Following the sudden death of King Louis X, a ruthless power vacuum threatens to dismantle the French monarchy as competing factions maneuver to secure the crown. Philippe of Poitiers emerges as the primary architect of order, navigating a landscape of poison, betrayal, and dynastic instability. He must contend with the machinations of Mahaut d’Artois, who seeks to install her own kin, while simultaneously managing the precarious status of the widowed Queen Clemence and her unborn heir. The narrative employs a third-person omniscient perspective to track the shifting loyalties and cold calculations of the 14th-century French court.

This work is widely recognized for its influence on the modern political fantasy genre, frequently cited by contemporary authors for its stark realism and intricate plotting. Readers often note the author's ability to transform dense historical records into a fast-paced narrative that highlights the brutal nature of medieval power struggles. The prose is characterized by its clinical detachment, which serves to emphasize the cold, calculated decisions made by the protagonists. The series as a whole maintains a reputation for historical accuracy and thematic consistency, providing a window into the volatile period of the 14th-century French monarchy.