Chapter 9, The Tempter, Chapter 10, Crown and Tiara, and Chapter 11, The Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte Summary

Aramis tells Philippe that the current King Louis XIV, his brother, is not doing a very good job ruling the country. Aramis suggests that Philippe would be a much better king, because he has his background to humble him. Aramis believes God wants him to use Philippe to replace Louis XIV. He tells Philippe, however, that it is his choice. He tells Philippe of a little-known fisherman's village called Poitou, where Philippe can go to live out his days in obscurity. He tells Philippe that he and his brother will switch places, and Louis XIV will be imprisoned in the Bastille. He tells Philippe that he can do great good in the world. Philippe says that his conscience will...