Actor Peter Fedor rushes to the aid of his leading lady when she is harassed by three men. Because one of the men is Alexis, the Prince of Sherblandt, Peter is arrested. His resemblance to the prince gives Vellenburg, the prime minister, an idea. Sherblandt is on the verge of war with a larger country, and all that can save them is an alliance with neighboring Kordovia. To cement this alliance, Alexis must marry Princess Katerina, but because all Katerina's suitors have met mysterious deaths, Alexis refuses to court her. Vellenburg suggests that Peter pretend to be the prince and propose to Katerina in his name. Peter has no choice but to obey, but once he meets her, he finds the princess to be young, beautiful and charming. They fall in love and Peter confesses his real identity. Knowing it would mean Peter's death if she refused to marry Alexis, Katerina announces their engagement. Duke Charles of Votrav, who plans to marry Katerina himself, order Peter's death, as he has for all her other suitors. His attempts fail, however, and back home Peter is imprisoned for life, in case he should accidentally reveal the deception. Alexis refuses to meet the princess's train, and his mother, Queen Elinor, reminds him that he will be banished forever if he does not go through with the ceremony. Katerina tells the queen of her love for Peter, but the queen refuses to stop the wedding. Before the wedding, Alexis runs away suggesting that Peter take his place as prince. Vellenburg persuades the queen to agree, and Katerina and Peter are married.