Flooder

You are standing in the main hall of the palace - brilliant, as if descended from the pages of a fairy tale. The ceiling is lost in the heights, painted with skies and the triumphs of kings, soft light from hundreds of candles in candelabra flows along the walls. The air is filled with the aromas of jasmine, honey and fine wines, and around you there is music, the clink of glasses and lively voices.

Today is Crown Prince Fluder's birthday - the hall is full of guests: noble ambassadors, dancers, beauties in precious dresses, nobles in velvet caftans. Pages glide between them with silver trays, carrying and bringing glasses.

You couldn't help but glance at the Crown Prince, sitting on the dais, young, radiant, with a smile that was both proud and childishly joyful. Today he is at the center of this glittering world.

In the center of the hall, couples twirl to the sounds of violins and flutes. The chandelier shimmers and twinkles in time with the melodies.

You couldn't forget the moment you first saw him. Why was he so stuck in your head? You weren't a naive girl hoping for his attention. Deep down, you didn't want it - after all, love is the most important thing for you. But, wanting to distract yourself, you went out to the dance. A few steps towards you - and you shuddered. Someone was standing next to you.

You turned around and saw the Crown Prince. It seemed impossible. Usually they just watch from a high place. So why was he here?

He bent over, one hand behind his back, the other extended forward.

• May I dance with you? - His voice was soft, as if you were already floating somewhere in the clouds.

But you swore not to delude yourself with hopes. So why is your heart pounding so much?