Vilified
by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own.
Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment
of Renaissance Italy.
Resigned
to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was
expected to play: raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her
new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful
behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be
plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.
“Could
I write all, the world would turn to stone.”
Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/Caterina
Excerpt
“I must see the Holy Father.” Caterina walked the halls with Luisa, trying to burn some nervous energy she’d usually dissipate with a ride or visit to the market.
“Why?
He won’t want to see anyone right now,” Luisa replied.
“I’m
a healer and I’m certain I can treat Sixtus.”
Luisa
nodded her agreement. “It’s not possible to leave the house right now, you know
that.” She waved vaguely in the direction of the courtyard, where, even now,
her husband’s borrowed guards from the papal army held back any who tried to
enter.
“I’ve
been thinking of that. I have a way, but I need your help.”
Luisa
raised an eyebrow at her friend. “It’s not like you to be so mysterious. What
do you plan on doing?”
“We’re
not allowed out, but someone still has to leave to buy food and supplies for
the palace, correct?”
“I
believe so, yes.”
“Well,
if I were to borrow a servant’s clothing and cover my head, I could sneak to
the Vatican unnoticed and help the Holy Father.”
It
seemed reckless to Luisa, but she agreed with her friend that they shouldn’t be
made to suffer because of the count’s foolish vendettas. “I’m going with you.”
Caterina
tried to keep her smile to herself, but Luisa caught her eye, and she beamed.
“I’m glad.” Then, remembering the reason for their intrigue, grew solemn again.
“I must gather up some remedies from my herb room. Will you see to our
disguises while I do so?”
“Of
course. I’ll meet you back in your bedroom.” She squeezed Caterina’s arm as she
hurried towards the kitchen, happy for the unexpected adventure.
Half
an hour later, they both wore the plain blue dress of kitchen maids. The Riario
emblem was emblazoned on the shoulder of each dress, and their heads were
covered with linen veils, making it easier for them to walk past the guards at
the back of the palace with little fuss.
“That
was easier than I thought it would be,” Luisa whispered as they continued
around the building to the main concourse.
“Did
you want a confrontation with the guards?” Caterina asked.
Luisa
blushed. “No. It’s just, I had a story all prepared. You’re Serafina and I’m
Palmira and we’ve been working for the count and countess for nearly a year.”
She smiled proudly.
“Doing
what, exactly?” Caterina was enjoying herself but kept a close eye on their
surroundings as they headed toward the Vatican.
She
stopped and sighed. “I hadn’t actually got that far yet,” she admitted.
“It’s
just as well because you’re a terrible liar.” They’d arrived at the Vatican,
and Caterina mounted a set of back steps that led directly to the papal
apartments. “Sixtus may let me in, but I think you’ll have to wait for me. I’ll
make sure I find a guard I know to keep an eye on you. Otherwise, someone is
likely to send you to the kitchens.” She smiled kindly at her friend.
It
was easy enough to get into the Vatican; there were always many servants coming
and going. And luckily, Caterina found a friendly guard right away, one who
laughed when he saw her.
“This
is Nino. He’ll see that no one asks you to bake them a loaf of bread.” She
smirked at Luisa, then turned and entered the Pope’s private rooms.
Those
inside recognised her, from both her frequent visits and her familial
connection, and while a few raised an eyebrow at her appearance, none stopped
her from entering the pontiff’s bed chamber.
The
smell hit her first, like something had died under the Pope’s bed. A cardinal
looked up as she entered, then frowned at her. “Madonna, this is no place for a
woman.”
“Nor
for you either, judging by the smell in this room.” She walked to a wall and
pulled aside a tapestry, revealing a window. Lifting the metal hinge, she
pushed the glass open and felt the cool fall air drift into the room as the
cardinal stood and sputtered at her. “What do you think you’re doing? The Holy
Father is ill and not able to withstand any change of temperature.” He started
toward her, his face now the colour of his robe.
“Wait.”
A weak voice came from the direction of the large walnut bed. “She stays.”
Author Bio –
Born in Canada of Scottish extraction, Kelly Evans graduated in History and English then moved to England where she worked in the financial sector. While in London Kelly continued her studies in history, concentrating on Medieval History, and travelled extensively through Eastern and Western Europe.
Kelly is now back in Canada with her husband
Max and a rescue cat. She writes full-time, focussing on illuminating
little-known women in history with fascinating stories. When not working on her
novels, Kelly writes Described Video scripts for visually impaired individuals,
plays oboe, and enjoys old sci-fi movies.
Social Media Links –
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kelly-Evans/author/B0187JGTOQ
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14335541.Kelly_Evans
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