With war brewing with Holland, Back in 1671, a penniless prince invites Louis XIV to three days of celebrations at a chateau at Chantilly. The prince needs a commission as an overall, so the extravagances would be to impress the king. Accountable of most is the steward, Vatel. The prince is craven in his longing for prestige: no task is too menial or dishonorable to him to provide Vatel. He finds himself attracted the king mistress, to Anne de Montausier while Vatel attempts to preserve dignity. Back in Vatel, she finds living his principles out within the casual cruelties of politics. Can the two of them escape unscathed?