"Very good my lady," the maid replied as she continued to help Xolia get dressed. They tied the bow around the back and gave her lovely jewels to wear, but no shoes nor crown. The prince was soon to return. He had volunteered to escort her to the meal rather than having the servants do it.
The maids fixed a few details such as Xolia's hair and the wrinkles in the dress.

A new knock came and the prince made his presence clear. "I am here to collect the princess, is she prepared?"

Xolia quickly had a maid get her a pair of shoes.

The maid was slow about it, seeming uncertain if this was the proper way to dress.
"Um, my lady, our people do not wear shoes in gardens. It is a tradition. Are you certain that you wish for shoes?" The younger maid asked timidly before being swatted at by the more experienced maid.
"Never question royalty" the elder woman muttered softly to her apprentice. Garland, the older women, quickly fetched fine flats to suit the dress and kneeled down, offering to assist Xolia in putting them on.

The prince meanwhile, was waiting not so patiently outside.
"Your highness, we don't have all the time in the world as you might think. Please, make haste." He demanded a bit harshly.

She let out a soft sigh and stepped away. '' if wearing no shoes is a tradition, then it's best I keep it. Lets not keep his highness waiting much longer, shall we? " She said to them.

Te two women nodded in agreement, the younger going to open the door, and the older staying behind to escort the princess.

Once the door was open, it revealed a blonde prince in fine clothing.
"Ah, at last. Shall we?" He asked as he outstretched his hand. "Might I say that you look exquisite this evening."
He had decided to charm her as best he could, seeing as it would please his parents and possibly her as well.

She gently took his hand. " Thank you, your highness. You look quite nice yourself. " She replied. Xolia definitely wasn't about to be swayed by this prince. There was a chance, after all, he thought lowly of her. She wasn't going to take that chance.

He held her hand in a formal fashion as they made the short walk to the garden. The patter of feet was enough to clue that he as well was barefooted. Color began to reveal istself more vividly as they walked nearer to the gardens

The landscape was filled with the most divine and unique plant life. Some of the plants could be found exclusively in the Aristalian royal gardens.

He continued to lead her further into the garden until they reached the king and queen who were elegantly dressed and patiently waiting the heirs' arrivals.

An excited queen rushed to Xolia in an almost youthful and unrefined matter. "Oh my darling princess, how fine you look this evening. I am so glad to finally meet you!" The queen took the girl by the shoulders and looked her over with a bright and comforting smile. The King stood behind his wife, smiling softly, but remaining silent.

Xolia was... surprised by the kindness the king and queen were showing her. It was a first. She smiled softly back. '' it's an honor on my part to meet you, your majesty. You look just as beautiful. "

The queen continued to smile, slightly chuckling. "Oh darling, isn't she precious?" The queen whispered to her husband. "Well, Xolia I believe it was, I am Queen Anthea, but please, feel quiet free to call me Thea. No need for formalities among family. This is my beloved Husband-"

"-King Hartlan." the man interjected, reached for her hand and bowing. "An honor to meet my sons betrothed. Please, have a seat."

Mino had been standing behind a seat, waiting to pull it out for her. "My lady."

" Thank you. " She said softly to the prince, before taking her seat in the chair and smiling softly at the royal couple before her.