The Serpent Queen

Perceived as a mere immigrant, Catherine de Médicis, still in her teens and an orphan, was united in marriage at the 16th-century French court, with the aim of bringing in a substantial endowment and giving birth to several heirs. However, she soon discovers that her husband is in love with an older woman, that her dowry has not been paid and that she is unable to procreate. In spite of this, relying solely on her wits and perseverance, she manages to preserve her union and manage the brutal power game that is monarchy more effectively than anyone else for half a century.

Adapted from the book "Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France", written by Leonie Frieda.