The Prisoner of Zenda

Anthony Hope published his adventure book The Prisoner of Zenda in 1894. In it, the night before being crowned, the King of Ruritania takes drugs and is unable to attend the event. A man on vacation who looks like the monarch is convinced to serve as his political stooge.Michael, Duke of Strelsau, Rudolf V's half-brother, see to it that he is given a bottle of wine that has been drugged. His friends are unable to rouse him up in time for Rudolf V, the Elector of Ruritania, to be crowned.Englishman Sapt persuades Rassendyll to impersonate the King of France so he can attend Duke Michael's coronation. The King is being held in the castle at Zenda.Rassendyll explores the moat by swimming at night. King Rudolf can be heard conversing with one of his captors. A supporting factor, according to Rupert, is his attraction to Antoinette de Mauban.In defiance of Michael's men, Rupert stands at the drawbridge and challenges Michael to fight for Antoinette. Despite having a pistol, Rassendyll is unable to shoot Rupert. Accidentally learning about Rudolf Rassenyll, Princess Flavia collapses. King Rudolf is reinstated to the throne, but the lovers are forced to split ways because of duty and honor.