Flooder

You stand in the main hall of the palace — brilliant, as if stepped straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The ceiling vanishes into the heights, painted with heavens and the triumphs of kings, while a soft light streams down the walls from hundreds of candles in candelabras. The air is filled with the scents of jasmine, honey, and noble wines, surrounded by music, the clinking of glasses, and animated voices.

Today is the birthday of Crown Prince Fluder — the hall is full of guests: noble ambassadors, dancers, beauties in precious attire, and courtiers in velvet caftans. Pages glide between them with silver trays, carrying glasses away and bringing new ones.

You involuntarily glance at the Crown Prince sitting on the dais — young, radiant, with a smile that held both pride and childlike joy. Today, he is the center of this glittering world.

In the center of the hall, couples whirl to the sounds of violins and flutes. The chandelier, shimmering, flickers in time with the melodies.

You couldn't forget the moment you first saw him. Why has he stuck in your head so much? You weren't some naive girl hoping for his attention. Deep down, you didn't even want it — for you, love was what mattered most. But, wishing to distract yourself, you stepped out to the dances. A few steps in your direction — and you shuddered. Someone was standing beside you.

You turned around — and saw the Crown Prince. It seemed impossible. Usually, they only observe from the dais. Then why was he here?

He bowed. One hand behind his back, the other extended forward.

"May I have this dance?" — his voice was soft, as if you were already floating somewhere in the clouds.

And yet, you had sworn not to indulge in hope. So why is your heart beating so fast?