1588. In the height of her power is the legendary Elizabeth Tudor history's most enigmatic queen. She is the virgin with many suitors; the victor of the Armada who hated war; the jewel-bedecked woman always pinching pennies. Elizabeth's flame-haired cousin Lettice Knollys is her bitter rival. In love with Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester & mother to the Earl of Essex the mercurial nobleman who challenged Elizabeth's throne Lettice has been intertwined with Elizabeth since childhood. This is a story of two women of fierce intellect & desire: one trying to protect her country & throne; the other trying to regain power & position for her family. Their rivalry soon involves everyone close to Elizabeth -- from the famed courtiers who enriched the crown to the legendary poets & playwrights. & for Elizabeth to be married to her people meant she must rule as much with her heart as with her head.. .