General Rumiantsev leads the Russian army to a resounding victory against the Ottoman Empire, acquiring vast swathes of territory. Catherine summons Potemkin, who played a starring role, back to St Petersburg, which he takes as a sign they are about to begin their romance in earnest after the untimely interruption of war. But there is a nasty surprise waiting at Court: Catherine is in a relationship with a young guards officer, Alexander Vasilchikov, who the ever-canny Panin has manoeuvred into position during Potemkin's absence. When Catherine shows no sign of ditching dull Vasilchikov, Potemkin becomes increasingly frustrated and provocative.