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.
