95 BC, Artashat. The king has died. The governor Vram declares that the king has entrusted him with the country. The general objects, saying that the heir to the throne is still alive. A number of princes declare their loyalty to Vram. The advisor suspects Vram's intentions and informs Princess Astghik about this. Meanwhile, Vram meets with the Parthian and Roman envoys, then instructs his advisor to write a letter with the king's seal, and then has him killed. At the same time, in the general's castle, the maid Sose learns that she is expecting a child from Sparapet's younger son, Hayk, and informs him. And the general notices one of the young men, Mushegh, caught in a trap in the market.