The fourth episode of "King & Conqueror" kicks off with a dramatic assault on London by the trio of earls, casting a shadow of despair over Edward, who shrinks in realization of his impending defeat. Lady Emma, unrelenting in her scorn, scorches him with accusations of failure. At this critical juncture, Harold arrives with murderous intent towards Edward, yet pauses to inquire about Edith. He brokers a deal: Edward's life spared in exchange for sired legitimacy with Gunhild. Meanwhile, Harold discovers Edith, who has secretly given birth to their daughter, Fraya. With his family in tow, including the newborn, Harold retreats to the safety of Wessex. Reunited yet torn apart by months of separation from her children, Edith grapples with the complexities of her new reality in Wessex.
In the turmoil of London, Gunhild invites Edward to her chambers under the veil of night, an invitation he views with trepidation. Lady Emma, sensing an opportunity, pressures Gunhild to retract, yet Edward, displaying a rare moment of defiance, stands by her side. Emma's frustration spikes, urging Edward to secure an heir, mocking his inability to conceive one himself. Elsewhere, Henry flees France in disgrace, finding refuge among the wary Dukes united against him.
Back in Normandy, William's suspicions about Odo's loyalty to Henry grow ever stronger. As a precaution, he exiles Odo to a secluded church in Bayeux. Concurrently, Harold conveys the somber news of Earl Siward of Northumbria's passing to his father, Godwin. The elder Godwin implores his son to bestow the earldom upon Sweyn, but Harold asserts that Tostig is a more fitting candidate for the honor.
In Normandy, Baldwin confidentially reveals to Matilda that, upon Henry's demise, he would assume the role of guardian to his son, Phillip. Seizing the moment, Matilda urges William to leverage this arrangement as a strategy to wield influence over France. Meanwhile, in Wessex, the air is thick with celebration as Harold publicly bestows the title of Earl of Northumbria upon Tostig during his nuptials with Judith. This announcement stirs a tempest of emotions within Sweyn, who finds himself eclipsed not only by one but both of his younger siblings. In a bid to diffuse tensions, Harold exiles Sweyn to Jerusalem. Amidst these developments, Harold observes his father's declining health with growing concern, yet Godwin, with a heavy heart, cautions his son against making Sweyn an adversary.
Across the Channel, in England, Gunhild unearths Lady Emma's treacherous designs against Edward and exposes her treachery. Incensed, Edward confronts Emma for secretly summoning King Hadrada of Norway without his authorization. Emma, with a sneer of disdain, mocks Edward's perceived weakness and cowardice. Enraged beyond measure, Edward savagely attacks and slays Lady Emma, using his crown as a weapon, leaving her face disfigured. Although repelled by the brutal scene, Gunhild stands by Edward's side, urging him to secure the succession of the English throne.
Concurrently, Tostig and Judith arrive in Northumbria, where she shares the joyous news of her pregnancy. Back in Normandy, Baldwin informs Matilda of Henry's expedition, only for William to seize the opportunity and mortally wound Henry. With solemnity, Baldwin introduces William and Matilda to Henry's young heir, Phillip. Meanwhile, Gunhild discovers Edward's correspondence and ruthlessly eliminates the messenger. Wessex, where it leaves Harold reeling from Edward's secret designs for England's future.
At this critical juncture, Godwin, in his final moments, meets with Harold and warns him of impending turmoil. He solemnly predicts that Edward will install William as king, igniting a fiery war among the English people.
As Godwin drew his final breath, he implored Harold to ascend the throne of England on behalf of its people. The scene concludes with Emma's message winging its way to Norway, summoning King Hadrada with an urgent plea to journey to England and claim the crown for himself.
