Catherine travels to Russia in 1761 and becomes Empress by marrying Peter, the Emperor of Russia. Catherine soon realises Peter is a selfish brat and feels hopeless until her servant Marial presents her with an alternative path.

Catherine takes the first steps toward a coup by recruiting palace intellectual Count Orlo. After witnessing Peter's treatment of local nobles, Orlo decides to join Catherine's coup.

Catherine, Marial, and Orlo continue their coup planning and try to recruit unhappy general Velementov for their cause. Noting Catherine's unhappiness, Peter gifts her with a sterile lover.

Catherine tries to oversee her reputation at court and her relationship with Leo, both of which distract her from coup business. The influential Patriarch of the church dies and a new one must be chosen right away.

As the war with Sweden continues, Aunt Elizabeth and Catherine visit the Russian front. Velementov, Orlo, and Marial try to push Catherine toward takeover as Peter's life hangs in the balance.

Peter has a new attitude after his near-death experience, and is open to Catherine's progressive ideas of introducing art and science to court. Orlo tries to determine who poisoned Peter and faces his own demons.