Proud young Louis XIV seeks to stamp his authority on court and country but faces resistance and betrayal, even from those closest to him.

Harsh steps must be taken to preserve the royal reputation, while flamboyant Philippe causes a stir of his own.

Travellers to the rural palace are vulnerable targets when a dissident duke tries to pressure Louis to return the royal court to Paris.

Seductive young ladies vie to attract the king's eye at court, where behind the scenes there is bloody business being conducted and investigated.

Philippe returns from war a changed man.

A protest halts construction at the palace but Louis refuses to let Philippe help and matters escalate, allowing plotters to pose a genuine threat to the young king's rule.

With Louis laid low by a major fever, those conspiring against him grow in strength and confidence while Philippe is caught in the middle.

While Louis proposes an audacious alliance with England, and an unexpected envoy to negotiate it, normally brazen Beatrice fears revelation of her secrets.

The traitor strikes in the palace prison, Henriette has a rocky reunion with her brother, Charles II of England, while Béatrice risks a rendezvous with Marchal.

The traitor changes tactics, striking at those closest to Louis, with deadly consequences while Sophie stubbornly risks angering Marchal.