Know Your Opponent

19 February, 1359. Westerhaven Palace, Islia

The day dawned cold but clear. That morning, Camilla sat by the fireplace in her presence chamber, a half finished tapestry spread across her lap. She rubbed her eyes, trying to mask her irritation. After several days of dreary fog and rain keeping everyone inside, she was feeling bored and restless. There were only so many tapestries she could help stitch or so many times she could listen to the same gossip in the queen's apartments.

As if sensing her mood, Meg stretched and asked, "Shall we go for a walk outside?"

"Who would ever want to go out there? It will be freezing!" Katerine looked up briefly from her embroidery.

"Who cares about the cold? We have plenty of furs for that!" Meg was starting to sound as restless as Camilla felt. "I'm tired of being cooped up inside! This has been the rainiest winter I can remember."

Meg shot the princess a pleading look. "Just a short walk at least, my lady?"