In the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, a young archduke finds himself trapped between duty and desire. Rudolf, son of Emperor Franz Joseph, lives a life of privilege but increasingly feels alienated by the strict court rules and the pressure to fulfill his dynastic role. As he tries to find his way, he falls in love with Marie Vetsera, a passionate noblewoman who represents everything he lacks: freedom and authenticity. However, their romance unfolds in an atmosphere laden with political tensions and family expectations, where Rudolf’s dark secret and his inability to free himself from the chains of royalty threaten to lead them to tragedy.
As their relationship intensifies, both face the cruel reality that their love is impossible within the strict social limitations surrounding them. Unease and despair take hold of Rudolf, who feels that the only way to escape the weight of his inheritance is through fate. The story moves towards a shocking and heartbreaking conclusion that reveals the depth of human suffering and the consequences of forbidden love. While the court watches with fear and curiosity, the lives of two young people become a tragic reflection of an era marked by mourning and oppression, leaving behind a legacy of passion and disillusionment that will endure for generations.