Chapter 52: No Apology

26 December, 1358. Westerhaven Palace, Islia

Camilla and Katerine hurried down the chilly corridors, each carrying an armful of Tession's books. Over the past few months, Katerine's reading ability had grown immeasurably, to the point where she was challenging herself by reading simple poetry and ballads. However, no one outside the small circle of ladies-in-waiting around Camilla knew of it.

Camilla hadn't even revealed the truth to Tession, in case it caused trouble for Katerine. Instead, she would always have Katerine accompany her to Tession's rooms with the excuse the lady was simply helping her mistress return borrowed books. Katerine would then subtly gesture which of the old healer's books she wanted Camilla to borrow for her.