.

D'ARTAGNAN

is presiding over a huddle of fresh faced young Musketeers,

directing them to their positions around the gardens, like

secret service agents protecting a president. He leaves

them, and quickly moves to the King.

D'ARTAGNAN

Your Majesty...

LOUIS:

What is it, d'Artagnan? Assassins

falling from the sky now?

The sycophants laugh loudly.

D'ARTAGNAN

The plans for use of the maze were

not disclosed to me.

LOUIS:

I decided it this morning.

D'ARTAGNAN

Then you must allow me to stay close

to you so that --

LOUIS:

I am King, d'Artagnan. I will

change my mind as I wish, and I will

enjoy my banquet as I wish!

D'ARTAGNAN

But I deployed the Royal Guards

according to your previous --

LOUIS:

Let us play a game, d'Artagnan, let

us pretend I am King and you are

Captain of my Musketeers. Let us

behave as if my wish is law. And my

wish is to enjoy this party!

D'Artagnan bows sharply as the young sycophants chuckle.

D'Artagnan retreats, then looks back to Louis and follows his

gaze to the tender young beauty who caught his eye.

D'Artagnan recognizes Raoul, son of his friend Athos.

RAOUL AND MICHELLE

As the guests mix and mingle, Raoul tries again.

RAOUL:

Michelle, I... Ever since I returned

I've been wanting to speak with you

about... about --

A gaunt SERVANT interrupts, presenting a tray of delicacies.

SERVANT:

Monsieur, Mademoiselle...?

RAOUL:

No! Thank you -- Michelle, I --

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