The first thing I notice when I enter the hall is the staircase. Front and center, it mesmerizes me, flickering shadows dancing across the intricately carved railing, bringing it to life. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did come to life at night, only to be trapped in marble once again as the sun rose.

I cross the foyer slowly, caught up in the forgotten elegance that surrounds me. As I start up the stairs, I imagine it as it once was: a grand ball taking place at my feet, everyone dressed in their finery. A dashing prince waiting, hand outstretched, at the top. When I reach the landing I stop and spin slowly in a circle, my dress fanning out at the bottom, gently stirring up centuries of dust. As I ascend the final flight, I can’t wait any longer. As I rush up the final steps, my foot catches on my skirt and I tumble back down to the landing, where I lie for a moment trying to regain my breath.

I hear a voice from below me. “You should really watch your step around here. Who knows what might happen…”