Sausages, Mayhem and Masks

A merchant's daughter. A penniless player. One Carnival that devours what it promises.

Antwerp, 1530. As Lent approaches, Carnival reaches its height: days and nights when the city turns itself inside out, masks erase faces, rules loosen, and laughter drowns out consequence.

Katelijne, daughter of a powerful merchant, is expected to marry well, smile on command, and secure her family's standing. Her betrothed is admired and celebrated - yet his charm conceals appetites her brother warns her are not harmless.

Joseph Beaufort is a wandering actor with a parrot on his shoulder, a sister at his side, and nothing to his name but nerve and hunger. Carnival is his chance to eat, to earn, to be seen - until a single glance entangles him with a woman whose world is closed to him.

A merchant's daughter. A wandering player. One bound by duty, the other by need.

In the filthy brilliance of Carnival, temptation flares. Masks multiply. Mercy grows thin. And when the music falters and accounts are settled, love may cost them far more than either can afford.