King Corvian welcomes newborn daughter Elowen, who can read minds. The infant immediately exposes the queen’s affair with the marshal and the crown prince Mellor’s treason plot to open the castle gate. After the truth comes out, rebellious forces stir chaos. Elowen stands by her injured father, mediates nobles and wins border wars. Crippled by old wounds, the king abdicates. At sixteen, Elowen bears the crown, rules fairly and protects all people with kindness and courage.