Changes

The second series begins at around 1671, a few years after Season 1 ended. By this point, the Dauphin (the eldest son and heir of Louis XIV) has been recovered and the plot against him by Protestants and the Dutch has been thwarted. This kidnapping was creativity, which likely never occurred in Louis' reign. There were was continued unrest, however, stemming from earlier revolts against the King and French nobility in general, during the so-called Fronde rebellion that occurred during Louis' childhood. This led to courtiers to spy and sometimes attempt to thwart Louis' ambitions, including through poisonings. Many of the poisonings were also done between nobles, as they attempted to attain power or kill rival nobles, such as the killing of one of Louis' ministers (the Affair of the Poisons). This event largely took places after Season 2 but seems to make it as part of the season.<ref> For more background information on this period of Louis' reign, see: Sonnino, P. (1988) <i>Louis XIV and the origins of the Dutch War.</i> Cambridge studies in early modern history. Cambridge [England] ; New York, Cambridge University Press.</ref>

Several main characters are killed in the second season, including Claudine (the doctor) and the chief gardener at Versailles. Meanwhile, Louis and his brother (Philippe I, Duke of Orléans) continue their feuding, where finally the Duke returns to court under the wishes of his brother. In fact, a key event is the marriage of the Duke, after his wife (who was purported to be Louis' lover), had died, allegedly from poisoning in Season 1. The new marriage, with Princess Palatine, seems to start at a difficult level for the two, given Philippe's homosexuality complicating the relationship, but soon it evolves into a friendship with the Duke sometimes performing his duties in the marital bed despite his homosexualitysexual preferences. In fact, this causes tensions in the episodes, as the Chevalier, the Duke's lover, becomes jealous and increasingly worried he has lost his lover.<ref>For more on the new marriage of Philipe and the political reasoning behind this, see: Barker, N.N. (1998) <i>Brother to the Sun King--Philippe, Duke of Orléans.</i> Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press.</ref>

Conflict with Holland erupts by 1672, the so-called Franco-Dutch War. This war allowed the Prince of Orange, William III, to arise and claim undisputed power of the Dutch. However, this war proved to be difficult, despite Louis triumphing eventually in 1678, as numerous battles proved to be costly in material, men, and finances in particular. William III proved to be a cunning enemy and this was heavily portrayed in the series in manipulating power within Holland and using the natural features and canals and dykes to make the terrain difficult to fight inas Louis attempted to advance his interests in Holland.<ref>For more on the war with the Dutch, see: Collins, J.B. (2009) <i>The state in early modern France.</i> New approaches to European history ; 42. 2nd ed. Cambridge, UK ; New York, Cambridge University Press.</ref>

A greater focus in Season 2 was on Madame de Montespan, who was Louis' lover despite being married. During this time, her influence on the king increased and there was much greater animosity between the queen and Madame de Montespan. In fact, historically we know Madame de Montespan had several children with Louis and in the episodes one of these pregnancies was shown. This caused much angst, by the queen and the church, as Madame de Montespan continued to have a high profile position within the court despite her evident pregnancy. While the queen turned to the church to condemn her, Madame de Montespan turned to a fortune teller to help her navigate the politics of Versailles and keep the king's interest in her and thus maintain her power. The long-running Affairs of the Poisons also implicated her, as she did attempt to poison potential love rivals that the king took interest in. This jealousy was a key focus in the episodes, as even though Madame de Montespan often tried to avoid her direct fingerprint on plots within the court, but we see potential new women in court closely watched by Madame de Montespan.<ref>For more on Madame de Montespan, see: Petitfils, J.C. (2009). <i>Madame de Montespan and Louis XIV</i>. Literary Licensing, LLC</ref>