The Justice of the King

"The Justice of the King" by Hamilton Drummond is a historical fiction set in France, where King Louis wrestles with deep unease and suspicion within his court and family. The narrative opens with the king receiving a disturbing message that ignites his worries about conspiracies against him, potentially involving his own son, the Dauphin. Louis battles his anxieties as he deals with the overwhelming responsibilities of his position and his insecurity towards those closest to him, including Philip de Commines, who has long been his trusted advisor. As the king thinks through his situation, his emotional turmoil and strategic schemes become apparent. The beginning establishes a character consumed with paranoia and resolve, hinting at a narrative filled with political games, moral ambivalence, and the complexities of allegiance versus responsibility, laying the groundwork for the drama to come.