Red Lily Crown

This is a compelling story of intrigue, passion, and murder in the Medici Court, from the author of The Flower Reader and The Second Duchess. It is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Sarah Dunant. April 1574, Florence and Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici lies dying. The city is paralyzed with dread, for the next man to wear the crown will be Prince Francesco: despotic, dangerous, and obsessed with alchemy. Chiara Nerini, the troubled daughter of an anti-Medici bookseller, sets out to save her starving family by selling her dead father's rare alchemical equipment to the prince. Instead she is trapped in his household - imprisoned and forcibly initiated as a virgin acolyte in Francesco's quest for power and immortality. Undaunted, she seizes her chance to pursue undreamed-of power of her own. Witness to sensuous intrigues and brutal murder plots, Chiara seeks a safe path through the labyrinth of Medici tyranny and deception. Beside her walks the prince's mysterious English alchemist Ruanno, her friend and teacher, driven by his own dark goals. Can Chiara trust him to keep her secrets - even to love her - or will he prove to be her most treacherous enemy of all?