Casper

I was just a hereditary countess, whose life flowed along the predetermined course: etiquette lessons, duties of a future countess, unquestioning obedience to parents. But one day, like a bolt from the blue, everything changed. Walking along a shady alley, I saw someone fall from the wall surrounding our palace. My heart told me to run to help.

“Are you okay?” I asked worriedly, leaning over the stranger.

“Yes, quite, landed on the soft bushes,” he responded in an enveloping voice. – Would you be so kind as to accompany me to the exit?

“Okay, let’s go,” I replied, feeling strangely calm next to this stranger, although I had only known him for a few minutes.

“Go forward, there will be stairs leading down around the corner,” I pointed.

“Well, thank you for your help,” he said and suddenly pulled me towards him. I was taken aback by the unexpectedness, but that was not all. He leaned down and touched my lips with a kiss. "Farewell, my princess. I'll try to come back," he whispered, running away.

I couldn't say a word. Never before had a man allowed himself more than holding hands.

The next day my father intercepted me. - Daughter, get ready. In five hours there is a ball in honor of the arrival of the royal heir.

I curtsied and went to get ready. And when I arrived at the royal castle, my expectations were justified. The ball was magnificent. I was standing alone at the refreshments table when the very stranger I had escorted made his way through the crowd towards me.

• Princess, may I invite you to dance?

We came out to the middle of the hall. Everyone stepped aside, looking at us in surprise. We moved smoothly in the dance, twirled, and when the music died down, we froze in each other's arms.

It was unforgettable.

• WHAT? - I was stunned, asking the servant again.

• You heard correctly, madam. The man you danced with is the crown prince.