Princess Nandi of the Langeni meets and captures the heart of Prince Senzangakhona of the Zulu, however, their romance is cut short by a clash with Prince Zwide of the Ndwandwe. Zwide declares war on the Zulus, placing the blame on Senzangakhona's shoulders.

A Sangoma investigates Queen Ntombazi for King Langa's murder, but not all is as it seems. The Zulu, fearing their survival against the powerful Ndwandwe, receive a prophecy of a future great king.

Prince Godongwana and Baleka escape but their freedom is short-lived when Mthethwa warriors trap them. Princess Nandi faces the shock of her pregnancy and heartache follows.

King Senzangakhona proposes to Nandi, who becomes his third wife, while a crisis unfolds in kwaNdwandwe as Zwide and Goloza confront each other.

Shaka and Nandi's lives change when Bhibhi arrives and poisons Senzangakhona against them. Godongwana finds refuge with the Hlubi and changes his name to Dingiswayo.

Dingiswayo and Ngomane face the grim reality of being sold as slaves. Nandi and her children return to eLangeni.

Shaka is determined to return to his father but he faces disappointment when he meets with King Senzangakhona.

Shaka embraces Gendeyana's offer and joins the camp. Dingiswayo's attempt to avoid bloodshed is met with betrayal.

Nandi and her children leave Quabae and move to kwaMthethwa. Shaka strives to prove himself by facing a terrifying opponent.

Shaka rises to recruit his own Amabutho in the Mthethwa army. Shaka faces a betrayal while displaying his negotiation skills and launches an attack on Makhedama's forces.

Ngomane begins to observe Shaka's darker side. Amid power struggles, Shaka outsmarts those plotting against him and returns to the Zulu, determined to take the seat of King.