Ancient Rome, AD 37

The fate of a dynasty hangs in the balance. Into this fevered forum, Agrippina, granddaughter of Emperor Augustus, gives birth to a son: Nero. Imperial blood courses through their veins but will offer no protection. If they are to survive amongst tyrants, they must learn to walk a razor's edge.

Agrippina knows all too well that darkness and power plays of Machiavellian proportions lie at the empire's shadowy heart. She faces soldiers, senators, rivals, silver-tongued pretenders, each vying for position.

But even in her darkest moments, Agrippina sees the glint of opportunity. She will shape this boy into Rome itself - the one all must kneel before.

But first, mother and son must survive . . .