A widow without a fortune, Diane de Poitiers must rely on her legendary beauty to maintain her position in Francois I's court--where Anne de Pisseleu, the official royal favorite, reigns supreme. But Anne sees Diane as a threat, and rumor is a formidable weapon that she has mastered. Can Diane strike a deal with the King to save herself from the Inquisition?

When Francois I puts Diane in charge of his youngest son Henri's sentimental education, he falls head-over-heels in love and she becomes the young man's mistress, despite an age gap of 20 years. But even as dauphin, is Henry enough to protect her from Catholic zealots, Anne de Pisseleu, and Diane herself?

With one dauphine and two favorites at court, the stakes are getting higher and more complex. Henri can't wait to take the throne from his disease-ridden father, and Diane feeds and inspires his aspirations of power. Meanwhile, Catherine struggles to produce an heir, and Anne hatches a murder plot.

Anne is in complete disgrace. Diane is a duchess, the official favorite--almost a queen! But the headiness of power can lead to sinful pride, and when Henri chivalrously organizes a jousting tournament, not even Nostradamus can reassure the queen or the king's favorite that all will be well.