Putting The Duchess In place

Duchess Marlin entered the room, her commanding presence turning all eyes her way. Dressed in luxurious clothing, she carried herself with an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.

Her statement made Lady Elara from but she didn't utter a word.

The boutique manager quickly stepped forward, bowing nervously. "Your Grace, I—"

"Enough excuses," Marlin interrupted, her eyes narrowing at Lady Elara. "I paid generously for that gown. Now I find myself dealing with this—" she gestured toward Lady Elara, "nonsense. Explain yourself."

Lady Elara's face turned red, she couldn't take it anymore, she stood firm and said. "Your Grace, I reserved this gown weeks ago. It belongs to me."

Marlin smirked coldly. "Reservations are meaningless when money speaks, Lady Elara. I paid for it, and it's mine... If you have the money, pay double the price I paid and it'll be your's"

Lady Elara's voice rose, her frustration clear. "You can't just buy your way out of everything. Fairness matters more than wealth."

Lydia, standing nearby, folded her arms and chimed in with a pointed look at Lady Elara. "Fairness? The Duchess doesn't need to explain herself to someone like you. If you couldn't secure your gown properly, or certainly don't have the money to secure it,

Work harder and when, you raise enough money you'll have the place to talk, or perhaps you should direct your complaints at the boutique's policies, not her."

Lady Elara's jaw tightened, but before she could respond, Isabella stepped forward. Her calm yet firm voice cut through the tension. She glanced at Lydia noticing her clear attempt, of siding the duchess. "Duchess Marlin, Lady Elara, Lydia," she said, her gaze sweeping across all three women. "Let's settle this calmly. This boutique is not the place for loud arguments."

Marlin turned her sharp gaze to Isabella, her tone mocking. "Ah, Princess Isabella. How kind of you to interfere. Is it your habit to involve yourself in matters that don't concern you?"

Isabella's polite smile didn't waver. "Only when those matters disturb the peace of the day. Duchess, this is not the way to solve disagreements."

Lydia tilted her head, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "But sister, surely you can understand why the Duchess is upset. She paid for this gown, after all. Wouldn't it be unfair to take it from her now?" She wanted Isabella to offend the duchess, and make an enemy which, would be beneficial to her.

Isabella's eyes met Lydia's, her tone steady. "Fairness is a matter of perspective, Sister." She knew the game Lydia was trying to play but she wouldn't give in to her two of course could play that game. She continued "But the mark of true nobility is how we conduct ourselves, even in trivial disputes."

Helena's face darkened. "Are you suggesting I'm behaving poorly?"

"Yes I am, I'm also saying that arguing over a dress in public does not reflect well on you, Duchess," Isabella replied steadily. "You are supposed to be a woman of great status. Surely you should act with the dignity your title demands."

Gasps spread through the room as the tension grew. Merlin's jaw tightened, and she took a step closer to Isabella. "You are bold to speak to me this way, Princess. Be careful, you may regret it."

Isabella stood her ground, her voice calm but firm. "The only thing I regret is witnessing such behavior today. Your actions do more harm to your reputation than my words ever could. Respect is earned, Duchess, not demanded."

Merlin's face flushed with anger, but she said nothing. Lydia, however, stepped forward with a small laugh. "I must say, Princess— no sister, you have a way with words. But don't you think it's a bit presumptuous to lecture the Duchess on her conduct?"

Isabella turned her gaze to Lydia, her smile faint but unyielding. "Not presumptuous, Sister. Necessary. But I wouldn't blame you, for not understanding, because you're new and you likely lack the common knowledge that people of high status posses" She understood clearly what Lydia was trying to do..she would let her have her way this time, as she didn't intend to make a friend out of this rude duchess.

Lydia's face twitched with humiliation, although Isabella's words seemed normal she was indirectly saying that Lydia shouldn't interfere in their talks as she wasn't educated enough. She didn't retort and forced a smile.

The boutique manager quickly interjected, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, Your Grace, Lady Elara—we will resolve this matter immediately. Lady Elara will receive the gown as she reserved it, and we deeply apologize for the misunderstanding."

Marlin's lips thinned, but after a long moment, she turned to the manager. "You will regret this," she hissed before storming out, her entourage following quickly behind.

Lydia cast one last lingering look at Isabella, her expression unreadable, before following Helena out. She had to use this opportunity and turn things to her advantage.