The Serpent Queen

Catherine aims to unite France under King Charles IX, pushing her agenda of a secular state. The Bourbons present an ambitious trade deal with Protestant England. As tensions rise on the Privy Council, the Guise’s plan to reignite religious conflict.

With peace lying on a knife’s edge, Catherine attempts to calm tensions by allowing the Bourbons to pursue the trade deal with England, and she halts the investigation into the Duke of Guise’s arson involvement.

News of Edith’s miracle spreads throughout Europe, inspiring many to call her a Prophet. When France’s fragile political climate reaches Queen Elizabeth, the Bourbon’s trade proposal leverages an opportunity for England to exploit France. Catherine must return urgently to France when Anjou’s temper causes Hercule to be dangerously injured.

Catherine seeks retribution for the court’s defiance in her absence. But with Charles ready to make his own rules, he rejects his mother’s influence. With a rebellion on the rise, a mysterious plan is set, but when loyalty can be so easily swayed…miracles can happen.

Catherine relinquishes her seat on the Privy Council, but not before absolving Anjou of any responsibility in Hercule’s death and securing him a place on the Council. With religious war on the horizon and as Queen Elizabeth lands in the Netherlands, can a marriage be France’s saving grace?

Queen Elizabeth's arrival sparks manipulation and intrigue within the Valois Court. Catherine schemes to secure peace through a marriage alliance, but personal betrayals threaten to unravel her plans. A dramatic fencing match for the Queen's affections ends in a shocking revelation, leaving the Court in turmoil.