Slain by Elysia's envy, Lirayn returns to the eve of her marriage with one chance to rewrite her fate. Afraid of the court's ruthless schemes, her sister trades their intended husbands, leaving Lirayn bound to distant Worian, whose affection is fixed on a falsely innocent rival. Meanwhile, Kyran's own wrongdoing leads to his downfall. When he returns remorseful and pleading, Lirayn refuses to be claimed by anyone again. Betrayal taught her the truth: her future belongs to her alone, and she will seize authority with her own hands.