Love-at-Arms - Rafael Sabatini

A historical novel set in 15th-16th century Italy, Love-at-Arms centres on the surprising rebellion of a young girl, Valentina della Rovere, against marriage to a man she finds detestable. Her all powerful uncle, Guidobaldo da Montefeltro of Urbino, removed Valentina from a convent with the aim of marrying her to Duke Gian Maria Sforza in a political marriage designed to unite the Sforza Duchy of Babbiano with her uncle’s domains of Urbino--together these two clans would be strengthened against the ever expanding power of the Borgia family. Valentina, however, refuses to be so callously used for political purposes and is determined in her resistance to the marriage. The story opens with a group of loyal statesmen treacherously plotting to overthrow the self-indulgent Gian Maria Sforza, who had long since lost the respect of his now downtrodden people. They planned to secretly meet Francesco del Falco, a mercenary with a great reputation, and offer him Sforza's duchy of Babbiano. Francesco was unwilling to join this intrigue, and during his escape chances upon the innocent Valentina who is travelling to Urbino ignorant of the political turmoil ahead. Valentina is also unaware that Francesco is the Count of Aquila, a noble in his own right, and that the chance meeting would be one of great importance to them both. The narrative revolves around themes of loyalty, ambition, and the conflicts between personal integrity and political duty. The broader power struggles are entwined with romantic entanglements as Valentina della Rovere defies her betrothed Duke Gian Maria and her Uncle Guidobaldo Da Montefeltro. Raphael Sabatini dedicated Love-At-Arms to his wife, Ruth Goad Dixon. - Summary by KiwiReader24