A Woodland Queen ('Reine des Bois') — Volume 1

"A Woodland Queen ('Reine des Bois') — Volume 1" by André Theuriet is a story that starts with the death of Claude de Buxieres and the confusion over who will inherit his property. The book opens with the justice of the peace, M. Eustache Destourbet, and his assistant, Seurrot, going to the Chateau of Vivey to figure out what to do with the estate. At the start, it's not clear if there's a will, which creates a tense situation for potential inheritors. Claudet Sejournant, who everyone thought would inherit because of his connection to the dead man, may not get anything because of a relative named Julien de Buxieres who shows up. The story then brings up bigger ideas about family connections, wealth, and what people want, hinting at upcoming problems as the characters deal with tough issues of heritage and identity.