The TARDIS lands in 15th century Italy, in the beautiful rose gardens of the de Dello family. Brothers Aurelio and Vincenzo, one an inventor, the other an artist, struggle to maintain the house under the judgemental gaze of their mother, Isabella. Secreted away in a disused wing is Hortensia, a sickly relative they all think is cursed, cared for more by the cook Torellini and maid Marzia than her actual family. But as the time travellers get embroiled in the household’s machinations, darker forces are at work.
A great experiment is underway, one that will shape the future of the Dalek race. Plant the seed, watch it grow, and take over the cosmos.
