This is a story based on the violent power struggles, intrigue, treachery, betrayal and love in the 16th Century Kotte Kingdom of Sri Lanka. It was a period of political turmoil and moral decline in the country where the Portuguese aggressors had established a foothold in Colombo. The protagonist in the story is aging King Vijayabahu VII whose lust for a young woman eventually leads to his downfall and violent death at the hands of his own sons.