In their sumptuous headquarters a small faction of the militia of the Kingdom of Ircania are conspiring to dethrone their King, Ircanus III, and they decide to act that night. It is Queen Maritza's birthday and the favored guests are assembled in the magnificent reception room of the Royal chambers. Toward evening they depart and the King retires to his apartment, but Oscar, his aide-de-camp, remains. Beneath her costly robes Queen Maritza hides a woman's heart full of love for Oscar. She invites him into her sitting-room and after spending some time together, he cautiously leaves her on his return to the headquarters. In the meantime the conspirators have collected a large force ready to attack the palace. Oscar hides behind a bush and sees them advance in boats. The faithful aide-de-camp immediately retraces his way to the palace and informs the astonished King and Queen. Oscar leads them from the palace and in an automobile they flee to safety.