Magic is fast becoming science. Dr. Robert Fludd, 17th century physician and astrologer, can calculate precisely what will happen in four hundred years' time. He doesn't like it. So he must change history.

Valentin Rochefort, duellist, down-at-heels aristocrat, and spy for the powerful Duc de Sully, has troubles of his own, thank you very much - not least of which is the duellist Dariole, a young man who is lust walking on two legs, and as irresponsible as an alley-cat.

Rochefort is about to find himself caught btween blackmail, loyalty, and love - between kings, queens, politicians, and the woman he has unknowingly crossed land and sea to meet. Robert Fludd is pulling the strings - but Rochefort is no man's puppet.

It's about sex. And cruelty. And forgiveness.