Maximilian and Marie De Bourgogne

Put under pressure by French King Louis, the citizens of Ghent storm Maries palace and make her sign a contract in which she agrees to marry Louis son Charles. She sends Joan, her lady-in-waiting, to Maximilian, who is instantly smitten by Maries portrait. Joan returns to Ghent with Maximilians letter announcing his visit. Louis threatens war against Burgundy should Marie breach the contract.

When the citizens of Ghent have Maries closest advisors beheaded, she sends Joan, her lady-in-waiting, to Maximilian. He has recovered from the plague, but he is unable to settle accounts with the citizens of Cologne for his stay within their city walls. Therefore, Maximilian and Marie are married by proxy with his confidant Polheim acting as his substitute. Then the couple finally meets...

Maximilian saves Polheims life and rids himself of the conspirators. In order to dispel rumours that their first-born son is actually a girl, Maximilian and Marie have their son baptized in public. However, as the ducal family leaves the cathedral, Maximilian is stabbed. He escapes death by the skin of his teeth only to confront the young French Prince Charles in the Battle of Guinegate.