Womanish Lady

Chapter 7:

Only a little less than a week remained. Everyone had a different vibe towards Fuyaiyah but stayed out of her way and kept working on their projects. Fuyaiyah still avoided sitting in the same room as the other maids, and worked outside in the cold.

"Why do you insist on working alone? It's too cold out there." said Winter.

"Because, I would let off something personal, and it somehow becomes public. Am I wrong, Winter?" replied Fuyaiyah, but didn't wait for a reply.

One maid consistently brought hot beverages and simple things for her to eat. Fuyaiyah discovered later that it was the one who started the fire. She saw that the maid felt really bad about it.

and to show that there were no hard feelings, she'd drink or eat in front of her and smile.

The day arrived for the Embroidery maids to present their creations to those at the Royal Palace. Carriages came and the girls squealed.

"Quiet girls, because I need you to listen: when we get there, according to whether you made something for a man or woman will you be lined up horizontally. Those at the palace will also be lined up horizontally - whoever you stand in front of is who you give your creation to. We've been updated that the King and Queen have spare time and will be "seeing the new generation of seamstresses." Therefore, be very behaved and don't try to make yourself stand out; only to end up looking like a fool. Okay?"

The girls understood.

They arrived at the Royal Palace, and went inside. Every girl looked around in astonishment while Fuyaiyah looked around with a different emotion.

Then they came to one of the Royal gardens, where, as mentioned, royal men and women were lined up, and King Lenon and Queen Veronica sat where they could see everyone. The maids, in an orderly manner, lined up in front of them and bowed.

After a moment-

-"You may now present your creations!"

The maids gave their creations one by one and their receivers wore it accordingly.

Fuyaiyah was looking around. The one who gave the order walked to her. Everyone looked at her.

"Miss? Why aren't you presenting your work?"

"I'm sorry. I had said that I will be making a piece for some younger girl. But I don't see her."

"You made something for a child?"

At that moment, a maid came with a youthful Princess about her age - the same one from years ago. She looked around, and when she saw that only Fuyaiyah remained, she went to her with a big smile. Fuyaiyah smiled back and got to her knees.

"I believe this is for you. Do you know how to wear it?"

"Of course I'd know how to wear it!!" The Princess said. Fuyaiyah smiled and apologized as she inspected it.

"It's a bracelet."

"That's right. Want to try it on?"

She put it on and grinned wider.

"It's so pretty!"

She laughed.

"Thank you! Now, I embroidered some pretty symbols on it - can I tell you what each of it means?"

Before the youthful Princess could reply, one of the Overseers came over to her and looked at the bracelet.

"Are you trying to insult the Royal Palace?"

Fuyaiyah stood up. "Excuse me?"

"You don't know who she is? She is the King's daughter! Every other maid made splendid robes and dresses and you only thought to make a simple bracelet just because she's younger?"

"How could I know who she was when I'm a newcomer? Also, you know about the fi-"

-"Excuses! Things will happen to us maidens, but it is our duty to still bring the best quality work when working for the Royal Palace."

"Wait, wait." said King Lenon as he stood up and walked over. Everyone bowed again.

"It sounded like this maiden had something important to say. What happened, young lady?"

Fuyaiyah bowed.

"Your highness. A fire aroused accidentally, and my original work was ruined. I had to quickly make an alternative for her. I'm sorry that my work was not up to par."

"Who said your work wasn't up to par?" asked the King, then stepped back and looked at everyone. "As you should've been told, our royal seamstresses are dwindling. We are hoping to find new royal seamstresses within you maidens. I will have your creations be inspected carefully and judged by our very best and will announce who gets to move into the Royal Palace. I will let my official dismiss you."