Eleventh Century Byzantium forms the backdrop to this tense drama where these passionate characters collide in love and hate. Two young women of noble descent are divided by blood-feud and position - one can only hope; one can only lose. A blinded prince in search of a warm body suddenly finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy. A Viking who thinks himself immortal has to bend his neck. An Empress of many husbands, skilled in magic potions, seeks to re-establish her power. A disappointed idealist prepares to commit a spectacular act of treachery. Based on real characters and events, the author...