Louis XIV

Also known as: King Louis / King Louis XIV / Louis / his majesty / his present majesty / sire / the king / the king of France / the young king / your majesty · Family: French court · Role: king of France · First appears: Chapter 1

In 1620, a second prince was born as Louis XIV’s twin brother, while state policy condemned the child to concealment and misery. Raised by Mazarin and Anne of Austria, Louis became king of France; in chapter 1 he granted D’Artagnan leave for private business, and later employed Valot as his physician. At court, Fouquet presented Aramis, whom Louis rewarded with a promise of the first available cardinal’s hat, while he invited Porthos to supper and granted him the honor of sharing his wine. During the dispute surrounding De Guiche’s duel, Louis ordered D’Artagnan to investigate, summoned Manicamp, punished him for concealing the encounter, protected Valot’s discretion, and directed that De Guiche recover and avoid another quarrel.

By chapter 22, Louis’s attachment to Mademoiselle de la Vallière stood alongside his ties to Anne of Austria, Maria Theresa, Madame, and Monsieur. He visited Mademoiselle de la Vallière, accused her distress of treason, and vowed to renounce his affection unless it remained in his heart after three days. When she withdrew from court, Louis first gave precedence to the reception for the ambassadors and state affairs with Colbert, then learned of her intended religious withdrawal and declared, “Very well, you shall not be exiled.” He secured her return to Madame’s household, defended her as a devoted and respectful friend, and continued their courtship through concealed passages, letters, and meetings arranged with Saint-Aignan and Malicorne. Their first kiss followed in chapter 39.

In chapters 52–58, Madame acknowledged that Louis loved Mademoiselle de la Vallière, but rejected his tears and pleas. Louis accepted Fouquet’s invitation to his fête and invited Colbert, while Saint-Aignan remained close to him as the secret of his affair reached Raoul. Louis ordered Saint-Aignan to warn Mademoiselle de la Vallière, refused Raoul’s proposed marriage to her, and declared, “I love Mademoiselle de la Vallière.” Athos then called Louis an enemy, renounced his service, and condemned his treatment of Raoul.

In chapter 64, D’Artagnan admitted preparing an escape route for Athos—the Comte de la Fere—and told Louis that he was imprisoned in the Bastile. When D’Artagnan dishonored his sword and moved toward self-destruction, Louis stopped him and signed an order for Athos’s immediate release.