Lovely Nicola Maneth had one burning ambition -- to become a PRIMA BALLERINA ASSOLUTA. She would allow nothing to stand in her way, and she would use any man to achieve her goal, including Emperor Franz Josef himself! Despite the Emperor's patronage, Nicola's ambition created powerful enemies, both backstage and amidst the dazzling decadence of the Imperial Court. Only one man could protect her from those who plotted her downfall -- and the passion she felt for him threatened to destroy her career!