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.

Catherine's grief over the loss of Leo during the coup finally catches up with her. Peter's part in Leo's death, and the discovery that he just murdered a noble, causes Catherine to lock Peter in his apartment with his mummified mother.

The Ottoman Ambassador pays Catherine a visit as tensions between the regions run high.

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's team is falling apart and she begins doubting her reign when her mother comes to visit.

Elizabeth pronounces that Catherine's baby will be born in 7 days and the court begins preparations involving rituals for Peter and Catherine.

Catherine and Peter are co-parenting their newborn son, Paul, with the help of Elizabeth and trying to avoid their feelings for each other.

Catherine makes a devastating discovery about Peter before traveling to the war front for a meeting with the Sultan.