Southerners in the capital

Kingdom of Aruhel, House Yale's mansion in the capital. 284 AU.

"My lady, Marchioness Elenda Kale and her sons are here. They request an audience with the duke", the butler said.

Maela's eyes snapped towards her chambers' doors, eyes widening in surprise. The marchioness and the princes? Why would they be here? And what did they want with Father? They had barely arrived in the capital, she hoped they weren't shameless enough to ask for Father's support this soon after opening the hostilities on their own accord. As much as Maela had loved the feast, she knew it had put Father in an awkward situation. The marchioness coming directly to the Yale mansion could make things even more complicated for Father, and Maela had no desire to see him stressed. Nonetheless, they couldn't turn the woman away. She was the king's lover, and her sons were princes of the realm. Maela sighed. She hoped it wouldn't ruin her day with her cousins. They were meant to tour the capital and visit the most talented seamstresses to order dresses for the upcoming tourney. She put her book down and got up, smoothing her skirt.

"Lead me there, please. I must welcome our guests as well. Has Father left his office to meet them already?”

"I don't think so, my lady."

Good. They needed to be reminded that he was the duke of the South, not some butler they could summon on a whim. With Hamya and Hanika joining her in the corridors, Maela made her way to the top of the main stairs and went down, stopping half a floor above the marchioness and her sons. She breathed deeply, recalling her tutor's lessons, and Mother's many advice. She was the daughter of Pearlforest, the blood of the South. As such, she ought to make sure she was respected, no matter how kind and gentle she was. Disrespecting her, a future duchess, was disrespecting the richest dukedom in the realm and its people. She couldn't allow it. 'Stand tall and proud. If not for yourself, then for the people under your protection'. She smiled gently at the marchioness.

''Marchioness, my princes, welcome. I wasn't aware you were visiting us today. Is there anything we may help you with?''

The marchioness was just as beautiful as ever. Long auburn hair, green eyes shining like emerald, and a richly decorated crinoline dress. Maela almost felt underdressed compared to the marchioness, but she forced the feeling down. Her dress was quite normal for a Southern woman, especially one hailing from House Yale. As someone blessed with speed, she couldn't bother herself with a heavy crinoline dress – and she found them quite ugly, to be perfectly honest. Instead, she wore a silk gown with a crème-coloured embroidered bodice and a deep green skirt. In addition, her dress had no sleeves, a stark contrast with the long, embroidered ones of the marchioness. In the South, sleeves were reserved for surcoats, worn only when it was winter. As such, Maela much preferred shawls if she needed to cover her arms for one reason or another.

''Lady Maela, I'm glad to see you're well since the feast. The journey must have been exhausting for a girl your age… Is your lord father here?''

Maela reeled back as if she had been slapped. Had the marchioness called her too young to talk with her? She gritted her teeth, clenching her fist on the railing. She noticed that Prince Vale was rolling his eyes behind his mother, whereas Prince Helio seemed quite unbothered that she had been insulted. Maela breathed deeply. Now wasn't the time to show anger or outrage. It was unsightly and undignified. 'A lady's weapon is her manners, sharpened by her wits', she told herself. 'She insulted me first, so I shall pay her back in kind.'

''I had the opportunity to rest, thank you for your consideration, Marchioness'', Maela gritted out. ''As for Father, he's a bit busy at the moment. As Duke of the South, he's a very busy person, as you must know. But I'm sure you can understand how hard it is to run a dukedom. Would you like some tea and other refreshments in the meantime? I'm sure it's only a matter of time until Father can come to welcome you.''

''Of course'', the marchioness replied with a kind smile. ''We're the ones at fault here. Vale, Helio, where are your manners? You've yet to greet our kind hosts. I have raised you better than this.''

Maela curtsied to the princes, making sure to smile when they kissed her hand. She guided the marchioness towards the reception room, hoping the butler and the maids had prepared something. Thankfully, they were just as competent as the staff of Pearlforest, and a rich collation was waiting for them. Several teas and juices had been prepared, along with fruits and cakes. As host, she took the chair at the head of the table. Her cousins sat at her left, with Hanika right next to her and then Hamya. The marchioness sat by her right, and Prince Helio directly next to his mother whereas Prince Vale had been relegated next to his brother. Maela was quite puzzled as to why Prince Helio was the one sitting next to the marchioness instead of his elder brother, but she didn't remark on it. It would be rude to ask, and she had no intention to antagonise the marchioness more than she already had. Pleasantries were exchanged about what she thought of the capital and her opinion on the feast. Maela gestured to one of the maids so she would serve the marchioness with blue tea from Pearlforest.

"This tea is quite popular in the South, please tell me what you think of it, Marchioness. It's my mother's favourite, and I believe you would enjoy it as well."

If she played her cards right, Maela knew it would make the marchioness think Maela saw her as a maternal figure in the capital. Or as someone she liked enough to compare her to Mother. Either way, it should make the marchioness think positively of Maela. Even though the marchioness had openly called her a child, Maela knew she had to maintain a good relationship with her until Father decided who he would support. She hoped this gesture should be enough to bury the hatchet. The marchioness studied her silently for a couple of seconds before grinning sincerely, a giggle escaping her. Maela blushed furiously, both ashamed and frustrated. Would the marchioness insult her again? She wouldn't stand for it.

"My apologies, my lady. I'm merely surprised, I had never had the honour of being compared to a woman as powerful as the Duchess Consort of the South. Now, give me some of this famous blue tea, I must taste it", she said gently.

Was it merely surprise or was there something else behind this giggle? The marchioness looked as sincere as one could be. Her eyes widened slightly as she tasted the blue tea, and she put a hand on her cheek as she enjoyed the taste.

"It's indeed delicious! Boys, taste it as well", she told her sons before turning to Maela. "My lady, I must invite you to my parties. This tea would go splendidly with some pastries of my hometown."

Maela didn't know how to respond. If she agreed, she would become one of the marchioness' followers. If she refused, she would become one of the queen's. Instinctively, she wanted to accept. The marchioness' parties seemed great, for she had once been the capital's darling and the most desirable lady of the realm thanks to her great beauty and sharp mind. In comparison, the queen hadn't said a word to Maela, barely sparing her a condescending look during the feast. It hadn't made Maela very keen on befriending her. She could feel her heart thunder against her ribcage. What was she supposed to say? This was far beyond her knowledge and power. She couldn't choose whom House Yale would ally itself with, she was too young. She wasn't the duchess yet, she didn't have enough information, experience, or knowledge to handle this situation.

000

Thankfully, the doors opened, shattering the silence that had filled the room. Father came in, his butler right behind him. He was clearly dressed to impress, with gems on his clothes and jewellery on his hands. Maela almost giggled at the thought of Father running to his chambers to get changed, but his thunderous expression quickly eclipsed the thought. She hoped she wouldn't be exposed to his anger; she had rarely seen Father angry, but Maela knew it was awful. Even though he wasn't physically impressive like the king or Prince Vale, Father's voice was powerful and his temper unforgiving.

''Marchioness, my princes. I would wish you a warm welcome, but it would seem my daughter has taken care of it already'', he said coldly before turning toward her. ''Maela, you had an appointment at Madam Ley's shop, did you not? I'll take care of our guests; you can enjoy your afternoon.''

''Thank you, Father!'' Maela exclaimed.

She was more than glad to be freed from this conversation. She had no desire to witness the incoming fight. She would have nightmares about it for the days to come. It had been so stressful! What if she had done something wrong and embarrassed Father? She couldn't bear the idea of doing something like that. Maela put her hands on her cheeks, feeling them heat up. She hated blushing unwillingly; it made her feel like a child. Moreover, she had no desire to be in the room when he would stop holding his temper back. Thus, she quickly curtsied and all but ran out of the room, her cousins behind her. She hoped she wouldn't be put in this situation again. It had been far too stressful for her liking.

Madam Ley's shop ought to be one of the greatest places Maela had been. Dozens of different dresses were exposed, all of them exquisite. Accessories were exposed with the outfits, and Maela couldn't wait to try them on. She wanted to look her best for the festivities. She wanted to be worthy of the Yale name. And, if possible, get the attention of a dashing knight who would ask for her favour. How romantic it would be! She hoped Hamya and Hanika would also be asked for their favours. Madam Ley welcomed them with a bright smile and all the courtesies expected from a commoner.

"Are you searching for a style in particular, my lady? Crinolines would be too heavy for you and it's unwise to wear one at your age, but I have other dresses with several skirts that somehow replicate the effect. Would you like to see them?" the woman asked.

"No, we'd like something in the same style as our current dresses", Marla replied, shaking her head. "A Yale must always be able to run, and too many skirts would get in the way."

Madam Ley nodded sagely and guided them towards another section of her store. Maela's smile brightened as she admired the intricate embroideries and touched the soft fabrics. This was much more to her taste. A glance at her cousins told her they agreed. Madam Ley presented them several dresses complimenting their figures. Long skirts for Hamya with belts that went down her hips all the way to her ankles to compliment her height, longer bodices for Hanika to show off her thin hips and for Maela, dresses with a main skirt and another one on top, very light and made of lace or silk chiffon.

"You're very graceful when you move, my lady. The lace will move with you and follow your movements. With a shawl or ribbons in your hair, it will be perfect. All the young lords and squires will fight for a crumb of your attention", Madam Ley advised. "And, of course, it won't hinder your movements at all."

Maela nodded excitedly, admiring the beautiful laces, littered with small glittering gems. She looked at her cousins to ask for their opinions, but they were both engrossed in admiring their own dresses and seemed torn between them.

"The festivities will last a week, right?" Maela asked.

"Yes, why?" Hamya asked, not looking up from the gold and silver dress she was looking at.

"We'll need several dresses, then. Pick three each, and then we'll move on to the accessories."

This time, her cousins looked at her with wide eyes, before exchanging an enthusiastic look. Maela couldn't help but smile at their obvious happiness. The South was very rich and the seamstresses talented, but no one in the realm could make better dresses than Madam Ley. They had more than enough money and as such, Maela wasn't about to miss such an opportunity to indulge herself. Especially if that made her dear cousins happy! She glanced at Madam Ley, who looked like she had just won the best prize at a fair. In some way, it was true. Maela knew she was much richer than the other nobles, making her an ideal client for a woman like Madam Ley. She had most likely known that since the very beginning, as Maela had gotten an appointment on a short notice and was personally assisted by the seamstress herself instead of her assistants.

"My ladies, if you wish, I can have my people fetch Baron Cohen for you. He's a talented jeweller and goldsmith and I often work with him for my creations. He would be delighted to bring you his finest creations while you enjoy some tea here."

"That would be very kind of you, please", Maela replied.

Pride filled her heart. She had never expected to be treated with such respect despite Father telling her several times that many business owners would do so. The South provided many resources that artisans needed for their crafts. In addition, the Yales were the patrons of several. And Maela knew that the most valuable clients deserved the best service. It was the same thing as with lords; the most valuable guests needed to receive special treatment to insure a long-lasting friendship. Madam Ley guided them to a lounge with several couches and a table in the middle, and the three girls sat as the seamstress left them to give instructions to her assistants.

"This was amazing!" Maela exclaimed. "Father to expect this, but I had never expected we'd be treated like… like royalty."

"Me neither", Hamya replied. "It was so strange! But in the good way. I won't lie, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Madam Ley do everything to find a dress that would suit us."

"I agree but we mustn't take this for granted. We're lucky to be from the South but, as of now, these privileges we enjoy aren't of our own doing", Hanika intervened.

Maela hid her blushing cheeks in her hands, suddenly feeling ashamed. Hanika was right. She hadn't done anything to deserve being treated like this but be born in the right family. She ought to remember it and make sure she wouldn’t grow entitled to other people's success and fame. She would need to build her own prestige, like her ancestors had done before her, and make them proud. She had a legacy to uphold. She clenched her fists, determined. She would work even harder towards her goal! Just as she was about to tell Hanika of her resolution, she heard a commotion outside. She turned towards the door, listening to the screams coming from beyond the door.

"How dare you treat me like this? You're just a commoner!" a woman screamed indignantly.

"My lady, I already told you the lounge already has guests!" Madam Ley yelled in response. "My lady!"

The door opened brutally, and Maela stood up instinctively. Simultaneously, Hamya had protectively stepped in front of Maela, whereas Hanika had come to her side to support her. The woman facing them was in her thirties, with an atrocious crinoline dress. The marchioness was so beautiful that she made crinolines beautiful, but this woman didn’t have Elenda Kale's charisma. As such, Maela found the dress plain ugly. It looked so heavy and terribly uncomfortable.

"May I know why you're disturbing us? We're relaxing and you're troubling us", Hamya said coldly.

"Ha! Are these… girls the reason why you've been refusing me?" she snarled at Madam Ley, ignoring Hamya.

'How rude!' Maela thought, stunned by the woman's lack of manners. Even a child was more polite than her. She ought to be taught a lesson in decorum.

"My lady –"

"Keep your excuses! Allowing some sand girls in your lounge, you have fallen quite low, Madam Ley. Is business this bad?"

"Enough!" Maela exclaimed. "What is this behaviour? Are you sure you're a lady? Barging in a room and ignoring the people here to spew nonsense. Is this how the lords of the capital behave? I'm disappointed.''

''Disappointed?'' the woman repeated, and her eyes narrowed. ''No sand girl from the South has the right to talk to me about disappointment. You and your disgusting maids should leave the capital and return to your lands. Unless your parents have already replaced you, of course. You people all look the same, after all.''

Maela found herself completely silent. There was so much hate and disdain in the woman's eyes, much more than Maela thought was humanly possible. What had they done to this woman to receive such hate? Was she this upset because Madam Ley had denied her access to the lounge? No, it couldn't be. Then what was it? And what did the phrase 'sand girl' even mean? And then, understanding dawned on Maela like a cruel, scorching sun. For this woman, they were sand girls from the South who all looked the same. That woman's problem was their appearance. Their hair, their skin colour, maybe even the way they dressed. Maela suddenly felt nauseous and took a step back. Did everyone feel this way about her people in the realm? Were they all disgusted by their amber skin and black hair?

The loud sound of a harsh slap snapped Maela out of her mind, and her eyes widened as she realised what had just happened. Hamya had hit the woman straight in the face, leaving a red, angry bruise. Her cousin was breathing heavily, towering over the other woman. Madam Ley had let out a yelp of surprise, but Maela didn't pay attention to her. She just wanted to go home. She wanted to go to the mansion and tell Father about this horrible woman and ask him if everyone felt this way about the South. What if it was the case? How could she stay in the capital if she was doomed to be hated? Suddenly, it made sense that her family didn't meddle in politics unless they had no other choice and explained Queen Neve's looks. If this was the way they were treated, no Southerner would willingly come to the capital.

''This is lady Maela Yale, heir to Pearlforest and future Duchess of the South, so mind your manners!'' Hamya snarled.

''You – I…''

''Madam Ley?'' Hanika said, ignoring the woman's stuttering.

''Yes?'' the seamstress gulped.

''Would you mind have our dresses delivered to our mansion? I believe it is time for us to head back.''

''Of course! Please accept my deepest apologies for what has just occurred, I promise it won't happen again. Your patronage is very important to us.''

''I know it won't, no woman of your talent would make the same mistake twice and allow such people in your shop again.''

Maela had never heard Hanika speak with a voice this cold and usually, she would feel horrible for Madam Ley, who was being told to watch her clientele if she wished to stay in the good graces of their family. Yet, she didn't find in her heart the ability to feel sorry for the seamstress. The shock of this woman's hatred was still numbing her mind, and she wanted to hide from the world. She felt dirty, as if someone had thrown up on her and the vomit had dried on her skin. No amount of bath would make her feel cleaner, sadly. This horrible, stinking, disgusting stain was on her heart.

In the carriage that brought them home, Maela laid down on Hanika's legs, looking for the strength to ask her cousin about what had happened. If she already knew that people would look at them differently, if they were all the same. If the South was the only place where they would be safe and loved. Instinctively, Maela wanted to believe that this woman was the only one who would scream such hatred at them for Madam Ley had been nothing but kind to them. But Madam Ley needed the richest duke's patronage and money, and no one was stupid enough to bite the hand that fed them.

''Is everyone like her?'' she finally found the courage to ask.

''I don't know exactly'', Hanika confessed after some time. ''I know they are many people who hate us because we're different.''

''It can't be our skin. It can't just be our skin'', Hamya lamented. ''No one can hate so much because of something as stupid as skin colour… Right?''

''Some will hate us because we follow the One of Woods instead of the One of Embers like the rest of the realm. Some will hate us because they think we don't truly belong to Aruhel. Some will hate us because we look different from them. Some will hate us because we remember the Kings of Yggalë.''

''It's awful… I want to go home,'' Maela whispered. ''I can't believe I was happy to come here!''

Hanika made Maela look at her and smiled gently.

''Some will love us, though. There are awful and good people everywhere. No dukedom is inherently awful. We're easy targets, this is why we suffered today. But it's alright; we'll grow stronger, and it shan't happen again. In the meantime, you need to focus on the good people. Do you think Prince Helio hates us or finds us repulsive? Focus on love, both of you. Love is more important than their hatred.''

Maela finally found it in her to smile. Hanika was right. The capital was filled with thousands upon thousands of people. Meeting awful people was bound to happen. She needed to remember the good ones she had met to. Prince Helio, the other young lords, and the squires she had danced with at the feast. 'Love is better than hate or fear. I can't forget that.'