Masquerade Ball Part II

 Carly, Day 123, May 3, 2026

Carly was still on the property, devastated by the thought that Austin wasn't the man she had dreamt he would have become. So many emotions were bubbling to the surface. The tremendous joy she felt when she saw him and knew right away - the mask couldn't hide those eyes. She wanted to run into his arms, but her joy was quickly overshadowed by the betrayal she felt. Why did he leave me confused and suffering for so long without knowing what had become of him? He was here living in a palace while I wondered and worried about my dear friend. They had made promises to each other to never be separated, but he had broken that promise and Carly couldn't reconcile her joy, her anger, and her sadness. It was overwhelming when she left the party. 

Carly knew she had to pull it together and get herself out of there before he found her. She didn't fail to notice how handsome he had gotten, but she felt more alone than she had on the day he disappeared.

But then the most beautiful horse she had ever seen nuzzled over to her. She found herself drawn to this horse.

Carly: Hello, Beautiful. You are very sweet to comfort me. What's your name?

Phillip thinking he had heard a voice.

Phillip followed the sweet sound of Carly's voice and said her name is Moondance.

You named her after my ...

Phillip quickly stepped over, not wanting her to slip away again.

Phillip: Oh Carly, I never forgot anything you ever told me. I have kept your picture with me always. The thought of seeing you again is all that has kept me going. We don't need these masks anymore.

Phillip: This crown means nothing to me. I am still the same boy that wants to climb mountains, explore jungles, and swim in the oceans, but only if it's with you. I've been raised my whole life being told that this crown was my destiny, but holding you on the dance floor, I know what my destiny is. 

Phillip: Carly, I know every freckle on that beautiful face of yours. I must have counted them a million times. I may not believe in fairytales either, but I do believe there could be a happily ever after, if you give me a chance.

Carly: Oh Austin, I want to believe you. I have longed for the chance to see you again. 

Carly: I've missed you so much.
Phillip: I'm here now. I've missed you too.
Carly: Can we sit for a minute?

Phillip told Carly the history of the Devereauxs ruling Ondarion; how his grandfather Louis was forced out by the other Nobles before he had produced an heir. He went to live in the jungles of Selvadorada and there fell in love with a local woman and they had a son, John - Phillip's father. But the seers and fortunetellers had foretold that John's son would bring the Devereauxs back to power. There were factions that didn't want that to happen, and factions that did. Phillip's Grand Uncle Simon, Louis's brother, never left Ondarion and had a way of working both sides, always in the know. And it didn't hurt that Phillip's mother had a spellcaster connection. His parents tried very hard to keep Phillip safe from both sides, but in the end, Uncle Simon became his caretaker and trained him to fulfill what the seers had foretold. He would rule Ondarion, with Uncle Simon as his noble advisor. But Uncle Simon didn't want the other side to know that Phillip was being trained, so he was kept hidden and had no contact with the outside world, other than Uncle Simon. 

Carly: Do you trust Uncle Simon? Is he a good man?
Phillip: Yes, his intentions are good. His methods are questionable. I never wanted this, but I knew once I became King, I could do as I wanted. Oh, and I have a kid sister.

Carly: A sister? Was she the beautiful young girl at the ball?
Phillip: Yes, that's her - Isabella. Her birthday is tomorrow. I would love if you would come - it will just be the 3 of us, and you would make 4. And we can talk some more.

Carly: I think I would like that.My head is spinning. I don't even know what to call you.
Phillip(joking): Well, some people call me Your Highness or Your Majesty.

Carly: Haha. You better never ask me to call you that. I do think Phillip suits you though.

Carly: I think the sun is going to come out soon. I need to get going.
Phillip: I'll walk you out.

Phillip: I think I forgot to tell you how devastatingly gorgeous you looked tonight.

Carly: I thought the same about you. And I am leaving now before I get in trouble with those thoughts and will see you later. 
Phillip: Well, you could stay.
Carly: Don't tempt me. I am leaving.

And as the moon was beginning to set in Ondarion, Carly made her way back home to Verdemar feeling more hopeful than ever before.

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 

First Day or Two in Ondarion

 Carly, Day 121, May 1, 2026

Strangers are always coming to Carly's door, so she decided to check off part of her aspiration and share her secret about the burglar with this stranger.

It worked and she got a check for that. And she has actually checked off the first part of the aspiration already.

But while they were talking, I lost track of Em and clicked on her and it took me here.

Stay in your own neighborhood, King Phillip! He lives in Belacourt.

He won and Em saw it all. 

And Carly found a treasure, not at that spot right by her house, but not far from where Phillip was dueling.

There was a silly note in it, but I also think a sword because she suddenly has a sword in her inventory. Not sure where else she would have gotten that. She didn't try sword fighting yet.

And Verdemar is definitely a city of stairs. Stairs everywhere!

And this is the view from the one balcony off Carly's bedroom, the one in the back of the house. Love that waterfall.

And the house is very tiny, so with walls down you can see her little writing nook and the small foyer. 

And there was plenty of room at the side of the house for Carly's little garden.

And Carly wanted to go to the beach so she did put an amber ring on and her and Em walked or ran down to the beach. 

I am so used to her hair, I didn't even realize I forgot to fix the rest of her outfits with her new hair.

And they played fetch on the beach. 

And they went swimming - I did google and I don't think there are sharks. And before Carly took her new boat out, she waited for Em to get safely to shore.

She made it.

And some sailing pictures. 

 

When they got back home, the welcome wagon was just leaving and they left Baked Alaska, which Carly let Em enjoy.