The sweeping new novel from the bestselling author of LADY OF HAY switches between Roman Britain & the present day where history dramatically impacts on the lives of three women. Two thousand years ago as the Romans invade Britannia the princess who will become the powerful queen of the great tribe of the Brigantes watches the enemies of her people come ever closer. Cartimanduas world is from the start a maelstrom of love & conflict; revenge & retribution. In the present day Edinburgh-based historian Viv Lloyd Rees has immersed herself in the legends surrounding the Celtic queen. She has written a book & is working on a dramatisation of the young queens life with the help of actress Pat Hebden. Cartimanduas life takes one unexpected turn after another as tragedy changes the course of her future. But the young queen has formidable enemies -- among them Venutios her childhood sparring partner & Medb a woman whose jealousy threatens not only her happiness but her life. Vivs Head of Department Hugh Graham hounds her as she struggles to hide her visions of Cartimandua & her conviction that they are real. Her obsession grows ever more persistent & threatening as she takes possession of an ancient brooch that carries a curse. Both Pat & Hugh are drawn into this dual existence of bitter rivalry & overwhelming love as past envelopes present & the trio find themselves facing the greatest danger of their lives.