It is Sixteenth Century Europe. Countries have begun to expand their
global reach, but there are still local riches to be uncovered. As Spain
continues to expand its wealth, through aggressive and covert means, a
recently formed Anglo-Dutch Allegiance is out to undermine, and
eventually bring down the Empire. Espionage has infiltrated Europe and
things are not always as they seem. When the wealthy Genoese banker
Giovanni de Tocco and his vivacious wife Isabella, employ a new tutor to
work with the wards they sponsor, they are unaware their lives are under
constant surveillance. It is no coincidence the banker is enlisted to
carry out business for the King of Spain. It is not without reason,
Alvaro Cortez, Head of Spanish Security, is suspicious of Bart Selona,
the handsome young tutor who embeds himself into de Tocco estate life
and becomes so influential with the students and Lady Isabella. Over
time, two students, Carlo and Vincenzo are recruited to support the
Allegiance. With Giovanni de Tocco engrossed in the power and influence
his position attracts, secrets are revealed, treasures are discovered,
and lives are influenced. It is through the somewhat erotically themed
Masquerade Balls of the day the Allegiance's cause is advanced. The
aristocracy used the events to showcase their opulence and enjoy risqué
activities akin to their status. The events, however, were a focal point
for covert infiltration. Under the cover of the eroticism the balls
espoused, Selona's young spies can gather valuable intelligence. But the
Allegiance's operation is not the only cause being pursued. In a series
of twists and counter motives, Masquerade Gold leads the reader through
the evolving struggles of a complex Europe.
