Ancient Rome, AD 37 The fate of a dynasty hangs in the balance. Into this fevered forum, Agrippina, granddaughter of Emperor Augustus, gives birth to a son: Nero. Imperial blood courses through their veins but will offer no protection. If they are to survive amongst tyrants, they must learn to walk a razors edge.Agrippina knows all too well that darkness and power plays of Machiavellian proportions lie at the empires shadowy heart. She faces soldiers, senators, rivals, silver-tongued pretenders, each vying for position.But even in her darkest moments, Agrippina sees the glint of opportunity. She will shape this boy into Rome itself - the one all must kneel before.But first, mother and son must survive . . .