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In 1711, twelve-year-old C?ecile Revel unexpectedly gets the chance to serve Louis XIV's sister-in-law at the palace of Versailles, but instead of a dream come true, life at court proves to be complicated and precarious.

Describes the building of the extravagant palace at Versailles in its historical context, particularly as a reflection of the personality and influence of Louis XIV.

A day in the life of France's King Louis XIV, focusing on the elaborate ceremonies which took place when he dressed in the morning, ate his meals, conducted affairs of state, entertained, and finally, when he prepared to go to bed at night.

In the 1670s, fourteen-year-old Marion, who has a talent for making perfumes, gets the chance to serve Louis XIV's mistress at the palace of Versailles, where she gets caught up in palace intrigue.

Traces the interlocking stories of the creation of the gardens and Versailles and the frienship between King Louis XIV and the low-born gardener Andr? Le N?tre.