As Chancellor Elena Vernham prepares for the upcoming Victory Day celebration, Cpl. Herbert Zubak arrives at the palace where he becomes quickly acquainted with his new boss’ stringent health precautions. Following a briefing with her ministers regarding a pending cobalt agreement with the US, Elena reprimands Zubak for adhering too rigidly to instructions at her lavish banquet.

Worried about Zubak’s increasing influence, Nicholas conspires with Laskin, Schiff and Singer to find ways to discredit the corporal in Elena’s eyes. With the cobalt agreement facing obstacles, Elena welcomes Senator Judith Holt to the palace to negotiate a bilateral agreement. Later, Agnes deflects Laskin’s questions about her ailing son’s unexpectedly good health.

After sending Zubak to take her place at a cabinet meeting, Elena fields remarks about her recent land reform policies and America’s apparent disinterest since Sen. Holt’s visit. After throwing a birthday party for her late father, Elena orders a controversial military mission…and assigns Zubak to the front lines.

While Zubak uncovers the true location of Keplinger - the chancellor’s biggest political rival - Elena, attempts to do damage control in the wake of a devastating accident. With public sentiment against her growing, Elena and Nicholas make a rare trip beyond the confines of the palace to meet with factory workers. Meanwhile, Agnes’ loyalty is challenged by an offer from an unidentified source.

With Christmas nearing and violence on the rise, Elena remains steadfast in her decision to not abandon her people, despite being advised to leave the palace. Meanwhile, Schiff, Singer and Huber contemplate a scenario where the increasingly unpredictable chancellor could be ousted. Elsewhere, Peter suggests a way for Agnes and her son to escape the palace to safety…albeit it with a cost.

With the palace walls now breached, Elena and Zubak are on the run – and relying on help from an everyday citizen – to prevent capture by the rebels. Later, Elena uses her diplomatic skills – and a touch of duplicity – in a final bid to stay in power.