Princess Eleanora is very different from her younger sister, Oralia. While Oralia is golden-haired, sprightly and adored by all the men of the kingdom, Eleanora is ebony-haired and dark-eyed, and even-keeled. Wandering musician Amber of the Lute glimpses that difference right away—and his laughter and color bring out a sparkle in Eleanora. But this arouses vicious jealousy in Oralia, who acquires and casts a terrible spell on her sister—one that twists both the body and the mind. A spell that can only be broken by one who can see into Eleanora's heart, and love her enough to set her free.