Love the picture. Is it fanart, from the compendium, or SEGA-issued art?
I've also wondered about how accepting the Orakian worlds were of the prince's (potential) Layan brides. This is partially why I've found it easier to imagine Rhys choosing Lena instead of Maia; Rhys, being a prince and all (and not some regular Joe-schmoe), has his duties, and you could also imagine the shock he probably felt as well upon realizing that Maia was a Layan princess... from a Layan world. To give up your kingdom, your family, your friends, your
world, and turn your back on your duty -- all for a woman whom you really don't know after all -- is pretty heavy stuff, if not outright
insane.
As far as Laya is concerned, Nial at least is aware she is Layan, and he gets to know the real Laya in the process while fighting at her side. While I imagine the kingdom of Landen not being very happy about it -- I do imagine a public outcry of sorts -- but I also can't help but love Laya's own comment upon Nial's proposing to her: "At last our people are united together!"
So, given this optimistic attitude, perhaps the people were more accepting of Nial's decision after all. Aw.