A lady who wants a bakery. A joker with secrets. A Queen of Hearts in the making.
Who drives the story
Lady of Rock Turtle Cove, daughter of a marquess and marchioness, who wants a bakery instead of a crown. Denied at every turn, she hardens into the Queen of Hearts, the very tyrant her story was always afraid of.
The King's mysterious new court joker, who conjures a lemon from behind Catherine's ear and speaks in warnings. He sees her as no one else does, and loving him is the most dangerous thing she does.
Catherine's maid and friend, co-dreamer of the bakery. Her position below stairs makes their shared dream both intimate and impossible.
Catherine's mother, who announces the King's proposal like a verdict. She wants a crown for the family and has no patience for ovens.
A monarch who plans to propose at his own ball. His pursuit of Catherine sets the tragedy moving.
How they are connected
Catherine PinkertonThe Marchioness of Rock Turtle Cove
Lady of Rock Turtle Cove, daughter of a marquess and marchioness, who wants a bakery instead of a crown.
Catherine PinkertonThe King of Hearts
Denied at every turn, she hardens into the Queen of Hearts, the very tyrant her story was always afraid of.
The King's mysterious new court joker, who conjures a lemon from behind Catherine's ear and speaks in warnings.
Catherine's maid and friend, co-dreamer of the bakery.
Go deeper
Dreams versus duty · Belief and its dangers · The making of a monster · Love as rebellion
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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