Happily Ever After with Prince Luciano

In my first game of Princess Debut, I lost Luciano after the Founding Day Dance when his father commanded his presence at the World Dance Competition. One laughs at oneself a little for allowing a character in a game to inspire intense emotions but I really was very disappointed by that turn of events. I tried to be philosophical about it and even saw it ultimately as an opportunity to explore all my alternatives at the 11th hour.

In my second game, I decided that I would experience partnership both with Klaus and Kiefer before finally taking a different approach with Luciano in my third file. As I played through the file that, in theory, was allocated to partnership with Kiefer, however, I suddenly reversed my plan, refusing to save my progress after a certain point in order to arrive as soon as possible at the 29th Day without any partner.

The longest part of this evening was the 28th day when, at maximum stamina and maximum Level 20 Skill, I was forced to practice dances again and again and again... before finally being allowed to put myuself to bed. Needless to say, I had to experience a final visit from poor Vince, who once more begged me to tie the blue string on my finger.

When I heard a knock at the door on the morning of the 29th day, I almost was afraid to hope, even though I had no reason to believe it would not be Luciano. A part of me remembered Liam's visit in the 1st game when, on the 29th Day, Luciano failed to return. I steeled myself for possible disappointment, but then, as I had hoped and dreamed, Luciano appeared before me.

What extraordinary power good fiction has, whether it is in the form of a novel, a game or a film! I confess to a few real tears of joy at that moment. The fact of the matter is that it was a far more exciting and satisfying conclusion than it would have been in the 1st game for a number of reasons.

The first reason, not surprisingly was the fact that his value to me had increased when I was cheated of a happy ending with him in my first game. As I began the 2nd game, I was very conscious of the risk of losing Luciano again, despite an avowed intent to experience partnerships with Klaus and Kiefer.

Beyond this, however, was the knowledge that Luciano had kept the promise he made on the 20th Day to me. Better by far this ending than the situation in my first game, where I had to beg him again and again to stay against the command of his King on Foundation Day (and was told that it would be impossible.) I felt ignoble and weak BEGGING him to stay! It was tantamount to asking him to behave without honour.
In my 2nd game, although I had asked him to become my partner on the 19th Day, he had not accepted, knowing he planned to leave the next day. When he announced his intention of competing in the World Dance Contest, I told him I would wait for him and I did. He promised for his part that I would be 'the first to know' the results, giving me hope for the future. To have that hope realised was very thrilling indeed.

It never ceases to impress me how games such as these capture the emotions with the imagination and incite different responses in different players. I know there are players who would be equally thrilled by the happy endings with Cesar, Kiefer, Klaus, Liam and Vince. I myself was touched by each to some extent but there is something special about Luciano, even though I deprecate the instinct in me that responds to a 'difficult challenge'. Luciano is not straightforward in his love or his life, unlike some one like Klaus, who wears his heart on his sleeve. All the Princes in Princess Debut have sterling qualities and unique charms but I would be surprised if any player responds equally to each.

In any case, here is the 'Happy Ending' with Prince Luciano, at long last. The 2nd Ending is not included here as it would have made the piece too long. It is one of the least satisfying of the 2nd Endings in any case, as there is no personal connection really between your character and Luciano's counterpart in the her original world. The only personal touch is her declaration to her friend Lucas that he should feel free to get lost as often as he pleases.