The Serpent and the Moon Two Rivals for the Love of a Renaissance King [Paperback]

Set against the stunning backdrop of Renaissance France,The Serpent and the Moonis a true story of love, war, intrigue, betrayal, and persecution. At its heart is one of the world's greatest love stories: the lifelong devotion of King Henri II of France to Diane de Poitiers, a beautiful aristocrat who was nineteen years older than her lover.
At age fourteen, Henri was married to fourteen-year-old Catherine de' Medici, an unattractive but extremely wealthy heiress who was to bring half of Italy to France as her dowry. When Catherine met Henri on her wedding day, she fell instantly in love, but Henri could see no one but the beautiful Diane. When Henri eventually became king, he and Diane ruled France as one. Meanwhile, Catherine took as her secret motto the words Hate and Wait and lived for the day Diane would die and she could win Henri's love and rule by his side. Fate had another plan.
Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent, herself a descendant of both Catherine and Diane, imbues this seldom-told story with an insider's grasp of royal life. The Serpent and the Moon is a fascinating love story as well as a richly woven history of an extraordinary time.Reader's Group GuideThe Serpent and the Moon
1 ) What are the main purposes for marriage in the book and throughout much of history? What is the general view of adultery during the reign of Francois I? What about illegitimacy? Why do you think these attitudes and customs were adopted?
2) Louis de Savoie was a major player in her son Francois' court. Describe her character and personality. What are her main motivations? How did her choices steer the course of history?
3) What were Charles de Bourbon's main reasons for treason? Do you think Charles de Bourbon's decisions to go against Francois I and France were justified?
4) Compare the treasonous acts of both Jehan de Saint-Vallier and Charles de Bourbon. Is one better or worse than the other? Does the king view both acts lƒd