When passion is punishable by death, can one priestess keep her emotions concealed and help steer the course of history?
Ancient Rome is a world of power and privilege, secrets and sacred duty. The esteemed priestesses of Vesta - the Vestal Virgins - are charged with ensuring the Eternal Flame in their temple never goes out. While it burns, Rome cannot fall. They are known as the Brides of Rome.
Dedicated to a thirty-year vow of chaste service, Priestess Pomponia finds herself swept up in the intrigue, violence, wars and bedroom politics of Rome-s elite - Julius Caesar, Marc Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian and Livia - all the while guarding the secret affection she has in her heart.
But when a charge of incestum - a broken vow of chastity - is made against the Vestal order, the ultimate punishment looms: death by being buried alive.
Debra May Macleod skilfully recreates the world of ancient Rome with all its brutality and brilliance, all its rich h
