Charlotte is her family's last chance to redeem their honor and fortune. In order to do so, however, she will have to willingly enter the treacherous and licentious French court ruled by Catherine de Medici and her weak sons. Catherine strikes a bargain with Charlotte, the crown will grant her wish if she agrees to become the mistress of two powerful men, the captive King of Navarre and Catherine's youngest son. Can Charlotte's conscious allow her to make such a decision? Will she walk away, or will she become one of the most reviled women at the royal court?

Cousins to the King of Navarre, Marie of Cleves and her sisters make their mark on the royal court of Renaissance France. A month into an unhappy marriage to her Protestant cousin, the Prince of Conde, the two are faced with a choice: convert to Catholicism or die. Marie's decision will alter the course of both their lives, drawing her further into a decadent and treacherous royal court. Scandal and the hope for true love come her way, but will Marie make the right choice? Is she truly destined for happiness? Or will she become yet another scandal of the Valois court? This 40,000 word novella is the first in a trilogy about the Cleves sisters, known during their lifetimes as "The Three Graces." Updated every Wednesday. Comments and feedback are most welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Henriette's story will follow. http://www.lauradupre.com