47 B.C., Alexandria, Egypt

Rest is not for rulers.

Finally crowned as the undisputed Queen of Egypt with the help of Gaius Julius Caesar, twenty-two-year-old Cleopatra hopes to recover from the harrowing experiences of the last few years and the just concluded bloody Alexandrian war.

But rest is not for rulers.

A diabolical conspiracy, orchestrated by shadowy figures in her government, looks to dethrone her by bringing her presumed dead brother to life. A colorful Idumean Jew named Herod clings on to the land she wants. And a powerful Roman named Marcus Antonius has summoned her to answer charges regarding her allegiance.

Now, the young mother is about to discover that ascending to the throne is only a step into the dark worlds of imperial politics, personal desires, and unrelenting enemies.