It receives word about two imposters: one a princess from Paris, who claims to be the granddaughter of Peter the Great, and the other, an experienced Cossack warrior who claims to be a descendant of the Romanov's.
Ekaterina II meets with the grand council to discuss their next move. Princess Tarakanova is on the move with the help of her new Polish friends and the French crown. Pavel Petrovich and Natalia Alexeievna visit the old mansion of Peter III. Potemkin prepares for his expedition in the south. Alexey Orlov asks to return to his duties.
Ekaterina digs deeper into Princess Tarakanova's history with the help of some old friends. Princess Tarakanova raises the morale of her new friends and protectors. Pavel Pterovich find an unexpected confidante in Ekaterina Nelidova. Natalia Alexeievna sets a plan into motion, one that would allow Sofia Stepanovna to see her son.
Ekaterina Nelidova graduates, and Ekaterina II makes her Natalia Alexeievna's maid of honor. Nikita Panin recalls fond memories of Lyosha when a letter arrives. When Pavel Petrovich receives word of Natalia Alexeievna's plan, he struggles to join the cause.
After learning of Pavel Petrovich's secret constitution, Nikita Panin shares his secret manifesto. While planning her next move, Princess Tarakanova plays a dangerous game to score some cash. Andrey Razumovsky finds trouble with his friend's fiance.
Ekaterina II and Girgory Potemkin arrive in the south and meet two unruly, but interesting officers. Andrey Razumovsky readies for a duel that will mean life or death. Shuvalov, the old lover of Elizaveta Petrovna, arrives to help Princess Tarakanova. Nikita Panin makes a case for his brother's return to the corps.
