In this turbulent, blazing romance set against the rich tapestry of 16th century Italy, beautiful, flame-haired Gemma leaves the convent to marry the man her uncle has selected for her. As passionate as she is innocent, Gemma enters a world of luxury, intrigue and excitement. Although she is used as a spy by her evil, repulsive husband and forsaken for another woman by a practiced young seducer, she is worshiped from afar by her husband's swordsman. Her restless search for love takes her from the splendor of Florence to the political turmoil of Venice, from the harems of Constantinople to the high seas of the Aegean.