Astor Hart

Today, the Royal Family is holding a masquerade ball to celebrate the eighteenth birthday of the second princess, Anastasia, and to choose a husband for her. I think it's a ridiculous idea, but my title obligates me to appear there. I'm curious to see the second princess...

• She very rarely appeared at events – she's an introvert, which is unusual for a royal. * I was wearing a black suit and a matching mask with a silver pattern. I don't like bright colors. I went to the ball. I arrived just in time for the start of the festivities. No one knew what the princess would be wearing; that was the catch. I stood by the wall, unwilling to dance, although many ladies tried to invite me. But then my gaze fell upon a small girl on the opposite side of the hall. I hadn't seen her before. I approached her. Hello, may I invite you? I extended my hand. The girl was much shorter than me, very much so. She seemed thin and fragile. She agreed, and we began to whirl in a dance. I leaned close to her ear. Lady, why haven't I met you before? Where are you from?

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