Chapter Text
An intimidating woman, all dressed in black, poses in front of a large, impressive castle in the countryside.
"I'm Julia Riviera, and this is The Traitors: Cordonia. Today, twenty two players will arrive here at the Traitors Castle to begin the ultimate game of honesty and betrayal, with the chance to win up to two hundred and fifty thousand Euros."
Julia's narration can still be heard as the camera sweeps over the surrounding countryside.
"These players, selected from thousands of applicants, come from all walks of life. They now make their way to the Traitors' Castle, located in a remote part of Lythikos. To get there, they will need to take the train, travelling with some of their fellow players in teams. And so already, before they even reach the castle, the game has begun."
***
Carriage one
A handsome, charismatic man of around thirty, wearing a black dress shirt and jeans, dances onto the platform with his case and a wide smile. "Oooh, am I the first one here? Awesome!"
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) I'm Maxwell, I'm thirty years old, I'm from Ramsford, and I'm a writer! My first book has just been published. It's a murder mystery set in the world of breakdancing. I'm also a bit of a breakdancer myself... and you could also call me an influencer...
A dark-haired woman of about the same age is next to arrive on the platfom. She is plainly dressed, her case has cartoon poodles all over it. "Ooh. I know you!" she shrills in excitement. "You're that sweet breakdancer boy! I follow you on MeTube!"
"Yep, that's me! I'm Maxwell." He does a little dance for her, then shakes her hand in a friendly manner.
"I'm Penelope," the woman giggles.
(Cut to Penelope in diary room) My name is Penelope and I come from Portavira. I'm a big animal lover, I'm really going to miss my poodles while I'm at the Traitors' Castle, they wouldn't let me bring them sadly. Good job I have a poodle case!
"I'm a designer," Penelope tells Maxwell. "I specialise in fashion wear for small dogs."
"Aww that's awesome," Maxwell says. "I've never had a pet, other than peacocks, and they don't really like dressing up, but if I win this I'm gonna spend some of my winnings on a pet corgi. And I'll definitely place an order with you! Uhh..." He is visibly and audibly distracted by another woman of a similar age who is now approaching. She's dark skinned with black, curly hair and a stunning smile. She wears a black strappy vest and tight jeans.
"Hi, I'm Jen." She shakes Penelope and Maxwell's hands, her hand lingering a bit longer in Maxwell's. Penelope glares at her, but neither Jen nor Maxwell notice, they're too busy checking each other out.
(Cut to Jen in diary room) I settled in Cordonia a few years ago after travelling around Europe. It's such a great place to live. But waitressing doesn't pay very well, so here I am!
"So do you wear one of those hot little waitress uniforms with frills?" Maxwell asks Jen.
"I wouldn't call it hot," Jen says, dismissively.
"I bet you look hot in it... I mean, you probably look hot in whatever you wear," Maxwell says, then blushes, as Jen giggles in response. "Um.. oh look, here comes someone else!"
A blonde haired, smartly attired, serious looking man arrives on the platform. "Good morning. I'm Rick."
(Cut to Rick in diary room) My name is Rick, I'm thirty years old, and I am the CEO of a multinational company based in Cordonia. I tend to work very long hours, and I thought taking part in something like this would be a productive way to spend my vacation, seeing a part of Cordonia I haven't before, with the opportunity to speculate and win some money in the process, and of course to meet some new people.
"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Jen." Rick kisses her hand. "And you too, Penelope." He kisses her hand next.
Maxwell holds his hand out to be kissed too, but Rick just shakes it in a businesslike fashion.
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) I get the impression Rick might not be into guys. His loss!
"Hello," Penelope calls hopefully to another man of about the same age who has just arrived. "I'm Penelope."
"Hi, Penelope." The man, casually dressed with floppy chestnut hair, holds out his hand for her to shake. "Tommy."
"Tommy, this is Jen, Rick, and Maxwell." Penelope introduces the others to him in turn.
Tommy seems startled by something at first, but shakes all of their hands anyway. "Good to meet you all," he says as he returns Maxwell's over-enthusiastic handshake.
At this point, the train rolls up, and the doors of the front carriage open.
"Oooh, this is us!" Maxwell releases Tommy's hand and dashes onto the train with his case. Tommy looks at his hand in shock.
"May I help you with your case, Jen?" Rick asks.
"That's okay, I can manage," Jen says politely, as the two of them board the train with their cases.
"Um, you could help me with mine?" Penelope frowns at nobody in particular.
"Allow me," Tommy says, grabbing Penelope's case and taking it aboard with his own. Penelope doesn't look very impressed, but shrugs and boards the train.
***
Carriage two
With the station platform now empty once more, a petite lady of around forty with short dark hair arrives. She is smartly dressed, wearing dark colours.
(Cut to Mara in diary room) My name is Mara, and I work in security. I'm very discreet, and good at keeping people's secrets, but also very good at picking up when something suspicious is going on. I'm looking forward to the challenge of the Traitors' Castle very much.
A pretty, dark-haired woman arrives on the platform. "Hello," she politely greets Mara. "I'm Hana."
(Hana in diary room) I'm twenty-nine years old, and I'm a professional photographer. I also play concert piano. My father is from Shanghai, and my mother is of Chinese descent.
"Do you think we're supposed to wait here?" Mara asks.
"Yes, I believe we board the train in groups of five and six," Hana explains. "Oh, here comes another player."
A stunning red-headed woman sweeps dramatically onto the platform. She comes to stand next to Hana and Mara, but does not make any effort to greet them.
"Hello," Hana tries anyway. "I'm Hana. What's your name?"
"Olivia," huffs the newcomer. "But I'm not here to make friends."
(Cut to a scowling Olivia in diary room) It's nobody's business who I am and what I do. It won't affect my ability to play this game. Besides, it's highly classified.
As Hana and Mara look at each other in bemusement at Olivia's attitude, a man joins them on the platform, dressed in a denim shirt and jeans.
"Hello," Hana goes to greet him, more successfully this time. "I'm Hana."
"Drake," the man says, returning her handshake. "Good to meet you, Hana."
(Cut to Drake in diary room) I don't really know what possessed me to apply for this damned show, you know. I don't think I'm going to fit in with the sort of attention seeking people who just want to be on the TV. But Hana and Mara seem alright. Can't say the same for Olivia.
"I work in countryside management," Drake tells Hana and Mara.
Olivia scoffs. "Glorified farmer."
"No," Drake scowls. "And anyway, what would be wrong with being a farmer, if I was one?"
Olivia laughs. "Oh, you're definitely a farmer."
A fifth person makes his way onto the platform. He is dressed far more formally than the other players, in a brown suit with a matching sweater vest. "Excuse me, am I in the correct place to catch the train to the Traitors' Castle?"
"No," Drake and Olivia grunt in unison.
"Of course you are," Hana says, greeting the man. "I'm Hana. This is Mara, and this is Drake, and that's Olivia."
(Cut to Bertrand in diary room) I am hoping that nobody here will realise that I am actually the Duke of Ramsford. I decided my participation on this programme would be very good PR for the duchy, but it would be easier for me if my fellow players do not make that connection.
An older, blonde woman in high heels arrives on the platform. "I'm Adelaide," she says, kissing everyone on the cheek. "Hey, I know you, don't I? Aren't you the Duke of..."
"Most certainly not," Bertrand grumbles. "You must be mistaken."
(Adelaide in diary room) I work for a lifestyle magazine. Gossip is my life, and I've definitely gossiped about young Duke Bertrand back in the day.. he used to be a bit of a party animal! Still, I'll play along for now... gosh, he must be strapped for cash!
At this point, the doors open to the second carriage. Olivia charges towards it with her luggage with purpose, as if she's charging into battle. The others follow her on board.
***
Carriage three
The platform is now clear of people again, until an attractive dark-haired woman struts onto it, coming to a stop and looking around excitedly. She's dressed smartly and fashionably.
(Cut to Kiara in diary room) My name is Kiara, and I'm a diplomat with the Cordonian embassy. I speak eight different languages, and I routinely travel abroad as part of my job. I think I'm very good at reading people, so I hope I will excel at this game.
Another attractive woman, this one blonde, joins Kiara on the platform. She's dressed in smart business attire.
"Good afternoon," Kiara says. "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Kiara."
"Madeleine," she responds, her voice prim and her eyes cold.
(Cut to Madeleine in diary room) I work in public relations. I've actually worked with some of the former contestants from this show. I decided I could have done a better job than them, so I applied. I'm here to win, by whatever means necessary.
A third player arrives on the platform, sauntering towards the ladies with a wink. He is casually dressed in a polo shirt and beige jeans. Kiara smiles politely at him, but Madeleine's expression is frozen.
"Hey, ladies," he says warmly. "Are you both ready to have non-stop fun for the next two weeks?"
"Hardly," Madeleine says.
(Cut to Leo in diary room) Damn, who rattled that Maddy's cage?
"I'm Leo," he says, introducing himself to Kiara and Madeleine.
"Good to meet you," Kiara says. "What do you do for work?"
(Cut to Leo in diary room) Work? Hahahaha.
"Work's a bit of a strong word for it," Leo says playfully. "I have a travel blog."
"Oh, comme un influenceur?" Kiara breaks into French.
"Oui, oui, although mon francais leaves a lot to be desiree," he explains. Madeleine rolls her eyes as Kiara smiles and nods.
"Hello." Another dark-haired woman approaches the three of them, shooting them an easy smile. She's also dressed casually, in jeans and a jumper. "I'm Savannah."
(Cut to Savannah in diary room) Honestly, it's going to be the hardest thing being away from my little Bartie for two or even three weeks if I get that far. But I'm doing this for him, to give him the best chance at a start in life.
"I'm a single mother at the moment," Savannah explains to the others. "My son is six months old, so I'm looking forward to getting a lot more sleep than normal."
"Oh, so is his dad looking after him for you?" Leo asks.
"No." She freezes, her posture becoming awkward for a second or two. "My mother is."
An older, blonde, smartly dressed woman marches onto the platform, her expression serious. "Good morning."
"Good morning," Kiara greets her. "I'm Kiara. This is Madeleine, Leo, and Savannah."
"Regina," the woman says with a curt nod.
(Cut to Regina in diary room) I suppose I will be one of the older contestants, but I've got a lot more experience in what makes people tick and when they're being dishonest. Age is definitely more of an advantage than a disadvantage in this game.
"Whoa, so you're a Professor? Nice!" Leo is impressed. "In what?"
"Royal studies," Regina explains. "I have a very strong interest in the monarchies of Europe."
"Ooh, do you know King Liam?" Leo asks.
"Yes, we have met," Regina admits, smiling for the first time.
One more player joins them, he is also smartly dressed, although his blazer does not match his trousers. "Good morning all."
"Hello," Regina greets the newcomer. "Regina. And you are?"
"Neville," he replies, glancing at the rest of the group.
"Good to meet you, Nev," Leo says, extending his hand. Savannah laughs.
"My name is Neville," Neville snaps, refusing the handshake.
(Cut to Neville in diary room) Two weeks of slumming it with people far less cultured than myself will be worth it if I win the money. I can then invest it in my startup bitcoin business.
The doors to the third carriage open, and the six players pick up their luggage and board the train.
***
Carriage four
A bearded man in his forties is first to arrive on the platform. He says nothing.
(Cut to Bastien in diary room) My name is Bastien. I work in security.
A younger man approaches him and greets him with a handshake. "Hello, I'm Zeke."
"Bastien."
There is no further conversation.
(Cut to Zeke in diary room) I'm a vet. I'm passionate about helping animals, and if I win the money, I'm going to make it available as a subsidy for customers who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford treatment for their pets.
Zeke looks around awkwardly, and is pleased to see the next player approach. "Hello. I'm Zeke."
"Good morning, Zeke." An older, authoritative looking man shakes Zeke's hand. "Constantine."
(Cut to Constantine in diary room) I'm a retired CEO, with far too much time on my hands now, so I thought I'd put it to good use.
Another smartly dressed man, closer to Zeke's age, arrives on the platform, dragging not one but two luxury matching suitcases. "Hello all. Well, it's all a bit boys club here, isn't it?"
(Cut to Tariq in diary room) I'm a fashion designer. I simply couldn't whittle down my outfits and shoes to one case, so I had to bring two!)
The door to the final train carriage opens, and the men begin to board the train. One last passenger rushes onto the platform. "Oh, phew, looks like I arrived just-in time!"
(Cut to Justin in diary room) My name's Justin, I'm thirty years old, and I'm a press secretary. Which means I know how to spin any situation. I'm sure that'll come in handy in the Traitors' castle.
Zeke holds the carriage doors open for Justin cheerfully, allowing him to board the train before the doors shut, and the train begins to move in the direction of the castle.
***
A little later, the train is steaming through the beautiful Lythikos countryside towards the Traitors' Castle.
Carriage one
Maxwell is excitedly telling Rick, Jen, Tommy and Penelope about his writing career as they sit across two nearby tables on the train. "So yeah, I'm working on the sequel at the moment, and I'm totally hoping to get some inspo from my stay at the Traitors' Castle!"
"Is there romance in your books?" Penelope asks, leaning towards Maxwell and fluttering her eyelashes.
"There, um, might be," Maxwell says, looking hopefully in Jen's direction.
The camera pans to Tommy, who's looking at Maxwell somewhat intensely.
(Cut to Tommy in diary room) *laughs* I can't believe Maxwell Beaumont is in here. I'm not planning to admit it just yet like Penelope has, but I'm a long-time follower of his. He's a bit of a local legend. (looks very sheepish)
"No way, you're from Ramsford too?" Maxwell says excitedly to Tommy. "How've we never met?"
"I'm a bit younger than you," Tommy explains. "Twenty-five."
"What do you do, Tommy?" Rick asks.
"I work in the family business," he responds. "We're in the wine trade."
The camera pans to Maxwell, who's now looking at Tommy with renewed interest.
(Maxwell in diary room) Whoa. I didn't realise there were going to be so many hot people in this game! It's funny, because I wanted to go on Love Island Cordonia, but my brother wouldn't let me.. maybe that was for the best! Tommy's super cute.. and Jen's so hot! But I think Rick's got his eye on Jen too... may the best man win!
"Are you a good judge of character, Jen?" Rick asks her.
"Sure. I can always tell when people are bullshitting me," she said. "So I think I'll do quite well at this game."
"I think you'll go far," Rick agreed. "Well, I wish you all good luck. We could be in for an interesting few weeks."
***
Carriage two
"So, do we all want to be traitors, or faithfuls?" Hana asks her fellow passengers in the second carriage.
"As if I'd tell you," Olivia groans.
"I think it would be fun to be a traitor," Adelaide ponders. "It makes the whole experience more interesting when you have something to hide. Wouldn't you agree, Bertrand?"
Bertrand seems exasperated by her comment. "I... don't know what you mean!"
"So you'd rather be a faithful?" Mara asks him. "I know I would."
"Yes, of course," Bertrand recovers.
The camera pans to Drake, who groans, his arms folded.
(Cut to Drake in diary room) Honestly, these people. Hana and Mara seem okay, but the others... Olivia's just so rude, and Bertrand's just so pretentious. I really hope there's some more... I dunno, ordinary people in the other carriages.)
"If I got the choice, I'd be faithful," Drake tells the group. "I'm not one for mind games. I tell it like it is."
"You'd be a good faithful, I think," Hana agrees. "I would want to be a faithful too. But we won't get that choice. Julia will choose who the traitors will be."
"But of course, Julia will see all of our conversations before she makes her decision," Adelaide reminds her. She waves at the camera. "Hi Julia. Personally, I'd love to be a traitor, if you could make that happen sweetie."
(Cut to Adelaide in diary room) Oh, I really want to be a traitor. I'm good at stirring the pot and getting the gossip. Even if I'm not a traitor, I'm sure I'll still have fun drawing them out.)
Carriage three
"Yeah, so although I come from Cordonia, it's been a while since I've been back," Leo tells the other players in his carriage as he slouches in his seat. "And it's been an age since I was in Lythikos. Eventually I'll share my experiences on my travel blog, once the series airs of course."
"I don't think you should have been eligible for the competition," Madeleine says to him coldly. "It should have just been open to Cordonian citizens who still live and work here."
"Mais non, that would have been difficult and potentially discriminatory to enforce," Kiara states.
"Pah. The whole world's gone mad. Everything's so woke," Neville grumbles.
The camera pans to Savannah, who looks uncomfortable.
(Cut to Savannah in diary room) I like Leo, but the others? Not really my kind of people. I hope there'll be some friendly faces in the other carriages that I can gel with better.
Carriage four
"Is this the best wine on offer?" Tariq grumbles as the five men in carriage four enjoy a drink. "I expected something a little more palatable."
"We're not here for a luxury break," Constantine laughs, as Bastien sits silently next to him. "But you can take several afterwards should you win this thing. Or buy in some extremely palatable wine."
"Or both," laughs Zeke.
(Cut to Justin in diary room) Heh, I've worked with plenty of people like this. They're not really endearing themselves to the general public, which won't help later on! I'm biding my time for now, because I do want to win this thing, but I think I'll be helpful in the castle anyway.
***
The train pulls into a station, and we see four black SUVs with the numberplates TRAITORS 1 to TRAITORS 4 driving down some country roads, before arriving outside an imposing castle. Each contains the five or six passengers from each carriage of the train.
First, the occupants of TRAITORS 1 get out of their SUV. Maxwell is first to dash up to the doors of the castle. "Oh maaann! This place is so cool! Jen, Tommy, look at this!"
As the group gather outside the castle, the occupants of TRAITORS 2 leave their vehicle next, and walk over to join them. This is the first time they have seen each other, and they all start introducing themselves to each other.
"Hey. I'm Maxwell!" Maxwell introduces himself to Bertrand by way of forcibly shaking his hand. "Nice sweater vest!"
"Bertrand," the slightly older man states, while Tommy looks on, confusion in his expression for a moment, before he's distracted by Adelaide who is trying to introduce herself to him.
(Cut to Tommy in diary room) Oh, man. That was a surprise. Because I know exactly who Bertrand is. He's Maxwell's brother!"
(Cut to Bertrand in diary room) I have instructed Maxwell that it is for the best that the other contestants don't know that we are brothers. We badly need the prize money, and if both of us are here, our odds of winning it are improved. I have some reservations as to how well Maxwell will be able to hide our connection, but he has a track record of being able to lie and deceive.
(Cut to Tommy in diary room) What else is he hiding?
The passengers of TRAITORS 3 are next to emerge. Maxwell takes one look at Savannah and gulps. When Bertrand sees her, he goes pale. But she's not looking at either of them.
"Oh my god, Savannah?" Drake storms towards her. "What the hell are you doing here?"
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) Oh god, I knew Bertrand would be here, but Savannah? This. Is. Not. Good.
"Where's Bartie?" Drake asks Savannah, as Bertrand listens in to the conversation .
"Mom's looking after him," Savannah says nervously. "We don't need to talk about this now, Drake."
(Cut to Savannah in diary room) This is such a nightmare. Not only is my brother here, but... the guy I had a one-night stand with nine months before my baby son was born is here too. Yeah. Go figure. And no. He doesn't know Bartie's his son. And his brother's here too. Who DOES know.
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) So, uh, I've been helping Savannah out a bit, her son is my nephew after all. And she's a nice, obliging girl... and, well... oh (bleep) this really isn't good.
(Cut to Savannah in diary room) Yeah. Things are a bit messy. I just hope Maxwell keeps quiet. About Bartie being Bertrand's son, and about what's been going on between us since. This is all so confusing.
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) Can I get banished first please? Actually no, I want to get to know Jen better before I go. Oh god, what if she finds out?
The occupants of TRAITORS 4 have now joined the group, and everyone greets each other. Soon, a woman in dark clothing steps out of the castle.
"Aaaa, it's Julia!" Maxwell exclaims, and many of the group clap and cheer.
"Players," Julia Riviera says. "Welcome to the Traitors Castle, your home for the next few weeks. Here, most of you will work together as faithfuls, to uncover the traitors in your midst. At the moment, you are all equals. I will select my traitors at tonight's first round table. But for now, get settled in, and enjoy your first evening here. Because after that, your evenings will not be so enjoyable."
***
The group explore the castle for a while, then settle into groups in the various rooms to chat and get to know each other.
In one of the drawing rooms, Drake and Savannah are talking in whispers so nobody will overhear them.
"You know I came in here to win this money for you, right?" Drake rants. "You didn't need to do this."
"I didn't know," Savannah sighs. "This is a lot."
(Cut to Savannah in diary room) I don't want my brother finding out that Bartie's father is in here. Hell, Bertrand doesn't even know he's Bartie's father. And nobody can know I've been sleeping with Maxwell. But I just can't keep any more secrets. So I'm going to tell everyone that Drake's my brother, whether he likes it or not. That'll warn Bertrand and Maxwell, at least.
In another room, Bertrand sits inconspicuously as his brother chats animatedly with everyone else in the room.
"And that's when I realised I could juggle," he says to a horrified Penelope.
"You juggled corgis?" she says, mortified. "What if you'd dropped one?"
"Aw, they would landon their feet, I'm sure," Adelaide leers, leaning into Maxwell. "Just like you would if I threw you up in the air, dear. Although I'd rather you landed in my lap."
"O-kay," Maxwell says, clearly not so comfortable with Adelaide's comment. "Hey Jen, you ever juggled?"
"Sort of," Jen says, as Rick watches her, fascinated. "As a waitress, it's kind of something that happens by accident sometimes."
"Well, you two should be handy on the missions," Rick decides.
"Yes, Maxwell seems to be a man of many talents," Adelaide sniggers.
Maxwell looks to Jen for help, but she's now engrossed in conversation with Rick. "So, uh, Penelope, do you think you'd make a good traitor?"
"Oh no, I think I'd be awful," she gasps as Hana and Kiara join them. "I wouldn't want to kill anyone!"
"You know you don't actually have to kill them," Hana explains.
"Oh, that's good. So I won't die if I don't win the money?"
"Of course not," Kiara says.
"Aw, way to spoil my fun," Maxwell chuckles. "I was going to give her some tips on effective killing."
"Have you ever killed anyone?" Penelope gasps.
"Only a dog," Maxwell says, and Penelope rears back in horror. "But it wasn't my fault!"
In the kitchen, Tommy is checking out the wine racks. Olivia approaches him.
"We redheads should stick together," she says decisively. "Agreed?"
"Agreed," he says with a smile. "I'm Tommy."
"Olivia," she says, looking around to make sure nobody has followed her in. "You're so far out of his league, you know. Don't lower yourself."
"I'm sorry? What are we talking about?" Tommy frowns.
"Maxwell," Olivia hisses. "You're obviously in love with him."
Tommy leans against the kitchen unit, taken aback. "Wow. Is it that obvious?"
"Yes," she snaps. "Get a grip. He'll be the first to go anyway. Thinks he's everyone's friend, but most of them secretly hate him."
(Cut to Tommy in diary room) I hope that's not the case, as I really want to get to know Maxwell better. But I'm pleased I've found an ally in Olivia.
Tommy changes the subject. "So. Excited for the first round table?"
"Excited, no. Ready." She smirks. "If Julia has any sense, she'll make me a traitor. But don't worry, I won't murder you. Your boyfriend on the other hand..."
"Not my boyfriend," Tommy sighs. "Well, I just hope I'm a faithful. I'm generally quite an honest person, so I'd find it hard to lie to people."
At this point, a group of guys led by Justin filter into the kitchen, looking for drinks.
"Hey, good to meet you," Justin says with a wink at Tommy.
"Pfff," Olivia says, folding her arms.
"Please tell me there's some decent wine in this kitchen," Tariq moans.
"There is actually," Tommy says with a confident smile. "Some Australian Shiraz, and a good vintage of Pinot Noir."
"You certainly know your wine. I like you." Tariq greets Tommy. "Tariq."
"Good to meet you, Tariq," says Tommy. "Let's get this bottle open, shall we?"
"There's plenty of cider in the fridge," Justin points out, as he begins to distribute it. He passes a can to Olivia, but she doesn't take it.
"I'll stick to the Lythikos Nog," she maintains, as Drake walks into the kitchen.
"Oh good, drinks," he says. "Where's the whisky? Think I need one."
Savannah follows him in. "Drake and I have something we want to tell you all. Can you all come through into the dining room please?"
Soon all the twenty-two contestants were gathered in the dining room, and Savannah spoke up. "Drake's my brother. I didn't know he was going to be here, and he didn't know I was either."
Most of the contestants seem happy and excited about this development. The camera pans first to Bertrand, whose expression remains neutral, and then to Maxwell, whose grin doesn't quite meet his eyes.
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) Oh (beep)ing (beep)! Her brother's here too, and he looks like the protective type. He also looks like he could knock me out. He's totally going to knock me out isn't he? Maybe I'm going to get murdered for real??
Jen sits next to Rick, wide eyed at the developments. "Well. She'll have someone who's got her back through this process, at least."
"You have too," Rick says, taking Jen's hand. "I'll do my best to ensure nothing bad happens to you in here."
"Thanks, Rick," Jen says with a smile. Across the room, Maxwell notices how close they are, and his panic intensifies.
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) You know what? If Julia names me as a traitor, I think I'll just murder myself and save everyone else a job.
***
A few hours later, all the contestants file into the round table room and take their seats in silence. Julia is last to arrive.
"Players," she says. "Have a good look at each other. This is the last time you will all be equals. I am about to select my traitors."
Everyone looks around the table. Maxwell is sitting next to Jen, and takes a good look at her. She smiles back. Meanwhile, Tommy is gazing at him from across the table. Maxwell is too busy grinning dopily at Jen to notice, but Olivia does, and rolls her eyes.
Bertrand is looking across at Savannah wistfully, while she looks suspiciously at Jen. Rick is also looking at Jen with some intensity.
"Now please put on the blindfolds you see in front of you," Julia instructs.
"Ooh, kinky," Maxwell says, and Jen giggles. The others put on their blindfolds without any fuss.
"Now I will walk around this table. If you feel me touch your shoulder, then you have been selected as a traitor. Every night, you will meet with your fellow traitors in the turret, to decide on a faithful to murder."
Julia walks around the table three times. On her first time around, she taps Bertrand on the shoulder. We see Bertrand grimace in response.
(Cut to Bertrand in diary room) As if I didn't have enough secrets to keep here. Dear oh dear, I'm not cut out for all this subterfuge.
On the second walk around, she chooses Penelope. Her mouth opens wide in shock.
(Cut to Penelope in diary room) Oh no. I don't think I'm going to be very good at this. Well, at least I haven't got to actually kill anyone.
On her final walk around the table, Julia taps Kiara on the shoulder. She does not react.
(Cut to Kiara in diary room) I think I've got what it takes to be a traitor. I'm delighted that Julia has put her faith in me. I won't let her down.
"You may remove your blindfolds," Julia says, at the front of the room again. "I have selected my traitors, and they will meet for the first time tonight. Traitors, your job is to select faithfuls to murder. Faithfuls, your job is to identify and banish the traitors. There will be no murder tonight, the killing begins tomorrow."
The group all file out of the round table room and into the rest of the castle's reception rooms.
"Phew, I'm so glad I'm a faithful," Maxwell is declaring to anyone who'll listen. "I'm terrible at keeping secrets."
Savannah follows him, nervously. Behind her, Tommy and Olivia walk together.
"Why does she look so nervous?" Olivia points out. "Think she's a traitor?"
"I don't think we can rule anyone out," Tommy says to her.
Jen and Hana are chatting in the kitchen while fetching drinks for their friends.
"Honestly, I'm glad that part's over," Hana says. "Now we need to look out for anyone acting strangely. Although, I don't feel as if I know anyone well enough yet to know if their behaviour might have changed."
"Same," Jen says. "I mean, I'm getting to know Maxwell quite well. But he's still as hyper as he was the moment I met him this morning." She's smiling.
Hana's eyes widen. "Any possibility of romance there do you think? You two seem very well suited."
"That's not what we're here for," Jen said. "Although I'm not so sure Maxwell agrees. He did tell me he wanted to apply for Love Island but his brother said no."
(Cut to Hana in diary room) Jen and I have got on really well today. I think we're going to be good friends.
Maxwell is currently loitering in the corridor, watching people come and go. "Savannah," he hisses when she comes out of the room. She frowns, and heads towards him, and they duck into an empty drawing room.
She folds her arms. "What do you want, Maxwell?"
"Huh? Don't you think we should talk about this, agree a strategy?" He's moving his body weight from leg to leg, nervously.
"No, I don't think it's in either of our interests to admit we know each other," Savannah says. "Especially yours. If my brother gets wind of our, well, arrangement, you're toast."
"If I'm toast, then what would Bertrand be?" Maxwell muses. "The great fire of London?"
"Pretty much, yeah," Savannah sighs, leaning on the door. "Listen, we had a lot of fun, but it was never going to be a permanent thing. It can't be, can it?"
(Cut to Maxwell in diary room) Me and Savannah? Yeah. It was just a kind of oh we're in the same room so we might as well hook up when the baby's napping kind of thing. And I think she feels the same way. I've got the chance here to meet someone that things can be much less complicated with.
(Cut to Savannah in diary room) I guess I was just curious to see if he was as good in bed as his brother. Verdict? Better, actually. That's why it kept happening. But after this, it's got to stop.
The door opens and Leo comes in, followed by Mara, Penelope, Justin and Tommy. "Is this a private party or can anyone join in?"
"Well, you know me," Maxwell says with a smirk. "Actually, no, you don't know me. But you will get to know me, I hope! Any excuse for a party!"
"So what will you spend the money on if you win?" Penelope asks the group once they're all settled in the room.
"I've got a secret project in mind," Maxwell says, rubbing his hands together.
"I hope it's not dog murder," Penelope gasps, and everyone laughs.
"I would pay my mortgage off," Mara says. "Boring, but it would improve my lifestyle a lot."
"I have a young son, so I would put it towards his future," Savannah admits.
"I'd use it to fund some extravagant destinations for my travel blog," Leo explains. "I've done Europe and North America to death."
"I don't really know what I'd do with it," Justin says. "Probably invest it, so that it can supplement my income."
"That's very grown up," Maxwell decides. "How about you, Tommy?"
"I'd use it towards getting my own place," Tommy says. "I live with my dad at the moment, which isn't ideal."
Maxwell gasps. "Ohhh, if you don't win, you could totally rent a room at our place! I'll ask Ber.. um.. my brother, but I'm sure he'd be cool with that!"
Tommy is blushing. "Thanks, Maxwell. I appreciate the offer."
(Cut to Tommy in diary room) I'm not sure I could cope with living under the same roof as Maxwell, but I'm worried that he's going to let slip that Bertrand's his brother. I'm not sure why they've decided to hide it really.
Constantine and Regina are drinking tea and chatting politely in another of the drawing rooms. Drake and Bastien are talking in the doorway.
"Those two are definitely giving off traitor vibes to me," Drake grumbles to Bastien. Rick walks past. "Hey. Rick. What do you think of those two?"
Rick frowns. "I'm not sure what you're asking."
"Do you think they might be traitors? They're thick as thieves?"
Rick smiles slightly. "I've got my suspicions on that already, and they're not placed in their direction." He makes sure nobody is approaching. "Maxwell. Nobody is that jovial all of the time. And there's just something off with him."
"He was on your carriage, right?" Drake raises his eyebrows. "Has his behaviour changed?"
Rick nods, as Jen approaches the group. "Hey guys. Where's Maxwell at?"
"He's in the drawing room with Savannah," Rick tells them all gladly.
Drake frowns now, and Jen looks a little disappointed too. "Oh. Okay. Thanks!"
She heads on, and Drake exchanges a look with Rick.
(Cut to Drake in diary room) I don't want Maxwell sniffing around my sister. She's got enough going on. And I'm guessing Rick wants the lovely Jen to himself. So I guess we have an alliance?
***
Julia's voiceover can be heard. "The clock strikes midnight, and the players say their goodnights to each other. But three players will return to make their traitors oath, and discover each other's identities."
We see Bertrand walking down a long dark corridor, coming face to face with Julia, who holds a dark green cloak out to him.
"Do you commit to lie and deceive?" she asks him.
"I do," he says earnestly.
We see Kiara next in front of Julia.
"Are you willing to murder a faithful every night?"
"I am," she says, straight faced and without emotion.
Now we see Penelope in Kiara's place.
"Will you keep your identity a secret?" Julia asks.
"I will," Penelope declares with a brave smile.
The three, now wearing their cloaks, all convene in the turret. They face each other in a circle around the cauldron, and remove their hoods.
Penelope gasps, pointing at Kiara. "You!"
Kiara smiles, and looks across at Bertrand, who nods back at her, seemingly satisfied.
(Cut to Penelope in diary room) I've made friends with Kiara already, so I was really pleased to see her in the turret. I don't know Bertrand too well yet. I think they'll both be very good traitors though.
"So, we don't get to murder tonight," Kiara explains. "But we can outline our strategy. Is there anyone we could implicate?"
Bertrand thinks about this for a moment. "I feel it's far too early for that. So long as the three of us stay under the radar, we should listen and learn from what the faithfuls are suspecting."
"Agreed," Kiara says. "As far as networking, Penelope and I have already befriended each other, and I think it would be best to keep that alliance. You have different connections to us. It would be good if you could try and build an alliance with the guys from carriage four. I haven't really spoken to any of them yet."
"Very well," Bertrand says.
(Cut to Bertrand in diary room) I was pleased to see that Kiara is one of my fellow traitors. She strikes me as a very astute young lady. We will have to see about Penelope, but if she stays close to Kiara, she should be fine for the time being.
"Well, see you all this time tomorrow for a murder then," Penelope shrills enthusiastically. "I can't wait!"