Despite Ivan's best efforts, he is returned to the imperial Palace in Geneva where he must live under the decree of his distant relative, the Emperor. Fortunately, his cousin Natasha arranges for him to work in the municipal laboratories and now he can throw himself into his scientific research. Ivan is still not allowed to forget his imperial background and Johan Pieter becomes a welcome addition to his life. When winter comes, Ivan finds himself known as the Snow Prince, a popular alternative to the Emperor. This puts him in more danger but friends arrive from unexpected places to give him his freedom. Where exactly will his destiny take him now?