A young Elizabeth lives in dangerous times, leading the Protestant rebellion against her Catholic half-sister Mary, and challenging her claim to the throne.

The unmarried young Queen is encouraged to find a suitable husband so that she can produce an heir, but she finds that very few suitors interest her.

Queen Elizabeth finds her position increasingly threatened by Mary, Queen of Scots and her loyal supporters. Will Elizabeth have to execute Mary in order to remain Queen?

With the threat of war against Spain suddenly imminent, Elizabeth must place her faith in the strength of the Navy, led by Sir Francis Drake.

An elderly Queen Elizabeth instructs the Earl of Essex to quell the threat of an Irish uprising, but will she have to deal with a rebellion of her own?

Elizabeth meets an interesting suitor, the Duke of Anjou, much to the Puritans' disapproval. Now Elizabeth must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.