Catherine is visited by the UK and US ambassadors both wanting her to intervene in the War of Independence. Maxim takes issue with the public displays of affection between Grigor and Marial.
Catherine involves the peasants, nobles and merchants in a conference designed to bring change to Russia. Peter's hunt for revenge on an historic enemy threatens to destabilize Catherine's attempt to outlaw murder.
Arkady and Tatyana help Peter and Catherine through a rough patch as they clash over their son, Paul, whom Catherine fears will grow up to be a ruthless leader and so refuses to ordain him, to the alarm of Archie and Elizabeth.
Peter is once again tormented by his father's expectations and his failure to continue the legacy of his empire. Catherine must decide to do about the unrest being stirred up in the regions, but Velementov is in no state to help her.
Catherine tries to persuade Peter to come home whilst Hugo re-doubles his attempts to regain his kingdom. Georgina continues to play her complicated court games.
Catherine wants to bring more fun to the court, so she stages a festival of truth, jokes and stunningly clever ideas with Georgina's help. Katya puts on a play challenging Catherine's reign and Catherine samples Peter's salty desserts.
Catherine introduces divorce to the court with unforeseen consequences. Grigor befriends Maxim and takes him stag hunting, while Elizabeth and Petrov go on a trip to the regions.
Catherine orders Grigor to hide out in the forest with Paul and plays a dangerous game with herself to prove that her destiny lies in Russia, while grappling with the impact Peter's decisions have on her rule.
Court scientist Nikolai announces a comet is about to pass Russia, a phenomenon Catherine uses to her advantage while unearthing a new side of her leadership in the face of some huge challenges.
