When the Throne Betrays Its Blade

Non-royal Prince Lucas Steele leads his army north to reclaim lost lands. On the verge of retaking the imperial city, Empress Simone Erwin issues eighteen edicts ordering a retreat. The countless lives sacrificed over five years of battle were all for nothing. Back at court, Lucas is framed, publicly humiliated, stripped of his rank, and watches the recovered lands handed back to the enemy. Disheartened, he walks away.