Synopsis
The murder of Gaius Terentius Varro, a wealthy nobleman of unsavory habits, sets off a series of events that plays out against a vast panorama of first-century society: from the emperor and his court to the slaves, freedmen, and craftsmen who live and work in the villas, shops and slums of imperial Rome and Antioch-near-Daphne in Syria.
Gaius' estranged half-sister, Theodosia, inherits the family estate, going from poverty and isolation to great wealth and a prestigious position in society. Unfortunately, she lives in a time and a place that deny women of her class the very things she most desires: personal freedom and self-determination. Only by identifying her brother's killer can she feel safe, yet her efforts lead her in the opposite direction. After her own actions and the scheming of others lead to catastrophe, Theodosia struggles to survive and recover what matters most in her life.
Interwoven with Theodosia's story is that of Alexander, a Greek slave who comes into her possession as part of her brother's estate. Finding his fate entwined with that of his mistress, Alexander must deal with her perilous situation while engaging in a difficult quest of his own.
