The year is 1853 and Princess Elisabeth Sisi of Bavaria has been very clear: She will wait for
the head-over-heels love the poets speak of or she will have no love at all. Just because her
older sister Helene is eagerly heeding their mother's advice and preparing to marry Emperor
Franz of Austria does not mean Sisi must also subject herself to such a dutiful existence. Sisi
knows there is more to life than luncheons and corsets--if only someone would let her
experience it all firsthand. Meanwhile in Austria the emperor is recovering from an
assassination attempt that left him wounded and scared. In a bid to keep the peace Franz has
recommitted himself to his imperial duties--and promised to romance the pliant Helene of
Bavaria at his upcoming birthday celebration. How better to unite the empire than with the
announcement of a new empress? But when Sisi and Franz meet unexpectedly in the palace gardens
away from the prying eyes and relentless critique of the court their connection cannot be
denied. And as their illicit conversations turn into something more they must soon choose
between the expectations of their families and standing up for what they truly believe in...--
