Odette's agreement to walk the Yule grove spiral with a stranger is born of desperation. Her brother and sisters are all expecting happy events. Odette loves them, but she has always felt out of place at Cygne Manor. She is much bigger than her golden-haired sisters, and her hair is black with a white streak. Is it any wonder she feels like a changeling? Courtfolk men think her odd. Leprechauns call her Eala Dubh, or Black Swan. At twenty-three, she feels left behind and overlooked, and even with a new gown and an heirloom necklace, the prospect of one more Yule ball filled with Christmas cheer and happy announcements fills her with dismay.

Enter Godfrey de Courcy, who doesn't want to be at the Yule ball either. He should be perfect for Odette, but he's such a typical courtfolk man.

Or not.