The Flower that Bloomed in Winter

Lessons from a Noblewoman

"Arm," Lady Rafflesia used her fan to indicate, pointing downward at Cassia's wrists. Cassia gingerly rolled up her sleeves, her gaze on the floor. She flinched in anticipation, the fan rising, then striking her skin. Four times, two on each wrist. Cassia rolled her sleeves back down, not wanting her Mother to worry. She foolishly believed that this was her fault for not pleasing the Lady, for fumbling the dance yet again. 

The child bit back tears of pain and frustration.

"We end the lesson here. I cannot stand to look at you anymore today. Make certain you practice before the next," with that, Cassia was dismissed. She curtsied quickly, stumbling once before scurrying to the door. 

"Oh, Cassia, there you are." Her Aunt Ludis stopped when she saw the child standing in the hallway, "would you like to join your Mother and me in the garden for tea?" Cassia's stomach growled at the thought. "Yes, please!" She perked up instantly and took her Aunt Ludis's hand, Emma following behind them with a cart of tea and snacks. 

Her Mother was sitting on a cloth on the ground, wearing a bright yellow sundress with split sleeves that tied at the wrists. Her purple hair was braided over one shoulder and she was reading a book, but from where she stood, Cassia could not see what kind. 

"Mother!" Cassia let go of Ludis's hand, running to her. "Ah, my precious little flower. How did your lesson go?" Cassia threw herself into her Mother's arms, the embrace welcome. "I messed up again, Lady Rafflesia seemed displeased, so she ended the lesson early."  

Ludis joined them on the blanket. Immediately, Emma began to set up their tea. "Well, if you never fumble, then you will never learn. I remember when Lady Rafflesia taught your Mother and I, I felt I could never get it right. Acacia on the other hand-"

"Ludis, please. She will feel pressured if you tell her stories." Acacia intervened quickly. 

"No!" Cassia sat up a bit straighter, eager. It was rare for her Mother to speak of her upbringing. "I want to hear about it." Like an eager puppy, the child looked between the sisters. Acacia sighed in defeat, wrapping her arms around Cassia's waist and resting her head on her daughter's shoulder. 

"When your Mother and I were ten, she had already memorized three styles of traditional Adalantian dancing-"

"Two, it was two styles," Acacia interrupted, but she was smiling. Ludis continued, "Whenever I felt frustrated, she and I would rendezvous after our bedtime and dance in the ballroom until I memorized it. Somehow, by the time I could memorize one dance, your Mother could learn four." 

"That is not how I remember it!" Acacia protested and Ludis snickered. Emma had finished setting up their tea. Cassia hungrily reached for a sandwich, her sleeve lifting just an inch. "Cassia, what is that?" Acacia asked in alarm, grasping her daughter's wrist tenderly. 

"Um, remember how I said I messed up? Lady Rafflesia said that is a reminder not to do that again." Cassia looked ashamed, especially after hearing how great her Mother was at dancing. "She said the pain will make me mind my feet." Cassia looked at the ground, unable to meet her Mother's eyes. 

"That is not acceptable," Acacia rose, Ludis rising to meet her. "Hang on sister," she took hold of Acacia before she could stomp off. "Let us think for a moment. We cannot simply storm in there to confront her."

"And why not?"

Cassia watched from the ground, sheepishly nibbling on her sandwich. "Because Lady Rafflesia may start a rumor.  As unfortunate as it is, your presence here must be kept secret for the time being." Acacia's hands balled into fists, "as much as I dislike it, you are right." She was shaking from anger. "My Motherly instincts are telling me to storm in there and give the Lady a taste of her own medicine." 

"I am alright," Cassia murmured, there was no need to make such a large fuss. Her Mother knelt down, touching her cheek. "You are not alright and if anyone dare to lay a finger on you again, I will make them regret it. You are not to have another lesson without me or your Aunt present, is that clear?"

"Can we just... skip the lessons?" Cassia pleaded. "I do not see a point, they are boring." To her dismay, Acacia shook her head. "You must continue with them, for the time being. I will think of a way to drive Lady Rafflesia out, your Aunt will help."
"Really?!" Cassia looked between the both of them, eager. Ludis smiled hesitantly, "yes, I shall help too." She agreed after a moment's pause. "You have nothing to fear, your Mother and I will protect you." 

Cassia's smile began to fall, her eyes felt stingy and her nose started to run. Tears leaped down her cheeks, the child bursting into a fit of relief. "It must have hurt," Acacia cradled her. "Why did you not tell me sooner?"

"I did not want to worry you." Cassia admitted, hiccupping through her tears. "I will fight destiny for you, if it means protecting what is important to me. You can always come to me, my darling, you know that."

"I-I know," Cassia sniffled. Ludis gestured to Emma, who left to go locate bandages for Cassia's wrists. 

"You are not going to fight this battle alone."