Hated by his country. Loved by England's queen.Robert Dudley knows just how dangerous the Tudor court can be. His grandfather was beheaded by Henry VIII to enhance his popularity and Mary Tudor cut off his father's head for attempting to make Lady Jane Grey queen. The Dudley family name is stained with treason and Robert must use every talent he possesses to survive.When Elizabeth comes to the throne, Robert spies an opportunity to improve his family's fortunes. They were childhood friends, and if Elizabeth is anything, she is resolutely loyal to her friends.But her affection for Robert goes deeper than friendship, and soon, the whole of Europe is talking in whispers about the queen and her notorious horsemaster. Robert would love to fulfil his father's dreams of becoming the power behind the English throne by marrying Queen Elizabeth, but there are a few obstacles he needs to remove, not least, his wife.But his wife is not the only thing standing in his way. Elizabeth herself is proving difficult. She can't make up her mind whether she should marry the man she loves or rule alone, and she's keeping Robert, and England, guessing.Robert's patience is running out. He has to decide whether to stay by Elizabeth's side and keep her love or seek a life of his own and risk losing her trust forever.