The fourth book in The D’Artagnan Romances. D'Artagnan, a young swordsman intent on joining the king's musketeers, becomes embroiled in court intrigues, international politics, and ill-fated affairs between royal lovers. Louis XIV is well past the age where he should rule, but the ailing Cardinal Mazarin refuses to relinquish the reins of power. Meanwhile, Charles II, a king without a country, travels to Europe seeking aid from his fellow monarchs.