Chapter 45: Harp Strings

20 October, 1358. Westerhaven Palace, Islia

Camilla sat on a low stool on the floor of Queen Celia's apartments, quietly strumming a harp. Due to a recent improvement in her health, the queen had once again started throwing the doors of her presence chamber to the court to welcome visitors during the day. Queen Celia enjoyed the company of young people and her rooms had quickly become one of the liveliest meeting places in the castle. Once again, the queen's apartments had become a place of flirtation and music. 

That day however, Camilla could tell the queen was feeling unwell, so she had offered to play a soothing tune for her. She hoped the music would help drown out the voices of Princesses Violet and Annabel bickering about some alleged misbehaviour by a maid. 

William and a couple of other young men were sitting in the window seat, listening apathetically to the music and watching the relentless rain bouncing off the glass.