With Empress Camila Stafford gravely ill, she dispatches Andrew Preston to find her heir, Victoria, secretly raised by the eunuch Raymond Harrington. Unaware of her birthright, Victoria has supported her husband, the scholar Elias Randall, through his studies. Yet upon his success, Elias betrays her, fabricating charges of infidelity to wed a prefect's daughter. Condemned, Victoria's true identity is revealed by Raymond, who gives his life to protect her. Andrew arrives in time to expose the conspiracy and bring the guilty to justice. At Raymond's funeral, Victoria severs all ties with Elias and ascends the throne, transforming from wronged wife to empress.