Born into poverty in an age of heroes and kings, a future as a courtesan is the best Eka expects in the Maghada Empire. Initiation into the service of the snake goddess gives her a fleeting glimpse of power - until the king demands her services as a vish kanya, or poison girl.

Eka and her childhood companion Ira are fed a diet of poison and taught in its arts. And when a young invader sweeps towards their empire in India, they are chosen to infiltrate Alexander the Great's army.

In Alexander's court Eka must play a dangerous political game, all while her feelings for Ira unfurl. Raised to do the bidding of one king, and confronted with the power and destruction of another, the fate of a world will rest on the choice she makes.