At a duchess's banquet, a mysterious woman named Helena arrives, displaying a royal seal. The duchess, the host, confronts her, demanding she leave and ordering guards to seize her. Helena declares she has come for a man named Alex, claiming he is her fiancé. The duchess retaliates, claiming Alex is in love with her, and the guests are shocked by Helena's high status. Alex affirms Helena is his wife, but the crowd doubts him. Helena reassures him she will prove the truth, leaving the confrontation unresolved.