Publisher's Synopsis
The first of a 2-volume series, Kleopatra tell the rarely told tale of the queen's early years and the exotic world that shaped her. From childhood, Kleopatra had the charisma, intellect, fluency in 9 languages and political savvy that will ensure her destiny. But intrigue overwhelms the court of the Ptolemys, the Macedonia Greek dynasty ruling Egypt. Kleopatra's position as her father's favourite makes her the target of hostile siblings and conniving eunuch courtiers. When an Egyptian coup forced the king into exile he takes the 12- year-old Kleopatra with him to Rome where she casts off her girlhood and accepts the terms for her ascent to power. Once back in Egypt, her father's health declines and at the age of 16 she virtually rules the nation alone. After her father's death she is forced out by her enemies but, undaunted, she gathers a mercenary army and with the help of her lover Archimedes prepares to fight. If she wins she'll regain her rightful place as ruler of Egypt, but only if she is able to make an alliance with Julius Caesar. For this she will need to use all the gifts in her possession.
