Keep the Crown Clean

*This work is set in a fictional era. While it draws heavily on the daily culture of 15th- to 16th-century Florence, the names of places, objects, and their uses in the story may differ from actual historical facts. Please keep this in mind while reading.*

Two forces have long divided the city-state of Belezza: the mercenary family Soporini and the banking family Del Brenta.

Everything begins with a marriage alliance between the two families.

Matteo suppresses the feelings he has for Berenice, the woman who is supposed to become his older brother’s wife. The moment he learns the secret behind this match, his buried ambition awakens.

He intends to set the wheel of fate turning and become the central figure in a bloody alliance.

He believes he can be both a good husband and an outstanding ruler.

But Berenice keeps fleeing from him, saying that this is not the life she wanted.

He still cannot give up either the crown or Berenice.