House Yale

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

''Father, a woman attacked and insulted us at Madam Ley's shop'', Maela told him as she entered his study.

Talfryn's head snapped from his papers to his daughter, and he found a heartbroken expression on her face that made him want to go to war. His little girl was always smiling, she was easy to love and quick to laugh. But right now, she had tear marks on her cheeks, and her radiant smile was nowhere to be found. All because of some woman who had ruined her day and insulted her. Talfryn made a mental note to find this woman and bury her household but right now, he had to look after his daughter and comfort her. He quickly made his way towards her and took her hands in his, kneeling in front of her. Her dark eyes were focused on the ground and her whole body was shaking. He had never seen her in such a pitiful state. Whoever had done this would pay.

''Tell me everything, sweetling.''

''She came into the shop screaming that she wasn’t being served and invaded the lounge we were in. She called us 'sand-girl' and acted like we were some savages…'' Maela told him, her voice shaking, and her little fists clenched.

It felt like a bucket of cold water had been dropped on his head. Sand-people. He knew this insult. He had heard it many times, back when he was young. An insult specifically meant to hurt Southerners, for no one could differentiate grains of sand and there so many that one could easily be replace. Moreover, it was an attack to the colour of their skin, that many found ''sandy''. As a child, he hadn’t understood why his father and grandmother had destroyed a merchant that had used such term to refer to them. But now, he knew better. He knew that it was just another way to call them barbarians, savages, or heathens. And he finally understood his father's wrath. Who would forgive the one who had insulted their child in such a way?

''I will make sure it doesn't happen again. I promise my dear. Should we have something to eat and drink? Some tea for your nerves, and maybe we could have some music as well.''

''I'd rather rest on my own if that is alright, Father.''

''Of course, it is, sweetling'', he replied, knowing it was pointless to insist. ''But would you tell me the name of that woman?''

''I don't know it. We left, and Hanika did all the talking…''

''Alright, thank you. I'll walk you to your room, unless you'd prefer to go in the gardens? There's an oak tree where we can sit, just like home.''

This time, Maela suddenly burst into tears and fell into his arms, wailing. Talfryn hugged her tightly against his chest, caressing her back and whispering sweet nothings in her ear. His blood was boiling in his veins and hammering against his temples. He had never been this furious in his life, and he found himself gritting his teeth so he wouldn't rush at Madam Ley's store to find the woman and kill her right there and then. But the person he was the angriest at wasn't even that nameless woman. It was himself. He should have known that Maela would suffer from other people's irrational hatred, he should have known that the capital would be awful to her.

He should have let her stay home, where no one would harm or insult her. She shouldn't have discovered the darkest sides of humanity so young; she should have been able to keep her innocence and her light longer. His wife Neilina had told him it was a bad idea, but he had foolishly dismissed her concerns. As future Duchess, she needed to go to the capital and learn how to rule with him. She needed to meet the other lords and Dukes to know how to trade with them. Moreover, she had always expressed her desire to visit the world.

Talfryn had believed that if she came with him, he would be able to shield her from all the horrors of the capital until she was old enough to handle them properly and defend herself should the need arise. But he had been a fool, a complete and absolute idiot. Because of his arrogance, his beloved little girl was sobbing in his arms, and he could easily imagine his nieces in the same state. He had to fix this situation, he had to make sure it would never happen again. Burying that woman's family wouldn't be enough, for another would replace her. He had the money to bankrupt most of Aruhel, but it wasn't a good solution. His family would suffer, and the hatred against his people would intensify. In the end, it wouldn't protect Maela.

His daughter and nieces needed to have power in the capital, a reputation that would protect them, allies who would defend them, friends who wouldn't allow anyone to slander them. The words of Marchioness Elenda came back to him like a slap in the face; 'Are you sure your daughter can thrive here?'. No, he wasn't. He had never been, he had simply hoped, like a fool. His forefathers would be ashamed of him. Yales didn't bet on hope, they bet on facts. And because he had bet on hope, his daughter had been hurt. However, he wouldn't make that mistake again. It was time for House Yale to show their power, and for him to make sure his daughter was well-equipped to deal with the threats of the capital.

Once Maela was in her chambers, Talfryn summoned his butler, Viktor Shul. The man oversaw the Yale mansion in the capital when there was no Yale present, and he knew the capital better than Talfryn. He would be essential in Talfryn's goal to protect his family.

''You called, my lord?''

''Yes. I want you to make me a list of all the lords who are sure to follow the queen, and those who will follow the marchioness. Also, call Madam Ley's here. I need to speak with her urgently.''

''Right away, my lord.''

Imogen Ley was at his mansion in an hour, shaking and clearly terrified. Usually, Talfryn didn't particularly enjoy scaring his interlocutors. As a merchant, he needed his partners to be comfortable around him so they may reach a good compromise and enter a long-lasting relationship. Today, however, he didn't care. His precious daughter had been hurt in that woman's shop, so her comfort would wait. Right now, he needed to obey and fear him. He studied her from a few steps above her, remaining silent a few seconds as she was frozen in a deep curtsy.

''Madam Ley, welcome to the Yale mansion. Let's go to my study, we have much to talk about.''

''Yes, my lord'' she stuttered.

Talfryn made sure to barely glance at the woman, keeping the appearance of a frightening duke, and a man that shouldn't be underestimated no matter what. Once in his study, he had Viktor stand at the door, as another mean of pressure on the woman. Truthfully, he felt a bit guilty to frighten a commoner like that, but his guilt was overshadowed by his fury. Imogen Ley sat on the chair facing him, shaking, eyes glued to the ground.

''What is the name of the woman who assaulted my daughter and nieces?'' he asked.

''Baroness Lydia Rant, my lord. Sh-She's been banned from the store…''

''Yes, I would hope so. Unless your shop has no more need of our patronage and resources.''

''N-no, we do!'' she exclaimed, panicked, and looked at him with horrified eyes.

''Good. In the future, I hope you will be more careful when choosing your clientele, as my daughter truly love your creations. Of course, I would be more than happy to ensure the well-being of your establishment so long as you look after my daughter's comfort.''

He had made more subtle threats in the past, but there was no need for manners here. Imogen Ley wasn't a noble, and she didn't have anything to bargain with but her dresses. He didn't need to tread carefully with her. Even if he buried her shop and ruined her livelihood, he would simply have a new seamstress come. Perhaps one from Eowël or the Isles. People may compare the Southerners to grains of sand, but in Talfryn's eyes, they were not the replaceable and interchangeable ones.

''O-of course my lord, Lady Maela is an esteemed client, so is every member of House Yale.''

''That is good to hear. Now, there is also the issue of my daughter's command. She bought three dresses, is that right? Which colours?''

''Yes, my lord. One is auburn, gold and green; one is pink, crème and gold; the last one is purple and silver. They're embroidered with plants and flowers.''

''Good. Add one with House Kale colours but embroider the Yale banner on it. Have it ready for the tourney. Send the facture to the butler when you're done, you'll be compensated handsomely.''

''H-house Kale colours, my lord?'' the woman repeated, stunned.

''Yes. Is that a problem?'' he asked coldly.

''Absolutely not, my lord! The dresses will all be ready for the tourney, my lord.''

''Perfect. You may take your leave, Madam Ley. My butler will see you home safely.''

She bowed deeply before him and left the room quickly, visibly stopping herself from running away. Once the door was closed, Talfryn sighed in relief. He truly hated playing the bad guy, but he needed to assert his power. It had too long since a Yale had come to the capital, and the people seemed to have forgotten his family's power. It had been a mistake on his family's part, one he would have to rectify. He only wished Maela hadn't been involved.

When the time for dinner came, Talfryn went to his daughter's bedroom himself instead of sending a maid to call her. When she didn't answer after he knocked, Talfryn entered the bedroom to find her asleep. She was buried beneath several blankets – a habit she had ever since she was little –, and her head rested on one of her three pillows. Her jet-black waves were sprawled all around her head like night itself. Her handmaidens would have a hard time untangling Maela's hair, and he could already see his daughter regret undoing her hair for this impromptu nap. He wished he could let her sleep until she woke up on her own, but he needed to tell her about his plans.

''It's time to wake up, sweetling'', he said gently, touching lightly her shoulder.

Maela frowned in her sleep but eventually opened her eyes and sat up, rubbing her face. She sat up, yawning, and only then noticed him. Talfryn chuckled as his daughter yelped in surprise, pulling the blankets on her chest as if she were undressed.

''Father!''

''I apologise for startling you, but it is time for dinner.''

''Why haven't you sent a maid? I looked like an idiot in front of you,'' she whined, mortified.

''I didn't know you would be asleep. And why would it matter if you look silly in front of me? I'm your father, not His Grace.''

''Still…''

He helped her quickly tame her hair that, now untied, fell halfway down her thighs in a heavy black mass, and they went down to the dining room. Hamya and Hanika were already sitting, chatting passionately about some rumours Hamya had mysteriously discovered. Talfryn was almost convinced that his youngest niece was a secret mage. Her ability to find out about everything about almost everyone was both impressive and inexplicable. His only other theory was that his fourteen-year-old niece had somehow created the best spy network in the country. When he thought about it like that, the mage theory made much more sense. Nonetheless, he wouldn't pry into it. Mages were despised in Aruhel, and his family received enough hate already. His nieces looked at them when they entered the room, and Talfryn had to refrain himself from chuckling at their expressions when they saw Maela's hair. Hanika looked absolutely beside herself whereas Hamya burst out laughing, not bothering to be a proper lady about it at all.

''Mother Of All, Maela, what have you done to your hair?!'' Hanika exclaimed.

''I untied them for a nap…'' Maela whined.

''Oh, by the Nine, you're so going to regret this in the morning'', Hamya laughed.

''I regret it already.''

''I can see that. The maids are going to curse your names for weeks'', his youngest niece said as she fanned herself. ''Bloody hell, the Nine themselves wouldn't be able to untangle that mess.''

''Hamya you're not helpful at all'', Hanika told her sister with a glare. ''Don't worry Maela. Some oils will fix this. I'll help you, it's not like I never made that mistake.''

''Thank you, Hanika'', Maela replied, finally smiling.

Talfryn allowed the girls to chat of some mundane subjects as dinner was served. Their discussion regarding the state of politics could wait for the main course. As it arrived, he cleared his throat to get the girls' attention.

''There is something we must discuss regarding our position in the capital.''

He hated to see the girls tense at the thought, but it had to be done.

''You three have greatly suffered this afternoon, and it's something I should have foreseen. I was already aware that us Southerners aren't the most welcome in the capital, although I never thought things would be this bad. Nonetheless, I should have made sure that you were safe and for this I apologise. I have failed you in that regard.''

''Uncle!''

''Father, what are you saying? The only person at fault is the woman who slandered us!'' Maela exclaimed, almost glaring at him for even suggesting that he was at fault.

''Maela's right, how could you know some lunatic was going to assault us in a shop?'' Hamya said. ''Knowing that some people dislike us isn't the same as omniscience, uncle. You couldn't know.''

He smiled; they had good hearts. They deserved better than the capital. If he kept showing remorse or apologising, they wouldn't listen to him at all. He would do so over a longer period. He hoped that ruining that woman's household would make for a nice first present.

''Alright,'' he said, raising his hands in surrender. ''However, if you've come to loathe the capital, I would understand and if you wish to return to Pearlforest, I will immediately arrange it.''

''Absolutely not'', Maela stated, standing up and slamming a hand on the table. ''The capital is not the ideal place I thought it would be and for that, I am disappointed, but I still want to stay. I want to see mighty tourneys, hear new songs, and meet so many people I won't be able to remember them all. And, as the future Lady of Pearlforest, how could I give up after an insult? Our ancestors would laugh at me, and I would shame House Yale for a hundred years. And… How could I leave my dear father alone in such a place? You'd have no one.''

Talfryn stayed silent. He hadn't expected his daughter to make such a speech. Maela hated nothing more than public speaking, and she had always been a shy child, who preferred the company of carefully selected friends over a crowd. Only excitement or sheer joy could make her act recklessly and forget her usual shyness. To see her display such confidence like this made Talfryn wish Neilina was present. She had always worried that Maela wouldn't grow out of her shyness, but it seemed she had been wrong. She would be so proud, perhaps even more than Talfryn currently was.

''I agree with Maela. I will stay with you, Uncle'', Hamya said firmly.

''And so will I. We're members of House Yale, and we have our pride. We won't allow some hateful, shallow people to trample all over us and we won't give them the satisfaction of running away'', Hanika concluded, poised and calm.

His brother Nyle would be so proud of his daughters that Talfryn wished he could write a letter to him this instant to tell him about what had just happened. The duke hoped that Vanara, his deceased sister-in-law, could see them from the Never-ending Fields and was proud as well.

''Alright. In that case, I must inform you of the latest developments and what has happened during my earlier conversation with Marchioness Elenda.''

They nodded, waiting for him to continue. The meal had long been forgotten; perhaps he should have waited for the desserts to arrive instead of the main course.

''Marchioness Elenda and her sons offer us protection and connections in the capital. As the Darling of the Realm, she holds a significant amount of power over the ladies of the capital, and even beyond. No matter how much money House Yale has, we have no personal connection to the lords of the realm which is why a mere baroness was brave enough to talk to you like that. With Marchioness Elenda's… friendship, no one will mess you any of you. Queen Neve, for all her qualities, has no love for us and wouldn't bother with making the capital pleasant for us. Moreover, Marchioness Elenda is used to fighting uphill battles and dealing with opponents who believe her an empty-headed beauty. This is a set of skill I don't possess, but that she has agreed to teach you. Maela, as future Duchess, you will meet men who believe you are unqualified to bargain with them simply because you are a woman no matter your title and experience. Moreover, you will surely gain allies through her many connections'', he explained.

''Is her protection truly worth going against Her Grace?'' Maela asked, unsure.

''It is a long-term investment, of course. She has also insured that your brother Luthael would one day serve as a minister on Prince Helio's government, which would in turn help integrate the Southerners in Aruhel more effectively.''

''Does Her Grace truly dislike us?'' his daughter asked.

''The man who killed the last King of Yggalë was ser Ulrich Blackstone, right after the king killed his father in battle. Their House is bound to hate ours'', he explained. ''I was willing to overlook this mutual dislike as I care little about it, but she clearly won't do it.''

''Of course!'' Maela exclaimed. ''How could I be so stupid to forget this? We cannot side with the queen, Father. Our ancestors would come back to haunt us.''

He chuckled. He knew it was only a figure of speech, but it was quite funny to imagine King Joel coming to haunt him for siding with a Blackstone of all people. Leaning on her right hand, Hamya grinned wildly.

''What's the plan, then?''

''It's simple. First, we must announce with whom we're siding. In a grand way, of course.''

''Are we throwing a feast?'' Maela asked.

''No. I have ordered a dress for each of you in addition to the others for the tourney.''

Hanika realised the meaning of his words first, and her eyes widened in surprise.

''You mean for us to wear blue and silver!'' she exclaimed.

Hamya glanced at the two of them before laughing out loud. Even Maela giggled.

''Oh, I cannot wait.''

''I can already imagine the songs they will write about this.''