1454: King Henry VI has remained all but exiled in Windsor Castle, struck down by illness for over a year.

Meanwhile his fiercely loyal wife and Queen, Margaret of Anjou, safeguards her husband's interests.

Richard Duke of York, Protector of the Realm, extends his influence throughout the kingdom with each month that Henry slumbers. The Earls of Salisbury and Warwick make up a formidable trinity with Richard, and together they seek to break the support of Henry.

But when the King unexpectedly recovers his senses and returns to London, the balance of power is once again thrown into turmoil.