Constantina, Part II

I had been anxiously waiting for this ball, yet somehow dreading it. Tonight, I would meet my husband-to-be. But as for now, I sat looking in the mirror while Meda fixed my hair. My hands twisted and turned a handkerchief nervously.1

Dear old Meda, she had been a servant to the family most of her life. She came here with my mother when she married, and had raised me more than anyone. “Stop fidgeting!” She ordered. “Really, m’lady, you’d think you were going to your own execution.”2

“I may as well be.”3

“Well, what’s so bad about having a husband? You’ll still be a rich lady, able to do as you please. And you’ll have a family. Aren’t you excited to start having children?”4

I shuddered. “I’m hardly ready! Mother says I act like a child myself. And…I don’t know, I always dreamed that when I married, it would be for love.” I sighed, drifting off into childhood fantasies.5

“Foolish girl! You have known since you were born that noble ladies don’t marry for love.”6

“I know, I know. I’m marrying for my father’s and father-in-law’s benefits. But that’s really not fair, since I am going to live longer than they are. I never understood politics.”7

“Well, you weren’t taught any politics, that’s why.”8

“I was taught hardly anything. All I know, basically, is how to read and write.”9

“That’s more than I can say.” She looked at my reflection in the mirror. “There, done. You’re a beauty, Tina. Whatever you may think of your new husband, I know he’ll think fondly of you.”10

I hugged her quickly and went downstairs to meet the rest of the family. My oldest siblings, Amedeo and Elisa, were married and had brought their spouses with them. Amadeo was a vain person, because he will inherit so much wealth, but his wife, Oriana was a very kind woman. She was shy, though, and I hardly knew anything about her. She seemed to blush at every comment I made.11

Elisa, on the other hand, was the perfect noble lady—blonde, beautiful, and brainless. She spoke of nothing but gossip and fashion, as if they were the only things that mattered, and she spoke so much sometimes that it made my head hurt. Her husband, Anatole, was a perfect match for her, for he was interested in the same things. I was not particularly fond of any of them.12

Of course, who could forget my other brother, Berach? He was my best friend, being only two years my senior. We had grown up together, but now he was only interested in women and impressing them, which I thought quite humorous. I couldn’t imagine him married. He never favored any women over another, he loved them all!13

We finally got to the ball, and it was very crowded by the time we arrived. The music and dancing had already started. I stayed glued to Mother’s side. “Where is he?” I whispered, looking around the room.14

She patted my arm. “I’m searching—oh, there he is, with his brother!” She waved as she floated over, dragged me along. “Come, now, Tina, don’t look so miserable,” She said quietly.15

As we approached, a handsome young man bowed to me and kissed my hand. “My Lady Constantina, I am honored to make your acquaintance,” He said formally. I looked him over, memorizing his features. He was lean, not so muscular, and tall, but not too tall. He had dark brown, curly hair that was tied back from his face, and peircing green eyes. The eyes shocked me a bit when I first saw them, and they reminded me of something, a distant memory. Had I met this man before? No, surely not, or Mother would have mentioned it. Maybe I had met someone else with eyes as green as his? Somehow, though, I did not think that was the case.16

Anyway, I realized I may have been staring. “Oh, um, thank you, Lord Terom. It is a pleasure to meet you.”17

He smiled. “Would you care to dance with me?”18

I nodded, and took his offered arm as he led me to the floor. He is gorgeous! I said internally. But, I thought, as if arguing with myself, I have met better looking men in my time. He’s not THAT amazing.19

The dance was uneventful, and I was passed to another partner for the next dance. And the next, and the next. The night seemed endless, and I eventually went outside to get some fresh air, and to cool off.20

I have to say, the Fairfaxes are famous for having beautiful gardens. I had only seen a small fraction of them, so decided to have a look around. Even though it was nighttime, the garden was well lighted by torches. It was truly breathtaking, seeing all the colors and shapes and patterns, all made from plants. There was even a large fountain in the center of it all. There was a stone bench beside the fountain and, though it was cold, I decided to sit down anyway. The night definitely had not been as bad as I had expected it to be. I only wondered what Terom’s and my first real conversation would be like.21

Honestly, I didn’t care, as long as I could see those eyes again…only because they reminded me of something, I assured myself. Yes, that was the only reason I wanted to see them again.22