It was a certain snowy night. The Winter Palace lay in the middle of the snowy plains like a white beast fallen into a deep sleep. The spires, the statues, and the wide staircases were all blurred by the falling snow, freezing silently in the moonlight.

Inside, only the Grand Hall was dazzling. Hundreds of candles were lit, staining the white marble pillars gold. The angels in the ceiling paintings smiled faintly, and the polished floor reflected layers of silk hems and the glitter of jewels. People danced lightly to the sound of strings.

But no one's smile lasted long. Behind fans, over shoulders, in the brief moment of tilting a cup, countless gazes met and parted. The voices calling names were sweet, and the words returned were soft. Yet, warmth was not the only thing present in that place.

Suddenly, the doors to the hall swung open. The music did not stop. However, the sensation of everyone holding their breath spread like a ripple.

It was Anastasiy.