Niamh held her breath.
“I beg your pardon?" King Lorcan asked the drunken elflord.
“I said," swayed the elf. “You can't be our King, no matter how handsome you are. He has an ice-cold heart that longs for war. No elfmaiden would marry such a King."
“You are handsome," Niamh agreed quietly.
King Lorcan's eyebrow twitched.
“Indeed," he said.
Then, suddenly, Lorcan clapped the elf on the shoulder laughed, and turned to leave.
General Aengus caught Niamh's gaze.
“Let's go," he mouthed.
Niamh nodded and General Aengus began to gather the group to leave. The Queen located the pub owner where she originally found him, behind the counter and handing out his best ale.
“Leaving, my Queen?" Shandalar said gustily. “I wish you the best on your return to the palace."
“Thank you," Niamh
