#although frankly it's so low fantasy I've been calling it fake history

[alistonjdrake]

WIP INTRO: A Woman of No Importance

A Woman Of No Importance: A Look Into the Political and Sex Lives of Medieval Women All Tied With a Nice Enemies-to-Lovers bow

The Early Ages was a fraught time for a budding country, and no one knows that better than historian Sabina Sphar, whose deep dive into one long-gone country leads to an obsession with two women held responsible for its downfall. The year is 946 W.C. and King Oswald of Vilsland has just ordered the execution of his once beloved aunt, Princess Mathilde. Now wanted for treason, Princess Mathilde seeks refuge in her childhood home, currently occupied by a woman who holds a powerful grudge. Twenty years ago, Cierra Dimmock and Princess Mathilde were rivals in the midst of a bloody game of intrigue and court manners. One was a standing regent struggling to keep her grasp on the court and the other the new, foreign wife of a prominent duke. Their feud resulted in one being jailed and the other humiliated. Now, the tables have turned and Cierra is a wealthy widow and Dowager Duchess while Princess Mathilde is an exile looking for political asylum. In a moment of pity, Cierra allows her old enemy to spend the night in her home. Their fates will be sealed by morning and this decision could cost both women their lives. But what is certain is that their country and history will never be the same.

Told through interviews, land deeds, court diaries, letters, Cierra's own narration, and the musings of several historians. A Woman of No Importance tells the story of a rotten feud between two middle-aged women but also the ill-fated history of Vilsland and how the interactions of these characters wiped it off the map.

AWONI is currently looking for early readers so please message me if interested or learn more below!

Prominent Characters

Sabina Spahr: Queer Early Ages historian most interested in the well-documented feud between Cierra Dimmock and Princess Mathilde. Cierra de Bellièvre: Remembered as the foreign wife of Notker Dimmock. Cierra has left behind little written record of her life except for her pious and astute nature. Mathilde of Dester: Born a princess, raised as a hostage, died as a traitor. From successfully leading a country as its regent to fumbling a treasonous uprising, there is little Mathilde hasn't done or been criticized for. Edelgard Notkerdotter Dimmock: Cierra's daughter and the only sovereign duchess of Dester. Sister Gisela: Cierra's nun companion who writes extensively about her mistress during their youth. Ivo Túfel: A soft-hearted poet who ventures to the court of Vilsland to write of beauty and romance.

AWONI discusses topics such as: sexual assault, religious persecution, discrimination based on gender, and discrimination based on sexuality, so readers should take care.