Cast Out at the Star-Betrothal

The Story

Lyra Aurelian returns to the imperial capital six years after renouncing the throne in favor of her brother, Cassian. Now widowed and pregnant, she attends his engagement ceremony to see her family again. A manipulated video convinces Cassian’s fiancée, Seraphine, that Lyra is the emperor’s secret mistress. Despite Lyra’s clear explanations and her offer to verify her royal identity, Seraphine remains consumed by jealousy. She refuses to investigate the truth and instead allies with her family to publicly humiliate Lyra at the banquet. Their brutal torment causes Lyra to lose her unborn child. Cassian finally arrives and discovers the shocking reality. The woman treated as a lowly mistress is actually the legendary Architect, the former heir who rebuilt the empire. Realizing the terrible injustice inflicted upon his sister, Cassian joins Lyra in holding everyone responsible accountable. The initial attempt to expose a supposed mistress spirals into a devastating reckoning that brings about the downfall of the entire Thorne family.