The chapter begins with an overview of the history of the Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte, which was built in 1655 by Fouquet himself. The narration suggests Fouquet used government money to fund its construction. He hired Levau as architect, Le Notre to design the gardens, and Le Brun to decorate the many rooms and apartments. In the morning, Fouquet arrives to oversee the final preparations for the fete to celebrate the king. Fouquet observes Le Brun putting the finishing touches on his portrait of the king in his new court suit from Percerin. Fouquet is so pleased with the result that he embraces Le Brun and gets paint smears all over his suit. A sentinel atop the chateau alerts them of the king’s impending arrival—he just crossed into the region and will be there within the hour.

The king hopes to arrive as early as possible since the only time he can talk to the woman he loves, La Valliere, will likely be at night after the ceremony is over. D’Artagnan considers the events of the past few weeks and becomes increasingly suspicious of Aramis and Fouquet’s intentions in holding the fete.