Shakespeare's classic retold from another perspective Rosaline won't let anyone or anything get in the way of her future as a healer. That is, until she meets Benvolio. Where Romeo's words had been hollow and unfounded, Benvolio's are filled with sincerity and true love. Now Rosaline finds herself caught between her feelings, her ambition, and her family's long-standing feud with the Montagues. When Romeo turns his affections toward Ros's cousin, Juliet, their relationship brings the feud of the two houses to a new level. Rosaline and Benvolio hatch a plan to bring peace to the two families. But will they succeed? “Those familiar with the original Hamlet will most appreciate Fiedler's imaginative approach, as she pays homage to the Bard with clever cribbing and her own twist on Shakespearean language.” ― Publishers Weekly on Dating Hamlet “Fans of the Bard will applaud this highly imaginative, lyrical text that plays with the story without damaging it.” ― School Library Journal on Dating Hamlet “Even teens with a vague knowledge of the play will enjoy the quotes, references, and sly reversals as well as the Shakespearean drama and commentary.” ― Booklist on Dating Hamlet Lisa Fiedler is the author of a number of popular young adult novels, including two retellings of a Shakespearean story from the female point of view, Dating Hamlet and Romeo's Ex . She lives in Connecticut with her family. Romeo's Ex Rosalind's Story By Lisa Fiedler Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks Copyright © 2006 Lisa Fiedler All right reserved. ISBN: 9780805097436 ROMEO'S EX PART ONE     PROLOGUE VERONA, ITALY, 1595, SPRING I n a small cottage belonging to the Healer, Lady Rosaline did occupy herself with the business of tidying shelves and cupboards. With great care she arranged the multitude of jars and flagons containing herbal ointments and medicinal liquids.The Healer was not presently about, having gone off near three hours past, with her satchel, to the home of an elderly man who had come screaming that his grandson's leg had been all but chewed off by a pair of wild dogs. Lady Rosaline did not doubt for a moment that her mentor would find some way to save, if not the child's limb, at least his life. No physician, nor surgeon-barber, nor dentist was more proficient in the art of healing.Being alone in the Healer's cottage was not unusual for Rosaline. She had been visiting the place since her childhood and had learned much from the wise and gentle woman. There were those who feared the Healer, called her "charlatan," and "witch," but Rosaline understood that the people who shunned her friend were simply ignorant.For years, the Healer had been her teacher. The old woman felt blessed to share her knowledge with a pupil so intelligent and insightful as Rosaline. More than anything on God's green earth did Lady Rosaline wish to learn the miraculous ways of the healing arts. Indeed, she prayed daily to the Almighty in heaven to grant her the intellect and the tenacity to see it through.Now Rosaline opened a small jar and sniffed the greasy salve within it--the potent scent stung her blue eyes. "For burns," she said aloud, as though testing herself. "Also useful in treating resistant rashes"--she smiled to herself--"and protecting one's roses from aphids." She replaced the jar and was reaching for another when of a sudden there came an urgent banging upon the door."Ho, is anyone within? I beg thee, help us!"Rosaline rushed to the door and flung it open wide. There on the doorstep stood a handsome young man; he was lit by the soft glow of a torch secured in an iron sconce on the cottage's outer wall. Rosaline knew at once who this gentleman was. He was about her own age, sixteen years. She had seen him before, from a safe distance,of course. Odd, this close he did not look to be the monster about whom she had so long been warned. In fact, he was quite beauteous, e'en as he struggled to support the weight of his wounded companion.The injured man was some years older and in a sorry state. Unable to stand on his own legs, he leaned heavily against the handsome one. His nose bled, and his left eye was swollen shut."Beaten?" asked Rosaline, stepping out into the pool of light cast by the torch.The unharmed one did not answer her at once. Now that she was visible in the glow of the torchlight, he could only stare at her, somewhat stupidly."What hath happened?" she demanded, more loudly. "Was this man beaten?""Beaten, aye.""What is his name?""He is Petruchio. Or just Trooch, to his fellows."Rosaline quickly wound her arm around Petruchio's waist. Together, she and the gentleman dragged him into the cottage. Petruchio's left arm hung limply at an odd and fearsome angle."Are you the Healer?" the handsome lord asked as they hauled Petruchio toward a low table near the window and lifted him onto the wooden surface. "Marry, you are so young ..."Rosaline ignored him as she tore Petruchio's tunic to reveal his b