Fear and Punishment

11 May, 1360. Westerhaven Palace, Islia

Camilla found herself warm and cosy as she listened to the murmur of soft voices behind her closed eyelids. Her mother, she told herself. Her beloved mother must be around. Camilla's heart swelled with happiness at the thought of being in Duchess Isabella's arms.

Gradually, the hushed, muffled voices grew louder and clearer. None of the voices belonged to her mother. Camilla almost wanted to cry from disappointment. She tried to open her eyes but her eyelids were too heavy.

Hearing the ongoing hum of conversation, she found herself wishing everyone could just be quiet and leave her alone. It was so tempting to let the wave of darkness take over and drift off comfortably again. What was so important that she couldn't just sleep more? What had she even being doing earlier? She couldn't recall.