Rome, A.D. 928
Three weeks passed since Hywel’s amorous encounter and, not an hour of that time went by without him yearning for Marozia’s embrace, but she failed to contact him. She was too busy waging war against the papal curia, led by a group of bishops and the King of Italy, Hugh of Provence, also known as Hugh of Arles. In the absence of his new paramour, Hywel set Bishop Rhydderch the task of finding out as much as he could about her. The bishop was pleased to oblige in the hope that he could steer the king away from the wanton w***e. Not that he had any certainty that the king’s relationship was so far advanced. After discreet inquiries—discretion was needed because he knew she was dangerous—Rhydderch returned to Hywel with news.
“Marozia holds the rank of senatrix patricia Roman
