Prologue

"Once upon a time, there was a princess."

"A princess?"

"A princess," he repeats, smiling softly as he nods.

"Oh my, I want to be a princess!" I squeal, excited as butterflies flutter in my tummy.

"You are, my love. Now, forever, and always," he promises, tucking the sheets around my body before swiping a loose blonde curl behind my ear. "But tonight, you must sleep. For the nights will grow dark and the earth sodden beneath our boots."

"I don't like the sound of that," I grumble through a yawn.

"I don't either, but one day, a new dawn will pass, blessing all those who follow the light."

My nose scrunches in confusion. "Do we follow the light, Daddy?" I ask, gripping the robe fastened around his waist. He places his hand over mine, and the warmth from his touch is soothing.

"We do, my love," he confirms, kissing my forehead, and my eyelids slowly start to flicker closed. "Now sleep, for tomorrow awaits."