England, 1553. Mary Tudor has become queen to popular acclaim, but whenshe's betrothed to the Catholic prince of Spain, rumors of revolt swirl aroundthe person many regard as England's only hope: the queen's half sister,Elizabeth. Haunted by his past, Brendan Prescott lives far from the intriguesof court. But his time of refuge ends when his foe and mentor, spymaster Cecil,brings him disquieting news. Obliged to return to the palace where he nearlydied, Brendan finds himself working as a double agent for Queen Mary, whoorders Brendan to secure proof that will ruin his cherished Elizabeth.
