Julia has been a slave to her mistress Cornelia for as long as she can remember. But she has lived a good life for a slave; Cornelia practically entrusts her life to Julia and makes sure that she is taken care of. Her loyalty has caught the attention of Cornelius, master of the estate, who has decided to free Julia as soon as his daughter is married. Even other wealthy families recognize Julia’s special place in the household. But her simple, happy life begins to darken upon her introduction to Felix, a slave to a senatorial family. As unrest spreads among the magistrates due to Caesar’s fierce hold over the Roman government, Felix takes part in a movement to overthrow the upper classes. Julia refuses Felix’s request to participate in the movement and takes it upon herself to protect Cornelia from any harm. Believing she had prevented the movement from reaching Cornelius’ estate by rejecting Felix, Julia continues her pleasant life accompanying the oblivious Cornelia. All of a sudden, disaster strikes: Cornelius is found dead and the distraught Cornelia becomes ill. Julia realizes that she is caught in the middle: born a slave, Julia feels a bond with her fellow slaves, but her loyalty to Cornelia keeps her close to the upper classes. As the rebellion grows in numbers while Cornelia spirals deep into depression, Julia must make a choice that could indefinitely destruct Roman society.