[1][2] In the 1820s, Italy's aging King Ferdinando I falls ill in Naples and, on his deathbed, reminisces about the early years of his reign.

While Ferdinand is never cured of his roving eye, the ambitious Carolina soon has the King under her spell, and her political power comes to rival his own.

Obsessed with the pleasures of the flesh, the spoiled sovereigns seem oblivious to the revolutions threatening to consume France and, eventually, the whole of Europe.

Amid dazzling palace settings, the arrogant king casually threatens to behead those who displease him, threats that are sometimes carried out.

The royals travel to the ruins of Pompeii and undertake hunting parties, but political intrigue intrudes into their lives.