Six years after Ekaterina has taken the throne, conditions are harsh and Russia faces the threat of famine; the empress prepares to marry her longtime love, Grigory.

Discussing relations between Russia and Poland; Grigory seeks a treatment for his illness; a Turkish ambassador arrives in St. Petersburg.

Ivan Ovanovich takes up a position in Ekaterina's court; Pavel Petrovich amd Semyon Andreevich visit the summer palace; Ekaterina keeps her eye on Lieutenant Potemkin.

Grigory ignores the significance of his illness; the empress refuses gifts from the Turkish ambassador; Alexy Orlov begs Ekaterina to accept a rare breed of horse from the Turks.

Nobles dance at a glittering party at the palace as Anna Petrovna storms in, bringing with her a deadly disease; Count Panin succumbs to his gambling vice; Pavel and Alexey become friends.

The Holy Synod attempts to influence Ekaterina's decision about marriage to Grigory; Count Panin upholds Pavel's rights as heir to the throne; the Russian ambassador arrives to a less-than-warm welcome in Constantinople.