Book III: Son of France

Philippe de France was born second. In the eyes of the court, he was the spare. He was never expected to be anything other than the king's brother, but it would be his brother Louis XIV who would be his greatest supporter and best friend. In a time when royal brothers were expected to be adversaries, Philippe would prove to be an asset to his brother. As he grew up amidst political turmoil, his wit, intellect, and innate political astuteness would save his country and give his beloved brother the strength to rule absolutely.

In the second half of Book III, follow the life and times of Philippe I, Duc d'Orléans (known as Monsieur) as he navigates through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in the shadow of his brother, The Sun King.