The King Amaz’d

The Queen’s nightdress was so heavy it could have stood alone. At a certain place was a hole with a sewn edging, and just above it a scarlet cross and the legend-“Get thee behind me Satan.” Spain is in peril, a giant serpent loose in the land, and witches of uncertain gender ride their brooms across the night all because the king has lain with a whore, and asked to see his wife naked. Even Satan is good company in this novel by Ballester, a varied and prolific talent.