The Queen's first outing

The news spreads through the Palace, and people know about it in less than two days. If I had waited a little more before finding out, I would have been the last one.

There's no official announcement, though. So, the matter is whispered about in great secret. It's odd. Many people know, but everyone pretends not to.

Quite a few people change after hearing it, starting from my brother, who becomes my third guardian. The first is Aida, and she doesn't hide her worries anymore. The second is Tobin, who's always nearby with both eyes open. He doesn't talk much, but I can tell he's even more cautious than before.

It could all be a consequence of the poisoning attempt, but I feel like everyone forgot about that.

«Here,» Marius says, allowing me to drink from the cup. He tried it himself in front of me, and I've allowed him to test poison for me only because Aida has already checked everything beforehand.

«It's boring. I want to go out,» I say out loud.