Louis XIII selected them from among the bravest and most proven warriors; under Louis XIV, the mere sight of blue cloaks with silver crosses terrified the enemy. For two centuries, companies of royal musketeers were the pride of French kings and one of the national symbols of France. But their life consisted of more than just battles. They made a career, solved financial problems, fought duels, were treated for wounds, had fun, fell in love, started a family... The author tells his fascinating story about the everyday life of the royal musketeers against the broad background of the socio-political life of France in the 17th-18th centuries.