Sebastian Faure is only fifteen years old when he meets the young nobleman Balthazar de Creon. De Creon, struck by the boys beauty as much as his talent as a herbal healer, orders Sebastian to his manor so he can instruct him in the ways of the court. His motives are however clouded by his lust and after a brief period of restraint, Balthazar and Sebastien abandon themselves to their passions and imaginations. But in 1749 their affair scandalises the French court and Balthazar is faced with a heartbreaking ultimatum repudiate Sebastien and live, or do not, and die.