The sixth episode of "King & Conqueror" unfolds with the dramatic arrival of Harold to the bedside of the ailing Edward. The king lies on his deathbed, and Harold implores him to appoint him as his heir, rather than William. Yet, fate intervene as Edward passes away before he can utter the words that could alter the course of history. In a calculated move, Harold and Gunhild concoct a tale for the Archbishop, who tends to Edward's final moments, convincing him to proclaim that King Edward had indeed named Harold as his successor.
With this delicate plan set in motion, Harold tasks Edith with a pivotal mission: to seek out Tostig in Northumbria and broker an alliance between Wessex, Mercia, and Tostig's forces against the looming threat of William. Across the Channel, in Normandy, Odo informs William of Edward's grave condition, warning that Harold will seize the moment to manipulate the situation to his advantage.
William, ever strategic, tasks Matilda with verifying the news through her spies in England. He forges alliances with Barons George, Montgomery, and Richard, preparing for the eventuality of Harold's coronation. Matilda urges caution, advocating for patience, but William is resolute, insisting they must stay one step ahead of Harold.
Adding to William's arsenal, Baldwin brings tidings of success, having persuaded the Baron of Brittany to lend their ships for the impending conflict. However, a hint of skepticism clouds William's mind, prompting him to instruct FitzOsbern to prepare silver, just in case their endeavors require bribery or leverage.
Meanwhile, in England, Edith prepares to depart for her meeting with Tostig but is waylaid by a heated exchange with Harold. Though she agrees to plead Tostig's support for his brother, she is deeply troubled by Harold's deceit regarding Edward's true intentions. Morcar, entering the fray, inquiries about Edward's state, to which Gunhild reinforces the lie about Harold's nomination.
Harold, seeking to solidify his position, extends an olive branch to Morcar, urging unity against a potential William invasion. Morcar, though willing to ally, stipulates conditions: Harold must marry his sister Margaret in a religious ceremony and bestow upon Morcar the earldom of Northumbria, which Tostig has allegedly mismanaged. Harold's protests fall on deaf ears as Morcar stands firm in his demands, setting the stage for further intrigue and conflict.
Despite his lingering doubts, Harold eventually concurs to wed Margaret. Gunhild and Gytha attempt to voice their objections, yet Harold insists that this union is a necessity to safeguard their family's future. Edith's arrival in Northumbria is met with the devastating news of Judith's demise and the loss of Tostig's son. Tostig, disclosing the sorrowful news of Sweyn's passing, cautions Edith about Harold's insatiable thirst for power. He confesses his former affection for Edith, stolen from him by Harold, and warns her of Harold's potential betrayal. Meanwhile, the solemn spectacle of Harold and Margaret exchanging vows in an English church ceremony unfolds.
Determined to mediate, Edith assures Tostig she will urge Harold to visit, hoping he will witness firsthand that Harold's heart is not as dark as painted. Across the Channel, Baldwin reassures Matilda of his unperturbed stance regarding the impending conflict between William and Harold, cleverly positioning himself to support the victorious party, given his familial ties: Judith wed to Harold's sister, and his daughter to William.
Conversely, William ventures to Brittany to confront Alain's father, who, in a drastic display of discipline, has amputated his son's hand for attempting unauthorized negotiations with William. The Baron of Brittany, willing to trade ships for Normandy, finds William departing without a deal sealed.
In London, Edith, upon learning of Sweyn's death from Gunhild, acknowledges Tostig's words as truth. Gytha, inquiring after Tostig, is struck with grief upon hearing of Judith and her child's fate. She beseeches Harold to reconcile with Tostig and bring him home. Shortly thereafter, Edith discovers Harold has bestowed Northumbria upon Morcar, stirring her to intervene.
She endeavors to make Harold see reason, emphasizing Tostig's dwindling trust. Harold, however, deflects with the assertion that his marriage to Margaret is a mere political maneuver, an argument that falls on indifferent ears. Edith charges that Morcar would stop at nothing, even murdering their offspring, to crown Margaret's child. She accuses Harold of orchestrating Sweyn's death and mocks his transformation into a monstrosity driven by the crown's allure.
In the realm of Northumbria, Tostig received the startling news of Morcar's ascendancy to the position of Earl. Driven by fury, he plunged his blade into the unsuspecting messenger and bolted out through the window, disappearing into the night. Meanwhile, William returned to the tranquil shores of Normandy, where Matilda attempted to reason with him, urging him to reconsider his aggressive stance. Yet, William brushed aside Matilda's pleas and instead struck a deal with Baldwin, enlisting his aid to secure ships from the powerful Baron of Brittany.
Matilda, undeterred, pressed William to exercise patience and devise a strategic plan, advocating for a peaceful approach rather than rushing headlong into conflict. William, however, was unyielding, insisting that time was of the essence. In a desperate bid to safeguard the future, Matilda proposed that their son Robert be named Regent Duke and bestowed her with the authority to govern in William's absence, should fate not favor his return.
The episode concludes on a momentous note, with Harold being crowned King of England, his queen Margaret by his side. Joseph, with a grave expression, imparted to Harold the damning revelation that Tostig had cunningly plotted against him, aligning forces with King Hardrada.
