In Renaissance Italy, Carla Buonomi is determined to find a new life for herself where she can put her artistic talents to good use. Dressed as a boy - albeit a very pretty one - she travels to Florence and finds work as an apprentice to master craftsman, Piero Cortoni. All goes well until she is expected to perform licentious favours for her employer - who discovers her gender bending secret.

In an atmosphere of repressed passion, Carla has to ensure that Piero keeps his word. If the Guild of Apothecaries finds out, she will face not only expulsion but also severe and humiliating punishment.