As Christmas nears violence escalates but Elena refuses to abandon her people despite advice to flee the palace. Schiff, Singer and Huber contemplate removing the unpredictable chancellor. Peter offers a risky escape for Agnes and her son.
Nicholas teams up with Laskin, Schiff, and Singer to undermine Corporal Zubak's influence on Elena. Simultaneously, Elena negotiates a cobalt deal with Senator Holt while Agnes evades Laskin's questions about her son's mysterious recovery.
Elena replaces herself with Zubak at a cabinet meeting. She faces criticism over her land reform policies and America's indifference. After her father's birthday party, she orders a military operation and sends Zubak to the front lines.
With palace walls breached, Elena and Zubak flee, seeking civilian help to evade rebel capture. Elena uses diplomacy and deception in a desperate bid to retain power.