บท 262: Violet: To Love and Be Loved

24 May, 1348. Magdaline Castle, Islia

Springtime was known to be the loveliest season in Islia, especially in the meadows full of wildflowers that surrounded the castle. Court was especially lively and busy that year due to the arrival of so many new ladies. Apart from the jousting that was traditional throughout May, every day there was a picnic or a hunt. Every evening, there was a masque, a dance performance or a visit from travelling musicians.

In short, court should've been an endless whirl of fun and flirtation for any merry young lady, especially one who hadn't been raised in the lap of luxury.

It wasn't, though. And least, not for Violet.

Ilse, on the other hand, threw herself headlong into the activities, smiling without pause. During the days, she was asked more that once to sing at picnics in her pretty voice. At night, she danced until her feet ached. And everywhere she went, she was surrounded by admiring courtiers.