The tourney

Kingdom of Aruhal, Royal Keep, 284 AU.

Maela couldn't believe she had done that. She had stood up for Prince Vale and his lover in front of the whole crowd, chastising Marchioness Elenda. Even worse, said lover was a man. There was no law against such relationships, and some lords or ladies had lovers of the same sex, but they would never parade them in front of the king himself. Moreover, Maela was only twelve and she had dared reprimand His Majesty's treasured mistress in front of everyone because she was rightfully angry at her son. After all, Prince Vale should have at the very least warned his lady mother that he was bringing his lover. The best would have been not to bring him of course, but he had made his choice. She hadn't been able to bear to see them berated like that on such a joyful occasion, but her decision to intervene hadn't been conscious. Her body had moved on its own, and she had watched the scene unfold as if she was just a spectator floating above her body.

What could have possibly possessed her to do such a stupid thing? She must have gone completely mad. As if she could hide her shame, Maela hid her face in her hands as she sat down, closing her eyes. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid! What did I do? I must have looked so impudent and shameless, butting in someone else's business!' she thought, admonishing herself. Such behaviour was more expected of Hamya, but Maela was a good lady, she had never misbehaved like that! Father was surely wroth with her, and she knew she would have to work hard to repair her mistake. How could she shame House Yale like that, less than a month after arriving at the capital?

"Well done, Maela."

Maela looked up with wide eyes, appalled. Father was smiling proudly, and Hamya looked like she couldn't be prouder. Only Hanika seemed rightfully concerned.

"What do you mean? I've just chastised the marchioness in public, our own ally!" she exclaimed.

"Perhaps, but you also shifted everyone's opinion. Look around you", he said.

Maela did as he asked and observed the guests. They had stopped staring at Prince Vale and his lover with disgust, and the only ones still looking at them would whisper to each other with good-natured smiles on their faces. Maela couldn't tell whether or not those smiles were sincere but at least, they weren't insults. She met some lords' eyes, and to her surprise, they raised their glasses in her direction with a tip of the head. Blushing furiously, Maela turned back to her family, her hands on her burning cheeks.

"You've reminded everyone that these are festivities, and that love is something that must be celebrated. Moreover, you've shown everyone that you have what it takes to become Duchess of the South. Standing up to more powerful people than you and talking like you did requires a strength that not everyone has", Father said. "I'm proud of you."

"It was terrifying, I moved instinctively! And you know how much I hate speaking up in public."

"I do. But still, you were the only one to stand up here, while us powerful lords remained sitting. This shows who you are, sweetling. No matter how much you hate public speeches, you hate this kind of situation even more."

"The prince will remember this day as well", Hamya said. "He doesn't seem to care about the throne, but he isn't an idiot. He'll repay you for today, and this is something we can all celebrate", she added with a smirk.

"I must confess I agree", Hanika sighed after a few seconds of silence. "It wouldn't be surprising if the story is known throughout the city by the end of the festivities, if not before."

"Oh, perhaps the bards will write a new song about you!" Hamya exclaimed. "Lady Dawnbringer, the One Who Stood When All Cowered."

"It would be far too long of a title", Maela sheepishly jested.

Hamya laughed good-heartedly, almost throwing her head back, and Maela allowed herself to giggle. Her family always had the words to encourage and reassure her. She might indeed have offended Marchioness Elenda, but many lords had seemed impressed by her speech. It ought to be a good thing, especially since she needed to build up her self-esteem to become a successful Duchess. Regarding the marchioness, Maela could probably claim the anxiety and excitement of her first tourney and journey as an excuse, so the marchioness would surely forgive her this one offense. They were allies, were they not? Moreover, if she had done something wrong, Father would have told her instead of praising her.

Soon, it was time for the second part of the joust to start. Maela took her cousins' arms, and the three girls chatted about their favourite knights. Hamya had like a mercenary from the Isles with a tanned skin and black hair, whereas Hanika had preferred a Western knight from House Oakstrong with golden hair and blue eyes. The man had given her a charming smile, so Maela wasn't surprised. Not that she would have been any different from Hanika; having a dashing knight smile at her would be more than enough to make her swoon. It was half the fun of a tourney after all! Mother had told her how her uncles used to win small jousts for her, and how Father had once tried to compete one day despite being explicitly forbidden from doing so. Grandmother had apparently dragged him back to the family podium by the ear. Uncle loved telling this story, much to Mother's delight and Father's dismay and Mother’s amusement.

Maela had yet to choose a favourite knight herself. There had been many whom she had found charming, but none had made her heart beat faster or her stomach flutter. Of course, Ser Davon had been impressive when he had won the first joust, but Maela knew him ever since she was a little girl. He was like a family member to her, and he was married with a daughter the same age as Luthael. He could never be her favourite. She smoothed her skirts as she sat on her chair before taking a good look at the other guests. Duke Sahad seemed deep in thought, most likely because of his conversation with Father. Maela hadn’t been privy to the discussion, but the subject was quite evident. Should Duke Sahad oppose Prince Helio as future King, House Yale would retaliate economically. For the Sahad lands, it would be a disaster. Maela wasn't fond of blackmailing the duke, but she knew it was the world of politics. She couldn't wait for this mess to be over and go home, where she would never have to bother herself with these issues again. House Yale was famous for its neutrality, after all.

On the royal stand was the king's family, his four sons and their betrothed and paramours. Prince Helio was alone for he had neither, but Prince Vale had apparently been allowed to bring his lover. Ser Luka was a handsome man with long hair and a sharp tongue; Maela had yet to see him fight, but considering he was wearing a light armour, he was probably going to participate in the joust or the mêlée. Considering his light armour, perhaps the mêlée was more suited as his fighting style might be centred around speed and agility. In a joust, wearing a light armour was asking for grave injuries.

On the other side of the royal stand was Queen Neve and her sons, both with their betrothed. She and Father had thought that Prince Aaron wasn't betrothed yet when they had arrived, but it would seem they were wrong. She wished she knew who the brides-to-be were, but she could only recognise Prince Amon's fiancée. Lady Elyn Lorn was the daughter of a powerful marquis who owned a good dozen of merchant boats, and she was quite popular in high society as the first prince’s betrothed and a beautiful lady. They would probably be their most dangerous opponent during this war for the throne. Nonetheless, Maela didn't think too hard about it. First of all, this was a tourney, a joyful event. She was here to enjoy herself. Secondly, she was Maela Yale, heiress to the richest duchy in the continent. Father had told her she had no one to fear but kings and queens, and Lady Elyn was neither.

A horn was blown, and the herald came to announce the new riders. All anxiety left Maela's mind and she clapped eagerly. Riders met and lances broke. Hamya's and Hanika's champions met at some point, and Maela couldn’t help but run to the fence with her cousins to cheer for the two men. Hamya's champion, Ryn, winked at her and Maela clapped and laughed happily as her cousin blushed. It was the first time she had seen Hamya so embarrassed, and she would have to tease her cousin about it. She would never let her forget that day! As for Ser Viktor Oakstrong, Hanika's champion, he was much more dignified in his greeting and bowed his head before Hanika. Just like Hamya, Hanika blushed heavily and even waved shyly.

''Who will you cheer for?'' Hamya asked Maela. ''Ryn, or Ser Viktor?''

''Neither'', Maela replied. ''I'll congratulate whoever wins and hope they’ll both do their best.''

''Boring! This is boring!'' Hamya complained, crossing her arms.

''It's fair.''

''That's what I said.''

''Stop teasing Maela, will you?'' Hanika intervened.

''Never'', Hamya sing-sang.

The chatter immediately died out when the herald blowed his horn. Both riders charged towards each other, and their lances met in a crashing sound. Ryn's shield exploded on impact, and he almost fell from his horses. Hamya cried out in worry, and Maela's breath stopped for a second, but Ryn straightened up even though his horse reared itself. Maela screamed in delight. What an impressive rider! She had no idea mercenaries could be this good, especially ones hailing from the Isles whose main force was his navy. She clapped and laughed, hooked on the spectacle. Both men rearmed themselves, but Ryn refused to get a second shield, much to everyone's surprise.

''What is he doing? Is he trying to get hurt?'' Hamya muttered.

Maela took her cousin's hand in hers as both men charged once more. She exchanged a glance with Hanika, who now seemed worried as well for Ryn rather than optimistic regarding her own champion's imminent victory. And yet, at everyone's surprise, Ryn swiftly ducked under Ser Viktor's spear and counterattacked with a firm hit of his own spear in the knight's chest. Ser Viktor fell to the ground straight on his back. A cry escaped the crowd, and Maela put a hand on her mouth to contain her shock. She had never heard of such a move at a joust! This man ought to be one of the most talented fighters she had ever met. She turned to Father and found him just as surprised as she was.

Ryn came down from his horse and went to his adversary to help him up and both shook hands. Maela smiled; she was glad there was no resentment between her cousins' champions. She didn't how a fight would have been handled. Then, they both made their way towards their stands, and Hamya ripped her hand free from hers to wave at her champion. Hanika did the same, and Maela clapped.

''Lady Hanika, my deepest apologies for this defeat. I do hope you will still grant me a dance should the opportunity present itself'', Ser Viktor said with a kind smile.

''Of course! It was a beautiful match, and I'm honoured you were my champion. Rest, Ser Viktor, you’ve earned it.''

''I will, my lady. Ryn of the Isles, I shall have a rematch one day.''

''Anytime, Ser Viktor'', Ryn said before turning to Hamya and waving at her. ''My lady Hamya, no victory is as beautiful as you. Rest assured; I will bring you the Victor's Rose at the end of the joust.''

''I will wait for it, my good Ryn. I wouldn't allow you to give it to another lady'', Hamya joked.

There was applause as Ryn left the ground, and Maela looked up to see that most of the applause was coming from the Marchioness' faction. Her eyes met Prince Vale's, who inclined his head in her direction. Just like Hanika had said, the prince would remember what she had done for him and his lover. She wasn't sure how to feel about this. On the one hand, it was of course useful to have a prince indebted to her. On the other, she didn't like how he had become indebted to her. Moreover, Prince Vale's reputation wasn’t exactly the best. She knew there was more to him than degrading rumours, but cautiousness wouldn’t hurt. She would have to discuss this with Father when they would return home in the evening. In the meantime, she returned her attention to the tourney, hoping she would find herself a knight to give her favour to. Sadly, the ones she found charming enough were already another lady's champion. Perhaps she shouldn't have hesitated this much in the morning. Nonetheless, she was able to enjoy the joust, cheering for Ryn. Even if the islander didn't win, he reached the semi-finals which was quite impressive for a man that wasn't a formal knight.

The evening feast was amazing, albeit much lighter than the midday one. Instead of several plates of meat, fish was served with fruits and fresh vegetables. It reminded Maela of the Southern dishes, and she happily devoured everything that was served. However, although the food was delicious, the general wasn't as good as Maela had hoped for. The lords were all chatting amongst themselves, as expected, by the animosity between Queen Neve and Marchioness Elenda was palpable. Just like during the welcoming feast, they looked ready to tear each other apart at the slightest provocation. It was nerve-wrecking, and Maela wished His Majesty would do something about it. Couldn't he make his choice on his own and settle the issues between his wife and his mistress? A sigh escaped her as she thought of the years she would spend in the capital. Her excitement about coming to the Royal Keep had quickly died out once she had witnessed the sheer disaster that this whole situation was. What a pity!

The only saving grace was her family, and the Merchant Guild. The union of merchants was naturally a long-time ally of the Yales, and it was tradition for the heir of Pearlforest to meet with them and work with them in order to learn more about trading. It was the most important skill the Duke of the South ought to have, and Maela couldn't wait to start. It would distract her from the politics, and she would have the opportunity to meet dozens of fascinating people coming from all over the continent, and some from the independent islands that didn't belong to the Kingdom of the Isles. It was unlikely as islanders rarely ventured too far away from the coasts and sold their goods at harbours, but it happened. She hoped she would get to meet some. Sailors always told the best stories.

''Maela, you will probably be invited to dance by Prince Helio tonight'', Father suddenly said.

Maela frowned; she didn't want to be reminded of the power struggle. Her daydreams were much more entertaining and didn't involve lies and manipulations. Who could enjoy such an environment, after all? What point was there in life if everything was lie? Nonetheless, she would do her duty.

''Shouldn't he dance with other ladies? He's fifteen but he's yet to be betrothed to any lady, and I cannot marry him'', she said, hoping it would work.

''He should, indeed. But I think Marchioness Elenda wants to rub our support in Her Majesty's face'', Father sighed.

''She'd have him dance with me for such a petty reason?''

''Most likely. Perhaps she hopes the queen will make a mistake in public. Queen Neve always took pride in her honour and decency. The marchioness is less attached to these ideals, so she most likely doesn't care that she had a public fallout with Prince Vale earlier'', he explained. ''With her extreme popularity among the nobles, she can easily make everyone forget about her anger. Especially if she goes out with you, the person who called her out. It might even be good for her image, in the end.''

Maela stared at him for a moment, dumbfounded. Could the marchioness truly turn every situation in her favour? If that was the case, she absolutely needed to learn from her. It would be extremely useful to her in the future during the negotiations with foreign lords and merchants once she would be Duchess. She would be able to strike amazing deals for the South and the rest of the Aruhel. Perhaps she would even be able to open new commercial roads! Moreover, it would allow her to make sure she was never stuck in political headaches like this one ever again. Her family – and the South in general – had always been neutral regarding political affairs. They were quite busy feeding the entire country and controlling the continent's trade. Politics were an unnecessary distraction.

''In that case, I will happily dance with Prince Helio. I need to make sure we uphold our end of the deal, right?'' she told Father.

''Indeed. Learn everything you can from her, and before you realise it, years will have passed, and we will on our way home.''

That night, Maela made sure to have the brightest smile she could on her face. She used all her natural grace to be the best dancing partner for Prince Helio and whenever she had the opportunity to speak with other ladies her age, she made sure to gush about him and his qualities. She would make him shine brighter than the sun so he could become king. And once he would be on the throne, or at the very least Crown Prince, she would head home and apply everything she would learn from the marchioness to her trade deals.