I am Lyra Astra, the continent’s youngest Grand Archmage—the woman destined to be queen. I loved Adrian more than my kingdom, yet never gave him an heir. On his deathbed, he said, “If I could choose again, I wouldn’t choose you.” “Likewise,” I smiled. Then I woke to the bells of the Holy Light Cathedral. I had returned to the Crown Prince’s Bride Selection Ceremony. Adrian approached with the Silvermoon Crown. I reached out my hand. He walked past me— and crowned the woman behind me.
