The Maharajah returns to Simla, and offers Ralph his political support - at a price. Ralph is forced to consider how far he is prepared to go to achieve his ambitions as his marriage enters its darkest hour. Sarah also returns to help with the aftermath of the bombing, and her appearance prompts Cynthia to reveal a secret from her past.

Ralph faces his darkest hour as his life starts to spiral out of control. As the announcement of the new Viceroy leaves his ambitions in tatters, he realises those closest to him have been conspiring behind his back. Having discovered the truth about his wife's affair, a ruthless Charlie stops at nothing to orchestrate Aafrin's downfall. Alice tries to save her lover, but Charlie is in no mood to be conciliatory as he plots to see Aafrin hanged for treason.