It’s 1515. Danger lurks beneath the glitter of the sixteenth century French court. The queen lies dying; the king has but months to live. Their two daughters, Claude and young Renée, heiresses to the rich duchy of Brittany, will soon be orphans. Countess Louise, their guardian, schemes to steal their inheritance. For years she has envied the dying Queen Anne, the girls’ mother. She plots to marry wealthy Claude to her son. Her unexpected guardianship presents a golden opportunity, but only if she can remove their protectress Baronne Michelle, who loves the princesses and safeguards their interests. As political tensions rise, the futures of Princess Renée and the Baronne hang in the balance, threatened by Countess Louise’s designs. Will timid Claude untangle the treacherous intrigues Countess Louise is weaving? Can she outflank the wily countess to protect young Princess Renée? And will she find the courage to defend those she loves? Based on historical events and characters, this timeless story will rivet you until the last page. It is a tale of envy, power and intrigue pitted against loyalty and the strength of women’s friendships.