Only three weeks have passed since the treacherous Filpepi and the Baron tried to depose Duchess Catriona, and although they seem to have disappeared forever, Bianca can't stop worrying about where they might be and what lies beyond her old master's magical paintings. Her friends are still full of adventure though, and there is also the very important business of running di Lombardi's studio to attend to! But her new responsibilities as Head of the Royal Studios are hard, and she is puzzled by the strange messages di Lombardi still seems to be sending her from beyond the grave.