Austria's gray eminence, Prince Metternich, sees the impression she makes on men at a party he gives.

The still very young Duke of Reichstadt does not yet know anything about Metternich's machinations, but he is aware that he is constantly being watched by his protecting power, Austria.

For understandable reasons, Napoleon II chose a pseudonym when he first met and introduced himself as Lieutenant Franz von Mödling.

It is only during a diplomatic ball given by Prince Metternich that he and his secretary Gentz realize how far the relationship between Fanny and Napoleon II has progressed.

Fanny absolutely doesn't want to let go of her lover, so Baron Gentz makes it clear to her that her introduction to the Duke of Reichstadt was nothing more than a political maneuver by the Viennese government.

In Paris she celebrates a great success with her art, but she cannot forget her loved one at home in distant Vienna.

Realizing that he has been used as a plaything by the competing powers, the young Duke succumbs to poor health and withers away, passing at the age of 21.