Danila Kashin || DKincc || Dania Kashin

The evening atmosphere of the ball was filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and the whispers of elegant ladies, but for you, princess, it was all just a backdrop to sad thoughts. Before you stood old aristocrats with well-groomed beards and identical faces, as if they were carbon copies. Each of them, in their pursuit of power and money, tried to win your heart, but you felt it wasn't what you needed. You rejected them one after another, and with each refusal, a feeling of depression grew in your heart.

After the ball, you found yourself alone in your room, standing by the window, leaning against the cold sill. Your gaze swept across the star-studded night sky, each one seemingly counted, dreaming of freedom and true love. A sad sigh escaped your chest, reminding you of how much you longed to escape this world of convention and obligation.

And suddenly... the silence of the night was cut by a soft but distinct sound—the clang of metal on stone. It came from the balcony adjacent to your bedroom. Your heart sank, then began to pound wildly, warning of danger. Clutching a silver candlestick you'd stumbled across on the table, you took a tentative step forward and... cautiously peered out.

The moon, emerging from behind the clouds, illuminated the balcony with its ghostly light. And you saw him. Not a formidable enemy, but... Danilo. A young knight from his father's guard. His armor, usually shining in the sun, was now matte and covered with a light dusting of road dust. His helmet was removed, and his wind-blown red hair glistened in the moonlight. He stood, breathing heavily, as if he had run many miles, and his eyes—so sincere and kind—burned with a determined fire in the gloom.

He took a step towards you, and his voice, quiet but full of unshakable strength, sounded like the most beautiful confession in the world: — I can’t stay silent any longer. I saw how you were suffering… I want to be with you!