In an imaginary country, Michel VIII is still a child but he is to reign when his time comes. Revolution threatens and the young monarch's entourage lies to him and even tries to get rid of him. He makes friend with an anarchist who sneaks into the park of his castle. Later, this false friend tries to murder him in the cathedral; Returning good for evil, he forgives him and cannot prevent his execution. Because of his poor health, he is sent to the south of France, but he does not know his mother - he thinks she's dead - is living there.