After capturing the deserted city of Moscow, Napoleon occupies the Kremlin, where he is constantly accompanied by his loyal general, Michel Clément — a descendant of a Russian boyar who came to Russia believing in the justice of Napoleon’s campaign. Meanwhile, the monks of the Chudov Monastery are plotting an assassination attempt on the Emperor, having planted explosives in the Arsenal, whilst a young noblewoman, Maria, seeking revenge for her slain brother, attempts to shoot Napoleon. The failed assassination attempt brings her together with Michel and the Polish officer Józef Sadok. Hiding in the monastery under the guise of an actress, Maria finds herself drawn into a dangerous game, where salvation, suspicion and a budding connection with Michel gradually alter the fate of everyone involved.
