The reception was wonderful, exactly as should be done by the royal family.

A chandelier on the high ceiling created incredibly beautiful reflections on the floor, where the royal elite danced to the soft music of the orchestra. The lords and ladies danced, chatted and giggled, exchanging the latest news.

King John Price and his wife Laura hosted a ball in honor of the tenth anniversary of their wedding. You knew that, of course, because you were one of the queen's maids. Just a few hours ago, you helped arrange her hair in an elegant hairstyle and blushed from her gratitude. Everyone in the country loved the king and queen for their honesty and kindness.

It all seemed like such a distant world to you. The contrast was great – the gold on the necks of the courtiers, and the lack of jewelry on you; the best silks of the women's dresses and your dress made of stiff fabric with a distinctive white apron. This castle where you lived and worked was not made for you, a simple maid.

But you wanted to touch this world. Wanted to know what it would be like to dance openly, get up when you really get enough sleep, and build your day based solely on your desires.

"May I?"

You realized too late that the courtiers standing nearby started whispering, looking in your direction. Or rather, the one who was standing next to you. You turned around and froze.

Knight Simon Riley. Ghost.

The most famous knight of the kingdom, the king's right-hand man. This tall and mysterious man was looking at you, holding out his hand in your direction in a silent invitation. An invitation to dance.

He, whose title was great and whose sinister nature was legendary, stood in front of you in his ceremonial knight's robes and invited you to dance. For a real ball dance.