Two famous novels of high adventure in one volume Life for the young, blue-blooded Rupert Rassendyll is a round of carefree entertainments. Meanwhile in the central European state of Ruretania things are not going well. Political intrigue threatens to usurp the soon to be crowned dissolute playboy, Prince Rudolf. The aristocracy support Rudolf, but a pretender-Rudolf's half brother Michael-is waiting in the wings to take the throne by ensuring there are no other living claimants. Rassendyll-as a result of a dubious bloodline-bears a striking resemblance to Prince Rudolf. The Royalists persuade him to join their cause and so begins a dangerous and heart-stopping adventure of switched identities, assassination and love as each party attempts to outwit and eliminate the other. The villainous Rupert of Hentzau is determined to put an end to Rassendyll and it is his name that titles the sequel to the first of these well-beloved tale of daring and flashing blades which romps on for a generous second episode.