Ever since marrying Maximilian of Austria, Charlotte's life has been a series of disenchantments. Her life with Max reduced to nothing, she now puts all her stakes in the Mexican crown. Upon the couple's arrival in Veracruz, they are faced with an anemic, worn-out country, far from pacified by the French troops. They must come head-to-head with the defiant local elites, who have decided to take advantage of Max's weaknesses in order to preserve their own interests.