The White Princess (2017) s01e07 Episode Script
Two Kings
KING HENRY TUDOR: Previously on The White Princess We put a servant boy in the Tower in my brother Richard's place and we sent him off to safety.
My darling Richard.
My Perkin.
The boy is the son of a boatman from Tournai and his name is Perkin Warbeck.
There are faces from every royal house in Europe.
Apart from Spain.
We must settle Arthur's betrothal.
To the Princess Catherine of Aragon.
KING HENRY TUDOR: If we can come to terms with Isabella of Castile, that would be the best deterrent.
[speaking in Spanish.]
When Prince Richard rises against him, I will call on both you and your conscience to join us.
Where is the boy? A message from your Lady Mother.
She has the boy.
[theme music playing.]
[chattering indistinctly.]
Look at him.
Any fool can see he looks nothing like a York.
Is the court assembled? They await Your Grace's favor.
[sighs.]
MARGARET: Your Grace, I bring you the cause of England's troubles.
[all murmuring.]
The money wasted, the lives lost, bringing you here.
And all for what? A peasant boy.
I will enjoy your execution.
You'll be hung, drawn and quartered, - so that the last thing that - You should kill me if you wish to stay upon my throne.
[all murmuring.]
I am the son of King Edward, the IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville.
And I am rightful King of England.
You thought that I was murdered, but I live.
So, you will stand aside and return to me the crown and throne which have been stolen from me, or you will face the righteous wrath of Almighty God, who will rage against your sin and cast you into hell.
[all murmuring.]
[claps.]
Bravo.
A fine performance.
You have missed your calling.
Perhaps you wish to be a mummer in my court? [men laughing.]
I will ask the Queen of England what to do with you, seeing as you claim she is your sister.
Tell me, Queen Elizabeth, is this your kin? My brothers are both dead.
Not quite the welcome you imagined.
While I decide what to do with you, I shall make you a servant at our court.
You shall be knave of the King's wardrobe.
You may care for the robes you covet.
You may even sleep among them.
[chattering indistinctly.]
MARGARET: He is an enemy of the crown.
You must make a show of killing him.
An enemy backed by half of Europe, who may be mustering to come against me as we speak.
- He is a counterfeit! - Of course he is a counterfeit! You think we do not know that? He says himself that I must kill him as a threat, so I will not.
I will not be commanded by him.
I will parade him.
- Do you agree? - I Drag him through the streets and show the world I have him.
And then [sighs.]
When he is humiliated, he will give up his claim, and his supporters will forget him.
But they may not.
Or people may believe his claim just because You must not do this.
By killing him, the boy becomes a myth and martyr.
His power, ten times greater in the ballads that they sing.
He must appear the maggot that he is so that Europe will be embarrassed to have had him at their table.
I want to find his wife and child.
They are of value to us.
He left the battlefield to go to her once.
Now, I don't believe they can be far from Beaulieu.
He will have left her in the church for sanctuary.
But Rome agrees that traitors can no longer find refuge in the church.
Better you make her come to us by choice.
Persuade her that her husband needs her.
Tell me when you have her.
Don't you think he looks like Lady Mother? Isn't it just his hair? - Boys.
- Why would he say - that he's my uncle Richard if - Exactly.
When he knows that it would get him into trouble.
Well, he must believe it to be true, - but then he wouldn't - What are you saying to my sons? Come outside.
Come quickly now.
Lizzie? Have you spoken to him? He is nothing like my brother.
Here.
I'll not go.
- You must.
- No, I must not.
I have never joined you for the hunt or any other blood sport, and I will not start with this.
You may tell the King that we are unwell or whatever else you please.
Come on.
They chose someone who has York looks to add to the deception.
He's an enemy to our country and will try to take what is yours.
That's all.
We are ready.
[all shouting.]
Behold the enemy of England, the York pretender! The boy who's been a thorn in England's side.
Spit at him.
Throw stones.
SIR WILLIAM: He made you go to war and lose your kinsmen! And he has cost you dear in taxes.
THE BOY: I do not blame you, the good people of London.
I do not blame my sister.
She must protect her sons.
He is a liar and he insults the memory of your Queen's departed brother! THE BOY: My sister is a natural queen and there will be no pleasure in taking that from her.
SIR WILLIAM: "Take it from her.
" Hear his gall.
Our mother hid me on the night the soldiers came for you.
You didn't say goodbye, as you were angry with me.
SIR WILLIAM: Let us through! Let us through there! You always thought our mother loved me more than you.
[thudding.]
Get him back to the palace.
THE BOY: I miss you, Lizzie.
I wish that you would speak to me.
[thudding intensifies.]
But I forgive you.
This way! This way! [sighs.]
[exhales.]
[sobbing.]
[exhales.]
Here we are.
Now he can play king to his heart's content.
DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY: Do we know where they are keeping him? He is at Westminster.
Henry hopes the mask will fall if he observes him long enough.
Hurry, Madam, please.
We have prepared a room for you.
I need to send a message to someone.
[baby crying.]
Cathy Gordon.
Why is she here? Here, boy.
Come on.
Come where? Lady Catherine Gordon.
I am My Lady, The King's Mother.
- Welcome to our court.
- Where is my husband? [baby whimpers.]
Please curtsey to the Queen.
This way.
Clear the dung and scrub the steps.
THE BOY: I've told you that I will do nothing to debase myself.
And when you've finished, you will bring this noble lady's belongings inside.
[groans.]
What is he doing? His claims are false.
- LIZZIE: He is a servant.
- He is your brother.
Your marriage is annulled.
It was made under false pretenses.
What? Your wife and son are here at court.
You shall resume your maiden name, and your son will be called a bastard.
But you will be treated in accordance with your royal birth.
- So I am your prisoner? - MARGARET: You are our guest.
What if I don't wish to be your guest? Then you may leave your son and freely return to Scotland.
What name have you given him? He will be tended to by midwives.
No.
No! No! [baby crying.]
You will let them do this? You are of the royal birth.
It is the custom.
He is your nephew, Edward.
I need to see my husband.
Richard.
Are you hurt? Cathy.
Why are you here? How did they find you? - The monks said - Monks? The monks said that I should come to you, that I can help you.
- They've taken Edward.
- Oh, Cathy, they've lied to you to bring you here.
They would not dare to hurt me.
I am Scottish royal.
No, they won't hurt you.
Don't say it! Do not say it.
Oh, Cathy.
You should have stayed away as I had asked of you.
- Cathy.
- They will not hurt our Edward.
- No, they can't, - My love, where have they taken him? Cathy, where is he? Where is he now? You know what they did to my brother Edward in the Tower.
They killed him and we never found his body.
And the other boy as well.
It was them, Cathy.
It was those who rule my country now.
Now, why are you here? You were meant to be in sanctuary.
They said we are not married.
That I can go to Scotland but our baby must stay here.
Shh! Cathy.
We will change our plan.
- I will give up my claim.
- No! You can't deny your birthright.
And if you did, the Scots and all of Europe would abandon you.
The only thing that keeps you safe and us with you is if you hold fast and they back us.
I'm so sorry, my love.
I'm so sorry.
You see now that you have cards to play.
A wife and son.
It's quite a hand.
[sighs.]
Even to his wife, he holds the lie.
No, he knows that he is spied on.
He is a fake but not a fool.
He thinks it was a Tudor who killed the boys in the Tower.
Then he only shows his ignorance.
Who could it be if it were not King Richard? It was Richard.
To clear his way to take the throne.
It was your mother, then, who brought her here? She is his link to King James and the Scottish army.
Their union must be broken.
And how will you break it? An annulment will not rob them of their feelings for each other.
- You think she cares for him? - She must, for he has little else to offer her.
[sighs.]
You will take her as your lady, which will at least appease the Scots.
Tell me of your brother.
What was he like? It was a long time ago.
Another lifetime.
You said he was there that day when my soldiers came for you.
What was he wearing? What was said? Tell me everything.
[indistinct conversations.]
MAGGIE: Why does Henry wear his crown? It is a hunt, not a state occasion.
Perhaps he thinks he's riding into battle.
Did not King Richard wear his crown at Bosworth? Carry my weapons.
Here.
MAN: Come.
[indistinct conversations.]
This copse is where we'll take our sport.
Give me my long-bow.
You do not have to do this, Henry.
I'm not your enemy.
Use that stick and beat the bushes.
What is his plan? Does he have one? It is a hunt.
You shoot your prey.
[arrow whooshing.]
MAGGIE: They say that you came here of your own free will.
You should leave here if you can.
Henry would be rid of him.
He is looking for a reason and if he cannot find one, he will lock him up in any case, as he did my brother.
I know you know he's Richard.
And if you want your brother free, you should back his claim.
Maggie, come here beside me.
Do you like to hunt? KING HENRY TUDOR: Go deeper in the bushes.
You will dine with me this evening.
I have no appetite, Your Grace.
You are without a husband.
I will make sure that you're taken care of.
With a royal education, you, of course, would know the patron saint of hunting.
Saint Hubert, who saw the Cross between the antlers of a stag.
Our uncle Anthony taught us about him.
[gasps.]
[sighs.]
You know I am your brother.
Stop it! THE BOY: Your aim is short.
You're not holding high enough - and you're dragging on release.
- [gasps.]
Henry! I understand how hard it is for you - Shut up - to step aside.
- Shut up.
- I promise that your family will be well cared - Shut up! - THE BOY: She is my sister after all.
- Shut up! - You will have to leave the court.
Shut up! [horse neighing.]
Give it to me.
Give it to me! MARGARET: Give that to the King! Collect your weapons.
We will return to the palace.
[gasps.]
Come on.
Duchess of Burgundy bids you come to Cheapside.
The market cross at midnight.
[breathing heavily.]
- WOMAN: Good day to you both.
- MAN: My dear.
What did you say to her? Cathy Gordon.
I told her I was sorry.
I would like you to serve as one of my ladies.
Finding loyalty has become a challenge.
I would be honored, but But our home is very far away and we are hoping to return there soon.
LIZZIE: It is too far away.
Henry trusts your husband and would like to keep him close.
You always said you wished to be near Teddy.
[music playing.]
[ talking indistinctly.]
Sir Richard.
Enjoy.
THE BOY: So, you've had to dine alone.
You look exactly as Mother did when our father was with his mistress.
Jane Shore.
Stop it.
Go.
Spend the night with your husbands.
[women laughing.]
[gasps.]
Don't fret, lad.
She's safe with us.
- [grunts.]
Out the way! - [gasps.]
DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY: It is endlessly fascinating to me, your River Thames.
All afternoon, I have watched the boats moving like busy beetles across its back.
I always want to know what they are all carrying.
Spices, garments and jewels.
A secret army? What is it that you want of me? Oh, I would be very much obliged if you would help me rescue Richard, the rightful heir to the throne of England, and his wife and child, of course.
I wish I could with all my heart, but I I hear they are keeping him in the King's wardrobe.
MAGGIE: Because the door locks to keep the royal jewels safe.
And I have looked down on this river all day long and I have watched the laundry barges drifting back and forth from one bank to the other.
And I picture the young king sleeping on his hard wooden floor and all around him, robes and linen.
My Lady aunt, if I could mount a rescue, my brother would be free.
They will never let your brother out.
Your only hope of freeing him is putting Richard on the throne.
[sighs.]
We are none of us fearless, ma Fleur Tremblante.
But we are women and we do what we must do.
Your face looks dreadful, like a death mask.
What is wrong with your eyes? I'm tired, My Lady.
They are dull and red like old embers.
Your cheeks are blemished and your skin flakes.
Your husband, the King, wished for a prodigious night and so we had.
[scoffs.]
I suppose you think he likes you? - I think nothing, Your Grace.
- Nothing? Nothing at all? You have an empty head? Here, let's see.
[gasps.]
Yes.
I hear the empty chamber echo.
- Lizzie, don't.
- Did you touch my husband, Catherine Gordon? Did he touch you? - No, Your Grace.
- "No"? No? [clattering.]
Clean that up.
[talking indistinctly.]
Quite a night I had with Lady Catherine.
I am spent.
LIZZIE: Henry? Why would you do it? Dine alone with her? Do you wish to cuckold him? Humiliate him? Make him weak in her eyes and England's? She seemed amenable to approach.
Mmm.
Surely you can see how besotted they are with each other.
You cannot believe she would betray him and her child.
He leans on her.
Hmm.
I must turn her against him.
Take away his strength.
By making her believe you desire her? You have seen his manner.
Eternally as though God in heaven shines a blinding light on him.
He draws the eyes of noblemen and women everywhere he goes.
They smile at him.
They bow their heads.
He taunts me with his dazzle.
Even you.
I will snuff it out and thrust him into darkness.
[band playing.]
KING HENRY TUDOR: Lady Catherine? Dance for me.
Delight me with your grace.
What do you hope to gain by this? You said that you gave me cards to play.
How would you have me play them, Mother? [scoffs.]
She means to influence the King.
But she does not realize that it is her who's being dandled like a puppet.
She is beautiful.
The King seems very taken.
It is an act.
LIZZIE: She will be sent away soon.
When the boy is sent to the Tower.
That is when she will go.
Lady Catherine and the King.
You must not object.
Object to what? He is the king.
You must not mind.
[whispers.]
Do not rise to it.
He shows his fear.
There is a plot to rescue you.
The Duchess of Burgundy is in London.
And my son, who is with royal midwives, guarded day and night? Should I leave him in Tudor hands and save my own skin? I am the king.
And I am winning.
- Henry? - [door opens.]
[talking indistinctly.]
Stop stepping around it.
Have you had her? Answer me! Oh, your servants may stay.
The whole court knows already.
Do you consider what I endure? You disrespect me, shame me before the court and everybody gossips.
You did the same to Lady Anne with your uncle, King Richard.
I was in love with Richard! Are you saying that you love her? Do you love him? What? The boy.
Do you love him? Of course I don't.
He is my He is my burden.
And so is she.
And yours and all of our children's.
Henry, they are tearing us apart.
We must find a way to deal with them.
[baby crying.]
They called him Edward.
Like my murdered brother.
MARGARET: What do you see? An innocent? Your dear sweet nephew? Of course not.
It is hard, I know.
But the world in which we move, we cannot see an infant as he is, but as he will become.
Like God, we must see Alpha and Omega.
The beginning and the end.
[baby crying.]
My son does his duty by wooing Lady Catherine.
She cares for him, he returns it.
Men are weak, swayed by beauty.
Women must be stronger.
[crying continues.]
LIZZIE: Read it.
Read it out.
[reading.]
"Perkin Warbeck" "the humble son of a boatman.
" Confess you are a no one.
No threat to us.
And you will live.
Reveal your true identity.
[reading.]
"My name" Is Prince Richard of York.
- Your brother! - Read it, and your family will live! Do not read it, Richard.
Don't deny your birthright.
His child will be brought up by a family in London.
- What? - You have no right! KING HENRY TUDOR: Oh, we have every right.
If you come here and you threaten my life and my family's life, then your own son will be forfeit.
CATHERINE: No.
God curses you.
He curses you and you will go to hell.
No! No, Henry.
Please, Henry.
Please, don't.
I beg you.
Henry, please! KING HENRY TUDOR: They look at me.
They plot behind my back.
They love him more than me.
What have you done with his child? Do not concern yourself with such matters.
What? Am I to be protected from the truth again? As you and Jasper always thought I should be.
What else do I not know? What Jasper would have told me in the hour before he died.
It hovers on the edges of my mind.
Sometimes in the night, I think I hear him whisper it, but as I lean in close to his lips, all I hear is the rush of the wind.
Nothing.
He would have told you that he loves you.
That he sacrificed his life to put you on the throne and you must keep it, or you will betray his memory.
Would he, Mother? Or is there something he would tell me about a game of cards? Your spirits are too low this evening.
I will pray for you at chapel.
MAGGIE: If you are found on the Queen's bed What? What can they do to me that's worse? The Duchess of Burgundy is in London.
She will find out where he is.
- MAGGIE: Please, get up.
- What are you doing? [gasps.]
Comforting her.
[sobbing.]
How could you do it, Lizzie? Let the King's mother take their son? You are changing, Maggie, and I'm not sure I like who you've become.
[sobbing continues.]
Your mother would be ashamed of you.
[door opens.]
[reading.]
"My name is Perkin Warbeck.
" "I was born in the town of Tournai in Flanders.
" "My father is a boat-builder, Jan Warbeck" "and my mother is Kateryn de Faro.
" [voice cracking.]
"I confess that I did falsely impersonate" "the dead Prince Richard, the Duke of York," "and I accept my sentence from His Grace, King Henry.
" At last, he tells the truth.
He is a Flemish peasant.
Maggie? Maggie! The Queen says you insulted her and defied her.
You must apologize.
Take care or they will never let your brother out.
No, they will never let my brother out in any case.
I know that now.
And I am tired of being a trembling flower and hoping it might make them feel their conscience.
[talking indistinctly.]
His confession has achieved nothing.
No one believes it.
Try him for treason and be done with him.
I cannot try him for treason now that he has read the proclamation.
He has to be an Englishman, but to be a traitor.
Just Enough! I'm sick.
This food is bad.
Say it then.
Apologize.
What will happen to him, Lizzie? Maggie.
What will happen to the boy? You should think about whose side you're on.
I am on Arthur's side, and Harry's.
And that is why I must say this.
You once told me of a curse laid by your mother and yourself that whoever killed those two boys in the Tower would lose the male line of their family.
Lady Margaret killed your brother Edward.
So, one of your boys is already in its shadow.
King Richard killed the boys.
Not Henry's mother.
His own son died because of it.
- The curse is done.
- You never once believed that.
[chuckles.]
I thought I was in love with him.
I would not see it then.
You believe that because it brings you comfort, but it is a lie.
WOMAN: Don't start.
He laughs at me.
[sighs.]
[talking indistinctly.]
MAGGIE: Lady Margaret killed the first prince and if you even think there is a chance that that boy is your brother Richard, then you cannot hurt him, Lizzie.
Or the curse falls on your sons as well.
Your Grace, my wife is feeling the effects of wine, she You know he is your brother, Lizzie.
I know you do.
They're poisoned! They're poisoned! He puts poison in my clothes to make me sick! What? He puts poison in my clothes to make me sick! Get him out of here.
[grunts.]
You would like the crown? This crown? This one? [groans.]
Henry! [groans.]
Beat him.
LIZZIE: Henry! Henry! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it, please.
Lizzie.
Tend to him.
Tend to his wounds.
I am hated.
[sobbing.]
The more I try to break him, the more he is beloved.
No.
No, you are king.
They whisper.
They say God hates me.
Shh! This is madness.
They would kill me and our sons.
No.
Henry, don't do this.
Don't do this.
[sniffles.]
[talking indistinctly.]
The boy will be allowed to see his wife this evening.
This is no trick.
You wanted me to act and I am acting.
Here is the key.
Richard.
Oh, God! It's Maggie.
- Cathy.
- MAGGIE: She's safe.
You are to see her.
I'm to help you.
"Richard.
" You believe me then? Yes, I do.
[sighs.]
[the boy groans.]
MAGGIE: Come on, get up.
[groans.]
Quickly.
There is a fire.
It started in the Royal Wardrobe.
If you go now, everyone will believe you burnt to death.
THE BOY: "You.
" You cannot bring yourself to say my name.
Even now.
This is why you let him come to me? So we could leave? You must disappear forever.
Give up your claim.
From this night on, you are never seen again at any court because you died here in the fire.
I need your word.
Where are we supposed to go? Buy land.
A farm.
Sire healthy children.
Live a long life somewhere far away.
With no name or rank? It has to be now, this moment.
While there is panic.
I am giving you a chance.
CATHERINE: What about our son? He is a A York prince.
He cannot grow up herding cows and burning peat.
But he will grow up.
That is what I'm offering you if you leave now.
You would not go against your husband for a boat builder's son but you would to save your brother.
- You know that I am Richard.
- Please, just go! [sighs.]
[sobbing.]
And be safe.
I will see your child is safely brought back to you.
You must come with me.
Cry and mourn his death, and tomorrow you may leave and join him.
It is your choice, Richard.
You must decide.
[all clamoring.]
Come on! MAN: A chain! Form a chain! More hands.
We need more hands! Give it to me! Did everyone get out? Form a chain! Where is Where's the boy? Where is he? He was locked inside the Royal Wardrobe! MAN: That is where the fire started.
LIZZIE: Quickly.
He started it himself.
It is God's work.
He is dead.
WOMAN: Is there anyone else in there? [grunts.]
I am the son of King Edward the IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville! I live through battle, walk through fire and I will have the throne of England! [sighs.]
My darling Richard.
My Perkin.
The boy is the son of a boatman from Tournai and his name is Perkin Warbeck.
There are faces from every royal house in Europe.
Apart from Spain.
We must settle Arthur's betrothal.
To the Princess Catherine of Aragon.
KING HENRY TUDOR: If we can come to terms with Isabella of Castile, that would be the best deterrent.
[speaking in Spanish.]
When Prince Richard rises against him, I will call on both you and your conscience to join us.
Where is the boy? A message from your Lady Mother.
She has the boy.
[theme music playing.]
[chattering indistinctly.]
Look at him.
Any fool can see he looks nothing like a York.
Is the court assembled? They await Your Grace's favor.
[sighs.]
MARGARET: Your Grace, I bring you the cause of England's troubles.
[all murmuring.]
The money wasted, the lives lost, bringing you here.
And all for what? A peasant boy.
I will enjoy your execution.
You'll be hung, drawn and quartered, - so that the last thing that - You should kill me if you wish to stay upon my throne.
[all murmuring.]
I am the son of King Edward, the IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville.
And I am rightful King of England.
You thought that I was murdered, but I live.
So, you will stand aside and return to me the crown and throne which have been stolen from me, or you will face the righteous wrath of Almighty God, who will rage against your sin and cast you into hell.
[all murmuring.]
[claps.]
Bravo.
A fine performance.
You have missed your calling.
Perhaps you wish to be a mummer in my court? [men laughing.]
I will ask the Queen of England what to do with you, seeing as you claim she is your sister.
Tell me, Queen Elizabeth, is this your kin? My brothers are both dead.
Not quite the welcome you imagined.
While I decide what to do with you, I shall make you a servant at our court.
You shall be knave of the King's wardrobe.
You may care for the robes you covet.
You may even sleep among them.
[chattering indistinctly.]
MARGARET: He is an enemy of the crown.
You must make a show of killing him.
An enemy backed by half of Europe, who may be mustering to come against me as we speak.
- He is a counterfeit! - Of course he is a counterfeit! You think we do not know that? He says himself that I must kill him as a threat, so I will not.
I will not be commanded by him.
I will parade him.
- Do you agree? - I Drag him through the streets and show the world I have him.
And then [sighs.]
When he is humiliated, he will give up his claim, and his supporters will forget him.
But they may not.
Or people may believe his claim just because You must not do this.
By killing him, the boy becomes a myth and martyr.
His power, ten times greater in the ballads that they sing.
He must appear the maggot that he is so that Europe will be embarrassed to have had him at their table.
I want to find his wife and child.
They are of value to us.
He left the battlefield to go to her once.
Now, I don't believe they can be far from Beaulieu.
He will have left her in the church for sanctuary.
But Rome agrees that traitors can no longer find refuge in the church.
Better you make her come to us by choice.
Persuade her that her husband needs her.
Tell me when you have her.
Don't you think he looks like Lady Mother? Isn't it just his hair? - Boys.
- Why would he say - that he's my uncle Richard if - Exactly.
When he knows that it would get him into trouble.
Well, he must believe it to be true, - but then he wouldn't - What are you saying to my sons? Come outside.
Come quickly now.
Lizzie? Have you spoken to him? He is nothing like my brother.
Here.
I'll not go.
- You must.
- No, I must not.
I have never joined you for the hunt or any other blood sport, and I will not start with this.
You may tell the King that we are unwell or whatever else you please.
Come on.
They chose someone who has York looks to add to the deception.
He's an enemy to our country and will try to take what is yours.
That's all.
We are ready.
[all shouting.]
Behold the enemy of England, the York pretender! The boy who's been a thorn in England's side.
Spit at him.
Throw stones.
SIR WILLIAM: He made you go to war and lose your kinsmen! And he has cost you dear in taxes.
THE BOY: I do not blame you, the good people of London.
I do not blame my sister.
She must protect her sons.
He is a liar and he insults the memory of your Queen's departed brother! THE BOY: My sister is a natural queen and there will be no pleasure in taking that from her.
SIR WILLIAM: "Take it from her.
" Hear his gall.
Our mother hid me on the night the soldiers came for you.
You didn't say goodbye, as you were angry with me.
SIR WILLIAM: Let us through! Let us through there! You always thought our mother loved me more than you.
[thudding.]
Get him back to the palace.
THE BOY: I miss you, Lizzie.
I wish that you would speak to me.
[thudding intensifies.]
But I forgive you.
This way! This way! [sighs.]
[exhales.]
[sobbing.]
[exhales.]
Here we are.
Now he can play king to his heart's content.
DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY: Do we know where they are keeping him? He is at Westminster.
Henry hopes the mask will fall if he observes him long enough.
Hurry, Madam, please.
We have prepared a room for you.
I need to send a message to someone.
[baby crying.]
Cathy Gordon.
Why is she here? Here, boy.
Come on.
Come where? Lady Catherine Gordon.
I am My Lady, The King's Mother.
- Welcome to our court.
- Where is my husband? [baby whimpers.]
Please curtsey to the Queen.
This way.
Clear the dung and scrub the steps.
THE BOY: I've told you that I will do nothing to debase myself.
And when you've finished, you will bring this noble lady's belongings inside.
[groans.]
What is he doing? His claims are false.
- LIZZIE: He is a servant.
- He is your brother.
Your marriage is annulled.
It was made under false pretenses.
What? Your wife and son are here at court.
You shall resume your maiden name, and your son will be called a bastard.
But you will be treated in accordance with your royal birth.
- So I am your prisoner? - MARGARET: You are our guest.
What if I don't wish to be your guest? Then you may leave your son and freely return to Scotland.
What name have you given him? He will be tended to by midwives.
No.
No! No! [baby crying.]
You will let them do this? You are of the royal birth.
It is the custom.
He is your nephew, Edward.
I need to see my husband.
Richard.
Are you hurt? Cathy.
Why are you here? How did they find you? - The monks said - Monks? The monks said that I should come to you, that I can help you.
- They've taken Edward.
- Oh, Cathy, they've lied to you to bring you here.
They would not dare to hurt me.
I am Scottish royal.
No, they won't hurt you.
Don't say it! Do not say it.
Oh, Cathy.
You should have stayed away as I had asked of you.
- Cathy.
- They will not hurt our Edward.
- No, they can't, - My love, where have they taken him? Cathy, where is he? Where is he now? You know what they did to my brother Edward in the Tower.
They killed him and we never found his body.
And the other boy as well.
It was them, Cathy.
It was those who rule my country now.
Now, why are you here? You were meant to be in sanctuary.
They said we are not married.
That I can go to Scotland but our baby must stay here.
Shh! Cathy.
We will change our plan.
- I will give up my claim.
- No! You can't deny your birthright.
And if you did, the Scots and all of Europe would abandon you.
The only thing that keeps you safe and us with you is if you hold fast and they back us.
I'm so sorry, my love.
I'm so sorry.
You see now that you have cards to play.
A wife and son.
It's quite a hand.
[sighs.]
Even to his wife, he holds the lie.
No, he knows that he is spied on.
He is a fake but not a fool.
He thinks it was a Tudor who killed the boys in the Tower.
Then he only shows his ignorance.
Who could it be if it were not King Richard? It was Richard.
To clear his way to take the throne.
It was your mother, then, who brought her here? She is his link to King James and the Scottish army.
Their union must be broken.
And how will you break it? An annulment will not rob them of their feelings for each other.
- You think she cares for him? - She must, for he has little else to offer her.
[sighs.]
You will take her as your lady, which will at least appease the Scots.
Tell me of your brother.
What was he like? It was a long time ago.
Another lifetime.
You said he was there that day when my soldiers came for you.
What was he wearing? What was said? Tell me everything.
[indistinct conversations.]
MAGGIE: Why does Henry wear his crown? It is a hunt, not a state occasion.
Perhaps he thinks he's riding into battle.
Did not King Richard wear his crown at Bosworth? Carry my weapons.
Here.
MAN: Come.
[indistinct conversations.]
This copse is where we'll take our sport.
Give me my long-bow.
You do not have to do this, Henry.
I'm not your enemy.
Use that stick and beat the bushes.
What is his plan? Does he have one? It is a hunt.
You shoot your prey.
[arrow whooshing.]
MAGGIE: They say that you came here of your own free will.
You should leave here if you can.
Henry would be rid of him.
He is looking for a reason and if he cannot find one, he will lock him up in any case, as he did my brother.
I know you know he's Richard.
And if you want your brother free, you should back his claim.
Maggie, come here beside me.
Do you like to hunt? KING HENRY TUDOR: Go deeper in the bushes.
You will dine with me this evening.
I have no appetite, Your Grace.
You are without a husband.
I will make sure that you're taken care of.
With a royal education, you, of course, would know the patron saint of hunting.
Saint Hubert, who saw the Cross between the antlers of a stag.
Our uncle Anthony taught us about him.
[gasps.]
[sighs.]
You know I am your brother.
Stop it! THE BOY: Your aim is short.
You're not holding high enough - and you're dragging on release.
- [gasps.]
Henry! I understand how hard it is for you - Shut up - to step aside.
- Shut up.
- I promise that your family will be well cared - Shut up! - THE BOY: She is my sister after all.
- Shut up! - You will have to leave the court.
Shut up! [horse neighing.]
Give it to me.
Give it to me! MARGARET: Give that to the King! Collect your weapons.
We will return to the palace.
[gasps.]
Come on.
Duchess of Burgundy bids you come to Cheapside.
The market cross at midnight.
[breathing heavily.]
- WOMAN: Good day to you both.
- MAN: My dear.
What did you say to her? Cathy Gordon.
I told her I was sorry.
I would like you to serve as one of my ladies.
Finding loyalty has become a challenge.
I would be honored, but But our home is very far away and we are hoping to return there soon.
LIZZIE: It is too far away.
Henry trusts your husband and would like to keep him close.
You always said you wished to be near Teddy.
[music playing.]
[ talking indistinctly.]
Sir Richard.
Enjoy.
THE BOY: So, you've had to dine alone.
You look exactly as Mother did when our father was with his mistress.
Jane Shore.
Stop it.
Go.
Spend the night with your husbands.
[women laughing.]
[gasps.]
Don't fret, lad.
She's safe with us.
- [grunts.]
Out the way! - [gasps.]
DUCHESS OF BURGUNDY: It is endlessly fascinating to me, your River Thames.
All afternoon, I have watched the boats moving like busy beetles across its back.
I always want to know what they are all carrying.
Spices, garments and jewels.
A secret army? What is it that you want of me? Oh, I would be very much obliged if you would help me rescue Richard, the rightful heir to the throne of England, and his wife and child, of course.
I wish I could with all my heart, but I I hear they are keeping him in the King's wardrobe.
MAGGIE: Because the door locks to keep the royal jewels safe.
And I have looked down on this river all day long and I have watched the laundry barges drifting back and forth from one bank to the other.
And I picture the young king sleeping on his hard wooden floor and all around him, robes and linen.
My Lady aunt, if I could mount a rescue, my brother would be free.
They will never let your brother out.
Your only hope of freeing him is putting Richard on the throne.
[sighs.]
We are none of us fearless, ma Fleur Tremblante.
But we are women and we do what we must do.
Your face looks dreadful, like a death mask.
What is wrong with your eyes? I'm tired, My Lady.
They are dull and red like old embers.
Your cheeks are blemished and your skin flakes.
Your husband, the King, wished for a prodigious night and so we had.
[scoffs.]
I suppose you think he likes you? - I think nothing, Your Grace.
- Nothing? Nothing at all? You have an empty head? Here, let's see.
[gasps.]
Yes.
I hear the empty chamber echo.
- Lizzie, don't.
- Did you touch my husband, Catherine Gordon? Did he touch you? - No, Your Grace.
- "No"? No? [clattering.]
Clean that up.
[talking indistinctly.]
Quite a night I had with Lady Catherine.
I am spent.
LIZZIE: Henry? Why would you do it? Dine alone with her? Do you wish to cuckold him? Humiliate him? Make him weak in her eyes and England's? She seemed amenable to approach.
Mmm.
Surely you can see how besotted they are with each other.
You cannot believe she would betray him and her child.
He leans on her.
Hmm.
I must turn her against him.
Take away his strength.
By making her believe you desire her? You have seen his manner.
Eternally as though God in heaven shines a blinding light on him.
He draws the eyes of noblemen and women everywhere he goes.
They smile at him.
They bow their heads.
He taunts me with his dazzle.
Even you.
I will snuff it out and thrust him into darkness.
[band playing.]
KING HENRY TUDOR: Lady Catherine? Dance for me.
Delight me with your grace.
What do you hope to gain by this? You said that you gave me cards to play.
How would you have me play them, Mother? [scoffs.]
She means to influence the King.
But she does not realize that it is her who's being dandled like a puppet.
She is beautiful.
The King seems very taken.
It is an act.
LIZZIE: She will be sent away soon.
When the boy is sent to the Tower.
That is when she will go.
Lady Catherine and the King.
You must not object.
Object to what? He is the king.
You must not mind.
[whispers.]
Do not rise to it.
He shows his fear.
There is a plot to rescue you.
The Duchess of Burgundy is in London.
And my son, who is with royal midwives, guarded day and night? Should I leave him in Tudor hands and save my own skin? I am the king.
And I am winning.
- Henry? - [door opens.]
[talking indistinctly.]
Stop stepping around it.
Have you had her? Answer me! Oh, your servants may stay.
The whole court knows already.
Do you consider what I endure? You disrespect me, shame me before the court and everybody gossips.
You did the same to Lady Anne with your uncle, King Richard.
I was in love with Richard! Are you saying that you love her? Do you love him? What? The boy.
Do you love him? Of course I don't.
He is my He is my burden.
And so is she.
And yours and all of our children's.
Henry, they are tearing us apart.
We must find a way to deal with them.
[baby crying.]
They called him Edward.
Like my murdered brother.
MARGARET: What do you see? An innocent? Your dear sweet nephew? Of course not.
It is hard, I know.
But the world in which we move, we cannot see an infant as he is, but as he will become.
Like God, we must see Alpha and Omega.
The beginning and the end.
[baby crying.]
My son does his duty by wooing Lady Catherine.
She cares for him, he returns it.
Men are weak, swayed by beauty.
Women must be stronger.
[crying continues.]
LIZZIE: Read it.
Read it out.
[reading.]
"Perkin Warbeck" "the humble son of a boatman.
" Confess you are a no one.
No threat to us.
And you will live.
Reveal your true identity.
[reading.]
"My name" Is Prince Richard of York.
- Your brother! - Read it, and your family will live! Do not read it, Richard.
Don't deny your birthright.
His child will be brought up by a family in London.
- What? - You have no right! KING HENRY TUDOR: Oh, we have every right.
If you come here and you threaten my life and my family's life, then your own son will be forfeit.
CATHERINE: No.
God curses you.
He curses you and you will go to hell.
No! No, Henry.
Please, Henry.
Please, don't.
I beg you.
Henry, please! KING HENRY TUDOR: They look at me.
They plot behind my back.
They love him more than me.
What have you done with his child? Do not concern yourself with such matters.
What? Am I to be protected from the truth again? As you and Jasper always thought I should be.
What else do I not know? What Jasper would have told me in the hour before he died.
It hovers on the edges of my mind.
Sometimes in the night, I think I hear him whisper it, but as I lean in close to his lips, all I hear is the rush of the wind.
Nothing.
He would have told you that he loves you.
That he sacrificed his life to put you on the throne and you must keep it, or you will betray his memory.
Would he, Mother? Or is there something he would tell me about a game of cards? Your spirits are too low this evening.
I will pray for you at chapel.
MAGGIE: If you are found on the Queen's bed What? What can they do to me that's worse? The Duchess of Burgundy is in London.
She will find out where he is.
- MAGGIE: Please, get up.
- What are you doing? [gasps.]
Comforting her.
[sobbing.]
How could you do it, Lizzie? Let the King's mother take their son? You are changing, Maggie, and I'm not sure I like who you've become.
[sobbing continues.]
Your mother would be ashamed of you.
[door opens.]
[reading.]
"My name is Perkin Warbeck.
" "I was born in the town of Tournai in Flanders.
" "My father is a boat-builder, Jan Warbeck" "and my mother is Kateryn de Faro.
" [voice cracking.]
"I confess that I did falsely impersonate" "the dead Prince Richard, the Duke of York," "and I accept my sentence from His Grace, King Henry.
" At last, he tells the truth.
He is a Flemish peasant.
Maggie? Maggie! The Queen says you insulted her and defied her.
You must apologize.
Take care or they will never let your brother out.
No, they will never let my brother out in any case.
I know that now.
And I am tired of being a trembling flower and hoping it might make them feel their conscience.
[talking indistinctly.]
His confession has achieved nothing.
No one believes it.
Try him for treason and be done with him.
I cannot try him for treason now that he has read the proclamation.
He has to be an Englishman, but to be a traitor.
Just Enough! I'm sick.
This food is bad.
Say it then.
Apologize.
What will happen to him, Lizzie? Maggie.
What will happen to the boy? You should think about whose side you're on.
I am on Arthur's side, and Harry's.
And that is why I must say this.
You once told me of a curse laid by your mother and yourself that whoever killed those two boys in the Tower would lose the male line of their family.
Lady Margaret killed your brother Edward.
So, one of your boys is already in its shadow.
King Richard killed the boys.
Not Henry's mother.
His own son died because of it.
- The curse is done.
- You never once believed that.
[chuckles.]
I thought I was in love with him.
I would not see it then.
You believe that because it brings you comfort, but it is a lie.
WOMAN: Don't start.
He laughs at me.
[sighs.]
[talking indistinctly.]
MAGGIE: Lady Margaret killed the first prince and if you even think there is a chance that that boy is your brother Richard, then you cannot hurt him, Lizzie.
Or the curse falls on your sons as well.
Your Grace, my wife is feeling the effects of wine, she You know he is your brother, Lizzie.
I know you do.
They're poisoned! They're poisoned! He puts poison in my clothes to make me sick! What? He puts poison in my clothes to make me sick! Get him out of here.
[grunts.]
You would like the crown? This crown? This one? [groans.]
Henry! [groans.]
Beat him.
LIZZIE: Henry! Henry! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it, please.
Lizzie.
Tend to him.
Tend to his wounds.
I am hated.
[sobbing.]
The more I try to break him, the more he is beloved.
No.
No, you are king.
They whisper.
They say God hates me.
Shh! This is madness.
They would kill me and our sons.
No.
Henry, don't do this.
Don't do this.
[sniffles.]
[talking indistinctly.]
The boy will be allowed to see his wife this evening.
This is no trick.
You wanted me to act and I am acting.
Here is the key.
Richard.
Oh, God! It's Maggie.
- Cathy.
- MAGGIE: She's safe.
You are to see her.
I'm to help you.
"Richard.
" You believe me then? Yes, I do.
[sighs.]
[the boy groans.]
MAGGIE: Come on, get up.
[groans.]
Quickly.
There is a fire.
It started in the Royal Wardrobe.
If you go now, everyone will believe you burnt to death.
THE BOY: "You.
" You cannot bring yourself to say my name.
Even now.
This is why you let him come to me? So we could leave? You must disappear forever.
Give up your claim.
From this night on, you are never seen again at any court because you died here in the fire.
I need your word.
Where are we supposed to go? Buy land.
A farm.
Sire healthy children.
Live a long life somewhere far away.
With no name or rank? It has to be now, this moment.
While there is panic.
I am giving you a chance.
CATHERINE: What about our son? He is a A York prince.
He cannot grow up herding cows and burning peat.
But he will grow up.
That is what I'm offering you if you leave now.
You would not go against your husband for a boat builder's son but you would to save your brother.
- You know that I am Richard.
- Please, just go! [sighs.]
[sobbing.]
And be safe.
I will see your child is safely brought back to you.
You must come with me.
Cry and mourn his death, and tomorrow you may leave and join him.
It is your choice, Richard.
You must decide.
[all clamoring.]
Come on! MAN: A chain! Form a chain! More hands.
We need more hands! Give it to me! Did everyone get out? Form a chain! Where is Where's the boy? Where is he? He was locked inside the Royal Wardrobe! MAN: That is where the fire started.
LIZZIE: Quickly.
He started it himself.
It is God's work.
He is dead.
WOMAN: Is there anyone else in there? [grunts.]
I am the son of King Edward the IV and Queen Elizabeth Woodville! I live through battle, walk through fire and I will have the throne of England! [sighs.]