Emperor Octavian Augustus hides the truth from the Senate and people of Rome, who believe that their safety and happiness are protected by the magical talisman Palladium. In fact, only a charred copy of the relic is kept in the Temple of Vesta, but Armenia owns the original. To force the recalcitrant state to yield, the emperor carries out a secret operation. Spies are sent to Armenia, traitors are recruited, conspiracies are hatched, and undesirables are eliminated. Will it be possible to bring a stubborn people to their knees? Risking their lives, the Armenian king Tigran IV and Queen Erato are trying to save the sacred talisman. They will force you to reckon with them.