The novel is set in 16th century France, during the reign of King Henry IV. It tells the story of a young peasant girl, Louise de Valois, who is forced to flee her home after her father is killed in a peasant uprising. She is taken in by a noble family, the de Montforts, and is soon betrothed to their son, the handsome and dashing Gaston. However, Louise soon discovers that Gaston is not the man she thought he was. He is a cruel and ruthless tyrant, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Louise must find a way to escape his clutches and save her beloved France from his tyranny. The novel is a thrilling adventure story, full of romance, intrigue, and suspense. It is a classic of historical fiction, and a must-read for fans of Sabatini's work.
By Rafael Sabatini · First published 1906 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 23 chapters