Summary
In a sun-drenched, yet politically shadowed, southern European kingdom, a monarch finds himself ensnared in a loveless royal marriage, his queen a frigid, unyielding presence. This sterile union casts a long shadow, prompting the discerning Crown Prince to vow a different path for his own heart. He finds solace and passion in Gloria, the humble, adopted daughter of a fisherman, leading to a clandestine marriage that defies aristocratic convention. Meanwhile, the kingdom itself languishes under the rapacious grip of unscrupulous ministers, whose avarice manifests in crippling taxation, driving the populace to the brink. From this fertile ground of discontent sprouts 'The Idealists,' a clandestine society championing the common good, spearheaded by the fiery agitator Sergius Thord and shrouded in the enigma of a woman named Lotys. Driven by a burgeoning conscience and a desire to comprehend his subjects' plight, the King sheds his regal identity, immersing himself incognito within the Idealists' ranks as 'Pasquin Leroy.' Here, he confronts the stark reality of his advisors' perfidy, transforming from a mere figurehead into a resolute force for change. His newfound resolve, however, sparks a dangerous conspiracy amongst the threatened ministers, who, manipulating the pliant press, plot his demise. A direct assassination attempt, orchestrated by a ministerial secretary, is dramatically thwarted by Lotys, who bravely intercedes, taking the fatal blow intended for the sovereign. Her subsequent recovery ignites a profound connection, leading the King to declare his love for her. The narrative reaches a fever pitch when, during a fateful Idealists' meeting, lots are drawn to determine who will assassinate the monarch. Fate's cruel hand falls upon 'Pasquin Leroy' himself. In a moment of breathtaking revelation, the King unmasks his true identity, declaring his intent to fulfill the grim mandate, only to be restrained by Lotys. Ultimately, he dedicates himself to rectifying the systemic injustices, purging his corrupt advisors and restoring integrity to the throne. Yet, the King's hard-won happiness with Lotys is tragically brief; she falls victim to the vengeful Sergius Thord. Her final, poignant wish—to be set adrift upon the waves—is honored. In a profound act of devotion, the King, unable to endure life without her, forsakes his crown and plunges into the ocean's depths, joining his beloved. Life, however, inexorably continues. The Crown Prince, now King, returns with Gloria to govern a kingdom finally at peace, its people reconciled to the monarchy. The ancient cry, 'The King is dead: long live the King,' echoes through the multitude, ushering in an era of tranquility for the southern realm.
Synopsis
A king of a southern European country wedded a princess at royal-blood, who, however, displays no love for the monarch; in fact, she resembles a wall of ice in her frigidity. The crown prince heir to the throne knows of the gulf which separates his parents, and resolves that he will not make a similar mistake. He meets a beautiful young girl named Gloria, an adopted daughter of a fisherman, becomes infatuated with her, declares his love, and they are secretly married. The king is a king in name only, and the destinies of the nation are controlled by his ministers. The latter are an unscrupulous set, whose only mission in life is to benefit themselves, at the expense of the people. Exorbitant taxes are imposed upon the populace, who rise up and form a secret society called "The Idealists." led by a voting agitator named Sergius Thord. In the same organization is a mysterious woman called Lotys. The king, wishing to become acquainted with the grievances of his subjects, goes incognito to one of the secret meetings, and becomes a member of the Idealists, under the name of Pasquin Leroy. Here he learns of the wrongs that have been perpetrated by his advisers. The latter, in order to enrich themselves, enlist the sympathies of the puerile press, and decide that the king, who has now become a strong arm, must go. An attempt is made upon the monarch's life by one of the king's advisers' secretaries but he is caved through the intervention of Lotys, who throws herself between the assassin and the king and receives the thrust intended for the latter. She, however, recovers and the king later on declares his love for Lotys. At a meeting of the Idealists one night, lots are drawn to see who will do away with the monarch. It fails to the lot of Pasquin Leroy-the king himself. He then discloses his identity, and states his intention of carrying out his attract immediately. He is, however, prevented from doing so by Lotys. Ultimately he decides to right the wrongs of his people, and his "advisers'' are dishonored and replaced. The story of Lotys and her love for the king, who declares to her that he has at last found the happiness he so long sought, ends in a tragedy, in which Lotys perches at the hands of Sergius Thorn. She commands that her body will not be committed to earth, but that the body be placed upon a boat, and left to the mercy of wind and waves. The King faithful to his Lotys even when she is dead, leaves his palace and goes to join her in the mighty deep. But the great world goes on just the same, and the heir to the throne returns with his wife to control in peace the destinies of his people, who have now become reconciled to the throne, and abide by its ruling. The cry of "The King is dead: long live the King." is taken up by the multitude, and peace reigns supreme in the happy southern kingdom.
