Synopsis: In 1348, a select group of nobles and their attendants flee the plague-ridden cities for the safety of a secluded villa. Their retreat quickly devolves into a wine-soaked and debaucherous escape from reality. Among them is Filomena, a wealthy and pragmatic woman who’s lost her entire family to the Black Death. She’s accompanied by Licisca, her cunning handmaiden, who secretly attempts to assume her mistress's identity—only for the real Filomena to survive and remain hidden in plain sight as a servant. Meanwhile, the villa’s guests—Leonardo's cousins—arrive under the pretense of celebrating his marriage, unaware that Leonardo is already dead. Their presence brings disruption, laughter, and even unintended violence. Tensions boil over when the lady of the house, Pampinea, finally reaches her limit.

Scene: The Breaking Point Pampinea: (shouting) “Enough!” (She whirls on the men, voice sharp as a blade. “Ruggiero, you must leave this house. Now.”

Ruggiero: (smirking, feigning confusion) “I’m sorry?”

Pampinea: (coldly) “Finally, an apology. But it comes far too late. You are no longer welcome here.” Ruggiero: (his tone turns mocking) “Leave? Oh, we’ve only just begun. We’ve whores arriving. It would be terribly rude to cancel.” Pampinea: (her patience shatters) “Get out!” Ruggiero: (cruelly) “No wonder dear Leonardo kept his distance. He must’ve realized the truth—he married a bitter, joyless harpy.” Misia: (stepping forward, voice steady but burning) “Watch your tongue, cur. The lady has spoken. You will leave, or be thrown out like the dog you are.” Ruggiero: (raising a brow, taunting) “A dog, am I? Funny, coming from a desperate little bitch.” Filomena: (eyes flashing as she steps forward) “You vile, reeking, sagging old leech. Take your rot elsewhere before this house spits you out.” Ruggiero: (leering at her) “Lorenzo... this servant girl has wounded my feelings. What shall we do about it?” Lorenzo: (darkly) “Teach her some manners.” Ruggiero: (grinning, stepping closer) “Yes. That sounds about right.” (Misia moves to protect Filomena, but Lorenzo intercepts her with a violent shove. She stumbles back, struck.) Filomena: (horrified) “Misia!” (She rushes forward, but Ruggiero grabs her wrist, yanking her back.) “Let go of me! Misia!” Misia: (struggling to her feet, her voice cracking with emotion) “Unhand her! She's a lady! A lady, do you hear me?” (The room stills. All eyes turn to her.) Misia: (defiant now, voice rising) “She is the true Signora Filomena. Of House Eduardo. Leonardo’s cousin. Your blood. Your kin.” (A shocked silence falls. Even Ruggiero’s expression falters.)