Under the Rose

"Under the Rose" by Frederic Stewart Isham is a captivating historical fiction set within the dramatic court of King Francis of France, where a vibrant tapestry of jesters, nobles, and a princess engage in treacherous games of love and power. The story introduces us to the clever hunchbacked jester Triboulet and the quick-witted maid Jacqueline, who find themselves entangled in the complex social web of the royal court. Their story unfolds amidst witty banter, social critique, and emerging rivalries, heightened by the arrival of a newcomer to the jesters' ranks and the anticipation of a royal wedding. The narrative skillfully builds a stage where love, jealousy, and political treachery intertwine, promising an engaging tale of medieval intrigue and romance.