Hatching a plot? Fascinating! (10)
I believe the answer is:
intriguing
'fascinating' is the definition.
('intrigue' can be a synonym of 'fascinate')
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for intriguing that I've seen before include "What conspirators are up to" , "Conspiring; fascinating" .)