Capítulo 19: A Sought After Favour

14 May, 1358. Magdaline Castle, Islia

Camilla sat quietly within one of the billowing pavilions that had been erected around the jousting arena. She was surrounded by the noise and action of a large excited audience, all looking forward to the day's tournaments.

It was an Islian tradition to hold a series of jousts in the month of May, to celebrate the glory of spring.

Not only would the royal family and the great noble houses raise colourful silk pavilions to watch the spectacle, the gates of the court would be thrown open to the public. The common people crowded around under the hot sun, wide eyed at the splendour and wealth of the court.

Since the year the two princes had turned sixteen, one of the jousts would pit Prince Thomas and his knights against those of Prince William. The two royal cousins had a friendly rivalry and the chance to watch each young man lead out his knights to compete made it one of the most popular tournament events, especially amongst the unmarried ladies of the court.

Camilla had managed to avoid the jousts earlier in the month but had run out of excuses to not attend. When she had been invited by Princess Blanche herself to be a special guest of her pavilion, Camilla had felt she had no option but to accept. She sat in the shade of the pavilion, struggling to swallow the lump in her throat and keep her smile firmly in place.

Springtime has also been celebrated with jousting in Moraigth and she was overwhelmed with childhood memories. In her earliest years she had sat at her mother's knee and watched in awe as the knights would parade on their steeds and tilt their lances respectfully at the ladies of the court.

After the death of her mother, her father had indulged his only daughter and declared her the little May Queen of each year's tournament, placing a fresh flower crown on her head every morning. Eventually each of her brothers had each been knighted and started taking their places in the tournaments, where she would cheer them until her voice was hoarse.

Camilla was grateful for the kindness Princess Blanche had shown her, making genuine efforts to include her in the festivities and even gifting her a rose red dress embroidered with Islian wildflowers at the hem. Camilla noticed many ladies were dressed in the same colour, allowing her to blend in.

Prince Thomas led his knights out first and the crowd roared. The knights on their steeds filed out in perfect formation and began taking their positions. Several knights approached the pavilions where their favourite ladies sat, to beg for tokens of their favour to carry into the joust. A few knights approached Princess Blanche, even though everyone knew she was married to a powerful prince. Ever polite, Blanche had handed out ribbons, scarves, even flowers to every knight who approached her.

Camilla could understand why so many sought Blanche's tokens - she was a beautiful lady, well known for her sweet nature and piety. She was also very popular with the common folk.

A loud roar went up from the crowd, jolting Camilla out of her thoughts. She realised the cheers were for Prince William, who was leading his knights into position. Suddenly, one of his knights rode out of formation and approached Princess Blanche's pavilion.

Blanche's ladies and maids in waiting giggled in anticipation but were shocked when the young knight approached Princess Camilla and called out, "Your Grace, a favour if you please. This humble knight wishes to fight as your champion."

Camilla stared at him with wide eyes. He was a friendly looking youth with brown hair and freckles. Something about his earnest expression reminded her of her of Malcolm.

Hesitantly, she removed the sash trimming one of her sleeves and lowered it to the knight, who caught it deftly and tucked the sash carefully under his breastplate, close to his heart. He bowed his head and tipped his lance in deference to her. Several members of the crowd clapped and Princess Blanche gave her a teasing smile of approval.

As the brown haired knight cantered away to join the others in formation, Camilla saw another knight on horseback approaching the pavilion. She realised it was Prince William, his face tense with anger. Camilla was a little surprised - she was under the impression he had been avoiding her. At dinner over the past few nights, he had not so much as looked her way. He now scowled at her briefly before he all but turned his back to her and addressed Princess Blanche.

"A favour from you, if it pleases Your Grace." William called out to the older princess.

Blanche smiled but also shrugged slightly in confusion. She lowered a silk scarf for Prince William to catch. "Cousin, I've already distributed several favours today. It doesn't trouble you to be champion of a lady who already has other champions, as well as a husband?"

"Not at all. Is is simply a testament to your beauty, my lady. Besides," a small sharp smile appeared on William's face. "I have a fondness for fair haired women. I would much rather carry your token than one belonging to a lady who's dark as a crow."

There was an audible gasp throughout the pavilion as the ladies all heard the pointed insult. Camilla sat without moving and her expression remained placid. The Islian ladies who had shot her envious looks all morning, now started tittering behind their hands.

Anger flashed across Princess Blanche's face, replacing her usual sweet expression. "Hush, my lord!" she cried out. "What an unkind thing to say."

William merely gave a lazy shrug and cantered away to join his knights, still carrying Blanche's red scarf.

Blanche sent Camilla a sympathetic glance. "Please don't take his words to heart. William is a good lad but like all young men, he often forgets to think before he opens his mouth. You are lovely."

Camilla nodded and smiled as if she was completely unruffled, but It hurt to be insulted over something she had no control over. It hurt to have to pretend not to hear the malicious giggles and whispers surrounding her.

It hurt the most to know there was no one left alive who truly cared about her.

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