Falsely accused of the greatest crime in her empire’s history, Lady Rela and her family fled and lived in exile, awaiting an opportunity to restore honor to the family name. When the capital city decrees a contest for selecting the perfect bride for its young emperor, Rela and her brother view it as destiny. Their plans consist of winning the contest, crowning Rela empress and, by power and proximity to the throne, ferreting out conspirators that plunged her family into dishonor. Her plans never included the emperor’s love.Emperor Morland ascended the throne as a young man after a well-loved and trusted family assassinated his father. He learned his father’s lessons well, becoming untouchable and unattainable, until his government insists upon an heir to secure his empire. Caring nothing for companionship, Morland agrees to a contest, with the victor gaining his hand in marriage…and the crown. Despite the beauties brought before him, none compare to the Lady Rela, and suddenly, the unattainable emperor finds himself no longer so content in his solitude.A medieval land stands in turmoil. While revolution spreads throughout the empire and long-time patriots accept blood-stained gold and conspire to kill a king, Rela and Morland must choose between a mindless pursuit of stolen honor, and the heart-bound freedom of unfettered love.