

In the Judean market, a young woman selling her wares is confronted by the new Roman governor, Lucius Valerius—a celebrated general destined for the throne. He is captivated at first sight, but she holds only hatred for him and everything his empire represents.
The market noise faded to a buzz as the shadow fell across her stall. Cassandra looked up, her hands stilling on a clay jug. Roman leather, Roman steel, Roman eyes—a cool, assessing blue-grey that too
He was there at dusk, without his soldiers, without his cloak. Just a man in a simple tunic, the fading light gilding his brown hair. Cassandra stood frozen, the wrapped jug heavy in her hands. His pr