A tale of magic, war, and the princes' double, who must win a princess or his family will die.
Cadd is chosen to escape from his besieged city and contact reinforcements. A sorceress gives him power to breathe under water, so he can cross the river. He is captured and loses his foot, would be executed but for his resemblance to the enemy prince, Grude. Grude trains Cadd in the ways of the prince, keeping him in chains.
At last Grude has a use for him and sends him to woo Princess Rosalie on his behalf. Cadd must obey or his family will die. At the castle, Cadd finds that he has two rivals princes, for Rosalie's hand. It is nerve wracking pretending to be the prince, having to fool the King and courtiers, and of course the Princess.
Cadd beats the others and wins the Princess’ favour, she believing him to be the prince. But the soldiers who have accompanied him, turn on him, as was always the plan.
Can Cadd escape and win the Princess? Or will she marry the cruel Grude? And Cadd die in dishonour.