
Set against the glittering yet treacherous courts of late‑seventeenth‑century France, this historical novel opens with a sharp exchange between the powerful minister Louvois and the proud Countess de Soissons. Their dialogue, laced with wit, prophecy, and the lingering bitterness of old rivalries, pulls the listener into a world where marriage, honor, and star‑signs collide. As the Countess defends her daughter’s right to choose love, old grudges between the Mancini and Louvois families flare, hinting at the dangerous games that shape both personal and political destinies.
Beyond the initial intrigue, the story follows the rise of a charismatic young noble, Prince Eugene, whose talent for strategy and charm draws the eye of monarchs and rivals alike. While his early years are marked by courtly maneuvering and the weight of expectations, the narrative promises a vivid portrait of a man navigating love, loyalty, and ambition amid the swirling currents of European power. Listeners will be swept into the lavish settings, sharp dialogue, and the subtle foreshadowing that defines this richly rendered period drama.
Language
en
Duration
~18 hours (1084K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1814–1873
A bestselling 19th-century German novelist, she wrote fast-moving historical romances that brought kings, queens, and court politics to a wide popular audience. Her books were widely translated into English, and for many readers they offered an entertaining doorway into European history.
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