A Column of Fire

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains descriptions of enslavement, sexual assault, and suicidal ideation.

In June 1559, Pierre's betrothal to Sylvie is strained by his hidden allegiance to the Guise family. Despite Sylvie's enthusiasm for their wedding, his continued postponement causes her to have doubts. Though Charles de Guise insists that Pierre marry Sylvie, Pierre harbors a longing for Veronique de Guise and the power that would come with marrying her.

While King Henri II participates in a jousting tournament, he has a fatal accident. Political maneuvering occurs, and Caterina de' Medici, Henri's wife, confides in Alison about Mary's infertility. Meanwhile, Pierre and the Guise family hatch a plan to influence the newly crowned King Francis through his wife, Mary. He brings this to Mary, and Alison agrees that it is a good idea. Francis is crowned king. Pierre grapples with the moral implications of marrying Sylvie and ultimately seeks solace from a sympathetic priest. Sylvie and Pierre celebrate their wedding in Sylvie's church, but the joyous occasion takes a turn when the Guise family, led by Le Pin, raids the church and accuses the pastor of heresy. Pierre is revealed to be a spy and Sylvie is devastated.

Later, Pierre expresses concerns to Charles about making an enemy out of Queen Elizabeth due to their proclamation of Mary as the rightful queen.