Christine and James locked eyes for the first time that night. They shared a knowing look. A look that said ‘I had no part or influence in this, I would protest if I could but it would do no good. We will have to accept our fate’.

“Please excuse me,” Christine whispered, “I will return…shortly”

Mr.Waltz started to follow her as she turned to leave, but James put his arm out. Christine slowly walked back the way she came, barely able to take in what she was just told. She stood at the door, afraid to open it. Her freedom felt instantaneously taken away, and Thomas would be taken away with it. Could she even form the words to tell him what she was just told? She breathed a deep cleansing breath and opened the door to a smiling Thomas. His ignorance of the situation made it harder to muster the words.

“Thomas,” Christine’s voice wavered between a whisper and a shout, “I need you to listen to me. I love you dearly. You are the greatest joy in my life. I am struggling to say this…..but my mother just informed me of something. I am to marry James…..your older brother. It’s true that I have built a future in my mind……with you in it. Neither I nor James is pleased with this matter. You know how much we dislike each other. Yet- (she paused as a tear fell onto her cheek, which she quickly wiped away)- we must understand that this is for the greater good. You know it is a lie but I have to deny my love for you…….I’m sorry………I am so sorry this happened”

Thomas only smiled a weak smile and said, “All my love I leave to you and James……find the best in him……..it will surprise you. I’m sorry this happened as well but I know it isn't your fault……I trust you…….and I still love you Christine”

He kissed her passionately and left the arch.

“Write to me!” Christine managed to yell through tears.

“Every day,” Thomas whispered to himself.

********************************************************************************

The next day, Christine spoke to no one, nor did she eat or drink anything. She only sat on the stone bench on her room’s balcony. She was inexpressibly upset at her mother for many things but mostly because of the lack of communication about the marriage. ‘The marriage’. That is what Christine called it. Still unbelievable to think of saying she was Mrs. Waltz without thinking of Thomas. She couldn’t believe that her life was going to be over just as fast as it began, just when she felt so much happiness. She looked outside to the little houses surrounding her, the many people bustling around. So many of them had genuine smiles and dirty clothes, laughing and conversing with everyone around them as though they were all friends. Christine would rather be poor and happy than have her elegant and trapped lifestyle.

“I must be grateful,” she whispered to herself, “There are not many as lucky as I, with the blessings and possessions I’ve grown up with. I’m sure there are wonderful qualities about James and many women would love to be in my position. I even have a loving mother who wants the best…..for me”

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The more she said, the less she believed her own words. As she watched the people of the village, a new figure emerged, pushing through the crowds. It was a servant of their home, a mail man of sorts. He carried a large cloth bag over his shoulder, its contents of envelopes spilling out onto the street. Christine stood up when she saw that the envelopes were stamped with a purple seal: a sign meaning some party was to be had.

“Ugh! The gall!!” Christine went into her room and changed into her only informal clothing, her blue riding blouse, white pants, and black buckled riding boots. She pulled her cloak over her shoulders and went back to the balcony. Christine scanned the ground below and shakily put one leg over the ledge.

“What am I thinking?” she whispered to herself.

She jumped to the ground and landed hard on her back, the wind knocked out of her. She stood up straight and suddenly. Stopping to catch her breath, she put the hood of her cloak over her head and walked out of the front gate into the street. She could smell the baking bread in the town just steps away. Pushing through the crowds, she found what she was looking for. She picked up an envelope the servant had dropped and opened it. She threw it to the ground after reading it, despondent. It was an invitation to a ball for the village and surrounding towns to celebrate Christine and James’ engagement.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Christine heard a familiar voice.

She looked to her side to find James reaching for the crumpled up invitation.

“It’s for a ball,” Christine said in a mocking tone, “for our beloved wedding”

James read the invite and crumpled it back up, holding it in his fist as his side and looking at the sky.

“Save your prayers Mr Waltz,” Christine clasped her hands in front of her, trying to show no emotion, “God won't save us now…….no one can”

“Thomas told me to find the best in you,” James said.

“Likewise,” Christine turned towards James, “I will tell you this…..you have very nice eyes”

“Oh, her highness lowers herself to compliment me?” James smirked, “How generous”

“I am trying to be polite!” Christine exclaimed.

“I’m only joshing miss….Octania,” he couldn't help but laugh.

He found it quite humorous to call his fiance by her last name, but she had done so and he felt he should return the favor.

“What is so funny?” Christine looked at James, annoyed.

“Can one not laugh?” James looked at Christine, satisfied.

They were silent for a while, standing there, looking around them at the villagers and market.

“Well we do have one thing in common,” Christine said.

“What is that Christine?” James let go of the invitation.

“Our parents are both doing something for their gain,” she tried not to let her voice waver, “I’m supposing you came here to escape the wrath?”

“Erroneous,” James started walking, “I just needed to be among happy people. My father …… is never happy”

Christine slowly started walking with him.

He continued, “I know he loves me, he is just pragmatic. I only want to make him proud……..that is hard to do”

He stopped talking as though he had forgotten who he was talking to. Christine only nodded. James had stopped at a jeweler booth.

“Beautiful necklace for a beautiful woman?” the old seller at the booth smiled a crooked-toothed smile.

James tossed a coin at her, “Buy it for yourself, you have…..a lovely neck”

Christine couldn’t hold back a laugh. She covered it with a cough and looked away.

“What is so funny,” James mocked Christine’s words from before.

“Can one not laugh?” she smiled at him