In the reign of Elizabeth I, Lettice Knollys committed the unforgivable sin of marrying Robert Dudley, the man with whom Elizabeth herself was in love. Banished by a vengeful Queen from all aspects of Court life, Lettice must make a life for herself and those she loves. But Elizabeth's jealousy is endless, and Lettice finds even her own children are endangered by the whim of a Queen for whom no sacrifice is too great on the altar of her beloved England.