In the summer of 1914, three great empires dominated Europe: Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary. Four years later all had vanished in the chaos of World War I. One event precipitated the conflict, and at its heart was a tragic love story. When Austrian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand married for love against the wishes of the emperor, he and his wife Sophie were humiliated and shunned, yet they remained devoted to each other and to their children. The two bullets fired in Sarajevo not only ended their love story, but also led to war and decades of conflict. Challenging a century of myth, this moving portrait of the end of an era also offers the startling truth behind the Sarajevo assassinations--including Serbian complicity--and examines rumors of conspiracy and official negligence.--From publisher description.

In the shadow of the throne -- Adventure and illness -- Romance -- "A triumph of love" -- "Don't let her think she's one of us!" -- The swirl of gossip -- Attitudes soften -- "Konopischt was home" -- "Even death will not part us!" -- An emperor in training -- Diplomacy and roses -- "I consider war to be lunacy!" -- The fatal invitation -- The plot -- "I'm beginning to fall in love with Bosnia" -- St. Vitus's day -- "The anguish was indescribable" -- United in death -- Headlong toward oblivion -- Ripples from Sarajevo.