Catherine aims to unite France under King Charles IX, pushing her agenda of a secular state; the Bourbons present an ambitious trade deal with Protestant England; as tensions rise on the Privy Council, the Guise's plan to reignite religious conflict.

With peace balanced on a knife's edge, Catherine attempts to calm tensions by allowing the Bourbons to pursue the trade deal with England. Catherine halts the investigation into the Duke of Guise's arson involvement.

News of Edith's miracle spreads throughout Europe; the Bourbon's leverage an opportunity for England to exploit France; Catherine must return urgently to France when Anjou's temper causes damage.

Catherine relinquishes her seat on the Privy Council, but not before securing a place for Anjou; a religious war is on the horizon as Queen Elizabeth lands in the Netherlands; France's saving grace may be a marriage.

Queen Elizabeth's arrival sparks manipulation and intrigue within the Valois Court; a dramatic fencing match for the Queen's affections ends in a shocking revelation, leaving the Court in turmoil.

Tensions escalate as Edith and her followers wield newfound power while Catherine grapples with political manipulations and betrayals; as Queen Elizabeth's schemes unravel, Catherine must strategize to secure power and navigate a web of deceit.

Catherine's actions lead to chaos and bloodshed, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake; Catherine's desperate measures may prevent total war, or they could unleash forces beyond her control.