Liz Orwin

The Maid's Tale - Anne Liz Orwin

My name is Anne. I am the younger daughter of the Earl and Countess of Warwick, and sister to Isobel. My life ought to be one of privilege and comfort, of duty and obedience, as I have been taught to expect. Growing up with my dearest friend, Dickon, youngest brother of our handsome king, life seems straightforward. When King Edward makes a scandalous marriage, my father's counsel is no longer sought, for there are many others clamouring for the king's attention. Disillusioned by the meteoric rise of the queen's kin, my father seeks other routes to satisfy his need for power. As his actions grow more outlandish and dangerous, my only true friend in the world is lost to me. In a dangerous political game, my father sets himself against both king and queen, risking everything to keep hold of power and a place beside the the throne of England he cannot bear to relinquish. As a dutiful daughter, I try to obey and be all that is expected of me, but there is a streak of wilfulness in my character that will not be expunged. This flaw causes me grief, but never more so than when I must be married to secure my father's most desperate scheme. Tossed upon the tumultuous sea of fifteenth century politics, where loyalties change like spring weather, I am little more than a pawn in a greater game, one being played between those I love.