Were these barbaric practices widespread and frequent, or contained to royal families and persons of great importance?
JK: Slavery was a fact of life in Renaissance Italy. As for witnessing the coupling of newly married couples: That was reserved for kings and nobles, since they usually married in order to secure political alliances. It was therefore important that witnesses verify the coupling took place. Traditionally, the highest-ranking person — the king or duke, along with a cardinal — was required to be the witness and to sign a document swearing that the marriage was consummated. As for the breaking of the infant’s legs: that was recorded history in Catherine’s case. I don’t know whether it was a widespread practice. BRC: A resounding theme of THE DEVIL’S QUEEN is that of fate as an inescapable, timeless force. Catherine’s efforts to thwart her own destiny and those of her loved ones only had so much power before they faltered, and indeed she feared retribution for involving herself in the occult to try to change the outlook. Without giving away too much plot, can you elaborate on why Cather
