Birthday Cake

"The Queen summoned you to the palace," Magda hurriedly relayed the information to Rosalind as soon as she arrived inside the infirmary.

"Why didn't you inform me earlier?" Rosalind sighed, hoping to avoid any further complications.

"The four noble families wanted to ensure you received the rest you needed. They're still outside, surrounding the infirmary," Magda added, her tone filled with urgency.

Rosalind's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. The leaders of the four families were standing guard, ready to confront the Queen and her knights on her behalf? This was beyond anything she could have imagined. "Surely this extreme measure is not necessary," she muttered in disbelief.

"You've just saved the lives of those close to the four families. It's no surprise they are willing to go to such lengths, even against the Queen," Magda explained. "Please let me know when you're ready to leave. I've prepared the carriage and some nourishing porridge for you."