Eightyearold Leia, gifted with the rare power to understand animal speech, travels to a distant manor after her mother’s death, carrying a crystal keepsake to find her unknown birthfather. Upon arrival, she loses the precious token and is taken in by Kalen, the seemingly ordinary manor steward. In truth, Kalen is the crown prince living under cover. False news long ago convinced him his daughter had died in infancy. The powerhungry Duke Red covets Leia’s unique ability and repeatedly plots to abduct her. Wi
