03x09 - Wedlock

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Reign...

Elizabeth: Mary, Queen of Scots will soon seek a marriage alliance. Spain's Prince Don Carlos would raise her international standing.

And how do you suggest I gain Mary's trust?

Make Mary fall in love with you.

Are you England's new ambassador?

Gideon Blackburn, at your service.

We can't do this.

Then tell me how to stop.

We're back because she is our queen.

I think it's for the best if we don't discuss Elizabeth anymore.

Don Carlos: The device is for me.

My partner need only to whip me.

It may seem odd to you, but to me, pain equals pleasure.

Mary: You've been a very bad man, Prince Carlos.

Now you must face your punishment.

(Groans)

(Screams)

The damage to his brain is too much.

He's been impaired.

Spain will see your acceptance of his condition as a win.

Duke of Alba: To the crown prince of Spain and his future bride, Her Majesty, Mary Stuart.

(Cheering)

Your Majesty, a gift from my family's shop.

It is so lovely.

Thank you.

William: You're not the first monarch to walk among the people, but you're decidedly the best at it.

Well, the people should know their queen.

And love you, even if the nobles don't.

I'm commending your performance and your plan.

I'm glad to see your attention's back on the job at hand, now that Dudley's away from court.

Is there any more court business to discuss, or shall I be on my way?

News from France.

Mary of Scots' closest friend, her lady Lola, has agreed to be your hostage in exchange for her family's release.

She's on a boat headed for our shores.

I'm very pleased she accepted my invitation.

Thank you, William, for always being so thorough.

If it wasn't for you, we may never have known we captured such highborn Scots in the border skirmish.

(Cheering)

Driver: Hyah!

(Horses whinny)

Woman: Long live the queen!

(Retching)

It's all right, Don Carlos.

Remember, there is a grain shortage in Scotland.

My people are very hungry.

If you sign this, Spain will send more relief.

Mary, are you... my friend?

Of course I am.

And soon, I will be your wife.

Now, we must help each other, mustn't we?

(Footsteps approaching)

Narcisse: Don Carlos, our favorite prince.

If I may add this to the agenda?

The prince requires a reader.

This is promising Spanish gold to France and the regent.

Call it a bonus.

This marriage of yours was sanctioned and arranged on French soil.

What happens in France should benefit France.

I am trying to save my starving countrymen.

You are using the prince as your own personal bank while France is in debt to her soldiers who fought on Scotland's behalf.

Those Frenchmen will be returning within a fortnight.

How am I supposed to pay them for their sacrifice?

It feels immoral to feed off the prince's... generosity.

You will be feeding off his generosity for the rest of your life once you marry, but I only have the prince in France for a short while, and I intend to enjoy the feast.

Don Carlos.

Just there.

(Sighs)

(Door opens)

(Sighs) Ambassador Blackburn.

Your Highness.

Call me Gideon, please.

Did I startle you?

Just a little.

My apologies.

I imagine when you were queen of France, you had a private balcony all to yourself.

No such surprises as another restless soul.

You'll be back to a life of luxury and privacy soon enough, once you wed the prince of Spain.

Will I be invited to the lavish celebration?

There won't be any.

It would be in poor taste, as I am recently a widow.

Is it your conscience that's brought you out here tonight?

Knowing you're marrying a compromised prince?

I'm told Don Carlos can't remember the accident, but since his fall, he rarely talks.

Half his body seems damaged.

I have cared for an ailing husband before.

I will care for Don Carlos just the same.

Well, you loved King Francis.

This marriage is mercenary at best.

You know nothing of Francis or my heart.

I need Spain.

I have a country to protect, and I have lost more than you could fathom.

Oh, I know loss, Mary.

I was married once, to girl I loved so deeply.

She d*ed in childbirth.

I'm sorry.

Love like that can be a curse, not just because one grieves, but because it will be hard to love again, to settle for anything less.

And the man you will marry offers far less.

Spain is the most powerful nation in the world.

And with Scotland tilting to the Protestants more and more each day, I cannot return home without Catholic protection.

And what does Spain offer you as a woman?

Are you really prepared to spend the rest of your life with someone you know you will never love?

You are turning the conversation because you are Elizabeth's spy.

You want to manipulate me into calling off the wedding, destroying the alliance with Spain.

You probably never even had a wife.

It's just another lie you tell.

I never said I was a good man, but one can receive good advice from a bad person.

And I promise, you marry that prince, you'll regret it forever.

We won't be disturbed here.

No one visits this room except the servants, and I've claimed it for the hour.

A whole hour, you say?

I think we're safer in my chambers.

I thought you might like a change of venue.

You've been tense ever since Lord Narcisse became regent.

I have something different to take your mind off your aggravations.

(Chuckles)

The servants tell me it belonged to Prince Don Carlos.

It was found in his room after some sort of accident.

It would be kindling in a fire, had I not retrieved it.

Why do you want to use that thing?

To keep things interesting.

I can tie you to it.

Christophe, a man nearly d*ed on that device.

I'm not comfortable using it in our sex play.

(Gasps)

There is still blood on it. Look.

I'll fetch a rag.

Do you not hear me? I said a man nearly d*ed.

You're right.

That is sad.

Why don't we go back to our usual game?

No.

I'm no longer in the mood.

(Sighs)

After the wedding, the prince and I will travel to Spain.

And will there be a wedding tour?

(Door opens)

I thought it might be...

Please, excuse my interruption, but I have an urgent message from England.

For Spain.

Queen Elizabeth has reconsidered Don Carlos as a husband.

A formal marriage proposal will arrive in two days' time.

Well, that's outrageous.

Queen Elizabeth personally rejected Don Carlos months ago.

That was then. The prince's current condition has changed her perspective.

In many ways, he's become the ideal husband for her.

Impaired, but a more gentle spirit, who'll make a gentle king.

Unbelievable.

Duke of Alba: The prince's fall was common knowledge. However, his mental state...

Is best kept quiet.

Yes, I agree.

Appearances matter.

And England will ensure the world never learns of his challenges.

Give us a moment.

Out of respect for our English neighbors, we move to delay the marriage between Don Carlos and Queen Mary until Queen Elizabeth's offer arrives.

You're considering her offer?

Yes, we must.

It's a marvelous bluff, Gideon.

Well, it's barely a bluff, with little risk.

If Elizabeth rejects the idea, I'll say she changed her mind and blame her mercurial nature.

At least I've delayed the wedding until we can formulate another plan of att*ck.

Or this docile prince might just be the king our Elizabeth's been waiting for.

(Bell tolling)

(Knocking)

(Door opens)

I left Cornwall as soon as I got your letter.

Is everything all right? You said there was an emergency.

I'm pregnant.

With your child.

Are you certain?

I'm quite late, I'm queasy.

The sickness only confirming what I feared.

Which can't be.

You're an unmarried queen.

A pregnancy would ruin me.

Could you?

End the pregnancy?

Such a procedure is dangerous in many ways.

I'm a sovereign queen.

I cannot put my life and my country at such risk.

We must marry.

I am married, Elizabeth.

Then get a divorce.

We've talked about this option so many times.

It's almost impossible.

I could push it through parliament with all my might.

And they would know your actions were self-serving, especially once we married immediately after.

We would be judged and scorned.

Half of England doesn't even recognize divorce.

Even if we were to wed, our child would be considered illegitimate.

As many consider me, and yet I am queen.

I would be abandoning a dying wife.

Is Amy dying?

You left to aid in her recovery.

She's weak and frail with no sign of improvement.

If only we could wait.

Elizabeth.

Then what is your solution, Robert?

I am pregnant.

We did this together.

You could marry another.

There isn't time.

Is that what you want?

No.

You are the man I love, and this is our child.

There has to be some way.

All I ever hear is that England needs a king and an heir.

And I can give them both.

I will marry you.

I'll divorce my wife, and I'll marry you.

And I will pray for our souls.

And for our child's.

Because if England, your nobles and your people, see this babe not as a blessing but as evidence of my ambition and of your wickedness...

It will be the end of us all.

You're planning to marry him, and now he's going to divorce?

How can you possibly think this is a good idea?

'Cause I love him.

And he loves me.

Does he care about your future as a queen?

Does he consider how this will look to your subjects?

Many of your people are vehemently opposed to divorce.

They'll have to get used to it.

This is my choice.

It's a rash decision.

And what's the hurry?

You said yourself his wife is gravely ill.

She might die. Why not wait and see?

I can't.

I won't.

I hear things, you know.

People whisper about Robert and me.

Wouldn't it be better if we married and started down the honorable path sooner rather than later?

If you love your queen, William, you will support me.

Help you steal a husband?

The people will call you temptress, harlot or worse.

You're creating a terrible mess, Elizabeth.

Then clean it up.

That is your job.

And my decision is final.

Man: I am humbly aware of the many Frenchmen vying to court you, Princess Claude, but I would be so honored if you might accept... this.

(Yawns)

Oh, my apologies.

It's lovely.

Thank you.

Might I?

My dear mother wore it upon her bosom.

She was a, uh, larger woman.

Princess Claude.

Excuse me, you have a Latin lesson to attend.

Latin!

Is that today?

Well, this is a terrible inconvenience.

I was having such a wonderful time with...

Archduke Forlay.

Yes, of course.

I'm very displeased by this.

Thank you for the gift.

I shall think of your mother whenever I wear it.

I do so love my Latin lessons.

I always told myself that if I had a daughter or a wife, I'd teach them how to defend themselves. Yes, all right.

So if a man comes at you, hit him in the throat.

You take away his breath, and he'll go right to his knees.

You just have to put your whole body into it.

Claude, I want you to be safe.

Even when I'm not here to protect you.

Are you going somewhere?

You said yourself, we're never getting married, so one day we'll both have to move on.

But until then, I got the, uh, precautions.

I went to the village this morning.

Wait, where exactly did you get them?

I went to the merchant you specified, and I asked for sheepskin, as you specified.

I never said sheepskin.

All right, no matter.

Claude, are you nervous? We don't have to have sex.

Why would I be nervous?

I don't know.

It isn't exactly the first time for either of us.

What does that mean?

Have you honestly forgotten? I delivered you to a baron and had to wait outside the room while...

You think that because I'm not a virgin I'll sleep with anyone?

Now I'm "anyone" because I'm not a baron or a duke?

You just don't understand.

I'm a princess.

I can't just throw my fate to the wind for someone...

Beneath you?

I didn't make up the rules.

(Clears throat)

Delphine.

Have you been outside today?

I don't think I'm ready.

You haven't left this room in days.

Not that I mind having someone to come home to.

But I'm worried about you.

I know you're scared, ever since the night in Greer's tavern, when you were in the same room with the k*ller, but you're safe now.

(Knocking on door)

Sir, an unsigned letter just arrived.

It concerns the murders.

(Door closes)

"To the king's deputy and his healer. By the time you read this, I will be long gone, but you should know the healer's touch changed me. The desire to k*ll left me for the first time in my life. I will claim no more hearts, and may God forgive my sins."

Does he think this will slow my search, stop it?

I'm sure that's his hope.

But, Bash, it is possible that he is healed.

He spared me that night.

After he touched me.

I felt his urges transfer to me.

And there have been no murders since.

No. He knows we're close.

This message is a desperate bid to throw us off.

The sickness that drives this man cannot be stopped.

We must continue our search.

Delphine, what are you so afraid of?

You know I will protect you.

Come with me to the village... we'll retrace your steps.

Maybe reawaken your abilities.

I can't do this without you.

(Music playing)

(Laughing)

(Indistinct conversations)

I don't trust anyone from Elizabeth's court.

Least of all her new ambassador.

Can you intercept Gideon's correspondence?

What am I looking for?

I wonder if this marriage proposal from Elizabeth is even real.

It could just be a fabrication meant to delay the wedding, disrupt the alliance.

If it's false, you'll need to prove it to Spain.

I'll see what I can find.

Can you imagine, Greer? I'm going to marry him.

After all that's happened I'm going to be his wife.

I had real love in my marriage with Francis.

I do wonder if I can live without it.

And watch closely. The trick of the game is to strike the top and keep it spinning.

(Grunts)

Ten.

Don Carlos, are you all right?

Very... tired.

Can I l-lie down?

Of course.

Did the prince enjoy the games in the courtyard?

Why are you talking to me as if I'm a child?

Your speech. Have you recovered? I should get the physicians and tell the Scottish queen.

No. For the last few days I've been feeling my senses... return.

Words, phrases, my arm.

But I hid it.

Somehow I knew I wasn't safe here.

I didn't know why until today.

I remembered my accident.

Mary was there.

She deceived me.

Betrayed my trust.

Because of her I nearly lost everything.

What do you want me to do about Mary?

You?

I've been listening to you, too, Federico.

Mocking my secrets.

Even as a prince, I have to hide my desires from the world.

Why, when I can live as I please?

Be who I am. There is a way. Finally.

Mary's been using me.

And now I'm going to use her.

It's time I did as I liked in a country of my own.

I think I'll take Scotland.

Spain is willing to reject Queen Elizabeth's offer of marriage.

If Queen Mary agrees to grant her husband the Crown Matrimonial.

That is a very large request.

If I were to die childless, the Crown Matrimonial guarantees that Don Carlos remains king of Scotland.

Catherine: Where is this coming from?

This seems rather uncharacteristic for the gentle prince.

From his father, King Philip of Spain.

He makes the request most respectfully, as Spain is offering you so much in return.

We will retire and await your response.

This way, Your Highness.

It's not ideal, but any man of royal lineage would seek the same to guarantee himself a crown.

It's still a risk, for any queen... naming a man as my successor.

Well, consider the man you're dealing with. It's very unlikely he'll exercise any power at all.

His brain is damaged. But if you want him, you will have to edge out Elizabeth.

(Laughing, music playing)

(Indistinct conversations)

Excuse me.

Is there a reason you've been staring at me?

Just admiring your technique.

Men seem to fall at your feet.

If you mean the men here, I'm simply arranging transactions for my courtesans. Besides, I'm still married...

I'm no real option for anyone.

Might your sudden interest in me have anything to do with Leith, perhaps?

Claude, you needn't worry, there's nothing between us anymore.

But he did love you.

You were his great love, after all.

His forever love.

No such love exists unless we make it so, and we did not.

Last time I spoke to Leith, he seemed quite smitten with you.

Well, he hates me now.

It all seemed to be going well.

And we were about to... you know.

I do know.

Easy on the wine.

But I just felt angry all of a sudden.

Like I needed to protect myself.

Well, if you're protecting yourself, it sounds like you're afraid of something.

Of course I'm afraid.

I convinced him it could be casual, that I wouldn't break his heart like you did.

But what about my heart?

You're falling in love with him and you're afraid it will end.

Claude, I recently had a dalliance with a man that I didn't love at all and I told myself that I was risking less, but I was wrong.

There is always risk.

At least when you love someone, it's worth taking.

(Indistinct chatter)

Are you all right? Do you feel anything?

(Horse neighs)

(Overlapping whispering voices)

(Panting)

What is it? Do you sense the k*ller?

It's not the k*ller.

Though I still feel his rage.

I hoped it was only temporary, but it's been with me since the night at Greer's Tavern.

The people passing in the street, I want to hurt them.

Is this why you haven't left my chambers?

Maybe what the k*ller wrote is true.

Maybe he really is healed and the hatred he carried has been transferred into me.

I'm sorry.

I've pushed you too hard.

There's another path back to the castle, away from these crowds.

I'll get you there safely.

And you will heal. I promise.

Gentlemen.

Majesty.

After much thought, I have decided to grant Don Carlos the Crown Matrimonial, under one condition: that the wedding take place tomorrow.

Tomorrow?

Before Elizabeth's counterproposal arrives.

I won't make my offer again.

(Murmuring)

Queen Mary, we accept your offer on behalf of the prince.

Tomorrow you will be wed and begin your lives as husband and wife.

(Birds calling)

Amy.

Why aren't you in Cornwall?

Elizabeth called you back to court.

Did you think I would ignore that?

So what is it now?

Am I faltering in our queen's post as Keeper of the Swans?

Given the fact I can barely stand.

I'm seeking a divorce.

Now?

I'm dying, Robert.

Elizabeth and I love each other. We're going to marry.

I'll continue to provide you with the best care and the finest treatment.

You know you can run to Elizabeth as soon as I'm dead. Why can't you wait?

We can't wait. We won't.

Why?

Why?

That emergency in Elizabeth's message, what was it? What makes you want to rush to the altar so quickly?

To divorce me now?

(Sighs)

She's pregnant, isn't she?

Don't be ridiculous.

Go on. Deny it.

But this child you think will determine your fate, bind your love, will ruin you.

And you will never leave me.

I'm warning you. Don't do this.

If you try to divorce me, I will tell the world that Elizabeth is with child.

She will lose her throne. I bet they'll find a way to take her head. Just like her mother.

If you try, I will k*ll you myself. I swear.

(Gasping)

Wh-What are you doing?

I'm locking you up. I'll dismiss the servants.

You'll have an audience with no one until I return.

I won't be condemned to a life of shame!

No, you'll live out your days in comfort. I'll send you far away, but you'll want for nothing.

I won't be locked away again!

My parents used to lock me up! I won't let you hide me!

Stop it now!

(Shouts, panting)

I won't be locked away like a crazed animal when I'm not crazy! I'm not!

Elizabeth will never have you! I swear, she will never have you!

Ever!

Are you sure Don Carlos moved his bad arm?

It happened so fast. But perhaps I'm wrong.

But I can't stop thinking...

Could he be pretending to be in worse condition than he is?

Why would he hide his recovery?

You wanted to marry him before his accident.

Mary, it's normal for a bride to get cold feet before her wedding.

Is that what's happening to me?

I feel so far from normal.

I am a queen about to marry a broken prince for power.

You're also a widow grieving the man you truly loved.

Mary, if you're looking for an excuse not to go through with the wedding, as a Scot, it's hard for me to offer one.

The Spanish alliance would empower you and our nation against Elizabeth.

Spain would allow you to bring Lola and her family home alive.

All you have to do is walk down that aisle.

It'll be fun.

If the royals use it to entertain themselves, then why shouldn't we? (Chuckles)

(Gasps)

Excuse me, Queen Mother. I... wandered in by accident.

Of course you did.

You're still at it.

The girl wanted to try it.

Why are you here?

I had you followed. I am the queen mother.

I need to be careful who I draw close, to see if you can be trusted.

To do what? Service only you?

Is that what you're asking?

No, it really isn't.

But I must admit that seeing you with someone your own age, it does make me wonder what do you hope to gain from being my lover?

And be honest this time.

Well, I won't lie to you. Poverty takes its toll.

Mmm. So it's money that you want.

I want to earn it. And I don't want to tend fireplaces for the rest of my life.

I'll get you a job with the stable master.

I slept with his daughter.

How 'bout a position in the kitchen?

The baker's wife.

Really, Christophe, is there anywhere in the castle you have not spilled your seed?

I...

What about the kingsguard?

There's good coin in that, and the job demands respect.

I've no combat experience, but I'm a quick study.

I bet you are. I like that we understand each other better.

And I suppose, if I'm gonna take the regency, it would help me to have someone loyal in the kingsguard.

I am loyal to you.

Let me show you.

Not here.

My chambers.

(Insects trilling)

Queen Mary, you sent for me?

Yes. I need some good advice from a bad person.

I'm concerned the Spanish prince is lying to me about his condition, that he's recovered more than he's letting on.

Why would he do that?

I don't know.

But if he's deceiving me, he's also deceiving your queen and is therefore unsuitable for both of us.

Certainly you haven't come to me out of concern for your English cousin.

I came to you because everyone in this castle wants me to go forward with this marriage, except you.

I know you want to stop this alliance at any cost, so I'm giving you a chance to find the truth for me.

If Don Carlos is lying, then he must have an ulterior motive.

I need proof before the wedding happens.

That's tomorrow.

Yes.

So you'd better get to it then.

She threatened to expose my pregnancy?

I will send Amy to the Tower and have her hanged for treason.

You can't have Amy hanged.

She threatened a queen.

If Amy is k*lled and you look responsible in any way, then we can never be together.

Then what do you suggest we do?

I think I know a way.

I believe that Amy is truly insane.

Finally you see her for what she really is.

They locked her away when she was young.

She can be put away again. In an asylum.

Then she'll be declared mentally unfit, I'll be granted my divorce, and you and I can wed.

The only part of this that I feel good about is being with you.

I know.

I love you.

Amy: You loved me. You lied.

You can't do this to me. You won't.

(Panting)

(Grunting)

(Clanging)

Rot in hell, you and your virgin queen!

(Thud)

What is it?

Amy Dudley is dead.

A servant at the Dudley's country house found her body this morning. She was at the bottom of the stairs with a broken neck.

How?

There are signs of a struggle.

The Dudleys were heard arguing that same day, before Robert dismissed all of the servants. And now rumors are already spreading that Dudley m*rder*d his wife.

He didn't do this, William. He couldn't have done this.

How can you be sure?

I am.

Stay away from him.

None of this will matter once he's absolved.

The scandal will recede, and we will be married.

You and Dudley will never marry.

He might hang as a m*rder*r. Do you want to be accused as well?

Your affair is motive, Elizabeth.

You need to save yourself, or you could lose your kingdom.

And your life.

You're leaving?

There's news of an avalanche in the mountains.

Many d*ed, even more were injured.

The survivors will need help.

Who's going to help you?

If I start healing others again, maybe I'll heal myself.

I was never meant to chase a monster. Besides, he's probably far away by now.

Bash, I have to leave.

I'm a danger here, even to you.

I won't try to stop you this time, but I will wait for you. I want you to know you'll always have someone to come home to.

Do you like it, Princess?

It's quite something.

Yes. I stuffed it myself.

Notice the plumage.

Leith!

Princess.

Leith, don't I have a Latin lesson today?

No. Not today.

You're mistaken.

I'm quite sure...

I'm quite sure that you tired of Latin. You found it... beneath you.

Leith! I've had quite a bit of time to think, and I didn't mean what I said about Latin.

It's not in any way beneath me.

In fact, I adore Latin.

Then why would you say all those things?

Because it's frightening, the idea of devoting myself to Latin when I might possibly lose... Latin.

I know I seem strong, but that would utterly destroy me.

Man: Well, I am fluent in Latin, so...

Oh, do shut up!

Please, and I'd appreciate if you might leave, as well?

(Scoffs)

But I stuffed it myself.

Are you sure? Our future...

Nothing... is certain but my feelings for you.

Yes, I'm sure.

♪

Whatever it is, just say it.

I love you.

I love you, too.

(Laughs)

(Indistinct chatter)

(Sighs)

My apologies. I...

I know it's bad luck to see the bride before her wedding.

Only if you're the groom.

The Spanish have hired a team of mercenaries for your journey to Spain.

A group with a particular talent for assassination.

Queen Mary, is there any reason the prince would wish you harm?

I've made some choices that I regret.

Choices that betrayed his trust.

I didn't mean to hurt him, but...

The Crown Matrimonial.

I agreed to grant it to him. I thought that he would never be a thr*at to me.

Mary, if he has recovered, and he's deceiving you, then once you're married...

He could have me k*lled and still be the king of Scotland.

And what prince wouldn't want his own country to rule?

Do you have any evidence?

No. No, mercenaries are paid well for their silence.

I could confront him.

Oh, he may claim he's hired these men for your protection.

I can't back out of a marriage without cause.

Spain would retaliate.

If I can't prove that he means to k*ll me, perhaps I can prove something else... that he's a liar.

Trying to deceive a queen into marriage.

Your ceremony's in two hours.

How do you expect to prove this?

With a trick.

One my mother taught me.

Don Carlos, are you sure you want to marry me?

Yes. I... love you, Mary.

Duke of Alba: Spain has reviewed and approved the contracts.

So have I.

Now you sign your name on each page.

What is it, my prince?

Is something the matter?

Where is the Crown Matrimonial?

Don Carlos, your hand.

Where is it?!

Prince Don Carlos.

It seems I've been misled.

Or is this a miraculous recovery?

You switched the contracts, you Jezebel!

It was a test, one that you failed.

The prince has lied to us all to gain Scotland under false pretenses.

He was planning to have me k*lled en route to Spain.

That is a lie!

I bribed his mercenaries.

This man would m*rder me to steal my country!

I deserve a country of my own!

A prince answers to his father.

A king answers to no one!

(People gasping, and murmuring)

Go back to Spain.

Federico, these are not the terms we agreed upon.

Aren't you going to say something?

Narcisse: No, I'd rather not.

I haven't the faintest idea what is going on.

But I do know that now is not the time for France to lose Spain's support.

Catherine: This is still my home, and if the regent is too cowardly to speak for France, then I will.

France empty-handed.

Don Carlos, I hereby banish you from France.

And if you try to turn King Phillip against us with lies, if you att*ck my country or Mary in any way, I will not hesitate to share with your father the ghastly details of your visit.

Take your toy and your men with you.

(Don Carlos scoffs)

Yes, Your Excellency, what is it?

Narcisse: I'm afraid that I have some bad news.

France has crippling m*llitary debt.

Had Mary and Don Carlos wed, then France would have received a stimulus of Spanish gold, but since the wedding is canceled, the debts remains.

Sounds like a regency problem.

Yes.

And ironically, you will provide the solution.

I'm marrying you off to Duke Boinel, a wealthy noble who will supply France with the gold she so desperately needs in return for your hand.

Absolutely not. I will not be sold.

Whatever deal you had with Catherine is now moot.

I am the regent, and I have decided.

The duke arrives tomorrow.

The wedding will happen quickly, pending a meeting.

A meeting? I'll gladly take it, and I will send this duke running for the hills, I promise you!

You will not be meeting with the duke.

King Charles will be.

And once he realizes just how rich and decent Duke Boinel is, I'm confident that your brother will agree to this wedding.

This is happening for the good of France.

Be grateful for the fun you had.

You must have known your time would come.

Did anyone see you?

No.

What did you do?

You said Amy was to be locked away in an asylum!

Lower your voice. I didn't k*ll her.

It was you who wanted her hanged for treason.

Maybe you grew impatient, silenced her once and for all.

I would never jeopardize our chance to marry.

I knew that if she d*ed and we looked any way responsible, we could never be together.

Oh, my lord.

Amy.

She knew that, too.

She knew it was the one way she could keep us apart.

(Sighs)

Would she go so far as to do this?

Frame me for her m*rder? How will I prove my innocence?

I sent the servants away, Elizabeth.

You have to help me to evade the gallows.

I will do all I can.

We cannot be seen together.

I have my kingdom and the future of my reign to consider.

And our child. Wha...?

What of our child?

Elizabeth, that child gives us motive.

We could both go to the gallows for Amy's death.

But this child was to be our greatest blessing, and what do I do about it?

Robert, what do I do?!

(Breath quivering)

(Crickets chirping, bird calling)

So, how does it feel to be unattached once again?

I feel relieved, I suppose.

Although, today was hardly a victory.

Scotland needed that alliance.

You did manage to procure us some much-needed grain for your country, if it's any consolation.

It is.

You were right, you know.

I do want love in my life.

Truthfully, who doesn't want that?

But for me... as a queen... oh, I was lucky to have it once.

I need to accept that, for me, marriage is likely a different subject altogether.

Why did you warn me about the Spanish mercenaries?

I know Elizabeth doesn't want to take responsibility for my death, but she's quite happy to let someone else do it.

Why save my life?

I assure you my decision was purely diplomatic.

Elizabeth wouldn't want Don Carlos ruling Scotland.

A king she distrusts looming at England's borders?

Perhaps. Or maybe your loyalty to Elizabeth is less than absolute?

It's from your daughter Agatha.

I've been intercepting some of your correspondence from England.

I didn't believe you when you told me about your wife before.

But my own spies have confirmed what happened to her.

And now Elizabeth has your little girl, doesn't she?

She's using your daughter to ensure that you sabotage my alliances.

To have your child taken from you. I'm so sorry.

I don't want your pity.

Tell your queen that you single-handedly sabotaged the alliance with Spain.

Take the credit, Gideon, and hopefully, as a reward, she'll let you see your child soon.

Mary, there's something you need to know.

Sooner rather than later.

There's news of the Reformation in Scotland, independent of Elizabeth.

It's become a Protestant nation.

I know you planned to go back to Scotland, but as a Catholic, if you return now, you'll be an outsider in your own country.

They may not welcome you back.

What will you do?

I don't know.

I can't stay in France forever.

But I don't want your pity, either.

(Horse neighs and sputters)

Wear this.

It's a cold night.

Hmm.

Funny. I feel so warm, as if I were seated before a roaring fire.

(Breathing loudly)

(Footsteps approaching)

(Breathing loudly)

Are you cold, lover?

Your breath is like frost, like you're out in winter's air.

But how could you...?

(Gasping)

(Groaning and whimpering)