BRIA LAY for a moment listening to the drip of the rain onto the bartizan outside their chamber. The doors were thrown open wide and the gentle summer breeze blew in, bringing with it the fresh clean scent of rain-washed air. Tiny blue birds twittered on the balustrade, making joyful music to the morning.

The Queen rolled over and flung an encircling arm to her side. Her hand patted the empty bedclothes where her husband would have been. He was gone. She opened her eyes lazily and murmured, “Oh, Quentin, do you never rest?”

She rose and threw on a robe. At once a maidservant came scurrying with a fresh summer gown of sky-blue samite with a belt of finely wrought gold.

“My Lady slept well?” asked the young woman. “Well, thank you, Glenna. Isn’t it a beautiful day?”

“Yes, my Lady. Beautiful.” She smiled, and light shone in her eyes. “Almost as beautiful as my Lady.”

“Your flattery is as easily given as the bird’s song.” Bria laughed and the room was brighter. “Have you seen the King?”

“No, my Lady. Shall I send for the chamberlain?” The Queen shrugged. “There is no need. I know where he has gone.”

The servant helped her Queen dress and then set about tidying the room. Bria went out from the royal apartments and made her way to the kitchens.

She passed lightly through a corridor and down a flight of steps to a banqueting hall. No sooner had she set foot in the hall when there was a squeal and a sudden flurry of motion toward her.

“Mother! Did you hear? Oh, did you hear the news?” Two young girls rushed up to her on prancing feet and grabbed her hands, pulling her toward the breakfast table.

“And what news have you heard, my darlings?” She smiled and stroked their golden heads.