Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great

The 35 year old, unmarried Czarina Elizaveta is unlikely to produce an heir. A German princess arrives as a potential wife for the prince, which would provide a new heir. There is much intrigue, including attempts on the princess' life.

Friederike becomes more and more accustomed to life in the palace. She spends as much time as she can getting to know her fiancé, Pyotr, and trying to win his favor. Some members of the court are displeased with her and try to take matters into their own hands.

After receiving her new name, Ekaterina is baptised and prepares for her wedding to Pyotr. Little does she know, her mother's affairs begin to jeopardize her chances of remaining safe and prosperous in Russia.

After the wedding, Pyotr remains distant from Ekaterina. He comes to believe that by conceiving a child, they would no longer be of use to Queen Elizabeth and would then be cast aside. Pyotr falls ill, sending him into a bitter spiral for his life.

After his recovery, Pyotr continues to distance himself from Ekaterina. As they grow more and more apart, Elizaveta loses hope of getting an heir to the throne. To assure Ekaterina gives birth to an heir, Elizaveta conspires with Prince Saltykov.

After the birth of her son, Ekaterina discovers that Pyotr's premonitions are coming true. Elizaveta decides to take their baby and raise him. Ekaterina is forced to watch her child grow from afar.

Ekaterina cares less and less about Elizaveta's opinion of her, flaunting her affairs and misdemeanors. Despite their mutual distaste, she and Pyotr begin to conspire, knowing that the Elizaveta has fallen ill.

Elizaveta recovers, putting Ekaterina and Pyotr's plan on hold. Pyotr begins to fall in love with a handmaiden and Ekaterina grows closer to Gregory Orlov, a brave soldier in the Russian army.

Elizaveta has fallen ill, yet again. Pyotr is in line to succeed her at last. But his rise to power has driven his distaste for Ekaterina into pure hatred. Russians at large have begun to see him as an unfit ruler, which unrest to spread throughout the kingdom.

Ekaterina sees a fatal weakness in Pyotr. She seizes her opportunity, and with the help of Gregory Orlov, begins a daring effort to take control of the throne.