But until we place that coronet upon her head before her people and the Church, we are vulnerable.' The French have set up a permanent entourage within our court, which has made some of the border nations uneasy.'Ĭrunard adds, 'Not to mention that their presence makes it impossible to see Anne anointed as our duchess without their knowledge. They also claim the right to determine who she will marry.'ĭuval begins pacing. It is our enemies' wish to make her France's ward so that they may claim Brittany for their own.

The regent of France has forbidden that Anne be crowned duchess. Here's the situation as it's laid out before Ismae leaves the convent:Ĭrunard spreads his hands. Along the way, slowly and exquisitely, we see Ismae's heart being won by a good man.

And the duchess must marry soon, preferably to someone who can bring an army to her cause. There are surprise attacks and deaths that Ismae had nothing to do with. Meanwhile, there's plenty of action and adventure. Those she is supposed to trust seem suspicious. Those she was told to be suspicious of seem kind and seem to have the Duchess's best interests at heart. Ismae is sent to the court of the duchess herself, ordered to pose as the mistress of Duval, the duchess's half-brother.īut at court, things don't turn out as Ismae has been led to believe they will. But now there is political trouble, and Brittany is in danger of being swallowed up by France. Three years later, Ismae is ready for her first assignments. We will train you in stealth and cunning and all manner of skills that will ensure no man is ever again a threat to you.' You will learn more ways to kill a man than you imagined possible. 'If you choose to stay, you will be trained in His arts.

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