The Lily and the Lion

Charles IV, the last of the cursed Capet kings, is dead.  In England, Edward III, at 16 is marrying the love of his life, Phillipa, who is but 14.  Isabella remains regent over these two with Mortimer at her side running the country.

France is without a male heir, so the peers of the realm must choose.  Bishop Orelton has arrived from England and proposed that Edward III is a direct male descendant and has the right to claim the throne of France!  However, Phillipe of Valois is appointed regent, and if the late king's wife delivers a girl in the next couple of months, Phillipe will become king of France.

Although Phillipe was king, it was actually Robert of Artois that did the governing.  However, Robert is not happy because he still doesn't control Artois, rather his aunt does. Big he can't get Artois by fair means, he will use foul.

Meanwhile in England, Mortimer is tightening his grip on power, much to the chagrin of parliament.  Edward III is angered when Mortimer and Isabella order the execution of his uncle without his knowledge.  Fed up with the way Mortimer is treating England, Edward orders the arrest of Mortimer.  Parliament orders his execution.

Back in France, Robert of Artois' scheming has caught up with him.  He flees France and is ostracised throughout Europe.

Robert's flight was not the beginning of the intrigue of which author Maurice Druon writes, but one of many within France and indeed internationally.  However, Robert's flight would lead to the beginning of the 100 Years War.  Well researched and written, this is a fascinating novel for fans of historical fiction.