The Great

The heir's bride arrives in St. Petersburg, but he disapproves of her. Zalessky falls into a position within the court, due to his language skills. The young Catherine falls ill, all hope seems to be lost for her. Zalessky is awarded with a higher rank after retrieving documents suggested to be harmful to the Empire.

Despite obvious tensions, the prince and young Catherine are married and a grand reception follows. The morning after however, Peter's lie causes a shameful display and the Empress conveys her disapproval of his mentality towards the throne. Five years pass after Peter and Catherine are sent to a great palace, but their relations never seem to reach a remedy.

The Empress gives Catherine a generous gift. Catherine wins the favor of the imperial soldiers, further deteriorating her relationship with Peter. Zalessky challenges Grigory Orlov to a duel.

Peter is infected with smallpox, but makes a quick recovery that leaves him scarred. The army moves out to the battle front. After Peter is caught peeping, the Empress gives him a harsh punishment. Zalessky retrieves some important documents that might just prevent a war.

Catherine gives birth to a son, Paul, but he is swiftly taken away by the Empress. Zalessky is married and has a daughter. Bestuzhev hatches a plan for Catherine to see her son. Saltykov claims the baby is his, but Catherine denies it.

The British ambassador proposes an interesting deal to Catherine, but her decision is uncertain. Zalessky and Orlov are thrown in jail after fighting with the secretary of the British ambassador, Poniatowski. Catherine pleads for their release. When the Empress falls ill, Peter hosts the grand reception to see the troops off to war.