Ann Pirvu

Mary ponders ways to take over the English throne, Elizabeth struggles to find an appropriate suitor to marry, and James gets caught up in a scheme orchestrated by John Knox.

Mary and Darnley are at odds as their plan to seize England is put into action, Elizabeth is conflicted about her feelings for Gideon, and Catherine's son Henri tries to claim the throne from Charles.

Mary struggles to survive childbirth, and Elizabeth discovers that someone in her inner circle caused the death of someone close to her.

Mary pursues her quest for justice as she launches a counter-attack on her conspirators, and Elizabeth suffers a major setback that turns her world upside down.

Mary's perilous move for her survival makes her realise that perhaps she is not the only one who may not survive. Elizabeth steadies herself for war and realises she and Mary might be more similar than either thought.

Darnley and John Knox try to strip Mary of her throne. Elizabeth must banish Gideon from court at the request of her future husband, while Charles takes a bold stance against his brother Henri.