Against a colourful background of the Elizabethan theatre, and the underworld of spies, crime, and political intrigue, this is a fascinating recreation of (gay) love and adventure in the 16th century, by an author whose previous historical novel 'Street Lavender' has won wide acclaim. Synopsis: The glittering Paris court of Hendri III provides the main character Marc with ample chance to advance his fortunes - by becoming a 'mignon', one of the king's pet boys. But when an attempt is made on his life, he is forced to flee his native France to seek refuge in the England of Elisabeth I. Here life proves to be as just threatening, when he falls in with the exciting but dangerous company of a celebrated new playwright by the name of Christopher Marlowe.