The King and his heir, Prince James, doted on the king's ward, the Earl of Leithbourne. He was like a brother to the prince, and like a son to the king. Both of them believed him and often consulted with him. But the Earl of Leithborn had his own devious plan. He wanted to take the throne himself. And it is not known how it would have ended if the court Jester had not suddenly intervened.

The final part of Mikhalkov's trilogy about Divisional Commander Kotov finds him returning home during World War II having been betrayed, narrowly escaped execution for treason and nearly reduced to dust in a prison camp. Only to discover that everything has changed and he will have to fight again for his name, for his honor, and for his love.