Henry's age catches up to him during Christmas celebrations, but his youthful and randy court continues the party without him. The arrogant Lord Surrey takes aim at the powerful Seymour clan.
The rebellion now known as the Pilgrimage of Grace begins in earnest, with Henry dispatching Brandon to deal with the uprising. Bedridden due to the recurrence of his jousting injury, Henry takes a new mistress.
Henry continues undermining the Catholic Church's influence in England. Anne resolves to consummate her relationship with the king, even as Charles Brandon begins planting doubts about her virtue.
Henry contemplates an alliance with Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, King of Spain, despite his Field of Cloth of Gold ceremony celebrating allegiance to France. Elizabeth gives birth to the king's illegitimate son.