King & Conqueror

On the eve of Edward the Confessor's coronation, Harold of Wessex saves the life of William of Normandy. A friendship is formed--one that will change the course of history forever.

The Godwins are exiled and flee, but Edith is captured. Harold must choose whether to risk death to save his wife or stay with his children. William and Matilda are on the run, now with their newborn son, and seek refuge in Flanders.

After Harold fails to rescue Edith, he allies Wessex with Mercia and Northumbria. William seeks Norman support as tensions rise with King Henry. Harold persuades his father to name him Earl of Wessex over Sweyn.

The Earls seize control of England, rescuing Edith and weakening King Edward. Lady Emma offers Norway's King Hardrada the throne, and Edward kills her, naming William his successor. Harold promises on Godwin's deathbed he will take the crown instead.

Tensions rise between Harold and William when Edward names William as his heir. Matilda and Edith struggle to help in finding an alliance. Meanwhile, Sweyn is killed, tragedy befalls Tostig, and King Edward falls gravely ill.

Following the King's death, loyalties are tested as Harold races to secure the crown. He makes a shrewd political move, but will his decision protect his family, or curse it? Meanwhile, in the North, a dangerous invader lands in England.

Harold faces Hardrada in battle and triumphs, but loses his beloved brother Tostig. William sacrifices his oldest companion, Fitz, to secure the ships for his invasion. Both men have lost everything and all that is left is the crown of England.

William and Harold finally meet at Hastings where they must fight to the death. William is victorious and is crowned William I of England, while Harold's family must flee for their lives.