Constantina, Part V

“Stand still, m’lady!” Meda insisted. “I don’t want to poke ye.”1

I rolled my eyes. “Fair enough, but I’ve been standing like this for near an hour. Are you almost done?”2

“Don’t complain. It’s much more worrisome to make the dress than it is to stand for the fittings.”3

We were in my bedchamber, and I was being fitted for my wedding dress. The wedding was in only weeks, and it gave me shivers to think about it. Tonight, though, a Lady Fabia was having a birthday celebration, and the family was invited. I tried to focus my attention on that.4

Finally I stepped out of the wedding dress and into a ball gown of deep blue velvet, with a matching ribbon in my hair. I was ready to go.5

And so we went, and, though Fabia’s family had bragged that it was going to be the event of the year, it was no more or less grand than many other parties I had been to that year. At first I didn’t see Terom, and sighed in relief. Maybe he wasn’t invited, or he simply wasn’t coming tonight? Not that I disliked him. His eyes still had the same power over me that they did when we first met, and he was still friendly. But now, every time I looked at him, I tried to imagine him as my future husband. I could only think of it being akward and hurting the friendship we had built. And also, every time I looked at him, it reminded me that another day had gone by, and the wedding was that much closer.6

I had plenty of dancing partners (mostly older or married men; the single men drifted away from an engaged lady) before I even spotted him. He glanced my way only a second later and smiled a bit. I lowered my head to concentrate on my dancing moves, lest I trip over my partner.7

At the next dance, Terom asked me to dance, and I accepted. After the dance I was passed on to my next partner, a Lord Ator. He was much older than me, and I believe he was widowed. Actually, I didn’t know too much about him. He mostly kept to himself.8

“How are you today, Lady Constatina?” He asked politely.9

“Fine, thank you. And yourself?”10

“I’m well, despite the war, of course.”11

We had a meaningless conversation until I noticed that he was leading us to the edge of the dance floor. I was sure he knew well enough was he was doing, though, and didn’t ask questions. Suddenly, he grabbed my wrist and we went through the servants’ door that led to the kitchen and then, ultimately, out into the garden.12

“What are you doing?” I asked, a bit afraid. “Why are we out here?”13

“Well, it is a lovely night, don’t you think?”14

At his mocking tone, my fear grew to anger, and I put my hands on my hips. “Get to the point.”15

He looked at me, a bit shocked. “I have a…a favor to ask of you.”16

“Go on.”17

“You are to be married to Lord Terom, are you not?” I nodded. “Well, then, you should know that he is suspected for allying with the rebels in this war.” He spat on the ground near my feet, and I jumped away. “Sickening rebels! Poor, disgusting peasants! We are not completely sure he is doing so, and the fact that his father is in our army right now contradicts it, but we need someone to make sure.”18

“Well, what if I don’t want to do it?”19

He took out a sharp dagger from his side, and pretended to clean it with a handkerchief. “Oh, no reason.”20

“Are you threatening me?” I asked, shocked. This man was mad!21

“It is only a threat if you will not do what I ask. You will be a spy for me, girl. I would ask a servant, and I do indeed have a servant as a spy in that house—you need not know who—but they can’t get into records or talk to Terom as easily. They can’t slyly force it out of him, like I’m sure you would be able to. You have the spirit for it, indeed.” He glared at me. “And even if you do find out, or already know, don’t think you can hide it from me. I can get it out of your mouth. I have my ways.”22

“This isn’t fair! I would never do that to him.”23

He scowled, and grabbed my shoulders fiercely. “You have no choice, don’t you see? You will keep me updated once a week. Tell no one. And I mean no one.”24

Just then, I heard a shout, and jumped away from Ator. I turned around to see, of all people, Terom coming towards us. “Oh, no,” I mumbled.25

“What are you doing?” He demanded as he approached us.26

“Terom, it was nothing—” I try to say, but he cut me off.27

“My finacée is out in the gardens at night with another man, and you’re telling me this is nothing?”28

Ator smiled calmly. “I assure you, we were just talking. I would never do anything to hurt Lady Constantina or insult you.” I winced at his mocking tone, though sincere enough that Terom didn’t catch it.29

Terom grabbed my wrist. “It is too late for that, now. Not only have you insulted me, you have humiliated me.” He glared down at me as if I was some dim-witted girl who followed any man who showed interest in me around like a lovesick puppy. I blinked tears away. How dare he think so little of me!30

I could have just yelled that Ator had forced me out there and made me become a spy of Terom. But I knew how that would end. Ator was on the king’s side, therefore on the law’s side, and I couldn’t fight against that.31

But oh, how I wanted to punch in him the face with my ringed fist!32