Empire of Deceit

In the Empire of Isles, prisoners have a chance of regaining their freedom once a year: the Challenge. There, they fight to the death in various phases on a nationally televised channel, until only one is left remaining and named victor.

An heir to the Empire is chosen during a contest known as the Praelium, where nobles and those sponsored by noble houses attempt to win over the people and prove they are honorable enough to wear the crown. Once there are only sixteen remaining, they then fight to the death in ritual combat. Only the strongest becomes the next Emperor or Empress.

When her brother is arrested and forced to partake in the year's Challenge, Rei finds herself navigating the intricacies and scandals of the courtly life in order to get close enough to save him. This year is different: the country might be facing a war, and a betrothal to a prince of another land awaits the winner. As she progresses through the Praelium, Rei quickly learns no one can be an ally and that she must do things she is not proud of once again in order to save her brother.

After all, if the only person you loved could die at any moment, what would you do to save them? What would you become?