Portugal, 1720. Paula, a humble young woman, is taken by her father to the convent of Odivelas. Adding to her not wanting to be a nun, the other nuns treat her poorly for being poor.
In the convent, the King tries to see Paula again but she is involved with Count Vimioso. João V ends up sleeping with Madalena Máxima, the mistress of the moment.
Madalena Máxima humiliates Paula publicly in the convent. Paula promises revenge.
João V and Paula are now lovers and she’s the King's favorite, but she is also clever at giving him political advice.
For the first time, worlds collide. Paula goes to court to watch an opera show and João V is keen of telling Maria Ana that this is his new lover.
Bárbara goes to the witch Isabel da Moita and asks her help to dominate Paula.
The King discovers the whole truth about the supposed sink of the ship and Francisco is taken to prison for disobedience. Following that, Maria Ana receives the visit of the noble friends of the infant.
Paula is poisoned and is near to death. João V is desperate and can not be far from her.
After the last events, João V doesn't get out of bed, depressed. This time, Maria Ana demands to take the regency of the crown.
João V is back to court and, with that, the Queen and Paula talk for the first time.
Manuel sends a letter to Francisco, asking for financial aid, since he is in ruin. Francisco thinks that is the way to achieve his attempts to destroy the King. Will Manuel follow his brother's plan?
Francisco's plan seems to be running smoothly. To celebrate, he goes to the brothel. But something goes wrong.
The Queen, Maria Ana, puts her plans about Paula and her son in action. Will she succeed? And, what will be the consequences to her when the King learns about them?