After she travels to Russia to marry the emperor, Catherine learns that Peter is self-centered, after which she thinks of a plan to overthrow him.
Catherine's views on Russia and her position as empress take a serious turn.
A new friend is sent to Catherine by the emperor, while recruitment to Catherine's cause is facing difficulties.
Catherine searches for ways to untangle herself as she finds herself trapped in the intrigues of the court.
A surprising incident pushes Catherine closer to either strengthening her position or facing execution.
Following his escaping death, Peter becomes open to Catherine's modern ideas and wishes to sire an heir.
Catherine's hopefulness ends as an outbreak of smallpox causes Peter to return to his former ways.
The political skills of Catherine are put to the test when she gets a chance to go abroad.
After finding a dead body, Peter decides to put everyone in the palace through hell to find the culprits.
Pushing ahead with the coup, Catherine realizes that the only way to a better Russia is through fighting.