The continuing story of Testarossa, Duke of Galeassi: Alessandra Lucrezia dei Leoni, la Duchessa Galeassi, comes from a family of nobility that is said to stretch all the way back to the ancient Julio-Claudian line of Roman patricians. Her family historically has held great influence in the kingdom, and she grew up at court. A woman not only of beauty, but also of considerable intelligence, wealth, and influence, she is currently married to Lorenzo Bartolommeo Giovanecchi, the Duke of Galeassi, more commonly know to us as "Testarossa." Alessandra's marriage to Testarossa was an arranged one of political expediency...one powerful lord's daughter married to another potentate to consolidate power and influence in the region...and love was never a part of that equation. Nevertheless, the Duke and Duchess have acquired a healthy respect for each other's ambition, cleverness, and cunning in matters both political and personal. Together they are more wealthy and powerful than they would be apart, and this is the tenuous glue that holds their marriage together. While she knows that Testarossa is having an affair with the Contessa Bellaventura, Alessandra also knows that Testarossa is unaware of her knowledge. She holds this card in her portfolio for a time when it may be needed....she has her own designs, which for now are aligned with those of her husband the Duke, but for the future, who knows. Besides, it is a secret delight to her that Testarossa is totally ignorant of her personal (and sometimes amorous) affairs. Or is he?...the thought sometimes worries her. Today we find the Duke and Duchess Galeassi at the royal court for the morning audience. They have entered the palace through the Great Entrance, and now await the royal entourage in the Hall of Light. Testarossa hates these visits to court primarily because Alessandra is in her element and can outmaneuver him here as easily as he could best her on a battlefield. He also detests the fact that he must dress up ...and worst of all...wear a wig! Though he cannot forgo the formality of the wig at court, Testarossa adds a bit of bold defiance by refusing the usual formal powdered coif in favor of a wig fashioned in the bright color of his own red hair. As for La Duchessa, she couldn't be happier in her court dress and powdered wig, resplendent with makeup and jewels....and her husband at her heel....(to be continued) Please ZOOM to see the very nice details! Thanks for looking and for your wonderful comments! I appreciate them so much! If you missed the last episode in the Testarossa saga, here is the link for "Tramonte alla Fontana":


Thank you all so much also for putting my last image at the top of the art charts! Your support and encouragement are what keep me rendering! "Love is Intergalactic" (Contains Nudity):