Catherine is frustrated by the lack of meaningful change in her rule of Russia. Seeking to shake the court out of its complacency, she plays a joke on them involving a serf to prove a point.
Catherine moves forward with the coup. Marial betrays her by revealing a secret. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, no matter the sacrifices.
Catherine's political abilities are tested when she's given an opportunity to travel abroad. Leo wants to leave court. Marial tries to keep him there by telling him about the coup.
A body is discovered. Peter decides to torture everyone at the palace to find the murderous traitors. Marial confides in Archie about Catherine's plans. Catherine has a life changing revelation.
Four months after launching a coup against her husband, a pregnant Catherine gains the upper hand in her war against Peter. Being deeply in love with Catherine and their unborn child does little to dissuade her from taking his throne.
Catherine, Orlo, and Velementov begin their rule of Russia and unexpected obstacles soon appear. Peter is on a journey of self-improvement under house arrest but convinces Catherine to let him attend her coronation and hand over his crown.
