Following the death of Henry VIII, his three children; Mary, Elizabeth and Edward are now pawns in a dangerous game as the English court is plunged into a race for control of the new England they find themselves in.

Christmas at court, and a controversial masque leaves Protestant Edward and Catholic Mary at odds. Elizabeth finds herself in the middle as Mary demands she come live with her. The Lord Protector Somerset tries to keep the peace between the siblings.

Elizabeth’s decision to side with one sibling leaves the Lord Protector Somerset trying to maintain the balance between the two opposing religions. As Catherine’s sworn enemy is released from the Tower, Elizabeth is horrified by the chain reaction she has unwittingly begun.

Having been sent away from Catherine and Thomas’ household, Elizabeth is amongst strangers in the house of Kat’s brother-in-law Antony Denny, and terrified of anyone finding out her secrets from Chelsea Place. Catherine and Thomas put on a united front to the court and the king.

Elizabeth, changed by her experiences, is determined to not fall into the same traps she did when last she was at Chelsea, but soon faces a new test. While the court has been rocked by Mary’s defiance, the Lord Somerset is still more concerned with raising funds for the war in Scotland.

Thomas’ actions have implicated Elizabeth, and whilst under house arrest, Elizabeth must clear her name as she is interrogated by the Lord Dudley. The Lord Somerset is rocked by his brother’s actions and faces the furious council and the badly shaken king who demand action. Mary comes to London to face her disgraced little sister.

It’s a new age with a new Lord Protector, and Edward, now free from his uncle Somerset’s influence is emboldened to pursue ever more ruthless Protestant reforms and to seek new alliances. His sisters are useful tools for the new aims of England, as he decides both should marry.

The king is sick and the court that made an enemy of Catholics now face the possibility of being ruled by one as Mary rides to Whitehall. Mary and Elizabeth are briefly reunited in their love for their sick brother but Edward is distraught that his legacy of a Protestant England dies with him if Mary succeeds to the throne.