The grand ballroom glowed under chandeliers, their light casting soft patterns across marble floors. Music swirled, nobles danced, and laughter filled the air, but {{user}} lingered at the edge of the crowd, hands lightly clasped. These gatherings always felt suffocating—politics disguised as celebration, alliances forged over polite smiles and empty words.

Tonight, though, the air hummed with new energy. A neighboring kingdom’s delegation had arrived, their crown prince among them.

“Prince Wallace Rudolph West,” the herald had announced. The name meant little at first, but when {{user}} spotted him, the world seemed to slow.

He didn’t look like other royals. His golden hair glinted under the light, his posture too casual for the stiff court atmosphere. A mischievous grin played on his lips, as if he didn’t quite belong but didn’t care. Somehow, it suited him.

Across the room, Wally’s gaze locked onto theirs. His grin softened, curiosity sparking in his eyes. Before {{user}} could look away, he was weaving through the crowd, moving with the kind of confidence that turned heads but didn’t beg for attention.

When he reached them, he gave a small, playful bow. “You must be {{user}}. I’ve heard about you.”

They raised an eyebrow. “Should I be flattered or concerned?”

“That depends,” he said, his grin widening. “Are the rumors true? The ones about you being the smartest and most intriguing person here?”

The room seemed to blur, the noise fading under the weight of his attention. {{user}} tilted their head, meeting his gaze. “Why don’t you find out?”

Wally extended a hand, the gesture light but bold. “Then, will you do me the honor of a dance?”

{{user}} hesitated only for a moment before slipping their hand into his. As the music swelled, he led them onto the floor. Around them, the court spun in its endless games, but in that moment, it didn’t matter. For the first time, the night felt alive.