Maria: The Deposed Empress summary: Maria, Empress of Rastonia, is betrayed by her husband Emperor Henry after his mistress gives birth to a son. King Helland the Great, ruler of a neighboring kingdom, takes her as collateral so that Henry can have one more year to repay a considerable debt. King Helland is actually Gunther Preisley, a former slave for Maria’s family. He has loved her a decade and is determined to woo her. Meanwhile, back in Rastonia, two different women vie to replace her as Empress. Will Maria survive the year so that she can avenge herself, and will Gunther win her heart?