"Well mother, it is not like I can refuse to go when the princess personally invited me, so yes I am going, and we actually also want to inform you that we will be going to the market to get some accessories." Alora's voice could be heard on the other side of the house where she could be seen hanging the washed clothes on the rope by the window.
"Ah that's no problem, well then Alora, you will find some coins on top of the cupboard in my bedroom, I have been saving some money for you there, as you rarely ask money from I or your father, I decided to keep some for you just in case you will need some money." Lilian said as she ushered Beth to a seat in the living room.
"That won't be required Mrs Delphine I will take her to get clothes myself with my own money, I didn't invite her to then burden the stress of preparing for the event on your family, you can just leave getting her ready to me." Beth replied to the older lady while munching on the cookies that were offered to her.
"By the way Mrs Delphine your cookies are really tasty" Beth commented to have Lilian smile, "Well thank you princess, I am honored. And also thank you for helping our Alora."
"No No, No need to be thanking me Alora is my beat friend and I love helping her, It's just that she doesn't like to accept my help, or anybody's help, so I am actually glad I am able to help her out." Beth said with a smile on her face, while maintaining the elegance and aura only someone of nobel blood could possess.
...By now Alora had changed out of her slightly wet clothes into a light yellow dress that looked slightly faded.
With her hair tied up into a bun, Alora walked towards her mother and planted a kiss on a cheek while the princess had already stepped out of the house dealing with the palace guards that arrived a while ago in search of her.
"Dear, remember to come home before the night comes." Lilian reminded Alora while ushering her out of the house.
"What did the guards say?" Alora asked Beth while they were walking on the streets filled with people who were either returning from their various jobs or attending some night events.
"Well, It was obvious that my father sent them, like, I dont know why they worry so much I am a grown woman." Beth sounded extremely aggriebed.
Alora did not looked surprised as she was used to Beth complaining about her parents over protectiveness. "It is not like I am going to die the moment I step out of the castle." Beth continued with her complaints.
Alora had a small smile on her face "It will be weird if they did not worry Beth, you are their only daughter." she commented only to have Beth sigh, silently admitting her words.
"Enough of that, you know how great it is that your house is close to the main market right."
They both chatted as the sound of their small chatter and laughter were being covered up by the much louder chatters of the market people and the sounds of the galloping horses that would pass by the streets once in a while.
"Mrs Harlot!!" Beth called in a slightly loud voice as both she and Alora could be seen walking into a shop which was rather lavish compared to the other shops in the area.
A middle aged woman with short golden hair and bright red eyes walked up to receive the two young ladies who had just stepped into the shop. "Your highness to what do I owe this visit." The lady who was called as Mrs Harlot said enthusiastically.
After a small bow to acknowledge the presence of the princess, she led them further inside the shop.
Beth gestured towards Alora "We are actually here to take measurements, her measurement.... we want to make a dress for the ball, the anniversary of Reeve Empire celebration."
Mrs Harlot's eyes widened in surprise before she hurriedly composed herself, "Wow, we got an invitation this year." Surprise laced her voice.
"Hehehe, why does everyone seem so surprised." Amusement could be heard in her voice as she stood from the small stool she was sitting on and walked to a cloth shelf by the side before answering, "Well, I can't blame anybody I was also bursting with joy when I heard it.".....
Alora sat down on the stool beside the one Beth was seated on, she was in awe at the sight of the store, this could be considered the most lavish place she had been to all her life.
Her family was not very well to do , her mother and father worked in the farms, while her brother worked as an assistant to the deputy counselor of their village..... and she, she helped out in the Village Library.
Alora sighed while still taking in the sight before her eyes, The store had 2 small chandeliers on the ceiling, as it was approaching the time of night the candles in them were lit. The orange glow of the candles shrouded the place. The shelves held clothes of relatively high quality hanging from them and the wood was also of fine quality.
Most times she felt conflicted, Beth has always treated her very well and she, she didn't have anything to offer the princess for her kindness to her.
Alora sat there lost in her thoughts when Beth calling out to her broke her from her reverie. "Alora what are you thinking about?" .
Beth stood by her side and held onto her shoulder, By now Beth had already finished discussing their dresses with the tailor.
Alora quickly put on a smile "Nothing important princess." Beth pulled her up from her chair and pulled her to where the vampire tailor was standing with a book and a quill on the desk beside her.
Beth glanced at her with a smile, "Alright, let her take your measurements."