DRAWING NEAR THE DOUBLE DOORS that led to my mother's quarters I smiled to see Elena, Kass, Sian, Loi, and Ada waiting.

'I'm getting married today!'

Laughter rang out, and the girls pounced on me with tight hugs and squeals. After a noisy few minutes Elena's voice calmly cut through it all.

'Congratulations on your wedding day, your Majesty'

'Cat.'

'Your Majesty,' Elena corrected. 'Allow me to present your wedding gift.' She nodded to the guards who ...