Rome, 68 BCE, and as Julius Caesar begins his controversial career in government, a third daughter is born to a noble family on the exclusive Palatine Hill.

In a bubble of privilege, Tertulla is being moulded by her brother Brutus and mother Servilia into a young woman with a brain as well as a sense of entitlement. When she finds out that her mother is Julius Caesar’s mistress, Tertulla cannot help wondering – is Caesar her father?

As Rome’s politicians squabble and fight, Tertulla comes to understand the complicated web of loyalties that her mother’s affair has created. Rome is heading for civil war, and Tertulla’s family is split between Caesar and their traditional allegiance to the noble families.

When war is over, Tertulla hopes for peace and a family of her own, but her husband Cassius and brother Brutus are forming a conspiracy to assassinate Caesar.  Tertulla has to stand by and mourn the man she secretly hoped was her father, while watching as the grim aftermath of his death unfolds. Cassius and Brutus have started another round of civil war, and they will pay the price at the Battle of Philippi, as the Roman Empire is established by the ruthless young leader Octavian.

But for Tertulla, there is a question still to be asked – was Julius Caesar her father? Her mother is dying, and the third daughter has one chance left to get to the truth.