Under the Rose

Frederic Stewart Isham was an American novelist and playwright. He has written mainly historical romances and fantasy novels. Under the Rose is such a historical and fantasy novel, set in 16th century Europe, published in 1903. It's a beautiful amusing novel though depicted events are not relevant historically. The story is set around the court of Charles Vth ruler of the Holy Roman Empire and Francis I of France. Kings Francis niece marriage with the Duke of Friedwald is proposed as an alliance between France and Empire. But Duke's Jester impressed the Princess Louise, won her heart and they fell in love. Then situations became odd, problems emerged after some twists ended happily.