Page 6 - Axel von Fersen v2

Background
Background:
When Axel von Fersen is 13 years old, he sets out on his grand tour of Europe - an education financed by Fersen’s father, Axel Sr., to prepare his son for a life on the international scene - as a military or as a diplomat. His father is a prominent figure in Sweden - a leader among the Swedish nobility, Lord Marshal and one of the wealthiest men in Europe.
The tour takes Fersen to the various kingdoms of Europe where he apart from royalty and nobility meets famous philosophers and scientists. So, when Fersen later arrives in Paris at the age of 18, his father hopes that his son will soon join the Swedish regiment in France, Royal Suédois and also marry. But Fersen, is more interested in the joyful and sinful life that Paris has to offer. The Swedish king adores the French royal family and his protegé Fersen is the chosen one to tie close relationships to Louis XVI and his Austrian wife Marie Antoinette. And when Fersen meets Marie Antoinette at one of her masquerades his life changes forever, he falls in love.
Back in Sweden, Fersen’s father is unhappy with his son’s spendings and lack of career ambitions. He also sees dictatorial behaviors in Gustav III, a dangerous trait for a king with the aspiration of making Sweden an even greater country on the world scene. So when Fersen joins the King on a European tour, Axel Sr. sees an opportunity for Fersen to leave Paris and Marie Antoinette but foremost to have an influence on the King to minimize the risk of bringing Sweden into a disastrous future of war and even perhaps a revolution.