A Dash for a Throne

Arthur W. Marchmont's A Dash for a Throne begins with a man who has already lost everything: a promising naval career, his place at court, and the honor of his name after a drunken blow to a prince. Presumed dead, Count Karl von Rudloff survives through the mercy of Dr. Mein, then spends years remaking himself as an actor, a master of disguise, and finally an English wanderer haunted by shame. But exile cannot outrun destiny, and when he is drawn into the world of Fisher, von Fromberg, and a castle steeped in secrets, he is pulled back toward danger, inheritance, and royal power. As mistaken identity, political scheming, and romantic tension tighten around him, Karl becomes entangled in a plot that could place a queen on the throne of Bavaria. Minna's quiet devotion, Clara Weylin's fury, and the shadow of Duke Marx and Count von Nauheim all deepen the peril. In the end, Karl stands before the Emperor to protect an innocent woman—and to reveal the truth about himself, the childhood friend who once saved the Emperor's life. It is a tale of disguise, sacrifice, and the chance that a ruined man may yet earn redemption. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.