The Honor of Valdi

"The Honor of Valdi" by Eleanor M. Ingram A political intrigue in Renaissance Italy. Rufino di Valdi, exiled prince living contentedly on the island prison of Rocca Grigia with his newly married wife Clelia, receives a visit from Don Mario Russo bearing news of his recall to the court of Belfiore. Russo simultaneously proposes that Valdi assassinate Duke Guido—who had exiled him—by using a hidden passage in the palace's east wing to administer poison. The duke then offers Valdi the east wing rooms, revealing he deliberately had Valdi watched at Rocca Grigia to test his loyalty. Russo provides a cordial for the murder and reveals he is himself the duke's spy. Valdi must choose between honoring the duke who pardoned his life or pursuing vengeance through assassination.