Subject to Change — Lois Gould

This lyrical, monstrously inventive novel, set in an imaginary Renaissance, features five characters who revolve in changing configurations: Henry an unwilling, fearful ruler; Diane, his beautiful, cunning mistress; Catherine, his sallow, desperate queen; and Morgantina, Catherine's dwarf, armed with brilliance, wit and magic. When Cornelius, a dabbler in dangerous arts, arrives to make his fortune, the court is crumbling -- an opportunity to sieze the power he craves.