Catherine, Orlo and Velementov begin their rule of Russia and unexpected obstacles appear. Peter is on a journey of self-improvement under house arrest but convinces Catherine to let him attend her coronation and hand over his crown.

The Ottoman Ambassador pays Catherine a visit as tensions between the regions run high. But Peter fights to win his allegiance and prove to the court he is more fun than Catherine, in an attempt to destabilize her by throwing a baby shower.

A crocodile roams the court, and Archie sends everyone into uproar by suggesting it might be an omen against Catherine’s leadership.

Peter is once again tormented by his father, Peter the Great’s expectations and his failure to continue the legacy of his empire. Catherine must decide what to do about the unrest being stirred up in the regions, but Velementov is in no state to help her.

Catherine introduces divorce to the court with unforeseen consequences. Grigor befriends Maxim and goes stag hunting, and Elizabeth and Petrov go on a trip to the regions.