Julius Caesar wanted his legacy to endure. Roman Emperor Caligula marked the far reach of his domain. Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI would not be the last emperor. Thanks to them, Madison Dawn will never make it to work this morning. Madison is an unassuming heroine working a dead-end receptionist job. She is swept into the adventure after a traffic accident reveals that she unknowingly carried an enormous and priceless arrowhead-shaped ruby. She unites with James, an artifact recovery expert, and learns that this ruby is the key to finding Roman Emperor Caligula's long-hidden treasure buried beneath his Roman bath. The nefarious Giovanni organization, a crime syndicate of private treasure collectors, also seeks the treasure and claims the ruby as their own. At the Museum of Lost Antiquities the grizzled curator directs them to use the ruby key to find the treasure before Giovanni captures them. Joining them as they set out is Brennan, James' loyal, though womanizing, friend. The relationship between Madison and James is complicated by James' devastating break-up with a former love. His allegiance to Madison and his ability to lead the expedition is brought into question when his old flame emerges as one of Giovanni's top agents responsible for recovering the ruby arrowhead. James must find the strength to conquer his old obsession or else risk losing Madison and Caligula's treasure. Madison, beautiful though single, has lived a life of still-born dreams and false hopes. She is eager to find her true calling. Readers familiar with the disillusionment of post-college life will love Madison as this modern-day fairytale forces her into action rather than living life passively. The truths that emerge in this adventure will change Madison's life, and history's view of Roman Emperor Caligula, forever.