Tensions between the Calafat and Martnez families reignite in the wake of Oriol's ambush on Cristbal. Zoe gets a surprise visitor in Ibiza.
Zoe learns about Axel's darker side, then helps Marcus with a messy situation. At a contentious board meeting, Andreu makes a big announcement.
On Anna's wedding day, Marcus's actions come back to haunt him. After suffering yet another loss, Zoe vows to finally figure out who killed Axel.
Oriol's attempts to forge better communication within his family yield more honesty than expected. Zoe embarks on another frantic search.
The strain on Zoe's marriage intensifies. When David hosts a reunion dinner with the crew, old tensions boil over, pushing Marcus to the brink.
After Axel's memorial service, a frustrated Zoe makes a bold move to force Marcus to come clean. Kika returns home when Andreu suffers a loss.
Hurtful revelations and a brutal injury create fractures within the Calafat family. Zoe's emotional state drives her to make some impulsive decisions.
Zoes trial date arrives. David hits a snag in his efforts to help Oriol with psychedelics. Clint's investigative tactics cross a line.
Zoe and Boxer run into trouble with the police, but their actions spark even bigger problems for Marcus. Oriol pushes hard for closure on Axel's murder.
The discovery of a body believed to be her brother leads Zoe Walker to Ibiza, where she reconnects with his old friend Marcus, a DJ and drug dealer.
Andy and Klein explore two last-ditch efforts to prove Jacobs innocence.
Catherine takes her first steps toward a coup. Taking advice from Marial, she attempts to seduce and recruit palace intellectual Count Orlo. Its a disaster. However, after seeing Peters brutal treatment of local nobles and unwillingness to listen, he decides to join Catherines coup.
Tensions mount as Catherine, Orlo, Velementov, Leo, and Marial try to get regional counts on board with the coup. A few of the men end up killed. When a body is discovered later, Peter decides to torture everyone at the palace to find the murderous traitors. Marial buckles under the pressure and confides in Archie about Catherines plans. Catherine realizes she is pregnant.
Catherines decides to move forward with the coup on her birthday. Peter isnt so easily overcome and holds Leo hostage as collateral. In exchange for a return to her status, Marial betrays Catherine to Peter and tells him that she is pregnant. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, without Leo. The battle begins.
Catherine feels optimistic about peaceful coexistence with Peter and their increasing chemistry. When smallpox breaks out in the servants quarters, however, Peter reverts to his old ways. Meanwhile, Leo and Catherines relationship suffers and Georgina misses Peter.
Catherines political abilities are tested when shes given an opportunity to travel abroad with Peter and Velementov to discuss ending the war with Swedish king. Velementov finally sees the potential of her leadership and decides to support the coup. Back at the palace, Leo wants to leave court. Marial tries to keep him there by telling him about the coup.
Peter has a new lease on life after his near-death experience. He is open to Catherines progressive ideas of introducing art and science to court and wants to focus on an heir. Orlo tries to figure out who poisoned Peter and faces demons of his own.
Catherine tries to manage her reputation at court and her relationship with Leo, both of which distract her from the coup. Meanwhile, the influential Patriarch of the church dies, and a new one must be chosen. Orlo sees an opportunity to try and influence Peter in the decision, and Archie makes moves.
Catherine, Orlo and Marial continue their coup planning. They try to recruit an unhappy military general, Velementov, for their cause during palace celebrations honoring Peters late father, Peter the Great. Peter, noting Catherines unhappiness at court, gifts Catherine a sterile lover, Leo. Shes hesitant at first, but Leo manages to charm her.
In , Catherine travels to Russia and becomes the Empress by marrying the Emperor of Russia, Peter. With hopes of marrying a great love, Catherine soon realizes Peter is a selfish brat who stands against everything she values. Catherine is feeling hopeless and verging on suicide when her servant, Marial, presents her with an alternative path to overthrow Peter.