Thinking the past is behind them, they are shocked when their lives intertwine once more. Thea, Lepida and Arius continue on with their lives, each giving into their fated existence. Driven into a jealous haze, Lepida separates the two lovers and sells Thea into nothing less then a deplorable situation. Word of their affair soon reaches Lepida who also desires the attention of Arius. Through this bleak existence, Thea finds unexpected love with the newest gladiator in Rome, Arius the Barbarian. Unfortunately, not even this one joy may be granted to Thea for long. Thea, having been purchased as a gift for the spoiled and haughty Lepida, is constantly being subjected to her mistresses whims and degrading critiques. Traveling back in time to ancient Rome, we are greeted by an array of vivid characters the first of which is Thea, a slave girl in the respected house of Pollio.
But in the end, the life of the brilliant and paranoid Domitian lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor's mistress." Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But Domitian's games have a darker side, and Thea finds herself fighting for both soul and sanity. Unwittingly, she attracts another admirer in the charismatic Emperor of Rome. As Lepida goes on to wreak havoc in the life of a new husband and his family, Thea remakes herself as a polished singer for Rome's aristocrats. His love brings Thea the first happiness of her life-that is quickly ended when a jealous Lepida tears them apart.
Purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia, Thea will become her mistress's rival for the love of Arius the Barbarian, Rome's newest and most savage gladiator. Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, passionate, musical, and guarded. " An exciting debut: a vivid, richly imagined saga of ancient Rome from a masterful new voice in historical fiction
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