Extend the Story - Add a Room

As only a madman would, you leap out of your chair and run. Wind swept through your hair as you charge out of your quarters, toward Polonius's residence, toward Ophelia. The well-dressed, well-powdered courtiers you pass frown in astonishment at your unlaced doublet and the coffee-stained stockings around your ankles that you haven't had time to change. You don't care. It only lent to the effect.

You're somewhat surprised that nobody stopped you the whole of the way, not even challenging you as you barge into Ophelia's room. But you can ponder on that later.

Ophelia looks at you wide-eyed with terror when you take hold of her hand like you've done many time before, back when life was still rosy. Scared of me, Ophelia? No need to be so frightened, you try to tell her with your eyes, have I ever acted ungentlemanly toward you?

Her mouth moves, but no sound comes out.

Your purpose has already been accomplished, but you find yourself reluctant to let go of her hand. You try to etch every detail of her into your mind - her gentle, round face, her soft hair - knowing that you may never be allowed to see her again. She shuffles in the direction of her father's room when you finally shake yourself out of your revelry with a shiver. You sigh. Why, Ophelia?

But at least now Polonius will be alerted, and you'd bet your life that he'll go straight to Claudius to report. You'd love to see how he'll react.

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