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Day turned to dusk in the blink of an eye the moment she entered the rose garden. The roses were all a deep crimson, the color that storybooks promised they would be. Something about this area was just peculiar, almost magical, as if time didn't effect it in the same way the outside world was. The scent of the roses was sweet, but not overpowering. Perhaps she had really stepped into a storybook? But what would storybooks be without a prince?

It was teatime for the boss of the Hatter gang. Blood had finally taken his place at the table, watching a stray rose petal, probably from his hat, now that he thought about it, fall into the teacup. It lingered on the surface, silent ripples coursing through the liquid, the color of which reminded one of cherry wood. However, he could sense tonight that it wasn't only his servants about. There was someone else here. Grabbing his cane, the handsome male went off to search for this unexpected visitor.

It didn't take him long. He knew the maze through the roses better than anyone else, except, perhaps, his sister. But Vivaldi would be far too busy this evening to visit her lowly brother, and certainly Alice hadn't come to see him. He hoped it wasn't the madman either, because that violin music was unbearable, and would certainly crack his teacups. However, it was none of his friends of Wonderland who had come to visit him, but instead, a rather dazzling female he did not know. Her jewels were the first thing he noticed, those and her eyes. She certainly wasn't a commoner, but then again, it was usually not the commoners who visited the Hatter mansion.

"Enjoying the gardens?" He asked, watching her regard the nearly endless passages of the roses. "They're most lovely at this time of day, aren't they? The only thing that could make them more lovely is a night of stars and fireflies." He was almost murmuring, a habit of his. He seemed to be interested in who this regal lady was, though didn't forget his manners. "Welcome to the Hatter mansion, m'lady...I am Blood Dupre, the master of this house. Is there anything I may do to assist you?" He eyed the bow and arrows upon her person, though didn't linger upon them. He was used to armed visitors, after all.

He didn't see to be bothered by her weapons, though simply chuckled and listened to her speak. She was certainly royalty, with such lovely adornments as those. However, he wasn't rude, and kept his eyes on her face, not about the be regarded as rude to the visiting royalty.

"Ah yes...I try to take care of it." He replied with a chuckle. "This garden is my pride and joy, though few come to see it besides the other natives to Wonderland. It is an honor to have a princess come to see it though. You are definitely most welcome to come and go as you please." He gave a bow, greeting Zariah properly. "I do hope you will enjoy your time here."

At the mention of the weapon possibly offending him, he laughed. "Oh, those are no stranger to these lands. Nearly everyone who visits my territory is armed. You could say I am as well. Though danger rarely passes through here, except with one visitor, though I haven't heard from him in a while...." Blood mused, glancing off at the building. It had been a while since he'd heard from Gowland, the crazy old coot. But perhaps that was a blessing....

"You're welcome to explore. I was just about to have a cup of tea or two and enjoy the evening. You are more than welcome to join me." He offered with another bow. "It would be an honor to be in the company of royalty, M'Lady."

It was perhaps better if she didn't know for now that there were small disagreements as he'd put it in the area over territory. While some would die, it wasn't like they would go without life forever, especially with the help of the clock master, who could repair them with ease on his own time. Even now he had a few employees who needed to be fixed, though he certainly wasn't too down on his numbers. But if the need arose for the guest to use her own bow, then he would certainly have his own gun at his disposal.

But then again, there were few who saw the need to challenge him, especially with the calm lull of things at the current moment. Though, he knew, perhaps soon that would end.

"Right this way then." He gestured out to take her hand, if he would allow her to do so, and guide her to the table, already set with fine china. When they arrived, a few maids were setting out the sugar and kettle, though hurried even faster when they noticed that there was a guest, quick to get out of their way. "Ah, right on time." He smiled, glancing to Zariah. "You may choose where you wish to sit, ladies first."