Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Mary brings Elizabeth news that they have been restored to the succession after Edward. Mary receives it as reassurance of their father's love, while Elizabeth notices the power it could eventually give them. At court, Henry is turning towards another marriage and another campaign abroad. Catherine Parr is still Lady Latimer, connected to Thomas Seymour, who petitions the king on her family's behalf. Henry's irritation with Thomas and close knowledge of Catherine's circumstances reveal an interest beyond the official request. Brandon, absent from court for a time, receives a warmer welcome and a new task: carry the king's proposed arrangement with the emperor to Chapuys.
Catherine has a private audience with Henry and discusses her life with a man already considering her as his next wife. The question of marriage presses against the illness of her current husband and her feelings for Thomas Seymour. Henry also insists on moving towards war despite Brandon's doubts about what another campaign will achieve. At Latimer's deathbed, Catherine tries desperately to speak to him, but receives a bitter response before he dies. Widowhood gives her little time to settle her own wishes. Henry's councillors arrive with the message that the king wants to marry her. The proposal is phrased as a request, although the men delivering it and the circumstances make the freedom to answer seem very small.