In the winter of 1183, a royal family prepares for a joyous Christmas holiday reunion of scheming, conniving and deceit. King Henry II summons his cunning prison-bound wife to his side as he prepares to announce the succession of the throne to one of his double-crossing three sons, none of whom are qualified to rule the monarchy.

Henry II surprises England by naming his fellow rogue and trusted confidant Thomas Becket as Chancellor. But when Henry next appoints him Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket shocks the world by openly defying the King with his newfound faith and compassion. Will a desperate ruler now destroy a beloved friend to save his splintering kingdom?