After the death of Constance in England, Richard the Lionheart fights in the Third Crucade, but he too meets his end. Despite being surrounded by tragedy, Eleanor leads England as sole ruler during Richard's absence, and continues to pull the strings even as John ascends to the throne. However, a final threat to Eleanor's legacy remains from the Gloucesters. Annulling John's marriage to Isabella to prevent the family from holding the throne, Eleanor fights her final battle to prevent Henry II and Maud of Gloucester's illegitimate son Geoffrey from seizing the throne. In the final season, covering 1195-1204, Eleanor's health fades away, but she does not allow her legacy to fade with it.