Constatina, Part IV

I don’t know what was going through my mind as I raced through the crowd in insanely uncomfortable shoes and a large skirt. But I knew that Lord Eldwyn was one of the kingdom’s finest generals, so Terom would know the details of the war.1

As I came into their courtyard, I saw a carriage and and small group of people, looking like they were in a rush. I took a deep breath, wiped my sweating forehead, and walked up to them. A servant tending to the horses tied to the front of the carriage looked up at me in surprise. I think he was deciding whether I was a noble lady or not. I must have looked ridiculous—beautiful, though not extremely fancy, crimson gown, bright red face, and hair that was halfway out of its braid.2

“Excuse me,” I said. “I’m looking for Lord Terom, is he home?”3

The man smiled as he seemed to recognize me. “Ah, Lady Constatina! You—you didn’t tell us you were coming…”4

“No, I didn’t, and I apologize.” I looked around. “I also apologize if I am keeping you from your duties.”5

“Oh, no, I’m honored to be of service to you, m’lady. I believe Lord Terom is busy at work—you know, since the war is started—but he will be pleased to see you. Would you like to, eh, freshen up a bit?”6

I was in no hurry, and it would have been nice, but I shook my head. “No, no, I would feel like I was intruding. This isn’t my house.”7

He winked. “Yet.”8

I sighed. I didn’t like to be reminded of the fact that I would soon marry Terom. Right now, I just liked being his friend. If we were betrothed forever, that would be fine with me.9

Anyway, the servant took me to Terom’s chambers—an area of the estate I had never been too before. As I stood outside the door, he cleared his throat to get Terom’s attention. “My lord, Lady Constatina wishes to see you.”10

There was a pause, then a, “Send her in.” I walked in slowly as the servant took his leave. Terom was sitting at his desk, writing who-knows-what.11

“Terom, I—I heard the news. I’m sorry if I’m interrupting your work, but I really want to know the details. Why did King Druce decide to declare war now?” He put his pen down and turned to me. “You look tired,” I said quietly. “I should go—”12

He shook his head. “No, it’s alright. I expected you to ask something to this extent, though not so soon.” He smiled, but it was a smile that didn’t reach his weary eyes. “And not so unexpectedly. You know that Druce, a Ainland noble, married our Queen Alistronia—well, at the time they married, she was a princess—and inheirited the throne. Our Vinwald nobles have been uncomfortable, and he did exactly what they feared: he imprisoned Ainland’s King Calvag and took over that country as well. He has been treating them like an evil dictator would, but they were too weak to rebel.”13

“They tried, though, didn’t they? A few years back?” I was sitting down now across from him, listening eagerly.14

“Yes, and he recently got information that they were trying again. He was eager to nip the problem in the bud, but Vinwaldean nobles knew that it could cost the country dearly, and after the drought last year we are in slight debt.”15

“So…why now? Did the nobles finally give into him?”16

“Yes, more and more proof is coming in that Ainland crowds are gathering, nobles and peasants alike, and they’re learning to fight. That’s more than a bit suspicious, I’d say.”17

I raised my brows. “Well, can you blame them? They want their independence from this greedy king.”18

He glared at me. “Shh!” He said fiercely. “It is treason to talk in such a way! Who knows where spies could be?”19

I nodded, looking around the room. Not that I expected to see anyone. “So is your father going to fight?”20

“As much as he doesn’t want to, yes, he is.”21

“And you?”22

“I will take over the castle and duties in his absence.” At the word “duties”, his voice turned to ice and he seemed to glare at nothingness.23

What kind of “duties” was he talking about that made him so angry? Did his father have a secret? And if I was to be a part of this family, I had a right to know! I was about to ask, but by then, he had gone back to his work, so I quietly excused myself and left.24