The Right Words

20 March, 1361. Marquessate of Niarnol, Islia

The small royal party rode all day north, through quiet countryside until they reached a small village named Girasol just as the sun was about to start setting.

William had already decided they would stop in the village for the night - more specifically, in its small but prosperous monastery.

Every hour that passed, he grew more anxious about his wife. Camilla hadn't uttered a word after hearing about Ned Michal's death that morning, clearly in shock. She had ridden all day in complete silence, had taken her meal breaks and rest stops in silence, eyes wide and blank.

William sent one of their escorting knights into the monastery, to request lodgings for the royal couple and their travelling companions. Shortly afterwards, the abbot himself came to the gates to lead them inside, telling them it would be his monastic order's pleasure to take them in for the night.