If I Were King (1938) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Louis XI is intrigued by Villon's bold claim that he could rule better than the king. After witnessing Villon kill the turncoat D'Aussigny during a riot, Louis sees an opportunity: a commoner without noble connections might be more loyal and effective than his unreliable nobles. The appointment is partly a test and partly a gamble, Louis hopes an outsider without political ties might succeed where his own men have failed.

• louis xi
• grand constable
• appointment
• Francois Villon
• court politics

Even after appointing Villon, Louis remains suspicious and tests his loyalty. The one-week deadline creates pressure, Louis wants to see if Villon will flee, prove himself useful, or betray the crown. This threat keeps Villon in a precarious position and forces him to take risky actions that benefit the city, effectively using the poet's survival instinct to serve the kingdom's needs.

• execution threat
• Louis XI
• Villon
• deadline
• palace intrigue

Villon coordinates two critical actions: first, he helps Katherine convince the king to release six months of food from the royal storehouses to feed the starving Parisians, which tempers the Burgundian commander's patience and delays the assault. Second, Villon escapes confinement and rallies the citizens to fight alongside the soldiers, uniting the common people and soldiers in a combined defense that forces the Burgundians to retreat.

• siege
• Burgundians
• food stores
• rally
• Paris
• defense

Although Katherine appears guarded during Villon's flirting, she is secretly drawn to him. When soldiers arrive to arrest Villon, she steps forward to provide an alibi, buying him precious time. This early act of courage reveals her feelings for him and establishes the foundation for their later romance at court, despite neither knowing the other's true identity at the time.

Foreshadowing: Their early encounter in church foreshadows their complicated relationship where she repeatedly risks herself for him.

• Katherine DeVaucelles
• alibi
• church
• arrest
• romance

During the tavern riot, Villon kills Grand Constable D'Aussigny in self-defense. Later, it's revealed that D'Aussigny was the turncoat conspiring with the Burgundians, exactly the traitor Louis XI was searching for. This ironic twist means Villon unknowingly eliminated the very threat the king was trying to uncover, which is why Louis rewards him with the Constable position despite the killing.

• D'Aussigny
• turncoat
• traitor
• killed
• Burgundy
• conspiracy

After Villon helps break the siege, Louis has him arrested again, not fully comprehending the poet's role in the city's salvation. However, Katherine and Father Villon both testify on Villon's behalf, explaining his true contributions. Recognizing that Villon saved Paris and deserves gratitude rather than punishment, Louis personally goes to free him, marking a turning point in their relationship from antagonism to mutual respect.

• freedom
• arrest
• Katherine
• Father Villon
• testimony
• Louis XI

Although Louis frees Villon, he chooses exile as a compromise, keeping Villon alive while removing him from court politics that could destabilize the kingdom. Villon accepts this fate, understanding that his outspoken nature and controversial past make him a permanent threat to court stability. The exile allows the king to appear merciful while preventing future complications.

• exile
• Paris
• Louis XI
• departure
• acceptance
• court

Katherine loves Villon and refuses to let their connection end with his exile. She tracks him down with help from Father Villon, who provides crucial information about Villon's route. She follows at a discreet distance in her carriage, waiting for him to tire on the road. Her pursuit demonstrates her commitment to their relationship and suggests hope for their reunion despite the political obstacles separating them.

• Katherine
• pursuit
• road
• love
• Father Villon
• carriage
• reunion