Reign (2013) s02e06 Episode Script
Three Queens
Previously on Reign - Kenna, what are you reading? - It's a sex journal.
One has me stumped.
"A lover who towers above the rest.
" She says he has a small butterfly-shaped birthmark on his forearm.
You've never been in love.
That is a rare jewel I have yet to see.
- This was all your doing, wasn't it? - Yes.
Coaxing some kind of admission from me.
I also have Montgomery, ready to tell the world that he didn't kill your father if I give the word.
Francis, what aren't you telling me? There are things we cannot change.
That cannot be undone.
Things that I don't tell you to protect you.
Protect me from what?! Do you worry that I can't bear your child? Yes, I worry because, as a king and a man, I want heirs.
Is that what you want to hear? Does it bring us closer for you to know that your failure disappoints me beyond words? We've set fire to the house and fields.
The only thing not burning are the bee hives.
Why not set fire to them as well? Don't tell me you're afraid of a few bees.
Burn the hives, burn it all.
It seems my entire day will be devoted to the Venetian envoy.
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
No need.
All he wants to do is hunt, drink and dance with the court ladies.
I've never seen an Italian with less grace.
Or bigger feet.
He tramped on Kenna's toes.
She actually limped back to Bash.
Well, even you said that the poor man's boots were the size of gunboats.
Francis.
I don't want to have to play a part with you.
I don't want to pretend that I'm happy when I'm not.
- Mary - I know that I insisted you tell me what was wrong.
But it was harsh to hear just the same.
I didn't realize how disappointed you were with me for not giving you a child.
But I'm glad that you were honest with me.
That's what we need the most from each other.
Give me time, and I'll come to terms with it.
I'll take the velvet cloak, Arnaud.
It makes a better statement.
Oh, and tell the kitchen to put together a basket fresh figs, bread and cheese, and a good Burgundy.
I might get peckish on the way.
At once, Your Grace.
Oh, and a warming brick, wrapped in sheep's wool, for my feet.
Ah, Mary.
Whatever it is, it must wait till tomorrow.
I'm off to Beauvais to put in an appearance at Lord Gramont's Saint Day party.
It always softens up the nobles when a queen appears at their gatherings.
A sop to their vanity.
Why don't I come with you, then? My dear, it will be a terrible bore.
Even keeping it to a small retinue of guards, the ride will take hours.
It'll be good for me to get out of the castle.
It's fresh air, time to think.
You know what you need is a nice, long walk, huh? If one queen impresses the nobles, how much better would two queens be? Hmm.
What are you doing out here, all by yourself? I had to get away.
The nannies, the servants, the hangers-on who think they'll impress Francis by taking an interest in his son.
Is that why you've been crying? My family heard that Francis has claimed my son.
And it didn't go well.
He is the king of France.
As far as they're concerned, that just makes the disgrace even worse.
My name's on everyone's lips I'm notorious.
They've disowned me.
Cut me off.
Oh, Lola, I'm so sorry.
I'll never be admitted into the house again.
No one will even mention my name there.
This is the last letter I'll ever get from home.
And my new home is full of strangers, and I'm trapped here with them.
Even Francis and I are strangers these days, so stiff with each other.
This is why women like you and me need to prepare for the future.
Hold onto the jewels, to any gifts of land.
Anything can happen.
I was in a similar position, remember? I had a lot of time to think, with Henry, and kings are no guarantee of anything.
Kings have enemies, wars, rivals.
And what's the first thing a rival does when he takes the throne? He kills the sons of the previous king.
Kenna, you're not cheering me up, you know.
No, I'm telling you this to protect you.
Should Francis ever be deposed, you need to be prepared to take your child and flee.
Start building a nest egg.
Ask for more expensive jewelry.
That's the problem.
God willing, Francis will live a long and healthy life.
And I'll be dependent on him forever.
I don't want jewels, I just want something of my own.
Something no one can take away.
Lola, we're women.
We're not allowed to have things of our own.
Legally, Bash even owns my kohl sticks and lip rouge, though I'd like to see him try and take those away.
But I don't have a husband.
Or a family, anymore.
Legally, no one has a right to what is mine.
So, if I can get some money of my own, I can keep it.
And I will.
Something's wrong we're riding in the wrong direction.
We're still going east, instead of south to Beauvais.
I may have told a small white lie about where we were going.
Turn this carriage around, right now.
Mary, what difference does it make? You said you wanted some fresh air.
Is there some reason in particular you wanted to go to Beauvais? Of course not.
But where are we going? And what is this paper you've been studying? Oh, it's a speech.
Thanking the village of Noyon for their love.
Their love of you? Noyon is one of my special villages.
When their church steeple falls, I rebuild it.
In your name.
Yes, of course you're popular.
But why make such effort? Every time I try to help the commoners, you tell me I need to placate the nobles.
Because it's a balancing act.
The nobles are just one leg on the three-legged stool that holds up France.
If ever that stool goes down, you and I will end up flat on our royal fundaments.
But peasants you have never cared about them.
Oh, I may not care about peasants individually.
But in general, I care a great deal.
And so should you.
Our gowns, our crowns, our chateaus they all depend on the good will of the commoner.
For a very good reason.
There's 20 million of them, and one small family of royals.
To survive, we must have their love.
Thank heavens, I can buy it.
And if things happen to get too dangerous for you at court, you can always flee to one of these towns, and they'll help you escape the country.
If you were wise, you'd develop a few bolt-holes yourself, my dear.
You have plenty of enemies.
Whoa! What's happening? Why are we slowing down?! We're hours from Noyon! There are people gathering in the road ahead! - Clear the road! - Don't let 'em by.
Clear the road for the queen of France! It's them! It's the royal carriage! Don't let 'em by! No, they're angry.
Perhaps we could talk to them, hear their grievances.
Kill the royals! Perhaps not right now.
To lay hands on a royal person is death! Oh, good Lord.
Threatening a royal is death, too.
The fool has just told them they've got nothing to lose.
Come, we must escape.
To where? We're trapped inside a carriage.
All my carriages have them.
Well, one never knows.
Come! We have to keep moving! They might look for us when they find the carriage is empty.
Take off your jewelry and turn your cloak inside out.
It'll make us look less like royals.
It's a long way back to the castle.
Better get started.
Lady Lola, how delighted I was to receive your message.
How may I help you? You held my husband, Lord Julien's, bank account.
You transferred my dowry into it.
Yes.
Now that my husband is dead, I'd like it back.
Your dowry? Forgive me, but I cannot return it, as the money is not yours.
Well, it's my dowry.
It was your father's.
It became Lord Julien's upon your marriage.
Since he's dead, it would go to his male heir, but now that the king has claimed your child, it would revert to the head of Lord Julien's family.
His father, back in Hungary.
Well, that's ridiculous.
I've never even met Julien's father.
It's complicated, but he and Julien were estranged.
Nonetheless.
Are you telling me that you've already sent it to him? Well, no, I I still have to verify his address, arrange for trustworthy messengers Hmm, my father always told me that bankers like to hold onto money for as long as they can.
Why do you deserve to pocket the interest? You're not related to any of us.
I will not have my reputation impugned.
Be assured I will take what steps are necessary to send this money to Hungary tomorrow.
Good day, Lady Lola.
- It was a fox hole.
- Badger.
Fox! And how would you know? You didn't even see it.
I saw it after my foot got caught in it! And my feet are too dainty to get caught in a fox hole! We've been stumbling along for hours! Do you have any idea where we're going? No, but we are more or less headed west, which means eventually we Wait! I see a village ahead.
Thank heavens! Dinner.
But we don't have any money.
Of course we don't have money.
Queens don't hand over coins like shopkeepers.
Purses are for servants! We can't tell them who we are! Even if they believed us, what if they hate royals, too? I swear on the blessed saints, I shall have my dinner! One way or another.
Innkeeper! Ah! My good man! We require your best capon.
Freshly killed, well-baked.
Seasoned with basil and rosemary.
And a bottle of whatever passes for wine.
Let's see the shine of your coin first.
Are you trying to insult me? Do you make all your patrons turn out their pockets before you deign to serve them? I know my customers.
I don't know you.
No money? - No service.
- You turn away at your peril.
We are friends of the lord of this region.
Friends of the duke? - The duke.
- On the road? Without an escort? Without a carriage? I didn't hear no horses outside madam.
Wait! You're right.
The truth is we're lady's maids.
These gowns are cast-offs from our mistresses.
The family we used to work for was destroyed by the plague.
So here we are mother, daughter trying to return to our native village far away.
My mother has hurt her foot.
We will work for a meal and for a bed - to sleep in tonight.
- What? We can wash dishes, milk a cow or a goat if you have one.
Girl like you would make more money serving drinks.
- Can you do that? - Done.
Back table.
I do have a goat out back.
Alas, my poor ankle.
Ah.
My daughter shall have to work for both of us.
Your Majesty, I've rarely known such hospitality.
The doge will be delighted to hear that you intend to continue the friendship we enjoyed with your father.
Francis? We must speak.
Queen Mary and Queen Catherine are missing! Their carriage was attacked.
We must search for them immediately! I want every guard, every nobleman who can join us.
My men and I are at your disposal.
We leave at once.
Stay here.
I'm naming you temporary regent while I'm gone.
I need someone here that I can trust.
Keep the envoy happy.
To the king and queen! Oh.
Ah.
Hmm, well we're not hated everywhere, it seems.
Mmm.
I suppose it's too late to try and convince them - of who we are now.
- What? After trying to cheat a free meal and claiming to be lady's maids? We'd be lucky if they didn't lock us up or worse.
And if they do believe us, we'd be an incitement to kidnapping.
No.
We must think practically.
We need to buy a horse.
Do you have any idea how much a horse costs? Of course! I once bought 50 Arabians.
I'm sure some swaybacked farmer's nag costs barely anything at all.
I couldn't earn enough in a year.
And we can't show our jewels or we'll get our throats cut.
It seems that we're stuck here, then, till Francis finds us.
Lady Lola, my sympathies.
On the matter of your dowry.
How did you know about that? I'm the largest depositor in that bank.
I dine with the bankers often.
They're very good company.
Fingers in every pie, full of gossip.
And very eager to keep me happy.
There's still time.
I could use my influence on your behalf.
In return for ? Tea.
Tea.
A cup or two.
And the pleasure of your company.
I have extended the invitation before.
Thank you, but I'm not sure it's a good idea.
Well, I would never want to press a lady.
But I do hope you reconsider the invitation.
Mmm.
Well, if we're to remain here, perhaps we could entertain each other.
You can tell me why you need to get to Beauvais.
Oh.
Oh, come.
You heard I was going and you insisted on riding with us.
When you learned my destination was elsewhere, you tried to force us back.
I had no idea where you were going.
You mentioned it and I recalled that I had heard there was a sacred shrine in Beauvais.
There is.
St.
Wilgefortis.
So, you had an overwhelming need to pray to the patron saint of bearded ladies? There's a physician in Beauvais who is celebrated for his knowledge of women's problems.
I assume you mean fertility, because other than that, no man has an inkling about women's problems.
Oh, I spent ten years suffering the same uncertainty.
And yet you torment me.
All in good fun.
But is Francis pressing you about it? He's admitted that it bothers him.
And he's become distant.
He doesn't share his problems with me like he used to.
If this goes on, what will our marriage become? Normal.
Especially for a royal.
The Crown changes everything.
Oh, Henry was the same way.
Francis is not his father.
Mary? I know you think that I belittle your marriage by comparing it to mine.
But that is not why I talk to you the way that I do.
I walked this road first.
That's all.
And I learned that if you hold on to foolish romantic expectations, it'll make it that much harder.
You know that as a queen, you have to put on an act.
You can't always show what's in your heart.
Well, the same is true for being a wife.
If Francis isn't sharing his heart with you, pretend you don't see.
You'll withhold your own secrets from him soon enough.
I'm sorry, but you must give up this dream.
And accept the distance between you.
If you need solace find it elsewhere.
In a separate life, with your own work.
And if you find that the crown weighs too heavily, well, then line it with velvet.
That's what I do.
Make way for the royal carriage! Thank God.
The queen of France and Scotland! The king of France! Your Majesty! God, they're imposters! The plague has taken a dread toll on our land.
We've lost many brave defenders of France, and our nation's enemies see our weakness.
They are massing on our borders even now.
We must have money for troops! Give whatever you can! Give till it hurts! They believe him.
Well, most of the country has no idea what you or Francis look like.
Which makes it easy for clever people like this to take advantage.
It is a masterful exploitation of a weakness.
He wants you to join him for tea? Surely that can't mean "tea.
" No.
Perhaps he wants to try and pry secrets from me about Francis.
Or he might simply want to seduce you.
Either way, it's better to stay far away from him.
After all, last time we talked, you thought he'd murdered his wives.
I was wrong I learned they died of natural causes.
Did you learn that from Narcisse? All right, yes.
But you haven't spoken to him, and I have.
He seems very believable.
Besides, if things got out of hand, I could simply walk out.
He wouldn't dare try to keep me there by force.
I once thought I could play a powerful man, and I lived to regret it.
By the way, there's something I haven't told you.
He's the man from the journal with the butterfly birthmark.
He's the sublime lover? You didn't think to share that with me? Well, this explains your change of heart.
Even more reason to be cautious.
If you're intrigued with him, it just makes you more vulnerable.
I'm not "intrigued.
" I have no interest in Narcisse.
You're telling me that that birthmark doesn't make you the slightest bit curious.
No.
It doesn't.
Your Majesty? Is it true Queen Catherine once threw an entire family of hat-makers into the dungeon? Yes, I heard they cheated her, and she nailed their eyes open so they'd always have to see their deceitful bills! Where do these stories come from? It was one man, and I only stretched him a little.
Nails, indeed.
First, you should know he was a terrible, terrible hat-maker.
And outside the keep, there's a pond filled with asses' milk, for the ladies of the court to bathe in.
She may have gone too far with that one.
But then wouldn't passersby be able to see the ladies well, naked? Yes.
That is why all must turn their faces away at such times.
The penalty for doing otherwise is death.
I've been to the castle, with my cart, and there's no pond of asses' milk.
Hmm, the crowd's about to turn ugly.
You must have ridden by the south keep.
Everyone knows it's the north keep that has a pond of asses' milk.
It's common knowledge.
Hmm! Why did you do that? She may be an imposter, but she doesn't deserve to die for it.
Besides, I have a plan.
So this is really tea.
Mmm.
This house and gardens my sanctuary.
But you keep chambers at court as well.
Yes.
Court is what I need sanctuary from.
Care to try your skill? I've never even held a bow.
Let's see you're right-handed, so this one should do.
Well, I might be left-handed.
Some people are.
But not you.
May I? This is the vambrace.
It goes on the non-dominant arm.
Because mistakes in this game can hurt.
You have good instincts.
No, no.
You're too quick.
The eye is more important than the hand.
See your target, understand what you're aiming for, don't just physically let fly.
Now, sight the center.
The rest of the circles are irrelevant.
Congratulations.
Of course, the beginning is often promising.
The trick is to keep it going that way.
Mistress, there was an attack on the royal carriage, just down the road.
Did you happen to see anything? You needn't be afraid to speak with us.
I am the king of France.
I give you my word: no one will harm you.
You're not the king of France.
The king of France burned down my farm.
We didn't give him enough money, he said.
He had to make an example of some farms.
You don't even look like him.
Imposters.
Doing evil in the name of the royals.
Yeah, but why? Burning farms? What do they get from them? Farmers can't pay very much.
It discredits the king and queen.
It undermines the throne.
Whoever's behind it, we must hope that my wife and mother are nowhere near them.
This false king and his men clearly aren't afraid of violence, and they can't afford to have two sets of royals in the same place.
Francis and Mary I curse them.
Let the castle burn and the queen writhe in the smoke.
Let her hive be as barren as mine.
No, Gifford.
Split up into smaller groups.
We must cover ground as quickly as we can.
The king and queen will retire to the upper rooms to refresh themselves, before continuing their journey to Amiens.
Well, that's some good news at least.
Amiens is halfway back to the castle.
And the Duke of Amiens is a good and loyal man.
He will see us safely the rest of the way home.
Her Majesty wishes to be alone.
No, it's all right.
You can let her in.
Your Majesty, my mother and I are lady's maids, out of work, due to the plague.
We're trying to make our way back home, and we wished to beg you for a ride to Amiens.
I have always wanted to be a lady's maid! Have you served in many great houses? To be a lady's maid? But you're the queen of France.
Of course.
I meant that when I imagine being one of the common people, I think being a lady's maid would be fun.
You know, don't you? Is that why you're here? I just made up that pond of asses' milk.
Why did you back me up? Oh! Do you want money? No, I just didn't want to see you hurt.
Daughter, this sensible woman knows better than to expect disinterested generosity from the world, right? We must tell her the truth.
Like you, we are professional deceivers.
Tricksters.
Beguilers of those poor folk who never leave their tiny plot of land.
Oh, they long for entertainment.
And we give it to them, eh? Take their money in return.
Oh, now, of course, you got to this territory first, and we wouldn't dream of intruding.
My daughter plays Mary, Queen of Scots, and I am Catherine de Medici.
Well, aren't you a little short to play queens? Nobody cares how tall you are when you're wearing one of these.
Oh! Oh I have never seen such beautiful work done with paste jewels! You can have it if you take us to Amiens.
All right.
I'm sorry, that's not enough.
It's all we have.
- I beg your mercy - Your older girl has a pleasing look.
Do you add her to the pile? No.
Burn it all! What Mmm, I am an experienced actor, you know.
Mmm, you should've heard the applause when I played Guinevere.
But I thought women weren't allowed on the stage.
Well, we aren't, and that's why I couldn't make a living.
But then I found a lover, and he found me this touring work, and it's been easy ever since.
People just give us their best food and wine, and ask nothing in return.
I love being a queen.
What are you telling these people? It's all right, they're like us.
And I promised that we would take them to Amiens.
Would you mind waiting outside? I would like to have a word with my queen.
Keep them from leaving.
Let us pass.
This music's charming, but it would be much more charming if you were dancing to it.
What do you want from me? I want to help with your dowry.
I could also help with some other suggestions, too.
For instance, this would be a beautiful night for a bath.
A bath? You can see the stars from the chamber in the north keep.
It's a lovely room to bathe in, and though the window is large, it's not overlooked by anybody except the parapet opposite.
But hardly anyone ever goes there.
Are you seriously, seriously suggesting that you want to watch me bathe in exchange for getting my dowry back? Well, that is quite a leap.
I would never speak so bluntly in front of a lady.
I'd simply say that midnight is a very fine time for a bath.
The world's so quiet then, you could almost believe you're the only one in it.
I'll leave you to consider the advantages.
Looking for the queen? She's upstairs.
Your Majesties.
Thank heavens you're all right.
Armsman Gifford, isn't it? My lady.
We've been searching half of Northern France for you both.
They said downstairs the queen was here, but I wasn't sure.
Where is King Francis? Well, he's searching eastward of here.
But I saw a carriage outside.
I'll borrow it and take you both back to the castle and send messengers to let him know you're all right.
No, that carriage belongs to imposters.
They're pretending to be the king and queen.
And they are in there now and they have my crown.
My lady, why don't you wait downstairs? And we'll rout these mountebanks fast enough and leave them with the local magistrate.
Don't arrest the woman.
I want her to come to the castle with us.
Your Majesty.
Take her back to the castle? I'm sure I can find her a position as a lady's maid.
What did you tell them? Did you talk about me? Tell who? Oh, you fool, you don't know who you were entertaining? That was the real Queen Mary and Catherine! Mary and Catherine? Uh Come on! I didn't say anything.
Neither did Jenny.
No names, I swear.
Good.
It's all right.
Not a word, my love, hmm? Come here.
Not a word.
We might both come out of this alive.
Come on.
All right, you, clean up this room.
You, come with me to White Horse Hill.
You can help bury the two queens.
There must be no trace of this enterprise.
We should have hit the main road by now.
Something's wrong.
What is it? It's all right.
You can tell me.
I'm a friend.
No.
I am also your queen, and I command you to speak! Oh, God! He killed Roger.
Who's Roger? Francis, Francis! Roger's Francis.
He told me to keep quiet.
But when he sees that I can't keep myself together, he's going to kill me, too.
Kill you, too? The false king wasn't your lover? It's Armsman Gifford.
The guard who rescued us? He's the one who recruited you.
What are we going to do? He's not taking us back to the castle.
If I've learned one thing at French court, it's always keep a dagger on you.
Poison? Oh, you say that so hopefully now.
But sadly, it's not.
I don't carry poison everywhere! I might accidentally kill myself.
Besides, Gifford and his men are armed with swords.
We'd never get even close enough to use these.
He might let her get close enough.
What about the other guard? Once we take out Gifford, it'll be our three to his one.
And we'll have Gifford's sword.
It's the only chance we've got.
No, no, please! I'm a coward.
Good.
Cowards want to live.
Now the quickest Hey! The quickest route to the heart is through the fifth and sixth rib.
Take it.
It's our only chance of survival.
What is it? Why have we stopped? Mary, Queen of Scots.
Did you really think you could wear the English coat of arms, and not pay a price? Elizabeth is behind the imposters.
You as good as told the world you're the rightful queen of England.
Well? You've earned your punishment.
This was a cheap way for her to give it to you.
Finance a few needy actors, destroy your credibility and your husband's.
She paid me well as her agent.
Wonder how much more she would reward me for ridding her of her rival? Who'd believe I'd find the queen of Scots here alone? Not a single guard.
Not entirely alone.
I'll see you bitches in hell for making me do this.
- God, please, no! - You stupid stupid girl.
Wait! Think.
Think! Before you do anything else.
You could make so much more money if you held us for ransom.
You could bankrupt France.
My son will pay any price for his mother and his wife.
I don't trust you.
Stay back! It's poison! Oh! No! More of his friends are coming.
Wait, no! It's Francis! Whoa.
We found a guardsman throwing bodies into a ditch behind a tavern.
He confessed, but he wasn't sure you'd still be alive.
Oh, thank God.
Poor child.
Well.
My dear, never give up a crown to anybody.
Mary I'll retire to our chambers.
I'm very tired.
Of course.
You're a fool.
This is none of your business.
Mary risked her life today.
And she was out there because she wanted to please you.
By seeing a physician who could help her have a baby.
I know that desperation.
Your pressure isn't helping.
I was reminded today she's a good fighter to have when your back's against the wall.
Whatever is going on trust her.
Be honest.
If you don't, she'll end up a thousand miles away from you, playing her role out of duty.
And you would care? She has a childlike belief that a woman should trust her husband.
I find I wish it were true.
You're right.
It is a beautiful night for a bath.
So I offered the use of the tub and five gold pieces to the servant who does my laundry.
I warned her that someone might look.
She said that for five gold pieces, the entire castle could watch.
Well played.
And I should tell you that I've already stopped the transfer of your dowry to Hungary.
It's yours.
And I would be honored to be of any further service in the future.
And I want you to know that I do understand.
"Understand"? Why you wanted your dowry back.
With it, you can stay or go as you wish.
It means you haven't surrendered to life at court.
You can still make your own decisions.
Perhaps find love again.
Get married.
I have the same wish.
Most people seem to think that women shouldn't have such freedom.
Ah, but you clearly have not listened to those people.
For a woman impatient with court ways, you are becoming quite an intriguing game player.
"The beginning is often promising.
The trick is to go on that way.
" Seeing you safe today I could not have borne losing you.
I want you to know that I didn't mean those words I said.
I didn't even mean them in the moment.
I was desperate.
I was afraid for you.
God, Mary, I can't live like this, with us so far apart.
Then stop shutting me out.
Tell me why you're so afraid.
Whatever it is, I will fight at your side! You would, wouldn't you? You'd fight to the end.
There's no need to be so ferocious, you know.
I was just feeling the pressures of being a king.
Naturally they take a toll.
I'm sorry.
Whatever happens, I'll never leave you, Never betray you.
Isn't lack of honesty a betrayal? You must believe that I'll fix this.
I'll end this distance between us, I swear.
You do believe me, don't you? Of course I believe you.
You mean it? You're not just acting the part of a dutiful wife like my mother had to? - I don't want that.
- No.
That will never be us.
One has me stumped.
"A lover who towers above the rest.
" She says he has a small butterfly-shaped birthmark on his forearm.
You've never been in love.
That is a rare jewel I have yet to see.
- This was all your doing, wasn't it? - Yes.
Coaxing some kind of admission from me.
I also have Montgomery, ready to tell the world that he didn't kill your father if I give the word.
Francis, what aren't you telling me? There are things we cannot change.
That cannot be undone.
Things that I don't tell you to protect you.
Protect me from what?! Do you worry that I can't bear your child? Yes, I worry because, as a king and a man, I want heirs.
Is that what you want to hear? Does it bring us closer for you to know that your failure disappoints me beyond words? We've set fire to the house and fields.
The only thing not burning are the bee hives.
Why not set fire to them as well? Don't tell me you're afraid of a few bees.
Burn the hives, burn it all.
It seems my entire day will be devoted to the Venetian envoy.
Well, let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
No need.
All he wants to do is hunt, drink and dance with the court ladies.
I've never seen an Italian with less grace.
Or bigger feet.
He tramped on Kenna's toes.
She actually limped back to Bash.
Well, even you said that the poor man's boots were the size of gunboats.
Francis.
I don't want to have to play a part with you.
I don't want to pretend that I'm happy when I'm not.
- Mary - I know that I insisted you tell me what was wrong.
But it was harsh to hear just the same.
I didn't realize how disappointed you were with me for not giving you a child.
But I'm glad that you were honest with me.
That's what we need the most from each other.
Give me time, and I'll come to terms with it.
I'll take the velvet cloak, Arnaud.
It makes a better statement.
Oh, and tell the kitchen to put together a basket fresh figs, bread and cheese, and a good Burgundy.
I might get peckish on the way.
At once, Your Grace.
Oh, and a warming brick, wrapped in sheep's wool, for my feet.
Ah, Mary.
Whatever it is, it must wait till tomorrow.
I'm off to Beauvais to put in an appearance at Lord Gramont's Saint Day party.
It always softens up the nobles when a queen appears at their gatherings.
A sop to their vanity.
Why don't I come with you, then? My dear, it will be a terrible bore.
Even keeping it to a small retinue of guards, the ride will take hours.
It'll be good for me to get out of the castle.
It's fresh air, time to think.
You know what you need is a nice, long walk, huh? If one queen impresses the nobles, how much better would two queens be? Hmm.
What are you doing out here, all by yourself? I had to get away.
The nannies, the servants, the hangers-on who think they'll impress Francis by taking an interest in his son.
Is that why you've been crying? My family heard that Francis has claimed my son.
And it didn't go well.
He is the king of France.
As far as they're concerned, that just makes the disgrace even worse.
My name's on everyone's lips I'm notorious.
They've disowned me.
Cut me off.
Oh, Lola, I'm so sorry.
I'll never be admitted into the house again.
No one will even mention my name there.
This is the last letter I'll ever get from home.
And my new home is full of strangers, and I'm trapped here with them.
Even Francis and I are strangers these days, so stiff with each other.
This is why women like you and me need to prepare for the future.
Hold onto the jewels, to any gifts of land.
Anything can happen.
I was in a similar position, remember? I had a lot of time to think, with Henry, and kings are no guarantee of anything.
Kings have enemies, wars, rivals.
And what's the first thing a rival does when he takes the throne? He kills the sons of the previous king.
Kenna, you're not cheering me up, you know.
No, I'm telling you this to protect you.
Should Francis ever be deposed, you need to be prepared to take your child and flee.
Start building a nest egg.
Ask for more expensive jewelry.
That's the problem.
God willing, Francis will live a long and healthy life.
And I'll be dependent on him forever.
I don't want jewels, I just want something of my own.
Something no one can take away.
Lola, we're women.
We're not allowed to have things of our own.
Legally, Bash even owns my kohl sticks and lip rouge, though I'd like to see him try and take those away.
But I don't have a husband.
Or a family, anymore.
Legally, no one has a right to what is mine.
So, if I can get some money of my own, I can keep it.
And I will.
Something's wrong we're riding in the wrong direction.
We're still going east, instead of south to Beauvais.
I may have told a small white lie about where we were going.
Turn this carriage around, right now.
Mary, what difference does it make? You said you wanted some fresh air.
Is there some reason in particular you wanted to go to Beauvais? Of course not.
But where are we going? And what is this paper you've been studying? Oh, it's a speech.
Thanking the village of Noyon for their love.
Their love of you? Noyon is one of my special villages.
When their church steeple falls, I rebuild it.
In your name.
Yes, of course you're popular.
But why make such effort? Every time I try to help the commoners, you tell me I need to placate the nobles.
Because it's a balancing act.
The nobles are just one leg on the three-legged stool that holds up France.
If ever that stool goes down, you and I will end up flat on our royal fundaments.
But peasants you have never cared about them.
Oh, I may not care about peasants individually.
But in general, I care a great deal.
And so should you.
Our gowns, our crowns, our chateaus they all depend on the good will of the commoner.
For a very good reason.
There's 20 million of them, and one small family of royals.
To survive, we must have their love.
Thank heavens, I can buy it.
And if things happen to get too dangerous for you at court, you can always flee to one of these towns, and they'll help you escape the country.
If you were wise, you'd develop a few bolt-holes yourself, my dear.
You have plenty of enemies.
Whoa! What's happening? Why are we slowing down?! We're hours from Noyon! There are people gathering in the road ahead! - Clear the road! - Don't let 'em by.
Clear the road for the queen of France! It's them! It's the royal carriage! Don't let 'em by! No, they're angry.
Perhaps we could talk to them, hear their grievances.
Kill the royals! Perhaps not right now.
To lay hands on a royal person is death! Oh, good Lord.
Threatening a royal is death, too.
The fool has just told them they've got nothing to lose.
Come, we must escape.
To where? We're trapped inside a carriage.
All my carriages have them.
Well, one never knows.
Come! We have to keep moving! They might look for us when they find the carriage is empty.
Take off your jewelry and turn your cloak inside out.
It'll make us look less like royals.
It's a long way back to the castle.
Better get started.
Lady Lola, how delighted I was to receive your message.
How may I help you? You held my husband, Lord Julien's, bank account.
You transferred my dowry into it.
Yes.
Now that my husband is dead, I'd like it back.
Your dowry? Forgive me, but I cannot return it, as the money is not yours.
Well, it's my dowry.
It was your father's.
It became Lord Julien's upon your marriage.
Since he's dead, it would go to his male heir, but now that the king has claimed your child, it would revert to the head of Lord Julien's family.
His father, back in Hungary.
Well, that's ridiculous.
I've never even met Julien's father.
It's complicated, but he and Julien were estranged.
Nonetheless.
Are you telling me that you've already sent it to him? Well, no, I I still have to verify his address, arrange for trustworthy messengers Hmm, my father always told me that bankers like to hold onto money for as long as they can.
Why do you deserve to pocket the interest? You're not related to any of us.
I will not have my reputation impugned.
Be assured I will take what steps are necessary to send this money to Hungary tomorrow.
Good day, Lady Lola.
- It was a fox hole.
- Badger.
Fox! And how would you know? You didn't even see it.
I saw it after my foot got caught in it! And my feet are too dainty to get caught in a fox hole! We've been stumbling along for hours! Do you have any idea where we're going? No, but we are more or less headed west, which means eventually we Wait! I see a village ahead.
Thank heavens! Dinner.
But we don't have any money.
Of course we don't have money.
Queens don't hand over coins like shopkeepers.
Purses are for servants! We can't tell them who we are! Even if they believed us, what if they hate royals, too? I swear on the blessed saints, I shall have my dinner! One way or another.
Innkeeper! Ah! My good man! We require your best capon.
Freshly killed, well-baked.
Seasoned with basil and rosemary.
And a bottle of whatever passes for wine.
Let's see the shine of your coin first.
Are you trying to insult me? Do you make all your patrons turn out their pockets before you deign to serve them? I know my customers.
I don't know you.
No money? - No service.
- You turn away at your peril.
We are friends of the lord of this region.
Friends of the duke? - The duke.
- On the road? Without an escort? Without a carriage? I didn't hear no horses outside madam.
Wait! You're right.
The truth is we're lady's maids.
These gowns are cast-offs from our mistresses.
The family we used to work for was destroyed by the plague.
So here we are mother, daughter trying to return to our native village far away.
My mother has hurt her foot.
We will work for a meal and for a bed - to sleep in tonight.
- What? We can wash dishes, milk a cow or a goat if you have one.
Girl like you would make more money serving drinks.
- Can you do that? - Done.
Back table.
I do have a goat out back.
Alas, my poor ankle.
Ah.
My daughter shall have to work for both of us.
Your Majesty, I've rarely known such hospitality.
The doge will be delighted to hear that you intend to continue the friendship we enjoyed with your father.
Francis? We must speak.
Queen Mary and Queen Catherine are missing! Their carriage was attacked.
We must search for them immediately! I want every guard, every nobleman who can join us.
My men and I are at your disposal.
We leave at once.
Stay here.
I'm naming you temporary regent while I'm gone.
I need someone here that I can trust.
Keep the envoy happy.
To the king and queen! Oh.
Ah.
Hmm, well we're not hated everywhere, it seems.
Mmm.
I suppose it's too late to try and convince them - of who we are now.
- What? After trying to cheat a free meal and claiming to be lady's maids? We'd be lucky if they didn't lock us up or worse.
And if they do believe us, we'd be an incitement to kidnapping.
No.
We must think practically.
We need to buy a horse.
Do you have any idea how much a horse costs? Of course! I once bought 50 Arabians.
I'm sure some swaybacked farmer's nag costs barely anything at all.
I couldn't earn enough in a year.
And we can't show our jewels or we'll get our throats cut.
It seems that we're stuck here, then, till Francis finds us.
Lady Lola, my sympathies.
On the matter of your dowry.
How did you know about that? I'm the largest depositor in that bank.
I dine with the bankers often.
They're very good company.
Fingers in every pie, full of gossip.
And very eager to keep me happy.
There's still time.
I could use my influence on your behalf.
In return for ? Tea.
Tea.
A cup or two.
And the pleasure of your company.
I have extended the invitation before.
Thank you, but I'm not sure it's a good idea.
Well, I would never want to press a lady.
But I do hope you reconsider the invitation.
Mmm.
Well, if we're to remain here, perhaps we could entertain each other.
You can tell me why you need to get to Beauvais.
Oh.
Oh, come.
You heard I was going and you insisted on riding with us.
When you learned my destination was elsewhere, you tried to force us back.
I had no idea where you were going.
You mentioned it and I recalled that I had heard there was a sacred shrine in Beauvais.
There is.
St.
Wilgefortis.
So, you had an overwhelming need to pray to the patron saint of bearded ladies? There's a physician in Beauvais who is celebrated for his knowledge of women's problems.
I assume you mean fertility, because other than that, no man has an inkling about women's problems.
Oh, I spent ten years suffering the same uncertainty.
And yet you torment me.
All in good fun.
But is Francis pressing you about it? He's admitted that it bothers him.
And he's become distant.
He doesn't share his problems with me like he used to.
If this goes on, what will our marriage become? Normal.
Especially for a royal.
The Crown changes everything.
Oh, Henry was the same way.
Francis is not his father.
Mary? I know you think that I belittle your marriage by comparing it to mine.
But that is not why I talk to you the way that I do.
I walked this road first.
That's all.
And I learned that if you hold on to foolish romantic expectations, it'll make it that much harder.
You know that as a queen, you have to put on an act.
You can't always show what's in your heart.
Well, the same is true for being a wife.
If Francis isn't sharing his heart with you, pretend you don't see.
You'll withhold your own secrets from him soon enough.
I'm sorry, but you must give up this dream.
And accept the distance between you.
If you need solace find it elsewhere.
In a separate life, with your own work.
And if you find that the crown weighs too heavily, well, then line it with velvet.
That's what I do.
Make way for the royal carriage! Thank God.
The queen of France and Scotland! The king of France! Your Majesty! God, they're imposters! The plague has taken a dread toll on our land.
We've lost many brave defenders of France, and our nation's enemies see our weakness.
They are massing on our borders even now.
We must have money for troops! Give whatever you can! Give till it hurts! They believe him.
Well, most of the country has no idea what you or Francis look like.
Which makes it easy for clever people like this to take advantage.
It is a masterful exploitation of a weakness.
He wants you to join him for tea? Surely that can't mean "tea.
" No.
Perhaps he wants to try and pry secrets from me about Francis.
Or he might simply want to seduce you.
Either way, it's better to stay far away from him.
After all, last time we talked, you thought he'd murdered his wives.
I was wrong I learned they died of natural causes.
Did you learn that from Narcisse? All right, yes.
But you haven't spoken to him, and I have.
He seems very believable.
Besides, if things got out of hand, I could simply walk out.
He wouldn't dare try to keep me there by force.
I once thought I could play a powerful man, and I lived to regret it.
By the way, there's something I haven't told you.
He's the man from the journal with the butterfly birthmark.
He's the sublime lover? You didn't think to share that with me? Well, this explains your change of heart.
Even more reason to be cautious.
If you're intrigued with him, it just makes you more vulnerable.
I'm not "intrigued.
" I have no interest in Narcisse.
You're telling me that that birthmark doesn't make you the slightest bit curious.
No.
It doesn't.
Your Majesty? Is it true Queen Catherine once threw an entire family of hat-makers into the dungeon? Yes, I heard they cheated her, and she nailed their eyes open so they'd always have to see their deceitful bills! Where do these stories come from? It was one man, and I only stretched him a little.
Nails, indeed.
First, you should know he was a terrible, terrible hat-maker.
And outside the keep, there's a pond filled with asses' milk, for the ladies of the court to bathe in.
She may have gone too far with that one.
But then wouldn't passersby be able to see the ladies well, naked? Yes.
That is why all must turn their faces away at such times.
The penalty for doing otherwise is death.
I've been to the castle, with my cart, and there's no pond of asses' milk.
Hmm, the crowd's about to turn ugly.
You must have ridden by the south keep.
Everyone knows it's the north keep that has a pond of asses' milk.
It's common knowledge.
Hmm! Why did you do that? She may be an imposter, but she doesn't deserve to die for it.
Besides, I have a plan.
So this is really tea.
Mmm.
This house and gardens my sanctuary.
But you keep chambers at court as well.
Yes.
Court is what I need sanctuary from.
Care to try your skill? I've never even held a bow.
Let's see you're right-handed, so this one should do.
Well, I might be left-handed.
Some people are.
But not you.
May I? This is the vambrace.
It goes on the non-dominant arm.
Because mistakes in this game can hurt.
You have good instincts.
No, no.
You're too quick.
The eye is more important than the hand.
See your target, understand what you're aiming for, don't just physically let fly.
Now, sight the center.
The rest of the circles are irrelevant.
Congratulations.
Of course, the beginning is often promising.
The trick is to keep it going that way.
Mistress, there was an attack on the royal carriage, just down the road.
Did you happen to see anything? You needn't be afraid to speak with us.
I am the king of France.
I give you my word: no one will harm you.
You're not the king of France.
The king of France burned down my farm.
We didn't give him enough money, he said.
He had to make an example of some farms.
You don't even look like him.
Imposters.
Doing evil in the name of the royals.
Yeah, but why? Burning farms? What do they get from them? Farmers can't pay very much.
It discredits the king and queen.
It undermines the throne.
Whoever's behind it, we must hope that my wife and mother are nowhere near them.
This false king and his men clearly aren't afraid of violence, and they can't afford to have two sets of royals in the same place.
Francis and Mary I curse them.
Let the castle burn and the queen writhe in the smoke.
Let her hive be as barren as mine.
No, Gifford.
Split up into smaller groups.
We must cover ground as quickly as we can.
The king and queen will retire to the upper rooms to refresh themselves, before continuing their journey to Amiens.
Well, that's some good news at least.
Amiens is halfway back to the castle.
And the Duke of Amiens is a good and loyal man.
He will see us safely the rest of the way home.
Her Majesty wishes to be alone.
No, it's all right.
You can let her in.
Your Majesty, my mother and I are lady's maids, out of work, due to the plague.
We're trying to make our way back home, and we wished to beg you for a ride to Amiens.
I have always wanted to be a lady's maid! Have you served in many great houses? To be a lady's maid? But you're the queen of France.
Of course.
I meant that when I imagine being one of the common people, I think being a lady's maid would be fun.
You know, don't you? Is that why you're here? I just made up that pond of asses' milk.
Why did you back me up? Oh! Do you want money? No, I just didn't want to see you hurt.
Daughter, this sensible woman knows better than to expect disinterested generosity from the world, right? We must tell her the truth.
Like you, we are professional deceivers.
Tricksters.
Beguilers of those poor folk who never leave their tiny plot of land.
Oh, they long for entertainment.
And we give it to them, eh? Take their money in return.
Oh, now, of course, you got to this territory first, and we wouldn't dream of intruding.
My daughter plays Mary, Queen of Scots, and I am Catherine de Medici.
Well, aren't you a little short to play queens? Nobody cares how tall you are when you're wearing one of these.
Oh! Oh I have never seen such beautiful work done with paste jewels! You can have it if you take us to Amiens.
All right.
I'm sorry, that's not enough.
It's all we have.
- I beg your mercy - Your older girl has a pleasing look.
Do you add her to the pile? No.
Burn it all! What Mmm, I am an experienced actor, you know.
Mmm, you should've heard the applause when I played Guinevere.
But I thought women weren't allowed on the stage.
Well, we aren't, and that's why I couldn't make a living.
But then I found a lover, and he found me this touring work, and it's been easy ever since.
People just give us their best food and wine, and ask nothing in return.
I love being a queen.
What are you telling these people? It's all right, they're like us.
And I promised that we would take them to Amiens.
Would you mind waiting outside? I would like to have a word with my queen.
Keep them from leaving.
Let us pass.
This music's charming, but it would be much more charming if you were dancing to it.
What do you want from me? I want to help with your dowry.
I could also help with some other suggestions, too.
For instance, this would be a beautiful night for a bath.
A bath? You can see the stars from the chamber in the north keep.
It's a lovely room to bathe in, and though the window is large, it's not overlooked by anybody except the parapet opposite.
But hardly anyone ever goes there.
Are you seriously, seriously suggesting that you want to watch me bathe in exchange for getting my dowry back? Well, that is quite a leap.
I would never speak so bluntly in front of a lady.
I'd simply say that midnight is a very fine time for a bath.
The world's so quiet then, you could almost believe you're the only one in it.
I'll leave you to consider the advantages.
Looking for the queen? She's upstairs.
Your Majesties.
Thank heavens you're all right.
Armsman Gifford, isn't it? My lady.
We've been searching half of Northern France for you both.
They said downstairs the queen was here, but I wasn't sure.
Where is King Francis? Well, he's searching eastward of here.
But I saw a carriage outside.
I'll borrow it and take you both back to the castle and send messengers to let him know you're all right.
No, that carriage belongs to imposters.
They're pretending to be the king and queen.
And they are in there now and they have my crown.
My lady, why don't you wait downstairs? And we'll rout these mountebanks fast enough and leave them with the local magistrate.
Don't arrest the woman.
I want her to come to the castle with us.
Your Majesty.
Take her back to the castle? I'm sure I can find her a position as a lady's maid.
What did you tell them? Did you talk about me? Tell who? Oh, you fool, you don't know who you were entertaining? That was the real Queen Mary and Catherine! Mary and Catherine? Uh Come on! I didn't say anything.
Neither did Jenny.
No names, I swear.
Good.
It's all right.
Not a word, my love, hmm? Come here.
Not a word.
We might both come out of this alive.
Come on.
All right, you, clean up this room.
You, come with me to White Horse Hill.
You can help bury the two queens.
There must be no trace of this enterprise.
We should have hit the main road by now.
Something's wrong.
What is it? It's all right.
You can tell me.
I'm a friend.
No.
I am also your queen, and I command you to speak! Oh, God! He killed Roger.
Who's Roger? Francis, Francis! Roger's Francis.
He told me to keep quiet.
But when he sees that I can't keep myself together, he's going to kill me, too.
Kill you, too? The false king wasn't your lover? It's Armsman Gifford.
The guard who rescued us? He's the one who recruited you.
What are we going to do? He's not taking us back to the castle.
If I've learned one thing at French court, it's always keep a dagger on you.
Poison? Oh, you say that so hopefully now.
But sadly, it's not.
I don't carry poison everywhere! I might accidentally kill myself.
Besides, Gifford and his men are armed with swords.
We'd never get even close enough to use these.
He might let her get close enough.
What about the other guard? Once we take out Gifford, it'll be our three to his one.
And we'll have Gifford's sword.
It's the only chance we've got.
No, no, please! I'm a coward.
Good.
Cowards want to live.
Now the quickest Hey! The quickest route to the heart is through the fifth and sixth rib.
Take it.
It's our only chance of survival.
What is it? Why have we stopped? Mary, Queen of Scots.
Did you really think you could wear the English coat of arms, and not pay a price? Elizabeth is behind the imposters.
You as good as told the world you're the rightful queen of England.
Well? You've earned your punishment.
This was a cheap way for her to give it to you.
Finance a few needy actors, destroy your credibility and your husband's.
She paid me well as her agent.
Wonder how much more she would reward me for ridding her of her rival? Who'd believe I'd find the queen of Scots here alone? Not a single guard.
Not entirely alone.
I'll see you bitches in hell for making me do this.
- God, please, no! - You stupid stupid girl.
Wait! Think.
Think! Before you do anything else.
You could make so much more money if you held us for ransom.
You could bankrupt France.
My son will pay any price for his mother and his wife.
I don't trust you.
Stay back! It's poison! Oh! No! More of his friends are coming.
Wait, no! It's Francis! Whoa.
We found a guardsman throwing bodies into a ditch behind a tavern.
He confessed, but he wasn't sure you'd still be alive.
Oh, thank God.
Poor child.
Well.
My dear, never give up a crown to anybody.
Mary I'll retire to our chambers.
I'm very tired.
Of course.
You're a fool.
This is none of your business.
Mary risked her life today.
And she was out there because she wanted to please you.
By seeing a physician who could help her have a baby.
I know that desperation.
Your pressure isn't helping.
I was reminded today she's a good fighter to have when your back's against the wall.
Whatever is going on trust her.
Be honest.
If you don't, she'll end up a thousand miles away from you, playing her role out of duty.
And you would care? She has a childlike belief that a woman should trust her husband.
I find I wish it were true.
You're right.
It is a beautiful night for a bath.
So I offered the use of the tub and five gold pieces to the servant who does my laundry.
I warned her that someone might look.
She said that for five gold pieces, the entire castle could watch.
Well played.
And I should tell you that I've already stopped the transfer of your dowry to Hungary.
It's yours.
And I would be honored to be of any further service in the future.
And I want you to know that I do understand.
"Understand"? Why you wanted your dowry back.
With it, you can stay or go as you wish.
It means you haven't surrendered to life at court.
You can still make your own decisions.
Perhaps find love again.
Get married.
I have the same wish.
Most people seem to think that women shouldn't have such freedom.
Ah, but you clearly have not listened to those people.
For a woman impatient with court ways, you are becoming quite an intriguing game player.
"The beginning is often promising.
The trick is to go on that way.
" Seeing you safe today I could not have borne losing you.
I want you to know that I didn't mean those words I said.
I didn't even mean them in the moment.
I was desperate.
I was afraid for you.
God, Mary, I can't live like this, with us so far apart.
Then stop shutting me out.
Tell me why you're so afraid.
Whatever it is, I will fight at your side! You would, wouldn't you? You'd fight to the end.
There's no need to be so ferocious, you know.
I was just feeling the pressures of being a king.
Naturally they take a toll.
I'm sorry.
Whatever happens, I'll never leave you, Never betray you.
Isn't lack of honesty a betrayal? You must believe that I'll fix this.
I'll end this distance between us, I swear.
You do believe me, don't you? Of course I believe you.
You mean it? You're not just acting the part of a dutiful wife like my mother had to? - I don't want that.
- No.
That will never be us.