Princess Frederika of Germany journeys to a new future in the royal court of Empress Elizabeth of Russia, and a marriage to a Russian prince.

Fredericka becomes more and more accustomed to life in the palace and spends her time getting to know her fiancé, Pyotr, and trying to win his favour.

After the wedding, Pyotr remains distant from Ekaterina; Pyotr becomes ill, sending him into a bitter spiral.

After his recovery, Pyotr is no longer interested in Ekaterina; as they grow more and more distant, Queen Elizabeth loses hope of getting an heir to the throne.