In the autumn of 1615, scandal rocks the Jacobean court when a celebrated couple, Robert and Frances Carr, are imprisoned on suspicion of murder. Young, captivating, and from a notorious family, Frances was rescued from an abusive marriage by Robert, and is determined to make a new life for herself. Robert rose from nothing to become one of the country's richest and most powerful men. But to get to the top, you can't help making enemies. Some believe Frances is innocent; others think her wicked or insane. Robert claims no knowledge of the crime. The king suspects them both, though it is his secret at stake. A man is dead . . . and someone must pay with their life.