Sixteen-year-old Shelby finds it difficult to balance her mother's dying request to live a life without restraint with her father's plans for his "little princess," which include attending a traditional father-daughter dance that culminates with a ceremonial vow to live "whole, pure lives."

A talented young artist, commanded to paint the king's courtiers, all of whom wish to be portrayed with improved appearances, struggles with his sense of integrity which demands honest portraiture.