Burge has always been famous for its spectacular Christmas Eve ball, and this year everyone knows it will be exceptional. The King lies on his deathbed, and Prince Simeon is looking for a wife. Princesses and ladies alike are flocking from around the world seeking his hand, but the only person he has eyes for is the mysterious stranger who appears from nowhere with a terrible secret.

Elisa has lived most of her life in the shadow of Burge's castle, knitting shirts out of nettles and keeping her vow of silence. This Christmas is the one chance she has to lift the curse from her brothers and change their fortunes. If she suceeds, she plans to punish everyone who made her suffer and take her place as royalty. If she fails, her brothers will be stuck as swans forever.

It's the night of the Christmas Day ball. A small party meant for family and a few honoured guests. Certainly not assassins, banished Princes, mermaids in disguise, and a woman out for revenge against the Queen. One question looms over all the festivities. As the King lies on his deathbed, who will claim the throne? And what are they willing to do to get it? It's certainly going to be a Christmas nobody forgets.