King Henry V's new French queen, Catherine, dazzles the crowds in England, blithely unaware of court undercurrents building against her. Her loyal companion, Guillamette, suspects conspiracies against her queen. But her warnings are ignored, for Catherine believes herself invincible as she gives birth to an heir. Tragedy strikes when King Henry is struck down by fever back in France and Catherine rushes to his deathbed. A weak and weeping dowager queen follows the slow funeral cort�ege through France and the King's Harper, Owen Tudor, plays to comfort her. Back in England, the regency council removes the new young king from her care, and a defeated Catherine retires to her dower estates, taking Owen with her as Steward. At the secluded manor of Hadham, a smouldering ember bursts into flames as Catherine and Owen Tudor become lovers. But their love cannot remain a secret forever, and when a grab for power is made by the Duke of Gloucester, Catherine, and those dearest to her, will once again face mortal danger.