บท 49: Parting Gift

1 December, 1358. Westerhaven Palace, Islia

Camilla watched listlessly as the army of servants started decorating the galleries and halls of the castle for the upcoming Christmas festivities. Gradually, there was winter greenery decorating the corridors and mantles of the many fireplaces.

Boughs and wreaths made of pine and red holly were strung throughout Westerhaven, scenting the crisp air. Her youngest maid Bonnie had even hung wreaths in Camilla's presence chamber to make it look festive, even though the only people who were ever in the room were either her maids or ladies-in-waiting.

Camilla acknowledged she felt a little melancholic this time of the year. She had no real enthusiasm for celebrating alongside the court. However, the pain of being an orphan wasn't as acute as she was expecting. It was more of a constant dull ache instead of the crippling, stabbing pain she had feared.