Masquerade Ball Part 1

 Carly, Day 122, May 2, 2026

Carly came to Ondarion because of the invitation she received. The day had arrived for the Masquerade Ball. 

Carly: How do I look?
Watcher: I think you look beautiful. That dress suits you. 
Carly: I like it. Thank you.
Watcher: You're all grown up now.

Carly: Do I need more lipstick?
Watcher: No, you look good. By the way, I would. 
Carly: Would what?
Watcher: Exit without saving.
Carly: I knew that.

Meanwhile...

Phillip: Carly, I hope that you decide to come to the Ball. I miss you everyday.

Phillip: Hey Kiddo, What's up? You ready for the ball? 
Isabella: I won't be kiddo for long. Who were you talking to?
Phillip: No one.
Isabella: Why are you always looking at that picture? Who is it?

Phillip: That's your big brother when I was just about your age.
Isabella: I know that - who's the girl?
Phillip: That's Carly - a very special friend, my best friend, I don't know how to describe her...we had a special connection, a bond that I can't describe.
Isabella: Where is she? Why don't you ever see her?
Phillip: Well, just like you I was hidden away for most of my life, except for that brief time I was at a school with other kids. But Uncle Simon thought people had found me and he came and got me. I never got to say goodbye to Carly and Uncle Simon said it could be dangerous for her if she knew who I was or where I was. I haven't seen or talked to her since about the time that picture was taken.

Isabella: Well, you are King now. Why don't you call her?
Phillip: I asked her to come to the ball, but I had a different name back then.
Isabella: She doesn't know who you are?
Phillip: I don't think so.

Phillip: And don't say anything to Uncle Simon. He doesn't know.
Isabella: A secret. OK, I won't tell.

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Carly: Are you sure I am supposed to be here? I have never been in a place like this.
Watcher: Yes, you got the invitation.

And when Carly entered the ballroom, Phillip spotted her almost immediately.

Phillip to himself: She came. 

Phillip: The beautiful Miss Lansing. Welcome to Ondarion. I hear your tattoos are the best.

Carly: Are you in the market for a tattoo? Is that why you brought me here?
Phillip (stammering): Well...uh...yes...I would like one, but...

Phillip: Right now, I would be honored to have a dance. 

Carly: I once cared for a boy with eyes just like yours.
Phillip: Once cared for? This boy has earned your disfavor?
Carly: Yes, he broke a very important promise and broke my heart, broke me really.

Phillip: Perhaps there were circumstances beyond a young boy's control?
Carly: Yes, perhaps for a young boy, but that young boy is a man now and I can no longer make excuses for why he abandoned me.
Phillip: I...

Carly: Austin, No, I can't do this. If you think for one minute that I didn't recognize those eyes the moment you walked in here, you don't know me at all! 
Phillip: Carly, please..

Carly: No, I loved a boy once but the man standing before me is not the same boy! That boy would have cared nothing for that crown or this palace or any of it. Whatever this is, Austin, I stopped believing in fairytales and happily ever afters, the day you left me behind.

Phillip: Carly, wait...

King Phillip hesitated going after her, but wanted to explain what had happened. When he got outside, he did not see Carly anywhere.

To be continued...

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Credits for the palace/estate. I fell in love with it when it was posted on the forums by Cevans1962:

https://forums.ea.com/discussions/the-sims-4-creative-corner-en/share-your-newest-the-sims-4-creations-here/1306802/replies/13334320