Elizabeth is thirty-one years younger than her imperial consort, Charles IV, yet she fears that her husband has chosen her not out of love, but merely for diplomatic reasons to curry favour with his political opponents. He fears that he does not love her as deeply as his previous wife, the beautiful Anna Svídnicka, who also gave him his son Václav. When Elizabeth learns that Charles IV. is about to travel to France with the young Prince Wenceslas, he gives vent to his jealousy. This historical novel presents the life of the fourth wife of Charles IV, who became not only the Queen of Bohemia but also the Empress of Rome. This is not how I imagined my marriage, thought Elizabeth of Pomerania bitterly as she watched from the window of Prague Castle as the last man of the armed escort of her imperial husband Charles IV disappeared in the gate. Not like that! She pressed her palm gently against the heaving life, as if seeking support and comfort in the unborn child. Her imperial consort, Charles IV. he left her alone, abandoning her as a useless thing in Prague Castle at a time when she needs him most, as she is expecting his second child. It must be the son this time!
Hana Parkánová-Whitton studied a combination of Czech and English at Charles University, then worked in publishing for over twenty years, most recently as editor-in-chief of the Book Club. In addition to publishing, he also works in translation and his own literary work. She is the author of successful humorous and detective stories and has also written a number of historical novels, such as the Winter Queen, Emperor Charles' last love, The seventh sin is punishable by death, Third seal, The Reiss family saga, American Club of Czech Ladies, František Palacký - Aristocrat of the Czech spirit, The Last Luxembourg, In the shadow of the prince's seat, Agnes of Kuenring and a series of fictional biographies of Czech queens. She lives in the UK where she has set up her own literary agency.
EUROMEDIA GROUP a.s., Nádražní 762/32, Praha 5-Smíchov 15000, Česká republika, www.euromedia.cz