London 1593: The great Queen Elizabeth I is growing tired, worn out by England's bitter struggle for dominance over the Wild Irish. A ship sails into London bearing the colours of the legendary Irish pirate queen Grace O'Malley, who has come to plead for the life of her son. Although they are on opposite sides of a bitter and bloody conflict, these two powerful women, meeting near the end of their long and extraordinary lives, recognise in each other an equal in intelligence, courage and leadership. Both have had the unique opportunity to take control of their own destinies in a man's world and both have placed their love for their countries before their own happiness. Through their eyes, the dramatic and turbulent events of the late sixteenth century are brought to life.