Fiery autumn

Kunhuta, the second wife of Přemysl Otakar II, the Iron and Gold King, was an ambitious, domineering and passionate woman. She left an indelible mark on Czech history, among other things by her relationship with the other main character of this classic novel, Záviš of Falkenštejn, a valiant knight, schemer and capable statesman who even became her husband shortly before Kunhuta's death. Their story takes place in the turbulent time after the death of King Přemysl, when Rudolf of Habsburg, the Braniboři in Bohemia and the royal left-hand man Nicholas are trying to assert their claims to power.