"It's not like we are around people, Edmund, if we were in company it would be different." Sophia pleaded her case.
"Nonsense, you are a bad influence on Princess Isabella," he warned them. "You two best have good behavior for the rest of this trip, the King has been in a foul mood since the masked ball, and I will not be able to save you if you decide to get into trouble."
"We will behave ourselves my lord, we simply could not hold back our delight when we were served such delicious treats." Isabella promised. "I promise we will be good."
"Very well, I hope you're hungry because we are expected to have dinner with the Royals of Arcoi in a few hours. It would be wise to freshen up and arrive at the dinner in a timely manner." Edmund raised his eyebrow, looking at each of their plates filled with treats.
Isabella and Sophia went to the women's bathing chamber, it was spacious and felt like a sauna. The steam from the water was warm and inviting, once they reached the rim of the water they turned their backs to each other before slipping into the water.
"Wow, isn't this bathing house amazing?" Sophia marveled as she sloshed around the bath.
"It is really pretty, so far every place I have seen here is covered in murals and art, I love it but it's starting to fry my brain." Isabella laughed with her friend.
"Just enjoy the water for now, you will be meeting with the charming prince soon, are you going to give the gift to him tonight." She squealed.
"Of course not!" Isabella gasped." I will wait for a private moment, I wouldn't be able to do it so publicly."
"Ohh." she whispered with a mischievous smile.
The two chatted and giggled as they bathed in the hot water. A knock at the door had them jump out of the water and into their towels.
"Princess please let us get you dressed, you need to leave for dinner soon, as Lord Edmund instructed us." A female's voice pierced through the chamber doors.
Princess Isabella was dressed in a fine pistachio gown, with golden embroidery. Her hair was done up with a plait that sat on her hair like a crown, flowing down over her shoulder. Her make up done in a soft and natural style, she looked over at Sir Edmund who watched over the girls and had orchestrated the outfit and details.
"Is this really necessary?" Lady Sophia asked Sir Edmund.
"Natural! The Princess is about to meet the Queen of Arcoi, only the Royal families will be gathering tonight, you need to look breathtaking, and mind your manners." Sir Edmund lectured.
"No need to worry, they won't even know I'm there. " Isabella murmured, she hadn't spoken a word to her father since their meeting.
Princess Isabella was escorted by Sir Edmund to the grand hall of Arcoi's palace. She was in complete awe as she strode through the palace, there were even bigger murals of fine art across the halls, as if she walked through the heavens.
Each pedestal she passed had detailed statues of women, men and children, they were all so beautiful. Even the carpet that she walked on was made of lush fabrics with so many colors. Sir Edmund stopped, opening the grand hall's door for her as another servant announced her arrival to the Royal dinner.
Princess Isabella took in the beauty of the grand hall, it had a long, broad table to seat many guests, and all the furniture was made from mahogany. She caught a glance of the crystal chandelier in the center of the hall as it twinkled, reflecting the candles and lights all around the room.
Princess Isabella bowed in greeting, despite the fact that everyone was already seated. Before she could utter a word, Prince Alexander was next to her, pulling her chair out for her to sit next to him.
"You look so beautiful." He whispered softly to her. She searched the room, no one else had seemed to notice that he spoke to her.
"Princess Isabella, just on time," Her father called to her from across the table. "We had some things to discuss before you could join us, so no need to worry that we are already seated."
The King spoke as if he could read her mind, she was relieved to hear that she was not late and that she was not appearing rude on her first meeting.
"Ah, Princess Isabella, I have heard many things about you." A woman at the Head of the table addressed her. "Welcome to Arcoi, I hope you found our welcome banquet to your liking."
"Yes your Majesty, It was wonderful, Thank you for such a thoughtful welcome." Isabella smiled politely at the Queen.
"Princess, this is my mother, Queen Helene," Prince Alexander said as he sat next to her, introducing the Queen of Arcoi.
"You are as beautiful as many have told me. Thank you for having me join in the Artisans Exhibition, it has been great fun preparing everything." Princess Isabella tried to make small talk, feeling that the tension in the room was quickly becoming awkward.
"You are most welcome, Prince Alexander was most impressed with you at the ball he attended. I simply could not refuse the request for you to join us. As the King and I will be having several meetings over the course of the next few days, I think it would be most welcoming if Prince Alexander took you on a tour through our palace, and if you felt comfortable to leave the Palace I will ensure Prince Lucian and our Head of Guard accompanied you." Queen Helene insisted.
Isabella stole a glance at her father, seeing that he was practically fuming at the mouth by the Queen's invitation.