My Lady Jane (2024) s01e02 Episode Script
Episode 2
1
[Frances] Jane, this marriage protects us.
-Shut up!
-I'm sorry?
-I don't want to be married.
-[Edward] We're all born to certain roles.
Our destiny is set.
Where's she going?
[Frances] The Dudleys
will do anything for power,
-and they are very, very, very rich.
-[laughing]
We're leaving. Now.
Stop! They're here!
[grunts] Forgive me.
-Ethian.
-How's my baby brother?
[Seymour] Weaker than a Sicilian's virtue.
-And his Will for Succession is
-Done.
I'm not afraid of death.
[Seymour] Your eldest sister, Mary,
is indeed the rightful heir to the throne.
-What if there was somebody else?
-Lady Jane.
[Dudley] Lady Jane Grey?
[Seymour] What a happy coincidence.
Jane's husband-to-be is your son.
-You are the rudest man I have ever met.
-Well, the night is young. Mingle.
Good evening!
-Come with me.
-As if.
[Jane] Mother, about the wedding.
Please don't make me marry him.
I, Guildford, take thee, Jane
-[coughs]
-[Margaret] It's the Affliction!
-[sighs]
-[crowd gasps]
[The Detroit Cobras: "Cha Cha Twist"]
[Author] If you ever find yourself
faking a fatal disease
to avoid saying "I do,"
first, check there isn't a royal medic
in the congregation.
Because if you don't,
you might find yourself
strapped to a table by a sadist
-with a penchant for knife-work.
-[song stops]
Bollocks.
A swift examination,
Lady Jane, is the only way
to assess if you are, in fact,
sickened by the Affliction
and indeed near death,
as your recent collapse intimates,
or if there is a-another simpler reason.
[Author] She's faking.
The simpler reason is, she's faking.
Here, now, let's have a little look,
shall we?
Let's go in here. Lovely.
And open-y, open-y.
Lovely. And up here
The devil is that?
Oh, no, no, I know what that is.
That's fine.
-[sets instrument down]
-Might be a spleen thing.
Mm, yes.
I'm all for de-spleening these days.
[scoffs] Useless organ.
-[snorts deeply, spits]
-[Jane] Ugh.
Dear gods.
Uh, Dr. Butts,
shouldn't you be with the King?
Don't you women ever stop talking?
Now, if you are ailed by the Affliction,
the blood shall tell us everything.
[Author] The blood shall tell him nothing.
The blood is made from dried beetle shells
and honey crystals
Jane chewed up and dribbled out.
Cheerio.
[slurps]
[swishes, sighs]
[smacks lips] Oh.
Why, 'tis sweet. [exclaims]
Perfect.
-No Affliction.
-What?
Don't say "what." Say "pardon."
Your humors are out of balance.
Thus excess melancholy
and unladylike aggression.
A thorough bleed,
-and the wedding may proceed.
-[gasps]
And I'll get my boy to make the blood
into a, into a sausage for your breakfast.
Yummy, yummy.
[sighs]
[Author] Jane's options are clear.
Marriage or torture followed by marriage.
Followed by a sausage
made from her own blood.
[pants sharply]
Stop! I'm better!
You are a masterful healer.
Mother?
Dr. Butts healed me.
I thought he would.
-Come on, baby ♪
-[The Detroit Cobras:
"Cha Cha Twist" resumes]
Let's do the Twist ♪
[door opens]
Come on, baby ♪
Let's do the Twist ♪
You look fine, yeah ♪
Lady Jane, do you feel better?
♪
Have you seen my sis? ♪
-Tell me, baby ♪♪
-[song ends]
I do.
[Emily Wolfe: "Holy Roller"]
[crowd murmuring]
[crowd exclaiming]
Swans mate for life. It's symbolic.
[Author] Jane wants to throw up.
Thank you.
[Author] All that effort,
begging, pleading, running away,
-and then the merest hint of torture
-Wanker.
and she capitulated.
-Did you just call me a wanker?
-Called myself a wanker.
But I rather expect you're one, too.
You are even more charming
and ladylike than I remember.
Oh, and you're Galahad reborn.
The very picture of chivalric manhood.
Did you just say
that you're picturing my manhood?
[Frances] Jane, darling,
I haven't congratulated you
on this happy day.
[Jane] I need some air.
No more games.
I know you hate it, but trust me,
you will find this marriage empowering.
Empowering? [stammers] He owns me now.
I am his wife. His chattel. His
His problem and no longer mine.
Lady Frances. Lady Jane.
-The Duke of Norfolk sends his fondest
-Move, move and leave it in the gift room.
Thank you.
Jane, you outrank Guildford.
His grandfather was an accountant.
Whereas your great-grandfather
was the King of England.
Tell me, Mother, did I fetch a good price
or was I a bargain?
I would've paid them to take you.
Eat your swan.
Word to the wise. Now, listen.
Target is in sight.
The bull's-eye is clear
-but still requires a steady hand
-Dad.
as we pull back the bow.
-So remember, twang, twang, twang.
-What?
So, Stan, tell me about you.
My fiancée has the plague.
-Oh, bad luck.
-Hmm.
My husband's dead.
-Bad luck, indeed.
-I know.
Mm.
[slurping]
Was that a withering look?
Oh. And another one.
Consider me withered.
[whispers] How'd you fake
the blood in the church, anyway?
Mm, the blood was not fake.
Perhaps the medic was wrong
and I do have the Affliction
simply crawling all over my lungs.
And, hey, now that we're married,
you'll catch it and we'll both die.
Fingers crossed.
-Margaret.
-What?
You're ten. Beer only.
I love wine.
-And Katherine loves bedding ceremonies.
-What? Shut up. No, I don't.
[Author] Jane had forgotten all about
the bedding ceremony.
-[Dudley] People? People. Eyes to me.
-[silverware tapping goblet]
Eyes to me.
Well.
His Royal Highness, King Edward,
has returned to the Palace
to rule our great Kingdom
and to keep the Verity people safe!
[crowd cheers]
Now, there are many here today
who feared that this day would never come.
I mean, my rascal son,
the Grey's unpopular daughter.
But as my darling departed wife
used to say,
there is a key for every lock.
[crowd murmurs]
And Guildford has managed
to insert that key today.
So, let's raise a glass
to the pure Verity union
of Lady Jane Grey and my son,
Lord Guildford Dudley!
Stand up, the two of you. Come on.
-Raise a glass to Jane and Guildford!
-[crowd cheering]
[crowd] Jane and Guildford!
Smile, huh? Teeth and eyes.
-People love you.
-[applause]
[crowd quiets]
I'd like to say a few words.
I stand before my countrymen and women
offering not just my blessings
but those of my brother, King Edward.
There is no soul he holds
in higher esteem than Jane.
I hear he's coughing
all the way to his coffin, Bessie!
-[laughter]
-Silence, fool!
[crowd quiets]
To speak of His Majesty's death
is treason, even in jest.
I entreat you all to remember that
when speaking of my beloved brother.
Besides, I can assure you,
good King Edward is alive and safe.
[Author] Incorrect.
Edward is alive but not safe.
[Seymour] Too much excitement.
I knew it would be.
I'm always right about these things.
What news of of Jane?
-Jane is fine.
-[door opens]
Fainted with joy.
Bess is there on your behalf.
[Charles whispers]
Mm. More Ethian uprisings in the north.
[Charles] The Pack, sire.
Their beastly leader, Archer
why haven't you killed him yet?
I'm trying my best.
I-I wish to be alone.
[Mary] Sleep, brother.
[door closes]
[whistles]
-They're gone.
-[Petunia whines, barks]
I'm starving.
Cheese.
-Love cheese.
-[giggles]
-Mmm.
-I have had an idea.
-[pours drink]
-We can find the poisoner
by finding the source of the poison.
To dogs, it smells like
rotting flesh and poo-poo.
When I find my poisoner,
I can order them boiled to death.
[Edward laughs]
Marvelously barbaric.
Dad's idea, of course.
Of course.
Oh, here's an idea.
Find the source of the poison,
find the poisoner.
Didn't I just say that?
Tomorrow morning,
we're going to have an adventure.
If I do this, if I help you,
then once your poisoner is dead
-Boiled.
-Boiled.
Then you will come with me to Granny's.
Promise me.
I can't go back there without you.
I promise.
I wonder what Jane is doing.
I hope she's having fun.
[Author] Jane is not having fun.
Like every virgin contemplating
her first meeting with "The Big D,"
Jane is feeling a heady mix
of nerves and concupiscence.
Or as the kids call it, "the raging horn."
Jane has the raging horn for Guildford,
even though she knows
he is utterly incorrigible
and that their first time,
the bedding ceremony,
will be in front of everybody
in this room.
Not dancing?
They're just stumbling and shit-faced.
Well, let me tell you a secret.
Sometimes getting shit-faced
is incredibly good fun.
-You've got something in your teeth.
-What? [grunts]
[goblet bangs on table]
[Margaret] Kiss!
-Kiss!
-Kiss!
[crowd chanting, clapping]
Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!
[crowd continues chanting "Kiss!"]
[Wet Leg: "Angelica"]
[chanting and clapping continue faster]
[chanting and clapping distort and slow]
[distorted] Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!
Comes to an end ♪
We all go again ♪♪
-[Guildford whispers] As if.
-[song stops]
-[Jane grunts]
-[crowd groans]
[stammers] Th-There's plenty
of time for that.
We all know what's coming.
[crowd exclaiming]
[lighthearted music playing]
[chuckles softly]
[soft whoosh]
[coins jingle]
Thief.
How did that get in there?
And an Ethian thief, I'd wager.
I contain multitudes, My Lady.
[sighs]
Well, it's been a pleasure.
-But I must away
-No!
Do you know a woman named Susannah?
She's like you. Ethian.
She's my best friend.
We don't all know each other, actually.
What the tits?!
[soft whoosh]
[coins jingling]
[Guildford] I had come in here
to apologize for my rudeness,
but now I see
you're pilfering our wedding gifts.
Perhaps I should. They'd fund my freedom.
You humiliated me.
This is a clearly doomed arrangement,
so yes, I intend to leave you.
-As soon as possible.
-Oh. Why?
You are one of
the most notorious rakes in London.
-Oh. Thank you.
-Oh, it's not a good thing.
Do you know what people say about you?
That you sleep all day, carouse all night,
spending your time with knaves, fools,
harlots, drunkards, braggarts
Well, you certainly seemed
to enjoy my company in the tavern.
-[scoffs]
-And besides,
at least I have friends.
And yet you still married me.
-A complete stranger.
-I had my reasons.
Oh, how terribly cryptic.
My, what a fascinating enigma you are.
What were your reasons?
Money.
And to save my sister Katherine
from an ancient Duke
who smells like a forgotten chamber pot.
Do I smell like a forgotten chamber pot?
I have not smelled you. [scoffs softly]
And I don't intend to.
[Author] It was not the killer exit line
that Jane was hoping for,
but it was all she had.
-[Katherine] There you are.
-[Dudley] Ah, the young lovers.
I began to wonder
if you'd given in to temptation
-and jumped into the proverbial sack.
-No. Dad. Absolutely not.
Jolly good, because the bedding ceremony
is about to begin.
Come on. Let's go.
Come on.
After which, you must actually shag,
seal the deal.
Huh? Otherwise,
this marriage could be ended
-like that.
-[fingers snap]
[Goat Girl: "Tainted Love"]
[lively chatter, laughter]
-Dad, really?
-This way. Come on.
I feel I've got to run away ♪
I've got to get away ♪
Well, this is quite the turnout,
isn't it, eh?
Goodness.
Jane, I know we haven't discussed
what happens between a man and a woman,
but if you're anything like me, I think
you'll take to it like a duck to water.
Please, do not demean us both
with a speech about the marital bed.
[Dudley] Right, get it off. Come on.
Remember, there's a deal to be sealed.
Fun is fun, but work is work.
Get the job done.
[Frances] Now, Jane, darling,
mouth closed, legs open.
You're killing me.
Now, that is a shoulder.
-Time ticks by, we all get older.
-Please, Dad.
I spy a maiden's shoulder.
[Stan] Tell you what, chaps.
I do rather fancy mummykins. [chuckles]
I've got a few tips.
Hold anything firm firmly
and anything soft softly.
-Apparently, it really hurts.
-Shh. Don't listen to her.
-[dramatic music playing]
-[heart beating slowly]
-[crowd cheering]
-[Goat Girl: "Tainted Love" continues]
[crowd cheering]
Why aren't they leaving?
They need to see our legs
to prove consummation.
They'll leave
if we frot against each other.
Our feet, I mean.
Take my tears
and that's not nearly all ♪
-[crowd cheering]
-Tainted love ♪
Oh ♪
Tainted, oh ♪
-Yes! [whoops]
-[crowd cheering]
I cannot stand the way you tease ♪♪
[lively chatter, laughter]
[song fades]
Now what?
Just wait.
[door closes]
[sighs]
Jane.
Now that we are finally alone,
let me be clear.
I do not think
that I should have to defend myself
or the way that I've chosen
to live my life until now.
-Because it's indefensible.
-Uh, let me speak.
Jane.
Do you
Have you ever been in a situation
where you've had to do a certain thing,
and then when you got there,
you didn't know
if you could go through with it?
[gentle music playing]
Not without a drink, at least.
Actually, I don't require wine
for courage.
Or personality.
Gods' teeth, no wonder your mother
sold you to the highest bidder.
-No wonder your father
had to buy you a wife.
-Well, I should thank him.
Because, of all the heinous,
know-it-all wenches in the world,
I got stuck with you.
How dare you speak to me like that?!
-Because I'm your Lord husband!
-[scoffs]
Who you are to love, honor and obey.
Ha!
Missed!
I wish to be alone until the morrow.
-Jane, that's the
-Good night.
Dressing room.
[whispers] Shit.
-[thump on door]
-[Jane] Hello?
-Let me out. Bastard!
-[banging on door]
[whimsical music playing]
[both moaning, breathing heavily]
Ah, mm-mm. To the left.
Left, left, left, left, left.
That's better.
[moans]
[laughing]
[moaning]
[moaning loudly]
[grunting]
[breathing heavily]
[sighs, exhales sharply]
Uh, actually, I didn't.
Oh, well, something to look forward to.
Look, do-do you mind
if we just hop back up?
I'll be awfully fast.
Ow!
Stan, is that damp in the ceiling?
Look at him.
He just feels so sad.
Ah, he'll get over it.
Why doesn't your father
take better care of this place?
Daddy likes to spend money.
He's just not good at earning it.
Dudley's broke?
-How broke?!
-[gasps]
You're scaring me.
And I kind of like it.
[both chuckling]
Oh.
It must be terribly vexing,
this money situation, for all of you.
Now, um [clears throat]
come and unburden yourself
and tell me
everything.
[breathing heavily]
[upbeat music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
I cannot tempt you to join me?
I detest bathing.
How many times do I have to tell you?
We are peevish, I see.
[intriguing music playing]
Patience, Princess.
The throne will be yours.
It is your birthright.
And when you have that crown,
-we can finally be married.
-We can finally slay all the Ethians
-just like Daddy would've wanted.
-That's exactly what I said.
That's not what you said.
Naturally, once Queen,
betrothal will be your honor
to bestow upon me.
But until that happy day arrives,
I hoped you would accept
this token of
my abiding love and affection.
My love.
I'm overcome.
But you know I can't accept it.
You give me your ring instead,
and I'll wear that on a chain around
my neck as a symbol of love and fidelity.
My eye ring?
That-that was a gift from King Henry.
Yes, I know.
And as he gave it to you, he kissed it.
'Cause you're special.
And now we have Daddy's blessing.
[door opens]
-Hello?
-[knocks]
Hello? Guildford Dudley, let me out!
-[banging on door]
-Let me out of here!
You let me out of here,
Guildford Dudley, right now!
Oh, you bastard! Leaving me
Where is he?
Lady Jane! You can't go out like that.
You're practically naked!
Your hair!
You are a wife now.
You only take your hair down
when you're alone with himself.
During marital purposes.
Marital
Oh.
[sighs] A woman needs it
at least once a day.
I like it twice myself.
If you don't get it, then all the fluids
and vapors build up and cause fits.
I knew a widow from Exeter
who missed marital purposes so much
that her eyes exploded.
And then she died.
Guildford will show you what to do.
Where is Lord Guildford?
Oh, he keeps a bed down by the stables.
He likes the easy access to town.
Oh, I'm sure he does.
[Black Honey: "Wild Thing"]
Wild thing ♪
You make my heart sing ♪
You make everything groovy ♪
[sighs]
Wild thing ♪
[song ends]
You!
You left me stuck in that sodding
dressing room all night, you knave.
You locked yourself
in the sodding dressing room, you numpty.
-[birds chirping]
-[suspenseful music playing]
Jane, I really need to be alone.
Oh, well, we're married now,
so not being alone is part of the deal.
Jane, please just leave.
Why?
Where are you
[whinnies, neighs]
You're a horse?
Change back.
Guildford, there are servants everywhere.
Someone is going to see you. Change back.
[neighs]
-[door opens]
-Ah, I thought I'd find you here.
The inevitable
wedding morning conversation.
Uh, he can't change. Not until sunset.
Uh, meet Rupert.
-He's Guildford's groom.
-Milady.
What?
Don't say "what." Say "pardon."
Guildford can't control his Ethian powers.
Why?
Ethians can change back and forth
whenever they want. Everybody knows that.
Not my boy.
Never has. We don't know why.
It's a sort of horse-by-day,
man-by-night thing.
That's not a thing.
I think you're in shock.
Give yourself a little time,
and you'll see that it's not that bad.
I mean, look at him.
It's not as if he's one of those
Pack Ethians you hear so much about.
I mean, with Guildford,
it's it's more of a quirk.
So, you, Rupert and Guildford
will embark upon your honeymoon today.
Honeymoon?
Why would I go on a honeymoon
with a horse?
To evade prying eyes
and have some time to adjust and to focus
on the realities of your marriage.
No. No. I can't stay married to him.
Jane. Jane, Jane, Jane.
I often find, with very clever people
like your good self,
they gad about the place spouting Greek
and generally arse-ing things up,
but they're frequently blind
to bigger truths.
Do you know the punishment
for Ethian-Verity intermarriage?
[suspenseful music playing]
If I tell anyone, we're all dead.
You, him, me, your mother, your sisters.
Me, probably.
-Oh, definitely you.
-No, this is madness.
My cousin, King Edward, will annul
this marriage. He will protect me.
The ailing Verity King,
who's expanded Division Laws,
who's constantly hanging
Ethian miscreants?
Do you really want
to bet your life on that?
The only clear way out of this
is quiet obedience.
And a honeymoon far, far away.
[Guildford neighs]
Oh, Jane.
Did you actually think
you'd find a real man to marry you?
[door opens]
[door closes]
[whinnies]
-[barks]
-[coughing]
[Author] As a boy,
Edward thrilled at tales of Emperor Nero,
who would don a disguise
and cavort around Rome as a commoner.
Now Edward is finally about
to experience it for himself.
The world as a normal person.
A pleb, a pauper,
someone who isn't probably dying.
Someone who shall uncover the truth,
dash it.
Old woman.
I am a simple farmer seeking a herbalist.
-Pray tell
-Buy me pig or bugger off.
Did you see that?
No idea who I was.
"Bugger off," she said.
-I can't see a herbalist anywhere.
-Perhaps we should try the next village.
Wait. Look.
It's only a flower girl.
No, she isn't.
You distract her.
I'll change and take a sniff around.
Marjoram, feverfew, sage and daisies.
Good for what ails you
and bad for what might impale you.
Good morrow, flower peasant.
What can I do you for, sir?
I need a sleeping potion.
Yeah, chamomile. Make a draft.
I mean a more permanent sleep.
No. Sorry. Bugger off.
[barks, sniffs]
[woman] Filthy beast.
Look at the state of ya. Ethian scum!
I'm only a field mouse! [sobbing]
Guards. Where are you taking her?
Guards!
Where are they taking her?
Who cares? She's a beast.
I told you.
-A-About the sleeping draft, I
-Look, mate.
-Poison is verboten.
-[soft whoosh]
Get it?
I don't have it. I don't sell it.
I don't even know what it is.
[Edward] Tofana?
It's a poisoner's box.
You nasty little thief.
You filthy little poison merchant.
To whom did you sell this?
Was it someone at the Palace?
Tell him or I'll cut your blinking throat.
Fine.
Maybe I sold Tofana here.
S-Some berk in a cloak.
Guy with a creepy ring.
-Looked a bit like an eyeball.
-What sort of eyeball?
[grunts]
Get out of here and leave me in peace.
[grunts]
What does that mean?
-It's kind of like "bugger off."
-Ah, I see.
Tofana.
-We must get you to Granny.
-No, no.
-I need to talk to Jane.
-[horse neighs]
[Author] A horse for a husband.
A fucking horse for a husband.
And a lying horse-husband at that.
Jane wants more than ever to escape.
And perhaps,
if she hawks her valuable wedding gifts,
she can.
Would you please unlock that?
Oh, no. It's going on honeymoon with you.
Exciting.
There are some gifts
that I would like to retrieve.
Your new Lord and master's orders, Milady.
He is not my Lord and master.
[Stan] Greetings, sister.
Salutations, urchin-kicker.
Oh, they love me.
How's married life?
[clicking tongue to imitate hoofbeats]
Tallyho.
[whispers] Good luck with that.
This just arrived for you.
From His Majesty.
Bit manky, innit?
-We played with it as children.
-Exactly.
Manky.
Say hi to your mum for me.
[intriguing music playing]
[Author] The note from Edward
could only mean one thing.
Jane's fake collapse in the church
had forced him to come to his senses
and annul her disaster of a marriage.
[Jane] Edward.
Very definition of cloak and dagger.
-You look better.
-Jane
what do you know about poison?
I have this friend,
and he thinks he might have
accidentally ingested Tofana.
The Florentine Widowmaker?
Yes. I knew you would know.
You've always been so jolly clever
about things like this.
-How bad is it?
-Catastrophic.
Tofana is the most lethal substance
that there is.
I mean, in large doses,
well, it kills you instantly.
In small doses, it creeps into your lungs,
seeps into your blood
-until it reaches your heart, and then
-And then?
-You die.
-[whimpers]
I know.
I'll stay here for a while
and help your poor friend.
Jane, I won't help you
abandon your wifely duties.
[sighs] You sound like Guildford.
-He can't be that bad, honestly.
-He is that bad.
In fact, he is
What?
What is he?
You know, you used to be
the one person in whom I could confide.
There was nothing
we wouldn't do for each other.
Jane, there is so much going on
that you don't and cannot know.
-What do I not know?
-No, it's none of your concern.
-Gods, why are you being such a prat?
-Do not speak to your King like that.
You do realize it doesn't matter
how many times you say "King."
-You'll never be your father.
-And you're nothing but a wife!
Just Guildford Dudley's property.
[Black Honey: "Beaches"]
I've been telling you lies ♪
-Not so good at the truth ♪
-[barking]
So I won't have to try ♪
Being good for you ♪
-Go ♪
-Girls like the boys ♪
When they act like the girls ♪
And all they ever wanted
was the whole damn world ♪
Walking in the wild
in a bad black leather ♪♪
[song ends]
[burps] Oh.
[sighs] Whale pie. A little gamey.
-Whale. Such a challenge to digest.
-I know.
[man] All rise for the King!
[crowd, overlapping] Your Majesty.
[Edward] I call you here today
to impart news that will,
I trust, shock you
as much as it shocked me.
I have ascertained that my malaise
is not the Affliction.
It is, in fact, poison.
[crowd gasping, murmuring]
Furthermore, I have reason to believe
that my would-be assassin
is somebody at Court.
It could even be one of you.
[crowd gasping, murmuring]
I demand each of you pledge
to stop at nothing to find the culprit.
Your Majesty, please, rest assured that
We will endeavor to find
who's responsible for this.
-We will go to all lengths,
and we will not stop until
-We will not stop.
You must banish any doubt
within the royal mind
-Every person within this Court
-I'm still speaking.
[Dudley] This atrocity
-We'll solve forthwith.
-We'll endeavor to find
who's responsible for this.
-We'll go to all lengths
-There is no length
to which we will not go.
-It's as simple as that.
It is as simple as that.
-It is as simple as that.
-We will find them, Your Majesty.
-It is as That's enough. That's enough.
If you cannot find the poisoner,
I'll assume
you're all treasonous bastards.
[crowd gasping]
And I'll boil you all together.
[crowd gasping, murmuring]
So, without further ado
bugger off!
[Seymour] Delusions of persecution.
The King is losing his wits.
Often happens
in the latter stages of the Affliction.
Perhaps you're right. He looked terrible.
Positively waxy.
-Most unpleasant.
-Oh, most unpleasant.
Let me look into this poisoning business.
Nothing's more important
than the monarchy.
-Quite.
-Quite.
Quite.
[Author] When Englishmen
truly hate each other,
they will agree profusely.
He knows. The King knows.
The King knows?
You fool. You fool!
I told you!
[whispering] Hush, hush, hush, my love.
Someone will hear.
-I think you mean "Your Highness."
-Yes, Your Highness.
Your Majesty.
-Maybe in a few days, he'll just
-No.
We don't have time.
I'm taking charge.
Hmm.
You do exactly as I say.
[tense music playing]
[door opens]
-Stan.
-Dad!
Shall we get squiffy and talk about girls?
What? Oh, shut up. Listen to me.
I need you to go to the Chancery.
Find the King's Will for the Succession.
You bring it back to me for safekeeping.
Right now?
Don't "right now" me.
I believe there are powerful forces
conspiring against the King,
but I haven't survived a lifetime in Court
by picking fights I know I can't win.
-My priority is the monarchy.
-[bee buzzing]
We must safeguard the Will.
-Do you understand?
-[muffled mumbling]
Whoever gets the crown controls the world.
My future, your future,
Guildford's future.
The entire Kingdom is at stake.
So stand and go.
-Can I get my bun?
-I'll get you another bun!
[energetic music playing]
[Author] There are two types
of people in the world:
those who lie down and cry for mummy
when things get tough
and those who know mummy wouldn't
piss on you if you were on fire,
so you better jolly well get back up
and keep fighting your corner,
because it's the only way you'll survive.
Rupert?
Desperate for a wazz.
Rupert, stop!
Oh, cheers.
We must make haste, Milady.
If either of you want to use the tree,
I can watch the horses.
And the husband. [chuckles]
[whinnies]
Ah, I shouldn't. It's, uh, it's not safe.
No, piffle. There's not a soul around.
-Go on.
-Thank you, Milady.
Peter, let's take a slash.
[man] Hello! I say, I'm terribly sorry.
My groom dropped down dead,
wasn't it a bother,
my steed absconded into the night,
I'm dreadfully hungry,
and I'm afraid I find myself
forced to rob you to survive.
-So open the fucking chest, lambkins!
-[neighs]
Open it. I've got a stick,
and I'm not afraid to use it.
-Come on! Open the chest!
-[neighing continues]
Open it! Open the chest now!
Yes!
There's nothing but books.
It's literature.
There are no valuables in here at all.
Looks like the only valuable here is you.
-Don't touch me!
-[neighing]
Ever!
-Okay!
-[Jane] Bastard!
-How dare you!
-Ow!
[neighing]
[grunting]
[bleating]
[Rupert] Ethian scum.
Lady Jane, are you hurt?
-I'm fine.
-Oh, thank the gods.
Lady Jane, let's go.
Before more of 'em come back to murder us.
[Jane] "Quam Ut Rememdium Bestia."
[whinnies]
How interesting.
[whimsical music playing]
I must see Lady Frances.
Oh. It's you. I told you
King Edward's Will for the Succession,
it's missing.
What do you mean?
Dad sent me to the Chancery,
and it's gone.
It's missing. Stolen.
-I'm so stressed. Can I come in?
-No.
Well, Dad will freak out when I tell him.
I-I didn't know where else to go.
Frances.
What does it mean?
It means we're all fucked.
[upbeat music playing]
Are you cheating?
Yes. [giggles]
[knocking on door]
-[Edward] Come in.
-[soft whoosh]
[Petunia barks]
Your Royal Highness,
King Edward, Defender of the Realm.
Just get on with it.
It brings me both joy and pain
to tell you that I have ascertained
the identity of your poisoner.
[suspenseful music playing]
Lord Dudley.
Huh? What? [coughs]
-[sputters]
-Your plan was clear.
-You betrayed your Kingdom.
You betrayed your
-Lies! Your Majesty, I am the most loyal
What on earth are you doing?!
What are you looking for, man?!
I mean, get your [gasps]
Tofana. A poisoner's box.
-[barking]
-That's not mine!
You tried to murder my baby brother?
You treasonous vermin.
-[Mary yelling]
-[Dudley groaning]
[barking]
-Desist beating me!
-Arrest Lord Dudley.
Lock him up in the Tower of London.
No. No. Sire, you are mistaken.
-I'm innocent!
-[coughing]
You're making a grave error!
Get your mucky hands off me!
-No!
-[barking continues]
Shut that dog up,
or I'll shut it up for you.
Here, brother, take my cozy cloak.
You need peace.
[Petunia whines]
We must move you to the North Turret.
The eye ring.
[Edward] To whom did you sell Tofana?
[flower girl] Guy with a creepy ring.
Looked a bit like an eyeball.
-[horses neigh]
-[dramatic music playing]
[Author] Smuggling esoteric books
on honeymoon
is a jolly odd move
for a renowned scoundrel.
Despite being thwarted again
in her attempts to escape marriage,
Jane is suddenly rather intrigued.
[Jane clears throat]
Tired after the journey?
Oh, no.
Boundless energy, horses.
Is that supposed to be funny?
To be fair, I did try and warn you
about the horse thing.
That is not how I remember it.
We need to talk.
Your father told me
that you can't control your change. Why?
Ethians can switch back and forth
whenever they want. What's wrong with you?
I don't know.
And why did you swap
our wedding gifts with books?
I suggest you bring the wine.
"Das Biest Beenden."
They're all about curing Ethianism.
Yes, it's become something
of a hobby of mine.
For obvious reasons.
Latin, Italian, Greek.
Is that Aramaic? You speak Aramaic?
No.
My father says you're very smart,
that you're a polyglot.
Correctomundo.
-It's Italian.
-And that you also know the medical arts
and you make these little cures
and things.
Patronizing, but yes.
[Guildford sighs]
I am hoping
that you can use the knowledge
in these books to cure me.
So you married me for my brain?
Look, I've read about Ethian cures,
of course.
I just always assumed
that they were myths.
You know, John of Damascus said that
it would be like curing the sea of being
the sea, the earth of being the earth.
John was also burned for blasphemy.
The ancients thought it was possible.
Petronius with versipellis,
though his research was lost to time.
-So will you do it?
-The thing is, Guildford
What?
You've never said my name before.
[Jane stammers]
[clears throat] What if I can't do it?
What then?
All I'm asking is that you try.
Please, Jane.
I don't want to live like this.
Neither do I.
This marriage was never my desire.
Then what is your desire?
Independence.
So a divorce?
How modern.
Fine.
You find me my cure,
and this marriage is over.
[hopeful music playing]
Jane.
Please.
I need this.
Never tell me to obey you again.
Never.
Promise.
I do.
[Charlotte Gainsbourg: "Trick Pony"]
Train, train ♪
-Jane, one last thing.
-Yes?
Obviously, I know
you'd rather not be husband and wife,
so you needn't worry about,
um, marital obligations.
Oh.
Yes, good. I'm glad we can be friends.
Yes.
Friends.
This is you.
X X the eyes ♪
C. C. Rider riding ♪
On the morning tide ♪
To the fall horizon ♪
I'll start my research tomorrow.
Thank you.
Guildford.
Yes?
-Sleep well.
-[song stops abruptly]
You, too. Good night.
-Good night.
-Good night.
[Guildford clears throat]
[dramatic music playing]
-[thunder crashes]
-[panting]
Petunia?
Guards?
Servants? Anyone?
-[Mary] He's my brother. I'll do it.
-[Seymour] Yes, yes, dear.
[Author] It was Princess Mary
and Seymour coming to kill him.
Eddie?
-Eddie?
-[grunts]
[wind howling]
-[loud knocking continues]
-I'm coming in! Eddie!
Eddie! It's only me.
I need to talk to you.
Eddie!
[loud banging]
Where is he?
[Seymour] He must be here.
Your Majesty?!
Your Highness?!
-[frustrated grunt]
-[Mary] He's gone.
The door was bolted.
A dozen guards stationed below.
There's no other way
out this room except
[thunder rumbling]
He must have fallen trying to escape.
Edward is dead.
[laughing] Edward is dead!
[laughing hysterically]
[dramatic music playing]
♪
♪
♪
♪
[music fades]
[Frances] Jane, this marriage protects us.
-Shut up!
-I'm sorry?
-I don't want to be married.
-[Edward] We're all born to certain roles.
Our destiny is set.
Where's she going?
[Frances] The Dudleys
will do anything for power,
-and they are very, very, very rich.
-[laughing]
We're leaving. Now.
Stop! They're here!
[grunts] Forgive me.
-Ethian.
-How's my baby brother?
[Seymour] Weaker than a Sicilian's virtue.
-And his Will for Succession is
-Done.
I'm not afraid of death.
[Seymour] Your eldest sister, Mary,
is indeed the rightful heir to the throne.
-What if there was somebody else?
-Lady Jane.
[Dudley] Lady Jane Grey?
[Seymour] What a happy coincidence.
Jane's husband-to-be is your son.
-You are the rudest man I have ever met.
-Well, the night is young. Mingle.
Good evening!
-Come with me.
-As if.
[Jane] Mother, about the wedding.
Please don't make me marry him.
I, Guildford, take thee, Jane
-[coughs]
-[Margaret] It's the Affliction!
-[sighs]
-[crowd gasps]
[The Detroit Cobras: "Cha Cha Twist"]
[Author] If you ever find yourself
faking a fatal disease
to avoid saying "I do,"
first, check there isn't a royal medic
in the congregation.
Because if you don't,
you might find yourself
strapped to a table by a sadist
-with a penchant for knife-work.
-[song stops]
Bollocks.
A swift examination,
Lady Jane, is the only way
to assess if you are, in fact,
sickened by the Affliction
and indeed near death,
as your recent collapse intimates,
or if there is a-another simpler reason.
[Author] She's faking.
The simpler reason is, she's faking.
Here, now, let's have a little look,
shall we?
Let's go in here. Lovely.
And open-y, open-y.
Lovely. And up here
The devil is that?
Oh, no, no, I know what that is.
That's fine.
-[sets instrument down]
-Might be a spleen thing.
Mm, yes.
I'm all for de-spleening these days.
[scoffs] Useless organ.
-[snorts deeply, spits]
-[Jane] Ugh.
Dear gods.
Uh, Dr. Butts,
shouldn't you be with the King?
Don't you women ever stop talking?
Now, if you are ailed by the Affliction,
the blood shall tell us everything.
[Author] The blood shall tell him nothing.
The blood is made from dried beetle shells
and honey crystals
Jane chewed up and dribbled out.
Cheerio.
[slurps]
[swishes, sighs]
[smacks lips] Oh.
Why, 'tis sweet. [exclaims]
Perfect.
-No Affliction.
-What?
Don't say "what." Say "pardon."
Your humors are out of balance.
Thus excess melancholy
and unladylike aggression.
A thorough bleed,
-and the wedding may proceed.
-[gasps]
And I'll get my boy to make the blood
into a, into a sausage for your breakfast.
Yummy, yummy.
[sighs]
[Author] Jane's options are clear.
Marriage or torture followed by marriage.
Followed by a sausage
made from her own blood.
[pants sharply]
Stop! I'm better!
You are a masterful healer.
Mother?
Dr. Butts healed me.
I thought he would.
-Come on, baby ♪
-[The Detroit Cobras:
"Cha Cha Twist" resumes]
Let's do the Twist ♪
[door opens]
Come on, baby ♪
Let's do the Twist ♪
You look fine, yeah ♪
Lady Jane, do you feel better?
♪
Have you seen my sis? ♪
-Tell me, baby ♪♪
-[song ends]
I do.
[Emily Wolfe: "Holy Roller"]
[crowd murmuring]
[crowd exclaiming]
Swans mate for life. It's symbolic.
[Author] Jane wants to throw up.
Thank you.
[Author] All that effort,
begging, pleading, running away,
-and then the merest hint of torture
-Wanker.
and she capitulated.
-Did you just call me a wanker?
-Called myself a wanker.
But I rather expect you're one, too.
You are even more charming
and ladylike than I remember.
Oh, and you're Galahad reborn.
The very picture of chivalric manhood.
Did you just say
that you're picturing my manhood?
[Frances] Jane, darling,
I haven't congratulated you
on this happy day.
[Jane] I need some air.
No more games.
I know you hate it, but trust me,
you will find this marriage empowering.
Empowering? [stammers] He owns me now.
I am his wife. His chattel. His
His problem and no longer mine.
Lady Frances. Lady Jane.
-The Duke of Norfolk sends his fondest
-Move, move and leave it in the gift room.
Thank you.
Jane, you outrank Guildford.
His grandfather was an accountant.
Whereas your great-grandfather
was the King of England.
Tell me, Mother, did I fetch a good price
or was I a bargain?
I would've paid them to take you.
Eat your swan.
Word to the wise. Now, listen.
Target is in sight.
The bull's-eye is clear
-but still requires a steady hand
-Dad.
as we pull back the bow.
-So remember, twang, twang, twang.
-What?
So, Stan, tell me about you.
My fiancée has the plague.
-Oh, bad luck.
-Hmm.
My husband's dead.
-Bad luck, indeed.
-I know.
Mm.
[slurping]
Was that a withering look?
Oh. And another one.
Consider me withered.
[whispers] How'd you fake
the blood in the church, anyway?
Mm, the blood was not fake.
Perhaps the medic was wrong
and I do have the Affliction
simply crawling all over my lungs.
And, hey, now that we're married,
you'll catch it and we'll both die.
Fingers crossed.
-Margaret.
-What?
You're ten. Beer only.
I love wine.
-And Katherine loves bedding ceremonies.
-What? Shut up. No, I don't.
[Author] Jane had forgotten all about
the bedding ceremony.
-[Dudley] People? People. Eyes to me.
-[silverware tapping goblet]
Eyes to me.
Well.
His Royal Highness, King Edward,
has returned to the Palace
to rule our great Kingdom
and to keep the Verity people safe!
[crowd cheers]
Now, there are many here today
who feared that this day would never come.
I mean, my rascal son,
the Grey's unpopular daughter.
But as my darling departed wife
used to say,
there is a key for every lock.
[crowd murmurs]
And Guildford has managed
to insert that key today.
So, let's raise a glass
to the pure Verity union
of Lady Jane Grey and my son,
Lord Guildford Dudley!
Stand up, the two of you. Come on.
-Raise a glass to Jane and Guildford!
-[crowd cheering]
[crowd] Jane and Guildford!
Smile, huh? Teeth and eyes.
-People love you.
-[applause]
[crowd quiets]
I'd like to say a few words.
I stand before my countrymen and women
offering not just my blessings
but those of my brother, King Edward.
There is no soul he holds
in higher esteem than Jane.
I hear he's coughing
all the way to his coffin, Bessie!
-[laughter]
-Silence, fool!
[crowd quiets]
To speak of His Majesty's death
is treason, even in jest.
I entreat you all to remember that
when speaking of my beloved brother.
Besides, I can assure you,
good King Edward is alive and safe.
[Author] Incorrect.
Edward is alive but not safe.
[Seymour] Too much excitement.
I knew it would be.
I'm always right about these things.
What news of of Jane?
-Jane is fine.
-[door opens]
Fainted with joy.
Bess is there on your behalf.
[Charles whispers]
Mm. More Ethian uprisings in the north.
[Charles] The Pack, sire.
Their beastly leader, Archer
why haven't you killed him yet?
I'm trying my best.
I-I wish to be alone.
[Mary] Sleep, brother.
[door closes]
[whistles]
-They're gone.
-[Petunia whines, barks]
I'm starving.
Cheese.
-Love cheese.
-[giggles]
-Mmm.
-I have had an idea.
-[pours drink]
-We can find the poisoner
by finding the source of the poison.
To dogs, it smells like
rotting flesh and poo-poo.
When I find my poisoner,
I can order them boiled to death.
[Edward laughs]
Marvelously barbaric.
Dad's idea, of course.
Of course.
Oh, here's an idea.
Find the source of the poison,
find the poisoner.
Didn't I just say that?
Tomorrow morning,
we're going to have an adventure.
If I do this, if I help you,
then once your poisoner is dead
-Boiled.
-Boiled.
Then you will come with me to Granny's.
Promise me.
I can't go back there without you.
I promise.
I wonder what Jane is doing.
I hope she's having fun.
[Author] Jane is not having fun.
Like every virgin contemplating
her first meeting with "The Big D,"
Jane is feeling a heady mix
of nerves and concupiscence.
Or as the kids call it, "the raging horn."
Jane has the raging horn for Guildford,
even though she knows
he is utterly incorrigible
and that their first time,
the bedding ceremony,
will be in front of everybody
in this room.
Not dancing?
They're just stumbling and shit-faced.
Well, let me tell you a secret.
Sometimes getting shit-faced
is incredibly good fun.
-You've got something in your teeth.
-What? [grunts]
[goblet bangs on table]
[Margaret] Kiss!
-Kiss!
-Kiss!
[crowd chanting, clapping]
Kiss! Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!
[crowd continues chanting "Kiss!"]
[Wet Leg: "Angelica"]
[chanting and clapping continue faster]
[chanting and clapping distort and slow]
[distorted] Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!
Comes to an end ♪
We all go again ♪♪
-[Guildford whispers] As if.
-[song stops]
-[Jane grunts]
-[crowd groans]
[stammers] Th-There's plenty
of time for that.
We all know what's coming.
[crowd exclaiming]
[lighthearted music playing]
[chuckles softly]
[soft whoosh]
[coins jingle]
Thief.
How did that get in there?
And an Ethian thief, I'd wager.
I contain multitudes, My Lady.
[sighs]
Well, it's been a pleasure.
-But I must away
-No!
Do you know a woman named Susannah?
She's like you. Ethian.
She's my best friend.
We don't all know each other, actually.
What the tits?!
[soft whoosh]
[coins jingling]
[Guildford] I had come in here
to apologize for my rudeness,
but now I see
you're pilfering our wedding gifts.
Perhaps I should. They'd fund my freedom.
You humiliated me.
This is a clearly doomed arrangement,
so yes, I intend to leave you.
-As soon as possible.
-Oh. Why?
You are one of
the most notorious rakes in London.
-Oh. Thank you.
-Oh, it's not a good thing.
Do you know what people say about you?
That you sleep all day, carouse all night,
spending your time with knaves, fools,
harlots, drunkards, braggarts
Well, you certainly seemed
to enjoy my company in the tavern.
-[scoffs]
-And besides,
at least I have friends.
And yet you still married me.
-A complete stranger.
-I had my reasons.
Oh, how terribly cryptic.
My, what a fascinating enigma you are.
What were your reasons?
Money.
And to save my sister Katherine
from an ancient Duke
who smells like a forgotten chamber pot.
Do I smell like a forgotten chamber pot?
I have not smelled you. [scoffs softly]
And I don't intend to.
[Author] It was not the killer exit line
that Jane was hoping for,
but it was all she had.
-[Katherine] There you are.
-[Dudley] Ah, the young lovers.
I began to wonder
if you'd given in to temptation
-and jumped into the proverbial sack.
-No. Dad. Absolutely not.
Jolly good, because the bedding ceremony
is about to begin.
Come on. Let's go.
Come on.
After which, you must actually shag,
seal the deal.
Huh? Otherwise,
this marriage could be ended
-like that.
-[fingers snap]
[Goat Girl: "Tainted Love"]
[lively chatter, laughter]
-Dad, really?
-This way. Come on.
I feel I've got to run away ♪
I've got to get away ♪
Well, this is quite the turnout,
isn't it, eh?
Goodness.
Jane, I know we haven't discussed
what happens between a man and a woman,
but if you're anything like me, I think
you'll take to it like a duck to water.
Please, do not demean us both
with a speech about the marital bed.
[Dudley] Right, get it off. Come on.
Remember, there's a deal to be sealed.
Fun is fun, but work is work.
Get the job done.
[Frances] Now, Jane, darling,
mouth closed, legs open.
You're killing me.
Now, that is a shoulder.
-Time ticks by, we all get older.
-Please, Dad.
I spy a maiden's shoulder.
[Stan] Tell you what, chaps.
I do rather fancy mummykins. [chuckles]
I've got a few tips.
Hold anything firm firmly
and anything soft softly.
-Apparently, it really hurts.
-Shh. Don't listen to her.
-[dramatic music playing]
-[heart beating slowly]
-[crowd cheering]
-[Goat Girl: "Tainted Love" continues]
[crowd cheering]
Why aren't they leaving?
They need to see our legs
to prove consummation.
They'll leave
if we frot against each other.
Our feet, I mean.
Take my tears
and that's not nearly all ♪
-[crowd cheering]
-Tainted love ♪
Oh ♪
Tainted, oh ♪
-Yes! [whoops]
-[crowd cheering]
I cannot stand the way you tease ♪♪
[lively chatter, laughter]
[song fades]
Now what?
Just wait.
[door closes]
[sighs]
Jane.
Now that we are finally alone,
let me be clear.
I do not think
that I should have to defend myself
or the way that I've chosen
to live my life until now.
-Because it's indefensible.
-Uh, let me speak.
Jane.
Do you
Have you ever been in a situation
where you've had to do a certain thing,
and then when you got there,
you didn't know
if you could go through with it?
[gentle music playing]
Not without a drink, at least.
Actually, I don't require wine
for courage.
Or personality.
Gods' teeth, no wonder your mother
sold you to the highest bidder.
-No wonder your father
had to buy you a wife.
-Well, I should thank him.
Because, of all the heinous,
know-it-all wenches in the world,
I got stuck with you.
How dare you speak to me like that?!
-Because I'm your Lord husband!
-[scoffs]
Who you are to love, honor and obey.
Ha!
Missed!
I wish to be alone until the morrow.
-Jane, that's the
-Good night.
Dressing room.
[whispers] Shit.
-[thump on door]
-[Jane] Hello?
-Let me out. Bastard!
-[banging on door]
[whimsical music playing]
[both moaning, breathing heavily]
Ah, mm-mm. To the left.
Left, left, left, left, left.
That's better.
[moans]
[laughing]
[moaning]
[moaning loudly]
[grunting]
[breathing heavily]
[sighs, exhales sharply]
Uh, actually, I didn't.
Oh, well, something to look forward to.
Look, do-do you mind
if we just hop back up?
I'll be awfully fast.
Ow!
Stan, is that damp in the ceiling?
Look at him.
He just feels so sad.
Ah, he'll get over it.
Why doesn't your father
take better care of this place?
Daddy likes to spend money.
He's just not good at earning it.
Dudley's broke?
-How broke?!
-[gasps]
You're scaring me.
And I kind of like it.
[both chuckling]
Oh.
It must be terribly vexing,
this money situation, for all of you.
Now, um [clears throat]
come and unburden yourself
and tell me
everything.
[breathing heavily]
[upbeat music playing]
[thunder rumbling]
I cannot tempt you to join me?
I detest bathing.
How many times do I have to tell you?
We are peevish, I see.
[intriguing music playing]
Patience, Princess.
The throne will be yours.
It is your birthright.
And when you have that crown,
-we can finally be married.
-We can finally slay all the Ethians
-just like Daddy would've wanted.
-That's exactly what I said.
That's not what you said.
Naturally, once Queen,
betrothal will be your honor
to bestow upon me.
But until that happy day arrives,
I hoped you would accept
this token of
my abiding love and affection.
My love.
I'm overcome.
But you know I can't accept it.
You give me your ring instead,
and I'll wear that on a chain around
my neck as a symbol of love and fidelity.
My eye ring?
That-that was a gift from King Henry.
Yes, I know.
And as he gave it to you, he kissed it.
'Cause you're special.
And now we have Daddy's blessing.
[door opens]
-Hello?
-[knocks]
Hello? Guildford Dudley, let me out!
-[banging on door]
-Let me out of here!
You let me out of here,
Guildford Dudley, right now!
Oh, you bastard! Leaving me
Where is he?
Lady Jane! You can't go out like that.
You're practically naked!
Your hair!
You are a wife now.
You only take your hair down
when you're alone with himself.
During marital purposes.
Marital
Oh.
[sighs] A woman needs it
at least once a day.
I like it twice myself.
If you don't get it, then all the fluids
and vapors build up and cause fits.
I knew a widow from Exeter
who missed marital purposes so much
that her eyes exploded.
And then she died.
Guildford will show you what to do.
Where is Lord Guildford?
Oh, he keeps a bed down by the stables.
He likes the easy access to town.
Oh, I'm sure he does.
[Black Honey: "Wild Thing"]
Wild thing ♪
You make my heart sing ♪
You make everything groovy ♪
[sighs]
Wild thing ♪
[song ends]
You!
You left me stuck in that sodding
dressing room all night, you knave.
You locked yourself
in the sodding dressing room, you numpty.
-[birds chirping]
-[suspenseful music playing]
Jane, I really need to be alone.
Oh, well, we're married now,
so not being alone is part of the deal.
Jane, please just leave.
Why?
Where are you
[whinnies, neighs]
You're a horse?
Change back.
Guildford, there are servants everywhere.
Someone is going to see you. Change back.
[neighs]
-[door opens]
-Ah, I thought I'd find you here.
The inevitable
wedding morning conversation.
Uh, he can't change. Not until sunset.
Uh, meet Rupert.
-He's Guildford's groom.
-Milady.
What?
Don't say "what." Say "pardon."
Guildford can't control his Ethian powers.
Why?
Ethians can change back and forth
whenever they want. Everybody knows that.
Not my boy.
Never has. We don't know why.
It's a sort of horse-by-day,
man-by-night thing.
That's not a thing.
I think you're in shock.
Give yourself a little time,
and you'll see that it's not that bad.
I mean, look at him.
It's not as if he's one of those
Pack Ethians you hear so much about.
I mean, with Guildford,
it's it's more of a quirk.
So, you, Rupert and Guildford
will embark upon your honeymoon today.
Honeymoon?
Why would I go on a honeymoon
with a horse?
To evade prying eyes
and have some time to adjust and to focus
on the realities of your marriage.
No. No. I can't stay married to him.
Jane. Jane, Jane, Jane.
I often find, with very clever people
like your good self,
they gad about the place spouting Greek
and generally arse-ing things up,
but they're frequently blind
to bigger truths.
Do you know the punishment
for Ethian-Verity intermarriage?
[suspenseful music playing]
If I tell anyone, we're all dead.
You, him, me, your mother, your sisters.
Me, probably.
-Oh, definitely you.
-No, this is madness.
My cousin, King Edward, will annul
this marriage. He will protect me.
The ailing Verity King,
who's expanded Division Laws,
who's constantly hanging
Ethian miscreants?
Do you really want
to bet your life on that?
The only clear way out of this
is quiet obedience.
And a honeymoon far, far away.
[Guildford neighs]
Oh, Jane.
Did you actually think
you'd find a real man to marry you?
[door opens]
[door closes]
[whinnies]
-[barks]
-[coughing]
[Author] As a boy,
Edward thrilled at tales of Emperor Nero,
who would don a disguise
and cavort around Rome as a commoner.
Now Edward is finally about
to experience it for himself.
The world as a normal person.
A pleb, a pauper,
someone who isn't probably dying.
Someone who shall uncover the truth,
dash it.
Old woman.
I am a simple farmer seeking a herbalist.
-Pray tell
-Buy me pig or bugger off.
Did you see that?
No idea who I was.
"Bugger off," she said.
-I can't see a herbalist anywhere.
-Perhaps we should try the next village.
Wait. Look.
It's only a flower girl.
No, she isn't.
You distract her.
I'll change and take a sniff around.
Marjoram, feverfew, sage and daisies.
Good for what ails you
and bad for what might impale you.
Good morrow, flower peasant.
What can I do you for, sir?
I need a sleeping potion.
Yeah, chamomile. Make a draft.
I mean a more permanent sleep.
No. Sorry. Bugger off.
[barks, sniffs]
[woman] Filthy beast.
Look at the state of ya. Ethian scum!
I'm only a field mouse! [sobbing]
Guards. Where are you taking her?
Guards!
Where are they taking her?
Who cares? She's a beast.
I told you.
-A-About the sleeping draft, I
-Look, mate.
-Poison is verboten.
-[soft whoosh]
Get it?
I don't have it. I don't sell it.
I don't even know what it is.
[Edward] Tofana?
It's a poisoner's box.
You nasty little thief.
You filthy little poison merchant.
To whom did you sell this?
Was it someone at the Palace?
Tell him or I'll cut your blinking throat.
Fine.
Maybe I sold Tofana here.
S-Some berk in a cloak.
Guy with a creepy ring.
-Looked a bit like an eyeball.
-What sort of eyeball?
[grunts]
Get out of here and leave me in peace.
[grunts]
What does that mean?
-It's kind of like "bugger off."
-Ah, I see.
Tofana.
-We must get you to Granny.
-No, no.
-I need to talk to Jane.
-[horse neighs]
[Author] A horse for a husband.
A fucking horse for a husband.
And a lying horse-husband at that.
Jane wants more than ever to escape.
And perhaps,
if she hawks her valuable wedding gifts,
she can.
Would you please unlock that?
Oh, no. It's going on honeymoon with you.
Exciting.
There are some gifts
that I would like to retrieve.
Your new Lord and master's orders, Milady.
He is not my Lord and master.
[Stan] Greetings, sister.
Salutations, urchin-kicker.
Oh, they love me.
How's married life?
[clicking tongue to imitate hoofbeats]
Tallyho.
[whispers] Good luck with that.
This just arrived for you.
From His Majesty.
Bit manky, innit?
-We played with it as children.
-Exactly.
Manky.
Say hi to your mum for me.
[intriguing music playing]
[Author] The note from Edward
could only mean one thing.
Jane's fake collapse in the church
had forced him to come to his senses
and annul her disaster of a marriage.
[Jane] Edward.
Very definition of cloak and dagger.
-You look better.
-Jane
what do you know about poison?
I have this friend,
and he thinks he might have
accidentally ingested Tofana.
The Florentine Widowmaker?
Yes. I knew you would know.
You've always been so jolly clever
about things like this.
-How bad is it?
-Catastrophic.
Tofana is the most lethal substance
that there is.
I mean, in large doses,
well, it kills you instantly.
In small doses, it creeps into your lungs,
seeps into your blood
-until it reaches your heart, and then
-And then?
-You die.
-[whimpers]
I know.
I'll stay here for a while
and help your poor friend.
Jane, I won't help you
abandon your wifely duties.
[sighs] You sound like Guildford.
-He can't be that bad, honestly.
-He is that bad.
In fact, he is
What?
What is he?
You know, you used to be
the one person in whom I could confide.
There was nothing
we wouldn't do for each other.
Jane, there is so much going on
that you don't and cannot know.
-What do I not know?
-No, it's none of your concern.
-Gods, why are you being such a prat?
-Do not speak to your King like that.
You do realize it doesn't matter
how many times you say "King."
-You'll never be your father.
-And you're nothing but a wife!
Just Guildford Dudley's property.
[Black Honey: "Beaches"]
I've been telling you lies ♪
-Not so good at the truth ♪
-[barking]
So I won't have to try ♪
Being good for you ♪
-Go ♪
-Girls like the boys ♪
When they act like the girls ♪
And all they ever wanted
was the whole damn world ♪
Walking in the wild
in a bad black leather ♪♪
[song ends]
[burps] Oh.
[sighs] Whale pie. A little gamey.
-Whale. Such a challenge to digest.
-I know.
[man] All rise for the King!
[crowd, overlapping] Your Majesty.
[Edward] I call you here today
to impart news that will,
I trust, shock you
as much as it shocked me.
I have ascertained that my malaise
is not the Affliction.
It is, in fact, poison.
[crowd gasping, murmuring]
Furthermore, I have reason to believe
that my would-be assassin
is somebody at Court.
It could even be one of you.
[crowd gasping, murmuring]
I demand each of you pledge
to stop at nothing to find the culprit.
Your Majesty, please, rest assured that
We will endeavor to find
who's responsible for this.
-We will go to all lengths,
and we will not stop until
-We will not stop.
You must banish any doubt
within the royal mind
-Every person within this Court
-I'm still speaking.
[Dudley] This atrocity
-We'll solve forthwith.
-We'll endeavor to find
who's responsible for this.
-We'll go to all lengths
-There is no length
to which we will not go.
-It's as simple as that.
It is as simple as that.
-It is as simple as that.
-We will find them, Your Majesty.
-It is as That's enough. That's enough.
If you cannot find the poisoner,
I'll assume
you're all treasonous bastards.
[crowd gasping]
And I'll boil you all together.
[crowd gasping, murmuring]
So, without further ado
bugger off!
[Seymour] Delusions of persecution.
The King is losing his wits.
Often happens
in the latter stages of the Affliction.
Perhaps you're right. He looked terrible.
Positively waxy.
-Most unpleasant.
-Oh, most unpleasant.
Let me look into this poisoning business.
Nothing's more important
than the monarchy.
-Quite.
-Quite.
Quite.
[Author] When Englishmen
truly hate each other,
they will agree profusely.
He knows. The King knows.
The King knows?
You fool. You fool!
I told you!
[whispering] Hush, hush, hush, my love.
Someone will hear.
-I think you mean "Your Highness."
-Yes, Your Highness.
Your Majesty.
-Maybe in a few days, he'll just
-No.
We don't have time.
I'm taking charge.
Hmm.
You do exactly as I say.
[tense music playing]
[door opens]
-Stan.
-Dad!
Shall we get squiffy and talk about girls?
What? Oh, shut up. Listen to me.
I need you to go to the Chancery.
Find the King's Will for the Succession.
You bring it back to me for safekeeping.
Right now?
Don't "right now" me.
I believe there are powerful forces
conspiring against the King,
but I haven't survived a lifetime in Court
by picking fights I know I can't win.
-My priority is the monarchy.
-[bee buzzing]
We must safeguard the Will.
-Do you understand?
-[muffled mumbling]
Whoever gets the crown controls the world.
My future, your future,
Guildford's future.
The entire Kingdom is at stake.
So stand and go.
-Can I get my bun?
-I'll get you another bun!
[energetic music playing]
[Author] There are two types
of people in the world:
those who lie down and cry for mummy
when things get tough
and those who know mummy wouldn't
piss on you if you were on fire,
so you better jolly well get back up
and keep fighting your corner,
because it's the only way you'll survive.
Rupert?
Desperate for a wazz.
Rupert, stop!
Oh, cheers.
We must make haste, Milady.
If either of you want to use the tree,
I can watch the horses.
And the husband. [chuckles]
[whinnies]
Ah, I shouldn't. It's, uh, it's not safe.
No, piffle. There's not a soul around.
-Go on.
-Thank you, Milady.
Peter, let's take a slash.
[man] Hello! I say, I'm terribly sorry.
My groom dropped down dead,
wasn't it a bother,
my steed absconded into the night,
I'm dreadfully hungry,
and I'm afraid I find myself
forced to rob you to survive.
-So open the fucking chest, lambkins!
-[neighs]
Open it. I've got a stick,
and I'm not afraid to use it.
-Come on! Open the chest!
-[neighing continues]
Open it! Open the chest now!
Yes!
There's nothing but books.
It's literature.
There are no valuables in here at all.
Looks like the only valuable here is you.
-Don't touch me!
-[neighing]
Ever!
-Okay!
-[Jane] Bastard!
-How dare you!
-Ow!
[neighing]
[grunting]
[bleating]
[Rupert] Ethian scum.
Lady Jane, are you hurt?
-I'm fine.
-Oh, thank the gods.
Lady Jane, let's go.
Before more of 'em come back to murder us.
[Jane] "Quam Ut Rememdium Bestia."
[whinnies]
How interesting.
[whimsical music playing]
I must see Lady Frances.
Oh. It's you. I told you
King Edward's Will for the Succession,
it's missing.
What do you mean?
Dad sent me to the Chancery,
and it's gone.
It's missing. Stolen.
-I'm so stressed. Can I come in?
-No.
Well, Dad will freak out when I tell him.
I-I didn't know where else to go.
Frances.
What does it mean?
It means we're all fucked.
[upbeat music playing]
Are you cheating?
Yes. [giggles]
[knocking on door]
-[Edward] Come in.
-[soft whoosh]
[Petunia barks]
Your Royal Highness,
King Edward, Defender of the Realm.
Just get on with it.
It brings me both joy and pain
to tell you that I have ascertained
the identity of your poisoner.
[suspenseful music playing]
Lord Dudley.
Huh? What? [coughs]
-[sputters]
-Your plan was clear.
-You betrayed your Kingdom.
You betrayed your
-Lies! Your Majesty, I am the most loyal
What on earth are you doing?!
What are you looking for, man?!
I mean, get your [gasps]
Tofana. A poisoner's box.
-[barking]
-That's not mine!
You tried to murder my baby brother?
You treasonous vermin.
-[Mary yelling]
-[Dudley groaning]
[barking]
-Desist beating me!
-Arrest Lord Dudley.
Lock him up in the Tower of London.
No. No. Sire, you are mistaken.
-I'm innocent!
-[coughing]
You're making a grave error!
Get your mucky hands off me!
-No!
-[barking continues]
Shut that dog up,
or I'll shut it up for you.
Here, brother, take my cozy cloak.
You need peace.
[Petunia whines]
We must move you to the North Turret.
The eye ring.
[Edward] To whom did you sell Tofana?
[flower girl] Guy with a creepy ring.
Looked a bit like an eyeball.
-[horses neigh]
-[dramatic music playing]
[Author] Smuggling esoteric books
on honeymoon
is a jolly odd move
for a renowned scoundrel.
Despite being thwarted again
in her attempts to escape marriage,
Jane is suddenly rather intrigued.
[Jane clears throat]
Tired after the journey?
Oh, no.
Boundless energy, horses.
Is that supposed to be funny?
To be fair, I did try and warn you
about the horse thing.
That is not how I remember it.
We need to talk.
Your father told me
that you can't control your change. Why?
Ethians can switch back and forth
whenever they want. What's wrong with you?
I don't know.
And why did you swap
our wedding gifts with books?
I suggest you bring the wine.
"Das Biest Beenden."
They're all about curing Ethianism.
Yes, it's become something
of a hobby of mine.
For obvious reasons.
Latin, Italian, Greek.
Is that Aramaic? You speak Aramaic?
No.
My father says you're very smart,
that you're a polyglot.
Correctomundo.
-It's Italian.
-And that you also know the medical arts
and you make these little cures
and things.
Patronizing, but yes.
[Guildford sighs]
I am hoping
that you can use the knowledge
in these books to cure me.
So you married me for my brain?
Look, I've read about Ethian cures,
of course.
I just always assumed
that they were myths.
You know, John of Damascus said that
it would be like curing the sea of being
the sea, the earth of being the earth.
John was also burned for blasphemy.
The ancients thought it was possible.
Petronius with versipellis,
though his research was lost to time.
-So will you do it?
-The thing is, Guildford
What?
You've never said my name before.
[Jane stammers]
[clears throat] What if I can't do it?
What then?
All I'm asking is that you try.
Please, Jane.
I don't want to live like this.
Neither do I.
This marriage was never my desire.
Then what is your desire?
Independence.
So a divorce?
How modern.
Fine.
You find me my cure,
and this marriage is over.
[hopeful music playing]
Jane.
Please.
I need this.
Never tell me to obey you again.
Never.
Promise.
I do.
[Charlotte Gainsbourg: "Trick Pony"]
Train, train ♪
-Jane, one last thing.
-Yes?
Obviously, I know
you'd rather not be husband and wife,
so you needn't worry about,
um, marital obligations.
Oh.
Yes, good. I'm glad we can be friends.
Yes.
Friends.
This is you.
X X the eyes ♪
C. C. Rider riding ♪
On the morning tide ♪
To the fall horizon ♪
I'll start my research tomorrow.
Thank you.
Guildford.
Yes?
-Sleep well.
-[song stops abruptly]
You, too. Good night.
-Good night.
-Good night.
[Guildford clears throat]
[dramatic music playing]
-[thunder crashes]
-[panting]
Petunia?
Guards?
Servants? Anyone?
-[Mary] He's my brother. I'll do it.
-[Seymour] Yes, yes, dear.
[Author] It was Princess Mary
and Seymour coming to kill him.
Eddie?
-Eddie?
-[grunts]
[wind howling]
-[loud knocking continues]
-I'm coming in! Eddie!
Eddie! It's only me.
I need to talk to you.
Eddie!
[loud banging]
Where is he?
[Seymour] He must be here.
Your Majesty?!
Your Highness?!
-[frustrated grunt]
-[Mary] He's gone.
The door was bolted.
A dozen guards stationed below.
There's no other way
out this room except
[thunder rumbling]
He must have fallen trying to escape.
Edward is dead.
[laughing] Edward is dead!
[laughing hysterically]
[dramatic music playing]
♪
♪
♪
♪
[music fades]