28 May, 1358. Magdaline Castle, Islia
Violet looked around Blanche's presence chamber, utterly bored. Her sister-in-marriage was hosting a luncheon and because Queen Celia was one of the attendants, there was no way Violet to turn down the invitation.
She didn't want to be there. The queen definitely didn't want her there. But over the years, they'd learned well enough how pretend to get along in front of others.
Blanche's apartments were decorated in shades of cream and pale green. Muted colours to perfectly match an insipid woman and her equally dull husband, Violet thought.
Blanche was being the perfect hostess as always, supervising her maids as they served wine and sweets to the seated guests. She exchanged warm words with the queen and the two women laughed together. Genuine laughter, not tight forced smiles.
As always, Violet felt like slapping Blanche's lovely face.
