King Henry V's new French Queen, Catherine, dazzles the crowds in England, blithely unaware of court undercurrents building against her. 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. Back in England, the regency council removes the new young king from Catherine's care, and she retires to her dower estates, taking the King's harper, Owen Tudor, with her as Steward. At the secluded manor of Hadham, a smouldering ember bursts into flame as Catherine and Owen Tudor become lovers.