Lila Barclay

In 64 A.D., Marcus Superbus is Prefect of Rome. When the Emperor Nero decides to renew persecution of the Christians, Marcus opposes him, fearing for the safety of Mercia, the Christian woman whom he loves. Through the machinations of the Empress Poppaea and other women at court, Tigellinus, Nero's agent in the war against the Christians, convinces Nero to have Mercia arrested. Marcus appeals to the emperor for mercy, but is told that she can be saved only by renouncing Christianity. Waiting to enter the arena to be killed, Mercia steadfastly refuses to reject her religion, despite Marcus' pleas. Finally, Marcus is converted by her and they enter the arena to face death together.

The King of Kurland suggests a marriage between his son, the crown prince, and Angela, the Princess of Arcacia, to defuse tensions between their tiny European countries. The tempestuous Angela rejects the idea, so the prince visits Arcacia in the guise of Count Bernardine, determined to secure the union. Unaware of his true mission, Angela grows to love the count, but finally heeds his warnings about impending war and agrees to the arranged marriage.