There, Ariella spread a large map across my desk, using books to pin down the corners. It was a detailed rendering of Magnolia, showing roads, railways, and cities.

  "We'll take the train lines." Ariella said, tapping a thin blue line that represented the railway. "It's much faster than going by carriage, and Commander Tiberius says it's easier to secure."

  "And we'll stay at your family's estate?" I asked.

  "Of course! The Winter Palace overlooks the entire bay. The buildings cascade down the hillside like a waterfall of white stone. When the sun rises over the water, everything turns golden. And at night, the fishing boats set out with lanterns hanging from their masts - hundreds of tiny lights on the dark water."

  "I can't wait to see it!"

  "And the market!" She grabbed my hands excitedly. "The street vendors sell these little fried dumplings filled with fresh seafood and spices imported from abroad! Nothing like the court food we get here. Not as finely prepared, but I know that's what you're looking for, isn't it?"

  We spent hours planning each stop on our journey. Westmarch was the capital of the western province, famous for its industrial factories and runesmiths.

  "The clocktower there is the tallest building in Magnolia!" I said, reading from a guidebook. "Over two hundred feet high with a massive runic mechanism that powers not only the clock but also the city's water pumping system!"

  Ariella wrinkled her nose. "It's all very impressive, but terribly dirty. The air there smells of oil and slag."

  "I want to see it anyway!" I insisted. "I should know how my subjects live, even the parts that aren't pretty gardens and seaside views!"

  She pushed another book toward me. "What about these hot springs in the central mountains? They're not far off our route."

  "Commander Tiberius will have a fit if we suggest a detour."

  "We could tell him it's for your health." She suggested. "Hot springs are medicinal, aren't they? And surely the Queen's well-being is his highest priority."

  "Devious!" I laughed. "I like it! We'll work on him together."

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  The days passed in a flurry of preparations. Clothes were commissioned, security briefings were arranged. I even overheard Tiberius grumbling about conducting advance inspections of our planned accommodations.

  With each passing day, my excitement grew. I caught myself daydreaming during council meetings, imagining the floating markets of the southern capital where merchants sold their wares from boats decorated with bright fabrics and flowers.

  A week before our scheduled departure, Ariella and I were in the library reviewing cultural customs specific to the rural populations of each province when a servant burst in without knocking - something so unusual that we both froze mid-conversation.

  "Your Majesty, Lady Marigold has taken ill. The physicians are with her now, but she's asking for you."

  Ariella and I exchanged alarmed glances before hurrying after him. We rushed through corridors and up stairs, finally reaching Marigold's private chambers in the east wing. Two palace physicians stood outside her doors.

  "What's happening?" I asked. "How serious is it?"

  The older physician bowed. "A fever, Your Majesty, and concerning weakness in her breathing. We've administered treatments, but at her age..."

  "May I see her?" I asked.

  He nodded, opening the door for me. Ariella moved to follow, but the physician stopped her. "The lady requested only Her Majesty, and even that is against my recommendation."

  Inside, the room was dim, heavy curtains drawn. Lady Marigold lay propped against pillows, her face ashen and damp with sweat. She was smaller, frailer than I'd ever seen her. I think it was the lack of a neck ruff; she looked quite like a giraffe, her skin even spotted lightly.

  "My child." she whispered as I approached her bedside. "You came."

  "Of course I came." I sat in the chair beside her. "How are you feeling?"

  "I'm not dead yet; don't look so frightened." she said with a weak attempt at her usual tone. "I've seen worse Waterdays."

  I took her hand, surprised at how cold her fingers felt. "Is there anything you need? Anything I can do?"

  Her eyes opened again, fixing me with an intensity that belied her weakened state. "Yes. You must delay the provincial tour. I cannot accompany you in this condition."

  "But-" I began, then stopped myself. Of course she would need to accompany me. Lady Marigold had overseen every aspect of my public appearances since I was a child.

  "Commander Tiberius agrees." she continued. "It would be unwise to proceed without proper... supervision."

  "I won't be alone. Ariella will be with me, and the Commander and his guards."

  "It's not the same." Her grip on my hand tightened. "Promise me you'll wait until I'm well enough to join you."

  Looking down at her pale face, I couldn't bring myself to argue. "All right. We'll postpone."

  "Good girl."

  When I left her chambers, Commander Tiberius was waiting in the hallway. "Your Majesty, in light of Lady Marigold's condition, I must recommend delaying the-."

  "She told me." I said flatly. "And I've agreed to postpone."

  "A wise decision, Your Majesty. Security considerations alone-"

  "Yes, yes." I waved away his explanation. "Please inform Lord Winters and the other travel parties. We will reschedule when Lady Marigold recovers."

  I walked away before he could say more, frustration churning inside me.