In the winter of 1183, King Henry II of England convenes a gathering at Chinon Castle to determine his successor. The aging king plans to announce which of his three surviving sons—Richard, Geoffrey, or John—will inherit the throne. Henry’s estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, is temporarily released from imprisonment to attend the meeting. The couple’s interactions are marked by sharp wit and old wounds as they manipulate and conspire against each other for control over their children and their kingdom. Their sons fiercely vie for power, each with their own ambitions and resentment towards their parents and siblings. The conflict is further complicated by the presence of King Philip II of France, who has political interests in the outcome.

As the intense family drama unfolds, alliances shift and secret plots are revealed, with each member of the Plantagenet dynasty using cunning and deceit to pursue their objectives. Tensions rise as Henry attempts to solidify the kingdom’s future while Eleanor challenges his authority at every turn. The castle becomes a battleground for ambition, love, and betrayal, with each character wrestling with deep-seated grudges and aspirations. Through biting dialogue and strategic maneuvering, the family's power struggle exposes the complexities of their relationships and the precarious nature of political power.