The Loves of the Lionheart

Little Princess Alys, daughter of the King of France, was sent to live with the family of the King of England at the age of only eight. She was to be betrothed to his son, Richard, later to be called Richard the Lionheart for his military skill and bravery.But Richard had little interest in Alys. Alone and vulnerable in a foreign land, she was easy prey for the lecherous King Henry II and became his mistress when he deemed her of an age. He had no qualms about seducing his son's betrothed, but when Richard discovered the affair, he refused to marry her.When Richard became King of England, he chose his own bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre. It was said to be a love match, but having Navarre on his side helped.Queen Berengaria was the only Queen of England never to set foot in the country and when Richard died, she was left penniless by his brother and successor, King John. These are history's forgotten princesses, two women who have almost...