Nola Augustson

Queen Mary, unsure who to trust, tests her brother James to ensure his loyalty after hearing of his meeting with John Knox. Queen Elizabeth agrees to help Lord Darnley, in an attempt to sabotage the powerful suitor's relationship with Mary.

Mary discovers there is a leak within her inner circle and sets out to uncover the traitor. Queen Catherine goes to extremes to regain some of her lost power, while Queen Elizabeth attempts to use Narcisse to further her quest for supremacy.

Mary must choose between love and country, while Gideon attempts to show her why she should choose love. French court is in chaos as Catherine's daughter Leeza returns home, directing her animosity towards her sister Claude. Catherine struggles to cover for Charles as his behavior becomes increasingly erratic.

Mary makes a decision that will change the course of history, forever shaping the fate of her nation, her crown, and her newborn son. Mary's perilous move for her survival causes the stunning realization that perhaps she is not the only one who may not survive. Meanwhile, Elizabeth steadies herself for war and will become the instigator in Mary's demise while later realizing she and Mary might be more similar than either thought.

In order to get Mary to agree to a marriage, Lord Darnley must demonstrate his loyalty when she voices her concerns about his true intentions. Catherine and Narcisse work to repair King Charles' reputation after rumors spread about his strange behavior and threaten the throne.