Aria allowed him to push her hair back slightly as the compliment stopped her from continuing to stretch.  She looked to him with a small sleepy smile.  "I could say the same about you.  You look really peaceful in the morning" her eyes traced to his back as he walked off to the balcony, turning to her.<br/>"I'll go ask for permission once I can see my father" she told him as she finished stretching.  She had never felt more ecstatic before, now she had her friend back and an excuse to finally go see a festival up close.<br/><br/>She had only gone to one before but something happened with the royal family that prevented her from attending again.  From that point on, she would simply watch from afar or use a telescope to try to see everyone dancing and singing.  The idea of eating sweets and dancing and watching fireworks with the people you were close to always seemed like the real fairy tale dream to her.  But if she ever wanted the chance to go down there, it needed to be today.<br/>"Hopefully I'll be decent at dancing by the time we return" she grinned as he walked back over and tapped her nose playfully.<br/><br/>She smiled warmly as he decided to leave and keep his visit a secret.  She stood up and closed the door behind him as he left.  Once he was out of her room, she stole a breath and leaned on the door a bit.  She was so happy he was actually there with her.  She planned to make sure he would have an amazing time today at the festival.  It was important that she play her part as well and make sure that he wasn't just leading her around all day.  She would try to be the leader today....except when it came time to dance.<br/><br/><br/>After getting dressed, Aria made sure to head straight to her father's drawing room.<br/>'Okay stay calm and assertive.  If he thinks you're mature enough, he will let you go' she told herself this to keep herself from faltering as she knocked on the door.  She explained the situation to her father as best she could without stammering, and managed to make it through all the way.<br/>The King simply paused at her request, "my dear, I trust that you are old enough to make your own decisions, but you would be vulnerable from the protection the castle gives you.  If you do go, I would require that you have an escort" he seemed absolutely set on having someone watch her.<br/><br/>A frown settled on her face, "I'll have Alexander with me, he can act as my escort.  It will also prove to you how trustworthy I believe he is" she tried to assure her father as he ran a hand through his graying hair.  "Hmmm........I suppose it will suffice for now" he sighed, but felt a smile peer on his lips as Aria's eyes lit up with joy.  She was trying to stay professional and not act like an excited child on Christmas morning.<br/><br/>As soon as the blonde was dismissed, she sprinted over to Xander's room and knocked on his door, trying to straighten herself out.  She had chosen clothing that would help her blend in with the crowd.  No one really knew what their princess looked like so as long as she dressed accordingly, no one would even know she was of royal blood.  She was wearing a gray dress with a black bodice and a white petticoat.  She did choose to wear a violet headband with her outfit though, just as a personal touch.  She still looked incredibly beautiful, definitely too pretty to be any old normal village girl, but she at least dress the part.<br/>"Xander?  My father gave us permission to go!" She said excitedly as she waited for him to answer.<br/><br/>Little did she know that her father still had his doubts about Alexander, and made sure that a guard would keep tabs on the two from afar, just to make sure the "ex-Prince" didn't hurt his daughter.