
Set against the tumultuous decade of the 1640s, the story opens in the gilded gardens of Whitehall, where Queen Henrietta confronts King Charles I with a fierce vision of absolute rule. Their heated exchange reveals a marriage strained by politics, ambition, and the looming threat of a Parliament that refuses to be silenced. As the royal couple wrestles with questions of power, taxation, and loyalty, the stage is set for a clash that will reshape the nation.
Through vivid dialogue and razor‑sharp insight, the narrative draws listeners into the charged atmosphere of a court on the brink of collapse. Loyal courtiers, scheming advisors, and a restless populace each add layers of tension, hinting at the dangerous games that lie ahead. The first act captures the intoxicating mix of idealism and desperation that fuels both king and queen, inviting you to hear the echo of a world where the crown’s glitter masks a gathering storm.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (663K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2011-03-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1818–1883
Best known for fast-moving adventure tales set on the American frontier, he turned his own travels and wartime experience into stories that fired the imaginations of young readers. His novels mix danger, landscape, and natural history in a way that still feels vivid.
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