1558年，年轻而雄心勃勃的内德回到了王桥镇的家中。那时他还不知道，这一年不仅是他人生的转折点，也是整个欧洲历史的转折点。
宗教仇恨撕裂着人们的生活；内德的友谊和爱情也备受考验。年轻的伊丽莎白女王登基后，成立了一个秘密间谍机构。
一个崭新的挑战即将开始……
In 1558, the ancient stones of Kingsbridge Cathedral look down on a city torn apart by religious conflict. As power in England shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty, and love.
Ned Willard wants nothing more than to marry Margery Fitzgerald. But when the lovers find themselves on opposing sides of the religious conflict dividing the country, Ned goes to work for Princess Elizabeth. When she becomes queen, all Europe turns against England.
The shrewd, determined young monarch sets up the country’s first secret service to give her early warning of assassination plots, rebellions, and invasion plans. Over a turbulent half-century, the love between Ned and Margery seems doomed as extremism sparks violence from Edinburgh to Geneva. Elizabeth clings to her throne and her principles, protected by a small, dedicated group of resourceful spies and courageous secret agents.
