While king Henry leads his troops on a routine penal expedition, Italian count Vincent arrives as honored guest, received by Medici queen Catherine, but his escort overpowers the castle guards to take the court hostage, with the bloody desire to take revenge for the captivity and death after expensive ransom of his only son Roberto. Francis, Catherine, Mary and Bash attempt various plans to escape or appease the count's vindictive intent, counting on unreliable Olivia for the most ambitious escape route. Cook Bayard and Greer fight off an abusive soldier. Diane bribes the Italians and hopes to have the pope legitimate Sebastian, who refuses however to become a rival for Francis's future throne.
—KGF Vissers