In Laredo, Spain, in 1496, a fleet sets sail for Flanders to carry Princess Juana to the Brussels court where she is to wed the monarch later known as Felipe the Handsome. Sparks fly at their first meeting; their mutual attraction eases political obligations. Soon the deaths of her brother, sister and mother leave Juana the Queen of Castile and heir to the crown of Aragon. Though her marriage is changing, Felipe is fickle and prone to affairs, reasons of state prevail and their return to Spain is clamorous. The politically ambitious Felipe, however, plots to usurp her throne. His Flemish experts advise him to have Juana declared "mad." But he underestimates her, as she will not abandon her crown, her people, or her beloved husband without a fight.
