April 1594. William Moodie thinks he's in love with celebrated actor Richard Brasyer. When Brasyer's playing company, Goldfox's Men, comes to town, William is only too willing to leave his country life for the opportunities of the theater and a life in London. Determined to become Richard's apprentice, William seeks to impress his mentor with his acting--and please him in bed.

Meanwhile, Richard struggles to escape his past as a spy and disentangle himself from the manipulations of his former master and ex-lover, Bennett Goldfox. Swearing off a relationship with his new apprentice...