Episode 5 of "King & Conqueror" kicks off with Harold receiving intelligence of Sweyn's sinister plot to retaliate against him for his recent deeds. Recognizing the importance of forging alliances, he resolves to journey to Normandy to confer with William and extends an invitation to Edith, cognizant of Edward's desire to anoint William as his heir.
Their voyage to Normandy, however, takes an unexpected turn when Alain, the Duke of Brittany, abducts Harold and Edith. Fortuitously, William and his勇士 come to their rescue, thwarting Alain's treacherous scheme. Grateful for his life being spared, Harold expresses his thanks to William and unveils Edward's letter. He elucidates to William and Matilda that the throne of England is not a mere gift bestowed by Edward, but rather a matter decided by the three powerful earls of the realm.
Intriguingly, William discerns that Harold seeks Normandy's alliance to solidify his grip on the throne. Meanwhile, in Brittany, Alain implores his father to forge an alliance with William, but the elder duke remains deaf to his son's pleas.
As dawn breaks, a casual conversation ensues between William and Harold, where they reminisce about their respective brothers, Sweyn and Odo. However, the atmosphere grows tense when William inquires why Sweyn, despite being older than Harold, lacks the title of Earl.
In Northumbria, Judith, heavy with child, observes Tostig's benevolent and prudent rule over his people. She takes note of the wise decisions he has been making for his subjects.
Back in Normandy, Matilda harbors concerns about her father's timely arrival amidst Harold's visit. Meanwhile, William ponders over Harold's proposition, weighing its merits. Matilda urges William to seize the opportunity, but he wonders aloud why Harold would seek to thwart his aspirations for the crown. Despite Matilda's attempts to persuade him, William asserts his autonomy, requesting that she refrain from making decisions for him as Henry once did.
A soldier by the name of Tallifer lends a compassionate hand to FitzOzbern, whose knee is grievously wounded, and a bond seems to blossom between them. Meanwhile, Joseph embarks on a journey to Orléans, tasked by Harold to seek out Sweyn. Across the Channel in England, Edward's sanity appears to be slipping as he mutters prayers to God, seeking answers he cannot find. He accuses Emma of whispering lies about him to the Almighty, unaware that Gunhild is using the divine will as a tool to gaslight and manipulate him, mirroring Emma's tactics.
In Normandy, Bishop Odo of Bayeux arrives to officiate mass, casting a shadow of worry over William's countenance. The following day, Matilda engages in a heart-to-heart with Edith, probing to see if Harold can sway the Earls to accept William as their king. Edith contends that Harold would merely be a second-in-command to a foreign ruler, a prospect the English people would surely reject. Matilda, recognizing that both their husbands aspire to the crown, believes this to be a waiting game, with the outcome hinging on who will yield first.
In Northumbria, Judith's childbirth is a harrowing ordeal, culminating in her tragic demise as Tostig cradles her in his arms. Their newborn child also passes away, leaving Tostig utterly devastated.
Back in Normandy, Harold posits that trust should exist between him and William. William, however, postpones his response until after the Whitsun festivities and mass. Harold harbors doubts about William's intentions but remains steadfast, refusing to cede the throne to him when Edith suggests it. To her astonishment, Edith learns that Harold has pledged to his father that he will seize the crown. Harold vows to hold it in trust for Gunhild's son, while Matilda attempts to persuade William to relent, reminding him of their son Robert.
In England, Gunhild attempts to consummate her relationship with Edward during his bath. But Edward faints mid-act, leaving Gunhild screaming for assistance.
The following morning, the men of Normandy, including Harold and William, participate in a melee. FitzOsberne explains the rules of engagement, and the combatants leap into the fray. Joseph locates Sweyn and plunges a knife into him. As he lies dying, Sweyn conveys a message to Harold. Meanwhile, William emerges victorious from the melee. After mass, William summons Harold to his side and proclaims to his people that Normandy and Wessex will forge an alliance.
William cunningly deceives Harold by boldly announcing his intention to seize the throne, with the assurance that Harold and all the earls of England will lend him their unwavering support. The scene concludes with Harold solemnly pledging his unconditional allegiance to the legitimate heir of England, his voice resounding with sincerity.
