by Mark Eller
* * * *
Simta had fulfilled her end of the bargain. Anithia was her new lady-in-waiting, but that came at a cost. Simta’s purse was becoming a thing of air, for little else occupied its innards. She would have to do something soon. Even as much as Ani liked her job, she couldn’t feed her child if Simta could pay only with good intentions. Calto hadn’t given Simta any additional provisions to cover costs. He had left for Grace shortly after asking Simta to watch Ani. Apparently Queen Elise had summoned him. The only additional thing he sent Simta besides the dress was a velvet and emerald choker which she had not taken off since.
Pretty enough, but not a promise.
She studied Anithia as the woman bustled about the bed chamber. Simta couldn’t understand why Calto didn’t want such a comely woman in his house. Ani’s long blond tresses, falling to a slender waist, were tied back in a dark-green silk ribbon. Her vibrant blue eyes reminded Simta of deep ocean waters, and when Anithia managed to smile, it was a thing of pure joy, full mouthed and inviting, lighting up her whole face. However, those smiles were rare. Ani’s almost perpetual sorrow was the only detractor from her beauty.
As if she could feel Simta’s regard, Ani turned toward her employer. “Thank you again for giving me a job, Lady Morthanhi, and the dress is much appreciated, too.”
“You’re welcome, Anithia.”
And let’s hope I can keep you employed. Let’s hope after tonight I won’t have to worry for a while.
“Anithia?” she asked, working on a question.
“Please, Lady Morthanhi, call me Ani.”
Simta smoothed the dark green satin of her dress and smiled. She truly liked the woman. Even Ani’s odd child, once she became used to the girl’s strange shifts in mood, was joyful to be around.
“Tonight I need you to stay here and do me a favor.”
“Of course. What can I do for you?”
“Sleep in my bed.”
Ani’s mouth dropped open. “I beg your pardon, but I’m not that kind of woman.”
Simta tilted her head to the side. “Pardon?”
“I don’t sleep with other woman. I like men.”
Throwing her head back, Simta laughed. “Oh my, Ani. No, no, I assure you I like men, too. I just need you to lie in my bed so Lark doesn’t know I’m not in it.”
“Why won’t you be in it?” Ani studied her, eyes narrow with suspicion.
Simta thought for a moment. She couldn’t tell Ani the truth, but what falsehood should she give her?
“It’s private.” Winking, Simta gave her a secretive smile. “I did tell you I like men.”
Ani blushed and nodded. “Oh, I see. Well sure, but promise you won’t get into any trouble.”
Simta nodded. “No trouble. I’ll be just fine.”
“Oh, but what about Missa? I can’t leave her home alone, not in the Downs.” Ani’s face became drawn. “Forgive me, you’ve been most kind, but Missa is my life. If anything were to happen to her—”
“Of course, she can stay with you. My cousin Tildy often sneaks into my room to cuddle. It will be no different.”
“All right then. I’ll come back at eight bells, just before dusk.”
Simta smiled. Yes, things would be just fine as soon as she made one last midnight raid.
