1527. While the Papal city of Rome burns - brutally sacked by an invading army including Protestant heretics - two very interesting and wily citizens slip away, their stomachs churning on the jewels they have swallowed. Though almost as damaged as their bellowed city, Fiammetta Bianchini and Bucino Teodoldi - a fabulous courtesan and her dwarf companion - are planning their future, and head for the shimmering beauty of Venice, a honey pot of wealth and trade. As a partnership they are invincible: Bucino, clever with a sharp eye and a wicked tongue and Fiammetta, beautiful and shrewd, trained from birth to charm, entertain and satisfy men who have the money to support her. But Venice has its own temptations.
From the admiring Turk in search of human novelties for his Sultan's court, to the searing passion of a young lover who wants more than his allotted nights. But the greatest challenge comes from a young blind woman, a purveyor of health and beauty, who insinuates her way into their lives and hearts with devastating consequences for them all.
