Jeanne La Male Reine translate to Evil Queen Joan
The English-speaking world knows about the War of the Roses. A similar dynastic drama happened in France 150 years before, when King Philippe IV Le Bel (the Fair), a harsh man by all accounts ruled. The House of Valois had ruled for ~340 years at that point. The King had 3 sons, and a daughter (who would be Queen of England), his rule and continuation assured.
Played against the events that led to the Avignon Papacy, the arrest and trials of the Knights Templar, the imprisonment of the Princesses (where Philippe's daughters-in-law were accused of adultery, all three of them!), and the death of the king and rise of his son Louis X le Hutin (the Quarrelsome).
Our story focused on Jeanne who is born with a foot defect that leaves her lame her whole life. Intelligent and charming, her family has a hard time finding her a husband because of her condition.
Then one day, she meets Philippe de Valois, Philippe Le Bel's nephew (by his brother).
Our story has her make a pact with the devil's envoy to marry Philippe de Valois. And the two have a very loving relationship - something most other noblewomen admit jealousy towards her as they love. Jeanne embraces her role as an agent of the devil.
We close the story on Jeanne admitting to her husband that she wants to be Queen. He doesn't refuse, saying that "We are happier and freer as we are now..."
If I have one criticism of this story is that it sometimes go by REALLY quickly with major elements advancing time really quickly. But the art and the story is quite interesting and draws you in.
This is a clear 4.5/5, but due to math, I have to round up to 5/5.
