England, 1100s. Meet Matilda of England. Betrothed at eight. Married at twelve. And crowned Empress in her late teens. Matilda is the only legitimate daughter of Henry I of England. She's also the granddaughter of William the Conqueror and is a descendant -- through her mother -- from the ancient line of Anglo-Saxon kings. She is made a widow in her early twenties and is the only surviving heir to the throne of England. Now she must marry Geoffrey of Anjou, a boy ten years younger, and share the task of leading an often rebellious state. Before long she gives birth to three sons and provides her father with the male heirs he's longed for. But when Henry I suddenly dies, the throne is usurped by Matilda's cousin, Stephen. Now Matilda is forced to choose between her husband and her rights as her father's heir. Intelligent, determined and courageous, she follows her heart. But at what cost?