“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”
Vilified by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own. Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment of Renaissance Italy. Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to play: raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.
Turning the World To Stone (excerpt):
“There are rooms set aside for you and your retainers. At the top of the stairs, to the right.”
Caterina took a deep breath. “And the count?”
Cardinal Giovanni patted her hand kindly. “He will not be staying tonight. His uncle has decreed that a blessing of your vows be performed by him before you join your husband in your home across the river.”
Squeezing the old man’s frail hand carefully and gratefully, Caterina made her way up the broad staircase, marvelling at the whiteness of the marble and its sheer size. She felt someone at her side and was relieved to find Luisa climbing the steps with her. Together they stared in wonder at the frescoes and tapestries covering every room they passed until they reached Caterina’s. Upon entering, they found the same lavish decorations as the rest of the palace.
“This man is like no churchman I’ve ever seen,” Luisa said.
“Shh, don’t say such things,” Caterina frowned. “At least not so loudly.” She walked over to a wall hanging depicting a hunting scene. Lords and ladies in bright colours rode horses while dogs chased deer through a green forest. Running her finger over one of the ladies’ dresses, she felt the roughness of the gold thread used to make the outfit shine. Turning back to her friend, she nodded. “You’re right. Such wealth for a holy man, and a cardinal too.”
“Perhaps this is the way cardinals in Rome live.”
Caterina took a deep breath. “And the count?”
Cardinal Giovanni patted her hand kindly. “He will not be staying tonight. His uncle has decreed that a blessing of your vows be performed by him before you join your husband in your home across the river.”
Squeezing the old man’s frail hand carefully and gratefully, Caterina made her way up the broad staircase, marvelling at the whiteness of the marble and its sheer size. She felt someone at her side and was relieved to find Luisa climbing the steps with her. Together they stared in wonder at the frescoes and tapestries covering every room they passed until they reached Caterina’s. Upon entering, they found the same lavish decorations as the rest of the palace.
“This man is like no churchman I’ve ever seen,” Luisa said.
“Shh, don’t say such things,” Caterina frowned. “At least not so loudly.” She walked over to a wall hanging depicting a hunting scene. Lords and ladies in bright colours rode horses while dogs chased deer through a green forest. Running her finger over one of the ladies’ dresses, she felt the roughness of the gold thread used to make the outfit shine. Turning back to her friend, she nodded. “You’re right. Such wealth for a holy man, and a cardinal too.”
“Perhaps this is the way cardinals in Rome live.”
Kelly Evans
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About the Author
Thank you for hosting Kelly Evans today, Tony. Much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteCathie xx
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