After a seemingly never-ending war, Tom has finally brought peace to his kingdom and proven himself as a ruler. To celebrate their victory, a longtime ally and fellow king presents him with a gift-a slave boy, beautiful and nothing like any slave Tom has ever had before. Were you born a slave, or are you one of those captured? Have you ever been free? Torn from everything he knows, Adrian finds himself frightened and confused by this strange king who now owns him. He’s learned to expect pain and punishment, but his new master seems only interested in talking to him. You will listen to my secrets. And you will keep them to yourself.
Fascinated by the boy in his possession, Tom begins to understand how little he knows about the slaves in his kingdom. Although he’s always thought they were treated too harshly, he’s never truly seen how they live and die. I don’t want you to be afraid of me.
In theory, the king’s word is the law. In practice, however, not even a king can change the world with words alone.