Episode 2 of "King & Conqueror" opens with Godwin being engulfed in nostalgic reverie, recounting the grim fate he sealed for Aethel, Emma's other flesh and blood. Harold, curious, inquires about Godwin's intentions for the impending encounter with King Edward the following day. The earl responds cryptically, intending to bow his head to Edward merely as a guise to uncover his true designs. He then urges Harold to rest, yet remain vigilant.
Gytha, never one to forget family ties, reminds Godwin that of his three sons, only Harold had sought him out. Elsewhere, Harold and Edith share intimate moments, discussing the possibility of their future separation, though Harold reassuringly vows to alleviate her concerns. Godwin subsequently requests Harold's companionship on their journey to meet Edward, opting to ride alongside him rather than Sweyn.
As they journey, Godwin harps on the delicate balance that must be maintained among the three earls. Meanwhile, Gytha discovers Edith's newfound pregnancy and implores her to keep it concealed from Harold, who already bears a heavy burden.
Upon their arrival in London, Godwin and his sons find themselves in the presence of King Edward. The king, stern and unyielding, pronounces Godwin guilty of violating the peace accord. He is stripped of his title and sentenced to exile, a punishment that extends to his entire family.
Godwin attempts to refute the accusations, insisting that he is not the one who disrupted the peace. Yet, Lady Emma and Edward remain unmoved, informing him that the Earl of Wessex will face battles not only within England but also against the Earls of Mercia and Northumbria.
In a moment of sacrifice, Godwin concedes to spare the people of Wessex from unnecessary death and devastation. However, Harold seethes with dissatisfaction. Lady Emma, ever calculating, declares Wessex as the King's domain, leaving Morcar stunned. Edward issues an ultimatum, commanding Godwin and his family to vacate England within a week. Lady Emma further tempts Godwin with the promise of reinstatement and the revocation of his exile if he were to return Aethel to her.
Across the Channel, in Normandy, William and his men hide in secrecy, dodging the relentless pursuit of Henry's forces. Meanwhile, Matilda, heavy with child, approaches the climax of her pregnancy, poised to welcome her new bundle of joy into the world. Henry, ruthless in his ambition, orders his soldiers to ensure that William is laid to rest before he reaches Flanders, Matilda's birthplace.
That fateful night, as Matilda's labor pains intensified, William and his men found themselves tethered to the spot. Matilda gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, yet William recoiled from cradling the newborn in his arms. Sensing his reluctance, Odo entrusted FitzOsbern with the delicate task of reasoning with William. Disheartened by the arrival of a male heir, William feared this would make him a prime target for Henry's wrath. FitzOsbern reminded him starkly that Henry's whims were beyond his control.
Across the Channel, in England, Morcar accused Edward and Lady Emma of betrayal. He invoked a pact forged with Edward's father and insisted on being named Earl of Wessex. Lady Emma countered, asserting that the people of Wessex would never accept Morcar as their earl while Godwin still breathed. Intriguingly, she goaded Morcar into committing an act of violence against a Wessex native.
Later that evening, Godwin announced to his family their impending voyage to Flanders. Distressed by his sons' insistent desire for war against England, Mercia, and Northumbria, Godwin's heart was heavy. Harold was astonished to learn of Godwin's dark secret – that he had slain Aethel to secure his daughter's marriage to England's future monarch. Gunhild declared her intention to stay behind, determined to bear an heir to the throne.
In their bedchamber, Harold reassured Edith that they would find refuge and safety in Flanders. However, Edith's concern for her unborn child was palpable. Meanwhile, William and Matilda, accompanied by their entourage, arrived in Flanders. Seeking asylum, William approached his father-in-law, Count Baldwin, who readily agreed to host them upon hearing of Henry's brutal act against Robert.
Matilda harbored suspicions; despite his marriage to Henry's sister, her father seemed unaware of this development. William vowed to seek vengeance against Henry but worried about the repercussions for his son. The following morning, grim news spread – Mercians had breached Wessex borders. Godwin urged his family to flee immediately, but their escape was cut short by the Mercians' sudden attack.
In the chaos, Edith paused to rescue a woman and found herself stranded. Mounting a horse, she was swiftly apprehended by Mercians, who intended to present her as a prize to Lady Emma.
Despite Matilda's persistent entreaties, William steadfastly refuses to acknowledge or even utter the name of his son. He finds himself pondering whether Baldwin stands by his side, vowing to shield their offspring from Henry's wrath. Meanwhile, Godwin and his sons valiantly overcome the Mercians, carving a path to the beach. In a moment of reflection, Godwin humbly apologizes to Harold for not heeding his advice when they had the chance.
William commissions FitzOsborne with the task of seeking out a family on the brink of exile. His devious plan is for this family to assume guardianship of their son, whom he christens Robert. Elsewhere in Mercia, Morcar's sister receives startling news: Edith is with child. Pleading for discretion, Edith implores her to keep the secret confined. Lady Emma is apprised of Morcar's failure to eliminate Godwin and his clan.
The episode culminates in a dramatic revelation for Harold—Edith has been captured. Driven by a desperate urge to rescue her, he attempts to turn back. Yet, his family, sensing the impending danger as Mercians sail into view, insists he flees to Flanders.
