In Kings' Byways

"In Kings' Byways" by Stanley John Weyman is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story opens with a young clerk named Prosper, who has just experienced a dramatic downfall from a promising position in the service of the Bishop of Beauvais to becoming a desperate outlaw on the streets of Paris. The narrative focuses on Prosper's chaotic journey as he grapples with betrayal, humiliation, and the revelation of possessing royal significance in the chaos surrounding him. The opening of the novel plunges readers into the heart of early 17th-century Paris, capturing the lively atmosphere and tensions of the time. Prosper, initially excited by his newfound marital happiness and social mobility, quickly finds himself the victim of jealousy and betrayal, leading to his public disgrace. Amidst a series of physical and emotional hardships, Prosper encounters a mysterious woman and inadvertently becomes embroiled in a larger plot involving a stolen child, who he comes to discover is the young King of France. The narrative sets up themes of fortune, loyalty, and personal redemption as Prosper navigates his new reality filled with danger and intrigue, making the reader eager to see how his journey unfolds.