Doncel de Don Enrique el Doliente is a romantic novel set in 15th century Spain during the reign of Enrique III of Castile, known as "the Mournful" due to his constant illnesses. The story revolves around Macías, a troubadour who falls in love with Elvira, a high-born Castilian lady who is married to Fernán Pérez de Vadillo, a nobleman and prominent member of Enrique III's court. Enrique de Villena, the king's uncle, desires to get rid of his wife, María Albornoz, in order to become the master of the Order of Calatrava. Elvira, who is a lady-in-waiting to Doña María, tries to thwart Villena's schemes, while Macías tries to win her back and prevent Enrique de Villena from sacrificing her in order to become the master of Santiago, leading to a labyrinth of plots, disguises, duels, and adventures.