The Cardinal and the Queen

by Evelyn Anthony

This is an intriguing work of historical fiction that centers on the supposed love affair of Cardinal Richelieu and Anne of Austria, who was Queen of France and the sister of the King of Spain. Married to Louis the XIII, who prefers the company of his young male companions, Anne is left to her own devices. Finally, Louis is forced to consummate the marriage, which results in Anne becoming pregnant, only to suffer a miscarriage. After this event, the King leaves Anne alone and treat as her as if she were his prisoner, rather than his wife. This results in Anne intriguing with the Kings mother, Marie de Medici, and the King's younger brother, Gaston D'Orleans, against both the King and Richelieu. Cardinal Richelieu is depicted as a consummate statesman, the true power behind the throne. He knows himself to be a political figure, first and foremost, and a son of the Church, a distant second. He is consumed by his fight for power, as well as his secret passion for Anne. Yet, she will not s