With the cunning Poppaea at his side, Nero commands the Roman Empire, ushering in an era of artistic and cultural splendor. But in this sequel to The Confessions of Young Nero, a terrifying prophecy comes to pass when a fire engulfs Rome, and the rumor spreads that the emperor is responsible. Even as Nero vows to rebuild Rome better than before, false friends and spies conspire against him, and he will need all of his power and resources just to stay alive.