ISBN-13: 9780857054241 / Angielski
In seventeenth-century France, Louis XIV rules with flamboyant ambition. From the Hall of Mirrors to the vermin-infested attics of the Chateau at Versailles, courtiers compete to please the king, sacrificing fortune, principles, and sacred bonds. Here, Marie-Josephe de la Croix looks forward to assisting her brother, Yves, in the scientific study of the rare sea monster he has captured. The living creature, with its double tail, tangled hair, and gargoyle face, provides an intriguing experiment. But, for Marie-Josephe, the creature's exquisite singing leads her to conclude that it is more than just an animal. Soon Marie-Josephe is contemplating choices that defy the institutions which power her world. Somehow, she must find the courage to follow her heart and her convictions - even at the cost of changing her life forever.