For Sceptre and Crown: A Romance of the Present Time. Vol. 1 (of 2)

Set against the charged atmosphere of Europe in the mid‑1860s, this novel opens in a dimly lit Berlin office where the foreign minister’s residence becomes the backdrop for a night‑time encounter with a mysterious stranger. Through his eyes we are drawn into the inner circles of power—Bismarck’s iron‑clad diplomacy, the glitter of Viennese courts, and the whispered maneuvers of princes and diplomats. The narrator, a confidant of a chivalrous yet ill‑fated sovereign, offers an insider’s view of the political chessboard that shaped the continent’s future.

Interwoven with this high‑stakes intrigue is a tender, if understated, romance that blossoms amid the tension of war preparations and diplomatic intrigue. As alliances shift and ambitions clash, the characters navigate personal loyalties and public duties, making the story both a vivid portrait of a pivotal era and a compelling human drama. The first volume promises a blend of historical insight and emotional depth that will keep listeners eager for what follows.