The First Night's Blood

By Mino Carbone

In sixteenth-century Rome, the Church exercised total control over the political and social sphere, significantly influencing the decisions of noble families and the daily lives of citizens. In this context, individual aspirations are frequently hindered by ecclesiastical impositions. Rebecca, a young woman with a strong character, becomes an instrument of family strategies: her father, interested in increasing the prestige of his family, involves her in an arranged marriage, planned without her consent, with the aim of consolidating an advantageous social position. Faced with such pressures, Rebecca chooses not to passively accept her destiny. Motivated by a strong desire for self-determination, she starts a secret relationship, risking her own security to follow her feelings. The discovery of this clandestine relationship exposes Rebecca to serious consequences, threatening both her reputation and that of the family. Cardinal Juan de Salvi, in charge of organizing the wedding, works with opportunistic purposes, exploiting his position to manipulate events to his personal advantage, desiring Rebecca and acting against the designated groom. His behavior is motivated by the desire to ascend to the top of the Church, up to the papacy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0G7Z4XFC2
• ISBN13: 9798261738251
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"