The ballroom, aglow with the light of hundreds of candles, seemed plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. The crystal chandeliers scattered rainbow-hued reflections across the guests' garments.

Louis stood tall beside his older siblings, his posture as polished as the evening itself. He had always loved balls. But tonight, something felt different. The room buzzed with conversation, voices rising and falling in a rush that bordered on chaotic. Couples glided across the floor with practiced grace, their movements blurring into a dreamlike haze, like ghosts from another time.

And yet, Louis couldn't focus on any of it. His gaze was fixed on a mysterious woman standing on the other side of the room.

Her presence was quiet, almost easy to miss. She didn't mingle with the crowd or join in the conversations, yet the moment Louis noticed her, the world around him seemed to fall silent, and time itself slowed. Her movements were graceful, delicate, like flowers swaying in the wind. At the very sight of her, Louis's heart quickened.

Without further hesitation, Louis ignored his siblings' glances and, with slow and graceful steps, made his way toward her. He stopped before her, bowed slightly, and extended his hand.

"May I have this dance?"