Co-wives

As soon as we arrived at the big house, we stepped out of the carriage. She turned to me instantly with a stern gaze on her wrinkled face. 

"The rules are: no late nights, no drinking, no acquaintances to make. Do not wear anything red or yellow, you are allowed to wear just… green. You can't decide whether meals are enough or—"

 "You have nothing to worry about as long as I am not stepped upon," I firmly stated, interrupting her. 

 "Mmm," she gave a tight smile. "I see that you are unyielding, but be careful. It won't last a ton of moments," she warned sternly, as if I would flinch. "I will introduce you to your… co-wives," she said. 

 "I'm only 6 and 20," I reminded her. 

 "And yet, you are married to Sir Thompson. It does not count now," she said. A servant approached as soon as she snapped her fingers. It was indeed a large house for a man of his standards. I did expect that.

 "Get the wives. Now," she instructed, then she turned to me. "We shall have our luncheon regarding your wedding."

 "Or death wish you mean to say," I interrupted. She didn't like the interference. 

 "When I speak you are meant to stay silent. Respect and honor must be observed…"

 "Oh, I lost my honor. All of it…" I snapped back defiantly. She hated it, she hated me too. I did not want to be liked anyway. 

The woman left as the other servant ushered us in. 

 "Miss Ava, you should be... rather obedient around here. She is—"

 "Maria, I don't care. I will not be an object of pity and loss, no. She acts like a husband that she is not. I am not one to succumb…" I stated. 

 "I understand, but for your safety—"

 "This conversation is over, Maria. Your concerns are very much appreciated," I said, and she bent her head a bit. 

Soon, I was seated with other women, my co-wives, as that grumpy lady would call them. They all rose and I rose too. 

 "Lady Beeborn, is this the girl you speak of?" one asked. 

 "Yes, Liana," Lady Beeborn turned to me. "Ava, this is Liana, the first wife. The one on your right is Gin, the second wife," she explained, and I bent a little. 

 "I hope that we don't cross paths," I stated, and they were shocked at my statement. 

 "I certainly do not like her," Liana snapped. "She is wild—not courteous at all," 

 "And insolent," said Gin. 

 "Lady Beeborn, is this what Sir Thompson has to endure? I fear for our husband. Her babies will be violent and sinister," Liana stated. 

 "She is not a good fit," Gin said. Yes, I've had criticism all my life.

 "Yet, you are married to someone the age of your father," I barked at them. 

 "Tyrion?" she called her guard or militia or whatever he posed to be. 

 "Take that girl out of her. Lock her up without food or water. Let us see who will make an acquaintance in the coming days." Lady Beeborn instructed. 

 "Yes, my lady," he said. He took me by the arms and dragged me down the hall like a thief until we were past several doors and finally stopped at one. 

He took out his bunch of keys, tucked one into the hole and opened it. 

 "Get in," he ordered. 

 "Like I've got a choice." I countered as he pushed me into the room and yanked the door. It was locked. 

The room was beautiful. Well-ventilated and quite suited for me. I did not need much to survive. It was enough to wallow in. 

I slid under the blanket and dozed off like it was all I needed. 

…

The next morning, I heard a knock on the door. I screamed out in frustration. 

 "You locked the door and expected me to open it? Are we all mad now?" I complained. 

I watched the handle twist and the door open effortlessly. I realized that it was unlocked all along. 

Maria walked in with my luggage and a servant behind her held a tray of fresh food. 

 "Good morning, Miss Ava. Oh, Mrs Ava…Mrs. Ava Thompson." Maria teased and my eyes rolled. 

 "It makes no difference, Maria," I sat up. The maid placed the food on the table and bent before leaving. After the door closed, I continued speaking. "I am very unmarried," I shrugged. 

 "And the ring on your finger, Mrs Thompson?" she asked teasingly. 

 "Could you not… call me that name again? It sounds hilarious and boring. Ava is perfect," I stated. She moved away with a chuckle and began to unpack her clothes. 

She walked over to the closet, and she turned to me. 

 "I see that you have a dozen of… green dresses. Old-fashioned and… sorry but… you are not old." Maria was disappointed. 

 "I expected more than just old-fashioned clothes and these are… godawful…" she complained. 

 "I do not care. I will not wear those. I'm not an evolution of ancient mamas," I countered and sunk into bed. 

 "But Ava, you have to get dressed. I was told that Lady Beeborn would invite some guests—a part of society," she explained. 

 "And how is it, my cup of tea? I do not care, Maria, I will just read some books and have a pastime until I am parted by death," I said, and she paused whatever she was doing. 

 "Are you certain about that? Mrs Thompson—"

 "Ava."

 "Right. Ava, you cannot always defy their rules to get what you want. If you must learn about these people, you must be... compliant with their rules," she explained calmly. 

I rubbed my face and sat up again. I rubbed my temples and spoke up. 

 "You do not understand what it means to be forced. Broken. All my life, I've been raised to serve a man, worship a man, do their bidding, submit to their wishes, and bury my own dreams to be free. You have no idea what it means to be locked. Trapped. Ensnared by a group of people who think that they can decide your fate. I don't want to end up like my mother. All she does is say yes to my father and agree to all his heinous suggestions. Love is not control, it is selfless. Don't you think?" I asked as her gaze fell. 

 "Yes, you are correct. I wish we could have our way in this world, but how can we? And how does it matter to anyone? We'll never be free. I want you to know that I will always be here to support you. Be strong, my friend," she advised, and I nodded. 

 "I do not know what life would be without you." we shared a hug as I reached for the meal. 

…

I thought I would wear one of the green dresses, but Maria persuaded me somehow. Maria and I walked around the garden admiring the vegetable farm. The general had good taste, but it was not the life I wished for. A trapped life as a third wife. 

A servant approached and bent a little. 

 "Mrs. Thompson, Lady Beeborn wishes to see you. The guests are here," she said. 

 "We will be there soon," Maria said as the servant left. "Ava, they are here. We should go." 

 "I do not wish to go," I snapped, looking away.

 "Ava, if you keep acting stubborn, it will be hard for you. I do not wish harm on you…" she explained. 

 "I do not wish to be known by the members of society or whatever. I just need time to adjust, and it won't begin now," I stated outright. 

She placed a hand on my arm and I gently stared at her.

 "Ava, I do not expect this to be easy on you, but you have got to try. A chance, don't grant them…" she said. 

 "Whatever for?"

 "Try. Patience," she said. 

Unwillingly, we walked to the others who were, by now, cheering and chattering over lemonade juices. 

 "Behave, Ava. It is best," Maria said under her breath. 

I bent and they nodded almost invisibly. 

 "Lady Beeborn, did you send for me?" I asked, feigning. 

 "Yes, yes. I see that… you are willfully refreshed. Good," she sarcastically said to me. "Well, here are your husband's acquaintances. They are here to congratulate you. Good wishes, exactly," she said. 

 "On behalf of higher society, we congratulate you. We hope to return for more declarations of heirs," the man said. 

 "Lord Rex, that is soon but quite to be expected," Lady Beeborn teased. "Mrs Thompson here is capable and ready. She misses her husband as well. Poor bride," she added, and they laughed it off. I gave a small smile.

 "So, after all, Sir Thompson chose to show your family some mercy? News reached me that you are utterly worn out. How true?" a woman with a very disorganized face said.

 "News, you say, Lady Chadwick? Such gossip is not news. Take note," I said firmly to her as she frowned. 

 "It is obvious that you are mentally ill. Sane people do not talk like hooligans," she snapped at me. 

 "And people with noble titles do not talk like illiterates. I don't blame you at all, I blame your lonely life. It must be really lonely in your garden as well. Does it bloom?! I guess not. Get some water to… make it bloom." I stated as she swallowed up shyly. 

The others laughed hysterically except Mrs. Beeborn. She was embarrassed. 

 "Maria, I believe your… mistress is worn out. Please see to it that she is well bathed and balm her body with some lavender oil," Lady Beeborn stated. It was her way of telling me that I was in so much trouble. 

 "Of course, my lady," Maria said and bent. 

 "Lord Rex? Lady Chadwick? It was great to make your acquaintance. Thank you for the best wishes and gifts," I said and bent before leaving. 

I held my dress as we emerged into the building. 

 "I didn't want to crack up, but you burned her lips with your flaming words…" Maria laughed. 

 "I am not to be played with, Maria." I chuckled lightly. "I will put everyone who troubles me in their place," I said, smiling to myself.