Forgotten Empires

As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Lia will do anything to keep her people free - and her secrets safe - from the mad tyrant who rules the mainland. Guided by a magic ring of her father's, Lia plays the political game with the cronies the emperor sends to her island. In her heart, she knows that it's up to her to save herself from her fate as the emperor's bride. But in her dreams, she sees a man, one with the power to build a better world-a man whose spirit is as strong, and whose passion is as fierce as her own.

Queen Euthalia has reigned over her island kingdom of Calanthe with determination, grace, and her magical, undying orchid ring. After she defied an empire to wed Conri, the former Crown Prince of Oriel - a man of disgraced origins with vengeance in his heart - Lia expected the wizard's prophecy to come true: Claim the hand that wears the ring and the empire falls. But Lia's dangerous bid to save her realm doesn't lead to immediate victory. Instead, destiny hurls her and Conri towards a future neither could predict....

Claim the hand that wears the ring, and the empire falls. Conri, former Crown Prince of Oriel, claimed the hand that wears the Abiding Ring, but the prophecy remains unfulfilled. Queen Euthalia of Calanthe returned to her island kingdom, but broken in mind and body. With the blood of war unleashing ancient terrors, Calanthe isn't the haven it once was. Lia must use her magical bond with Calanthe to save their people while Con fights to hold off the vengeful Emperor Anure and his wizards. Con and Lia will have to trust in each other - and in love - to fend off ultimate disaster.