"Congratulations, your Majesty!" the ladies of the inner court pitched.
I chuckled nervously, eyes roaming the gifts they presented. I stretched my neck, seeing the long line in waiting.
What is this? Some presentation? I was finally able to convince Drevon to let me come to the inner court to oversee some matters, and I came to this?
I leaned over to Diana, still keeping my smile, and whispered. "I thought this news was supposed to remain in the royal family. What is this treachery?"
"Don't ask me. There's the culprit." She nudged her head. "I have never seen her this happy. It's as if someone has possessed her."
I veered my gaze to the Dowager, happily speaking to the ladies and welcoming their gifts. When she caught my glare, she cleared her throat.
"The inner court is part of the royal family. Traditionally, they come bearing gifts as a measure of goodwill."
"Is that some kind of excuse?"
"Excuse? I'm not making any excuses. It's tradition."
