During the Renaissance, in Friul, Italy. Beautiful Duchess Patrizia is determined to marry, although against her will, effeminate but powerful Prince Stefano. This is the only way she has found to thwart the plans of Count Keller, her aggressive neighbor, who wants to grab her land. Fortunately Lucio Di Rialto, the leader of a mercenary band, offers to help her and she accepts. The count's troops are defeated when they attack the castle and all seems to be for the best when Lucio, to whom the duchess is drawn, is contacted by Keller. Di Rialto, who loves Patrizia in return, accepts the count's offer but this is only a trick to help the Duchess more efficiently. Mistaken about his real intentions, Patrizia , feeling betrayed, decides again to marry Stefano.