Chapter 1
Chapter 1 – Welcome to Golden Prague
The plane touched down smoothly at Václav Havel Airport. Through the windows, Prague unfolded before them, alive with its own rhythm – a blend of ancient history and modern freedom. The city smelled like autumn: crisp air, the faint tang of fried cheese drifting from somewhere, like a whisper of the evening to come.
Marta pressed her forehead to the limousine window, eyes wide as the golden rooftops of the Old Town shimmered in the afternoon sun. – “It’s like a fairy tale. As if someone built a city just for painters,” – she murmured, brushing a stray lock of hair back under her hat.
Alex lounged in the seat opposite, lighting a cigar and letting the smoke curl out the window. He smirked. – “A fairy tale, huh? Wait until you see their Škodas on the streets. Czech rockets, I’m telling you. Push them right, and they fly faster than a Boeing.”
Marta chuckled. – “Rockets? Then my RX-7 must qualify as a NASA shuttle. Compared to those, of course.”
– “Don’t mock. Škoda is national pride. I’ve heard their Superb on Czech tracks is a dream car,” – Alex said, stretching the last word with playful emphasis, his green eyes glinting mischievously.
– “Dreams? More like nightmares. You know that feeling when someone shows up in your dreams, and you regret waking up?” – Marta shot him a teasing look. – “That’s how I imagine driving a Škoda. You wake up and wish you’d been in something else.”
Alex laughed heartily, making the limousine driver glance nervously in the rearview mirror. – “Darling, I see you’re diving headfirst into Czech culture. Maybe we should start with a taste of their famous beer before you insult the national symbols.”
The city unfolded like a living painting: Charles Bridge glowing in the fading sun, the Gothic spires of St. Vitus Cathedral towering above, and pastel facades of townhouses that looked hand-painted in watercolor. Trams rattled past, their bells chiming, while the streets pulsed with life.
– “I don’t know, Alex…” – Marta drew out the words, resting her chin on her hand. – “Prague looks like the perfect movie set. But what are we here as: romance heroes, comedy leads, or the stars of a Czech crime thriller?”
– “If it’s a Czech movie, you’ve already won. No one will understand the plot, but everyone will enjoy the ride,” – Alex replied, his tone dead serious, which only made Marta burst into laughter.
The limousine rolled to a stop in front of the Alcron Hotel. A doorman in a red uniform swung the doors open, and Alex stepped out first, adjusting his jacket and offering Marta his hand with exaggerated gallantry.
– “Mademoiselle, welcome to Golden Prague. Here begins our new story.”
Marta arched an eyebrow. – “A story? I’d call it a Czech fairy tale… or a parody.”
– “No matter,” – Alex whispered in her ear as they entered the marble lobby. – “Every fairy tale has a princess and a knight. And if needed, I can even play the dragon.”
Marta’s eyes sparkled. – “Just not the Wawel Dragon. I don’t want to put you out with a mug of beer.”
Their laughter echoed beneath the crystal chandeliers. Prague had them in its grip already – a city of laughter, tension, and passion, ready to surprise them at every turn.
