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British screenwriter David Wolstencroft is best known for his work on the TV series Spooks. He is the celebrated author of two spy novels. Simon Mirren has gained global acclaim for his work on the hit TV series Criminal Minds. Together, they sweep the reader away to the realm of the Sun King and the construction of the world’s most beautiful palace. Elizabeth Massie has written several historical novels as well as the novelization of The Tudors TV series.

Title Page

1 Spring, 1667

1

SPRING, 1667

She was exquisitely beautiful, young and small in stature yet fully a woman with bountiful curves visible through her sheer white chemise. She skipped ahead across the grass, glancing back over her shoulder, giggling, winking. Louis laughed and followed, trying his best to reach her but remaining several steps behind.

Into a labyrinth of hedge-lined pathways she hurried, out of view for a moment then back in again, patches of sunlight kissing her body. He ached with desire for her, every fiber of his body on edge, needing to have this woman. To hold her, to caress her, to take her and have her.

Through a shady grove of orange trees she danced, plucking ripe fruit from a tree as she passed beneath it. She turned and smiled. It was clear she wanted him, too.

Beyond the orange grove was a rise upon which sat a colossal, sun-bright palace, ornate and brilliant beyond imagination, looking as if the Mansion of God Himself had come down to Earth. Louis’ heart swelled. Though he had never seen this palace before, it was part of him. It was home.

The girl reached the palace and disappeared through an arched doorway. Louis followed and found himself in total, silent darkness.

He stopped.

He waited.

“Kings do not cry, no matter what they face,” came a familiar voice. “No matter what they face.”

He knew the voice. His mother. He turned slowly and she was there in a spear of light, a vision of pride and power, her body spattered with blood. Louis’ younger brother knelt beside her, weeping and clutching her hand.

“Fear is a weakness,” she said evenly. “It can crush a man, destroy him. Even you, my son.”

Louis stood, frozen in dread.

His mother continued, her voice reaching out from the past. “You were anointed by God, blessed by the Sun. But you do not yet possess what really matters. The power. Without it, you will perish, and all of France with you. Of course you are scared. Your mother is dying. The world is on fire. Enemies wait around every corner. If history teaches us one thing it is this – terrible things happen to kings. Which is why you will need the strength of a hundred men. To do whatever it takes. To drag us from the darkness and into the light.”

Louis and his mother locked gazes. He felt he could not breathe.