Halma

The narrator, a meticulous scholar of aristocratic lineages, opens a vivid portrait of Doña Catalina de Artal, a descendant of some of Spain’s most storied families—from the Borjas and the Gonzagas to distant papal dynasties. With a blend of wit and erudition, he sketches the tangled web of blood ties that crowns her with titles and legends, while promising—without overwhelming the listener—a glimpse into the archives that confirm her noble pedigree.

Against this backdrop of grandeur, Catalina’s own story begins to unfold. Orphaned young, she is thrust into a household that values wealth and status above all, yet she falls for a young German diplomat, a man of modest means and unconventional ideas. Their forbidden love sparks fierce family resistance, a turbulent court battle, and a daring decision to follow the diplomat abroad, setting the stage for a journey that will test both heart and heritage.