<p><strong>From a very young age, Theodora, daughter of a circus bearkeeper in Constantinople, sets her sights well above her station in life. Her exquisite beauty sets her apart on stages and in the eyes of men.<br />
Stephen, a Syrian lad of striking good looks, is sold by his parents to a Persian wizard, who teaches him a skill in languages that will serve him well.<br />
By the time Destiny brings them together in Antioch, Theodora has undergone heartrending trials and a transformation, while Stephen has been sold again . . . and castrated.<br />
Discover the enduring bond that, however imperfect, prompts Theodora&mdash;as Empress&mdash;to request palace eunuch Stephen to write her biography.</strong></p><p><strong>Martin&#39;s 'settings and characters come to life in meticulously researched detail. I felt like I was there.' &mdash;Lisa Wingate,&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em> Bestselling Author of&nbsp;<em>Before We Were Yours </em></strong></p>