While attending a folk dance festival in Bergania in the summer of 1939, Tally befriends Karil, the crown prince. After Karil's father is assassinated, Tally and her friends help Karil escape the Nazis and the bleak future he has inherited. At first Tally doesnat want to go to the boarding school called Delderton. But she soon discovers that it is a wonderful place where freedom and selfexpression are valued. Tally organizes a ragtag dance troupe so the school can participate in an international folk dancing festival in Bergania in the summer of 1939. There she befriends Karil, the crown prince, who would love nothing more than to have ordinary friends and attend a school like Delderton. When Karilas father is assassinated, it is up to Tally and her friends to help Karil escape the Nazis and the bleak future he has inherited.