Sense of Touch · Love and Duty at Anne of Brittany's Court

The court of Anne of Brittany, wife to Charles VIII, then Louis XII, brought the glories of the Renaissance to France. To many, however, this achievement was overshadowed by her inability to give the kingdom an heir.

Fifteen-year-old Nicole St. Sylvain, new to the queen’s court, possesses a healing sense of touch—a talent she demonstrates when caring for one of the queen’s stallions. Nicole’s ability does not go unnoticed by Anne. Nor does Nicole herself escape the admiring gaze of nineteen-year-old horse trainer Philippe de Bois—the man Nicole loves but cannot have. An arranged marriage makes any hope of happiness impossible.

When Anne's only living child falls ill, she pleads with Nicole to save the princess, promising anything in return. Should Nicole succeed, will the queen reward her with her heart's desire? And should she fail, what will the future hold?