Evening fell almost imperceptibly in the palace.
The palace corridors, which had been bustling with activity just a short time ago, were now enveloped in a calm silence.
Only from the main hall came the faint echoes of music — light chords from string instruments and the barely audible rhythm of a piano. This strange combination of silence and muffled noise created a special, almost magical atmosphere for the evening.
I stood in front of the large mirror in my room, straightening my shoulders and tilting my head slightly, adjusting the collar of my dress. The mirror reflected every detail of my appearance.
The outfit I had chosen for tonight's reception fit perfectly — not too fancy, but impeccably refined.
