A fascinating novel about a contradictory person, her fascination, yearnings, manipulative power, and destructive force
When Elisabeth (Sisi) becomes Empress of Austria through marriage, she enters a strictly regimented world full of stiff conventions and boring receptions. She can only escape when she is on extended trips or staying at her Hungarian castle, Gödöllő, where she can lead an unconstrained life and pursue her greatest passion: wild horseback hunting. No moat is too wide for the empress, no obstacle too dangerous – Sisi is one of the best and most reckless riders of her time, admired by the legendary hunting rider and jockey Bay Middleton – and not just for her riding skills.
During a stay at Gödöllő, Sisi invites her niece Marie Wallersee, who is adept at horseback riding and fencing, to stay with her. As the daughter of an actress, Marie does not really befit the empress’s station, but Sisi sees her as a freer alter-ego and makes her a close confidante. The 18-year-old Marie quickly succumbs to her imperial aunt’s charms and is only too happy to assist her when she plays the passionate horsewoman and femme fatale. But soon Marie also exerts attraction on others, especially the male nobility.
Sisi, used to being the center of attention, searches for a husband for her irksome rival, initiating a scheming game of seduction and betrayal.
