In 1557 a prematurely aged, ill, and very irritable Charles V (H.R.E.) retires to a small isolated monastery in western Spain. He is burdened by his failures and unresolved political, military and religious problems. His only comfort and solace are his memories and reveries of his much loved mistress Barbara.Blomberg who bore him a son who became Europe's celebrated and idolized, Don Juan of Austria. And his revelations of his lifelong relationship with Barbara are revealing and make a wonderful touching; and emotional love story.