“Cupid and the King” is the story of five great royal mistresses, one from each century beginning with the Renaissance. As royal marriages were invariably the result of a political or territorial treaty, the heir to the throne would have no say in the choice of his bride. It was understandable and even acceptable for him to make a choice of his heart. Some of these “paramours” became the king’s “official mistress” and wielded enormous power. Some were greedy, vicious and scandalous, others were rather admirable.