In 1800s California, Patricio and Dolores are in love but are torn by politics--he believes California should join the US, while she believes it should remain a part of Mexico. Convinced that Patricio is a coward and a traitor, she becomes engaged to Juan Diego, an officer in the Mexican army. However, Juan has a dark secret that Dolores knows nothing about that will affect not only his relationship with her but put all of California in jeopardy.