Tessa of Destiny — Leigh Ellis

She bowed to men of wealth and power -- but defied a king for love! Tessa -- she played the great stages of Europe, celebrating her talent, her freedom, her love for Rene. Yet she would resist many men before she could be with the one she burned to possess... St. Michel Laurent -- who wrote a play to entice her to his bed. Lord Greystone -- who showered her with jewelry to accept his love. Jeffery Hudson -- a bold man trapped in a dwarf's body, who led her through perilous adventures out of unselfish love. King Philip IV of Spain -- who was determined that no one else should ever enjoy the pleasures of Tessa again. Rudolfo -- who kidnapped her beloved Rene, condemning him to the horrors of a Spanish dungeon. Rene -- whose love for Tessa was so strong, even chains and a fortress could not keep him from her!

... TESSA swept across the European stage like a whirlwind, captivating audiences with her dazzling portrayals. Then, on the opening night of her Paris triumph, she fled the tyranny of Rudolpho, the darkly passionate Maestro who demanded that Tessa fill his nights as her beautiful mother once had. Separated from Rene, the only man she truly loved, and driven to the horrors of an English brothel, she had yet to face the most demanding role of her career, a role that would plunge her in the midst of Spain's courtly intrigue as mistress to the King, a role that might win her lover's freedom -- or imprison her forever!