Raised beside ten royal brothers, she believed their bond was built on love. Days before she was meant to inherit the crown, she discovered their betrayal with her trusted maid and their scheme to seize her birthright. Before the entire kingdom, she denied every one of them, revoked their rank, and sent them away in disgrace. Even Cassian's return and the childhood vow tied to his stone bracelet could not sway her. She shattered the last reminder of him and claimed the throne on her own terms. A queen needed no consort to command her destiny.
