Condemned to the gladiatorial sands on trumped-up charges orchestrated by a scheming rival, Lyra endures three harrowing years of blood sport that cost her left foot. When she finally drags herself home, her cruel family scoffs at her wounds while her beloved stepbrother prepares to wed the very woman who framed her.
Crashing the lavish wedding in rags, Lyra catches the eye of the reigning Emperor, who recognizes her as the brave stranger who once saved his royal life. Elevated instantly to imperial queen, Lyra watches her former tormentors collapse into frantic regret, while a dark palace secret shadows her coronation night.
