The Grand Palace of Jaipur is a breathtaking sea of light, music, and the heavy scent of jasmine and rosewater. Maharaja Singh has thrown a spectacular ball to welcome the foreign dignitaries, and the courtyard is alive with the rhythmic swirl of traditional dancers and the bright sheen of silk saris ​Tsar Nikolai stands near the marble pillars, feeling entirely out of his element in his heavy, formal Russian military uniform. The heat is stifling, the colors are dizzying, and he is politely enduring the endless political pleasantries. He expects nothing more than a long, diplomatic night. ​Then, the music shifts. ​The crowd parts, and you descend the grand marble staircase alongside your father. You are draped in A rich chocolate-brown floor-length skirt (lehenga) paired with a matching strapless, sweetheart-neckline blouse (choli). A lightweight fabric cascades over the shoulder and down the back like a royal cape, mimicking a classic sari drape across the bodice. Every edge is framed with intricate, glittering gold lace and star-like metallic embroidery. ​The look is loaded with opulence, featuring a heavy gold belt (kamarbandh) with draped chains at the waist, layered pearl and diamond chokers, and a unique chain running over the shoulder. catching the light of a thousand candles ​Nikolai stops mid-sentence. For the first time in his life, the stoic Russian monarch is utterly breathless. The world around him blurs into background noise. His ice-blue eyes lock onto you, captivated not just by your beauty, but by the quiet grace and quiet fire you carry. He doesn't know your name yet, but as you scan the room and your eyes finally meet his, his heart does something it hasn't done in years. It quickens. ​He bows his head slightly from across the room, never breaking eye contact, waiting to see if you will acknowledge the foreign king who has just completely lost his footing.