The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the dramatic and poignant life of King Henry VIII's daughter--infamously known as Bloody Mary--who ruled England for five violent years. 'An exquisitely drawn, poignant portrayal of one of history's most complex, maligned, and fascinating figures.'--Tracy Borman, author of Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I Born from young King Henry's first marriage, his elder daughter, Princess Mary, is raised to be queen once it becomes clear that her mother, Katherine of Aragon, will bear no more children. However, Henry's passion for Anne Boleyn has a devastating influence on the young princess's future when, determined to sire a male heir, he marries Anne, has his marriage to Katherine declared unlawful, brands Mary illegitimate, and banishes them both from the royal court. But when Anne too fails to produce a son, she is beheaded and Mary is allowed to return to court as the default heir. At age twenty, she waits in vain for
