Description
After losing her mother and brother in a dreadful accident, Rose, the princess of Spain, spends a lonely life in the castle fiercely protected by her father, King Felipe. Rose, however, is a spirited girl who soon finds a way to escape from the castle. Along the way she makes friends with a bull, a rooster, and a farmer's boy named Juan. The boy teaches Rose to sword fight and together they have many adventures, which ultimately lead them to a bullring where things go terribly wrong. Unfortunately, the king finds out about this escapade and Juan is banished from the kingdom with his father.
Years pass and Princess Rose grows more determined to follow her own path, as she continues her training in secret. Her father's kingdom is full of unrest, organized by his evil younger brother, Adolfo, who wants to be king himself. Rose knows she must do something to help her father and she quickly thinks up a plan. So that no one can recognize her, Rose wears the costume of a bullfighter and becomes known as The Masked Matador, fighting and defeating all the criminals who cross her path.
In a surprising twist, Rose's childhood friend, Juan, returns as a grown man and becomes the head of the king's army. Despite the Masked Matador's help to the kingdom, King Felipe has commanded her capture. Juan goes after Rose in her disguise, corners her and finds out the princess's secret. She persuades Juan to keep her identity hidden and to let her help him restore order in the kingdom. The two friends become closer making Ana, Rose's cousin, jealous with rage and almost killing Rose and Juan as a result. King Felipe realizes he can no longer look after Rose. As she is about to turn eighteen, he decides Rose will be married and have a husband to protect her. At the birthday ball to find her husband, the king is kidnapped by his brother. It is then up to Rose and Juan to team up once again in an attempt to save him.
Will Rose get to her father in time and at long last gain the approval she has always craved? Or will she lose everything she has worked so hard to protect? Will Juan and Rose finally admit they have feelings for each other? What has happened to the bull and the rooster in all the excitement?
Exotic lands, bloodthirsty villains, lovable animals and a cast of characters that will enthral young readers: The Masked Matador is a thrilling introduction to the world of Princess Rose.