Princess Consort Chandler, to rescue Crown Prince Hayden from Zara Gale, retrieves Liora Gale. She forges Shayna Sterling's identity for Liora, arranging her betrothal to Hayden. Liora, methodical, exposes Zara's plots. Her goal: freedom. Zara's crimes are uncovered, she is imprisoned, and the Gale family falls. Liora declines Crown Princess Consort, departs for Western Regions to study, vowing to build a brilliant life on her own terms.