Constantina, Part III

The next week, Terom had invited Mother and I to have supper with him. I wore my nicest dining dress, and hoped I looked my best.1

When we got to the beautiful estate, we were ushered in by a servant to the dining hall, where Terom and his father sat. We said our hellos, then sat down to talk.2

“So,” Mother said, attempting to make conversation after a few moments of silence. “How is your wife, Lord Eldwyn?”3

“She’s fine.” That ended that conversation.4

Meanwhile, I fidgited in my chair and looked down at my hands. As much as I didn’t want to marry, I felt shy around Terom. Why? I asked myself. He’s only a human, no different than anyone else. I really didn’t want to marry someone who I felt so uncomfortable around.5

“Constantina?” I heard Mother’s voice and looked up.6

“Yes?”7

“Lord Terom asked you if your drawings were coming along nicely.”8

I looked at him. The eyes intimidated me a bit, so I focused on his nose and mouth. “Yes, thank you,” I said.9

“What do you make pictures of?” He asked.10

I cleared my throat. “Mostly landscapes, things around the castle, and a portrait, if someone is willing to sit still long enough. Those are rare, though.” How did he know of my drawings? Did my Mother talk about me behind my back when she first met him? I bit my lip.11

“I would love to see them sometime,” He said. I nodded and thanked him.12

We once again sat in silence, until Lord Eldwyn said, “I have heard that we could possibly be going to war with Ainland. Ever since an Ainland noble had inheirited the Vinwaldean throne, King Druce feels he can rule over his homeland as well as us.”13

As much as I didn’t care for politics, I put my hand to my mouth in shock. War! Father’s father had lived through a war, and used to tell stories to Berach and I as children. They were usually gory and consisted of many people dying.14

“Father,” Terom said, breaking the silence, “Is that really the best topic for…” He gestured toward Mother and I.15

Suddenly defensive, I put my hand on my hips. “What, are women not allowed to know what is going on in their country?”16

He looked at me. “I didn’t mean that, I just…this is supposed to be a dinner where we get to know each other, not where we talk about such things.”17

Rolling my eyes, I said, “Quick thinking.” Mother kicked me under the table, and I glanced at her.18

I had thought the conversation was over, but Terom continued. “Do you pick a fight with every person you meet, or was that honor specially reserved for me?”19

“No,” I said, near laughing, “You’re nothing special. I pick a fight with anyone and everyone. Isn’t that right, Mother?”20

She looked at me, suddenly looking old and tired. I could see the wrinkles forming on her face, and I swear her hair turned gray quicker after that dinner. I had always been the problem child of the family, so she was used to my witty remarks. I suppose it was because I had always vied for attention, being the youngest. By now, it was simply a reflex to speak my mind, and I believe she had all but given up on trying to stop me.21

“Well,” Terom said, a bit coldly, “It’s good to know that you think of me as nothing special.”22

I looked from Mother to him, and my eyes widened a bit. Why didn’t I ever think before I spoke? “Oh! I didn’t mean…it was a joke, of course, I meant no offense.”23

He suddenly smiled, which shocked me even more. “I know.”24

The night went on, and most of the conversation consisted of me and Terom “fighting”, if you would call it that. I really enjoyed talking to him, to be perfectly honest, and I knew our marriage would be one of friendship, if not love. That is better than nothing.25

After that, we met once a week for dinner. It was strange, put into perspective. We laughed and ate hearty meals at those very moments that our King Druce was debating whether to declare war on Ainland. The whole country was holding its breath; we knew it was only time. He didn’t want to do so for obvious reasons, but if he waited too long, Ainland might rebel, and our country, Vinwald, would become the defensive team, all or most battles being fought on our land. It would be a tough choice for anyone, and I was just thankful I was not in his position.26

The announcement came while I was working on drawing a stained glass window and its shading. The town bells rang, which was very rare. They only rang on momentous occasions, so everyone, rich and poor alike, gathered in the town square to see what was going on. I didn’t go, of course, because Mother wouldn’t allow me. “Who knows what could happen to you in a large crowd of common townspeople?” Was her excuse.27

Less than an hour after the bells rang, Meda burst into the library, where I was drawing. She was bright red and out of breath. “What is it, Meda?” I asked eagerly. “What’s the news?”28

I had half expected it, half refused to believe it would happen. “King Druce has declared war on Ainland,” She said breathlessly. My drawings fell to the stone floor, and I ran as fast as I could to the other side of town—to Terom’s house.29