In this excerpt from Patricia C. Wrede's "Book of Enchantments," a mother expresses her strong disapproval of her son, Daystar, hiring a princess who may not be as practical as she appears. She emphasizes the importance of real skills over appearances, suggesting that a princess in a dazzling dress might be more focused on charm and less on useful attributes, particularly in the kitchen. This reflects a broader commentary on societal expectations of princesses versus their actual capabilities.

Daystar is skeptical of his mother's views, noting that they rarely have balls and that love cannot be so easily won through mere appearances. His response highlights a more modern perspective, challenging the notion that one’s worth or romantic appeal is tied to extravagant attire. This dialogue serves to underscore the theme of authenticity versus illusion, showing that genuine attributes matter more than superficial enticements in relationships.