His majesty just chuckled at this display, giving the mother and daughter a warm smile, making it obvious he hadn't been offended in the least. [b][color=ffc028]"Yes, of course,"[/color][/b] he then quickly agreed and twisted his torso so that he could see his daughter's head poking out of the carriage. Lifting a hand, he waved her over, signaling for her to let herself out and come join them. He then stepped aside while keeping his front to the Mers, giving a sign of respect by not turning his back but also allowing Ayana room to approach and feel included.

At the carriage, Ayana nearly ducked her head back in when she realized she wasn't in trouble, but rather she was being beckoned over. She slowly moved over to the small door and took in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves and keep her mind calm, even though it was only partially effective. Ayana gently pushed the door open, treating it like it could snap at any moment before stepping down and closing it just as softly, her eyes drawing across the beach until she focused on the group of Mers. [i]'Here goes,'[/i] she thought to herself, biting her lower lip.

The princess made her way over at a decent, but very deliberate pace as to keep herself from fumbling or going too fast. As she pushed past the crowd of servants, she could hear the small whispers of both curiosity and excitement with dabs of fear. She wasn't entirely sure what to feel herself, but she knew fear wasn't among one of them. Instead it was some cocktail of anxious, nervous, excitement, and shyness. She had never felt so intense in her entire life and it was causing her body to tremble a little with all the adrenaline. Finally, she made it and stepped a few feet next to her father, giving him a nervous smile while trying to figure out who her bonded would be.

Finally, the king smiled and motioned to Ayana, standing just a little taller in pride. [b][color=ffc028]"This is my daughter, Ayana - the princess."[/color][/b] Giving only a moment for it to sink in, he then gently motioned towards Iri with a reassuring look in his eyes. [b][color=ffc028]"Ayana.. this is Iri."[/color][/b] Not entirely sure how to address Iri, he simply left it at that, letting his daughter focus her gaze on the woman.

At first, Ayana smiled shyly, biting her lip once more as she tried to figure out the defining features that made Iri a female, but in truth just knowing was enough for the moment. [b][color=d442fb]"H-hello.."[/color][/b] She replied, lifting her hand into a nervous wave towards Iri, her gaze starting to bounce from the ground to her future bounded. She could feel her legs trembling beneath her, trying to muster all of her will into keeping them still, even though they refused to obey. In an attempt to gain some control over her body, she moved her hands behind her back and clasped them together tightly, almost making her knuckles white from the strain. At that moment, Ayana wasn't sure what else to say or to do and simply waited for Iri or [i]someone[/i] to react in some way.