Threatened by those in power in France and England, William and Harold each face grave danger, with their families in peril. Refuge in Flanders offers hope for new mother Matilda.
Harold and Edith risk their lives to bargain with William but get guarded reception. Harold's siblings face hardships trying to secure their family's future.
Ambition drives William and Harold to each seek costly alliances, against the advice of their womenfolk, to enhance their chances of winning the crown.