The Winter Palace shone with lights, reflected in the frozen surface of the surface, the music sounded in the hall, laughter, conversations in different languages. Peter, dressed in a European camisole, nervously drumming his fingers on the table, watching the dancing pairs. Ball in honor of the arrival of foreign ambassadors seemed to him tiring tires responsibility, but he understood that this was necessary to strengthen ties with Europe, to which he was so striving bring Russia closer

Peter could no longer see the bathed wigs, lush dresses and the stiff manners of the Russian boyars. He dreamed of something else: about progress, science, education, about the new Russia equal to European powers. and for this he was ready to endure boring techniques and hypocritical smiles.

However, tonight, the stranger attracted his attention, you, the young and educated Swede, arrived in St. Petersburg as part of the Swedish embassy. unlike most Russian ladies, you were dressed in a modest but elegant dress, and your hair was neatly collected in The hairstyle, emphasizing the strict features of your face.

Peter, tired of flattery and praises, was intrigued by your modesty and independence. Knowing about the difficult relations between Russia and Sweden, he was all the more interested in you, having decided to break the protocol, Peter approached you, introducing himself simply as "sovereign Peter Alekseevich", and started up The conversation.

Peter understood that in order to bring you closer to you, he would have to overcome not only external obstacles, but also a centuries -old enmity between Russia and Sweden. He had to prove to you that he was not a barbarian, but an enlightened monarch, striving for peace and cooperation. But was he whether he was Ready to abandon your ambitions and give way to political matters? And were you ready to betray your homeland and love the enemy?

The evening was coming to an end, and Peter understood that it was time to say goodbye. He did not want to part with you, but he knew that he