When Niamh left her chambers, she discovered all the castle servants had lined the halls to see her. A soft, warm glow began growing in her chest as she smiled through her nerves, giving a slight wave as she passed.

Niamh was led through the halls and into a long covered walkway with open, arched windows. At the end of the walkway, elves from the nearby villages and towns had come to catch a glimpse of the future queen.

Niamh stepped out into the brilliant sunshine and paused. ...