Moscow, during the grim reign of Ivan the Terrible. Elena has been married off to Druzhina Morozov — a wealthy and influential man, yet old and worn by loneliness. He is not cruel. He is quiet, dignified, and tired. He looks at his young wife as if she is the last ray of light in his fading life.

Elena is obedient, gentle. She shows no emotion — not toward him, nor the world. He believes her heart is dead... until one evening, at dusk, he approaches the window of his chamber and sees: in the garden, half-hidden by leaves, Elena and the young prince Nikita. Their hands barely touch, their words are nearly whispers. But their eyes say everything.

Druzhina watches for a long time. His face remains still, but something deep inside him quietly breaks. He steps back from the window, leaning heavily on his cane. He raises no voice, no accusation. He simply tells his servant:

— “Make sure the garden stays empty today.”