During the Renaissance, two women fight for power: Elizabeth I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots. This confrontation was fueled by Phillip II of Spain and his crusade against Protestantism.

Among royalty, marriage is always a reason of State; because of the limited options, these two queens are very sought after: Mary, a Catholic, and Elizabeth, a Protestant.

Mary realizes she made a huge mistake when she married Lord Darnley, but her pregnancy makes it impossible for the marriage to be annulled.

Mary's marriage is on the rocks; the birth of Mary's son throws the fate of both England and Europe into chaos; worried about the rising tide of Protestantism, King Phillip unleashes the force of the Spanish Inquisition on his subjects.

King Philip II expands his war on Protestantism; a soothsayer tells Elizabeth to expect violence and bloodshed in Scotland.

Mary's army has deserted her; the invaders offer Mary a proposal from Elizabeth; Bothwell flees into exile; the pressure on Elizabeth intensifies; Mary and her supporters make a daring move.