The novel follows the further adventures of the four musketeers: Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan, as they navigate the political turmoil of France in the mid-17th century. The novel begins with the four musketeers reuniting in Paris, where they are swept up in the political machinations of Cardinal Mazarin and his enemies, the Fronde rebels. As they navigate this complex web of alliances and betrayals, they encounter a host of new characters, including the beautiful but dangerous Lady de Winter and the fierce and independent Mordaunt.