or Gaius Calvinus, he falls instantly in love with him-or rather, in love with everything Calvinus has. Money, power, privilege. Kallias imagines his life could be like his master's, if only he could convince Calvinus to value him for more than his looks.

After the brutal ending of the relationship, Kallias reinvents himself in a different household, where he meets and conspires with the cunning and ambitious Julia Agrippina. The emperor's niece has a claim to the throne and the same desires as Kallias: power and revenge at any cost.

Agrippina suggests the schemes and Kallias designs the details. He must risk everything he knows and loves-including his life-in a treacherous hike to reach the top and get even with the man he once worshiped.