Aged only thirteen Emma daughter of the Duke of Normandy is married in a strategic alliance to King Aethelred of Engl&. Inept & arrogant Aethelred is loathed by his young wife whom he punishes for his many failings as a ruler. Their first son Edward is born through an act of violence that is little more than rape. England is invaded by the Viking King Swein Forkbeard & his son Cnut. After a bitter struggle Aethelred loses his kingdom & his wife. Emma now dowager queen holds London against the invader Cnut. When he demands she surrender or suffer the consequences Emma stakes everything on a dangerous gamble but troubles & tragedy still await the indomitable queen as she struggles for power & for survival...