Set in the late 1800's/early 1900's during a time of war for Imperial Russia, Alexia is the love-child of a Polish Princess and her Russian Guardsman. When Alexia's Mother dies she is forced to seek out her Father who is now a highly regarded Russian Diplomat back in his homeland. At first Alexia fears her father will not accept her as his child but instead she finds a home where she becomes one of four children, with an accepting Step-Mother who raises Alexia as one of her own. This is also the home in which she meets her eldest step-brother Valerian, whom she instantly falls in love with, although this love is not returned as he sees her as no more than his younger sister. When war falls on Russia Valerian leaves to fight for the Tsar while Alexia is forced to follow her Father and Step-Mother to Siberian outposts where she meets an Englishman named Anthony who becomes a very close confidante. After a brief encounter with Rasputin, an adventure in Egypt and a marriage, Alexia is once again brought together with Valerian, but is he the man she really wants?