章 53: An Exchange

1 January, 1359. Westerhaven Palace, Islia

Camilla sat at the large round table that had been set up in Queen Celia's luxurious presence chamber, which was decked in a golden tablecloth and held platters of fruit and sweets. Pitchers of warm spiced ale were clustered in the centre. It was an Islian tradition for the royal family to exchange gifts around the table on New Years Day.

The celebration would typically occur in the main banquet hall but as the queen was confined to her rooms due to her delicate health, King Edward had instead announced that the celebrations would be brought to her. Queen Celia's rooms had been decorated by the servants with gold silk hangings and boughs of winter greenery and holly, while a fragrant Yuletide log burned in the grand fireplace.