Following Twenty Years After, the third volume of this epic begins as D’Artagnan relinquishes his post, leaving the young king vulnerable to intrigue.

France, 1660. After thirty-five years of loyal service, D’Artagnan is no longer willing to serve King Louis XIV who has all but relinquished his power to Cardinal Mazarin, the king’s chief minister. Resigning as lieutenant of the musketeers, he journeys to England where he plans to restore Charles II to the throne. But when Cardinal Mazarin dies, Louis XIV must assume power in earnest. And with a rivalry at court threatening to divide France, he needs D’Artagnan more than ever.