Tamina woke early the next morning, light streaming through the glass window standing proudly in front of her bed. A tray of food sat on the table next to her, precisely arranged so that no food was touching the other. Next to the tray sat a dress of color gold, spun of the finest silks and perfectly cut for her body. Upon setting eyes on it, Tamina decided that it was beautiful, however mysteriously it had been given.
Tamina stood and, being able to resist the temptation no longer, held the dress up to her body, admiring it's beauty and her's in the spotless mirror. She loved it. Stepping out of her thin nightgown, she pulled her new dress over her head and shot another glance in the mirror. Simply gorgeous. It hugged her every curve and flaunted her dark, coppery skin. Her eyes seemed even more piercing and beautiful than usual and she couldn't help but giggle like a child. Whoever gave her such a wonderful gift? As if to answer her question, a light tapping came form the door. "Yes?" Shaliea, Tus' first wife peeked her head in the door, and once deeming it appropriate to enter, did so. "I see you enjoy your gift. Just a little something I felt Dastan would love to see you in." The woman winked at Tamina. She, not fully understanding what Shaliea meant, looked down to see that the dress was rather low-cut. Tamina's cheeks flushed but she quickly suppressed her mild stupidity and replied, "Thank you. The dress is wonderful. It is actually the perfect attire for such an occasion."
"And what occasion might that be?"
"I intend to accept Dastan's marriage proposal."
"Oh, how wonderful! It's been getting quite lonely around here. I would surely enjoy new company."
"Yes, well. However much I appreciate the gift, I would like time to prepare. I intend to look my best for of Dastan."
"As you wish." Shaliea said graciously and backed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Tamina turned back around to observe herself in the mirror once more. She arranged her hair so that it framed her face and fell in front of her shoulders. She then sprayed perfume everywhere, so that she smelled of flowers, a scent men rarely seemed to be able to resist for whatever reason. Deciding she looked and smelled suitable, princess Tamina descended the stairs to the dining hall, where Dastan stood talking to Bis and Garsiv.
"Prince Dastan, I would like to speak with you " she interjected. Dastan turned to her and his eyes, seeing her for the first time that morning, grew in size and traveled down her body, admiring how the dress clung to her. He noticed the low neck line and wondered whether she'd worn that particular dress on purpose. No matter, forthe dress emphasized her in the perfect places and flaunted her body so perfectly, that he couldn't help but stare. He soaked her in, loving every second of it before princess Tamina cleared her throat awkwardly and pulled him from his fantasy. "Our discussion?" Dastan dragged his eyes away from her body and up to her eyes. "Yes, of course. I'm sorry. Shall we?" He gestured to a secluded corner of the room. Princess Tamina nodded and followed him. Facing Danstan, Tamina sighed and drew a deep breath. "Prince Dastan," she closed her eyes and prepared herself for spending the rest of her life with this man, "I would be honored to be your wife." A smile stretched across Dastan's face and he bowed to her, kissing her hand in the process. "Thank you, my betrothed. I am eternally grateful." Princess Tamina's stomach twisted as he kissed her hand, that same feeling that she'd felt before, as if she knew him, almost loved him, taking over her. "No, prince. It is I who is honored. I know you will be a fine husband." He gave a boyish grin and leaned in towards her ear. "We need not speak in such a strict manner anymore, my love. We must become accustomed to one another. Therefore, I request you meet me in the gardens at sundown. I have something to tell you." With that, he winked at her and departed for his chambers.