The Leopard and the Lily by Marjorie Bowen

In the year 1444, Francois II reigned in Brittany.

Son of the great Duke, Jean V, he came to the throne in a time of peace. There was perfect friendship between him and his two brothers, and the wars that tore France did not disturb Brittany, which remained strong and respected.

That is, until Guy de Montauban came to the court.

A poor, penniless Breton noble, Guy befriended the Duke and, over the course of five years, his influence managed to spread. His power grew until the Duke was a mere puppet in his hands – with Brittany slipping fast into a state of internal disorder and weakness. And, with the country smote into factions, quarrels eventually spread into civil war.

It seemed that, by the mere chance infatuation of the Duke, Guy was in the powerful position of dictating to the reigning Prince and, if he willed, using the whole country for his own sport…