Chapter 29: Missing Guests

"They didn't come," Niamh whispered sadly. "I thought for sure my family would come."

Lorcan embraced his queen gently, wrapping his arms around her slender shoulders.

"There must be a good reason. Perhaps we haven't seen them. Come, let's look."

Lorcan hailed his General.

"Can you find out if Lord Tigherneach has arrived?"

For Niamh, seconds seemed like minutes, and minutes seemed like hours. She began to pace slowly back and forth. Her eyes searching for any familiar face, as Lorcan watched her with concern.

General Aengus nodded and disappeared into the crowd. He appeared a short time later and simply shook his head.

"Not yet," Aengus said. "I told the guards to notify the Queen immediately if Tigherneach shows up."

"Thank you, General," Lorcan nodded.

Niamh could barely hide her tears, but her heart was still hopeful that her family would arrive.

The celebration continued until sunset. Niamh entered the King's chambers and took off her crown. Lorcan waved away Maeval and Moidrin a