04x01 - With Friends Like These

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Reign...

Martel De Guise. Thank you for coming on such short notice.

Tell me why you're here.

I came back for you, darling.

You're lying.

Just like you lied when we were together.

Are you sure? Our future...

Nothing is certain but my feelings for you.

Catherine: Leith, protect my daughter.

I give you my blessing to wed.

May you have a long and happy life.

Will you marry me?

Yes!

Yes.

I have a message for you from the De Guises.

It seems my would-be assassin is a Catholic radical.

He confessed the two of you worked together to plan the details of my m*rder.

And it was all by the order of Mary, Queen of Scots.

There was an assassination attempt on Elizabeth.

Lola was said to be involved. She was beheaded.

Mary: Where was Narcisse?

Bash: He's in prison.

Reverend Knox, it was you.

You don't think that I would confess to trying to k*ll a queen?

You used Lola so that my sister Mary would be tied to the attempt.

So that even if it failed, it would become personal between Mary and Elizabeth.

Every choice I make will be in service of taking her throne.

Her nation.

Someday it will be mine.

(Birds squawking)

♪ Into the dark and unknown water ♪
♪ I will sink or swim ♪
♪ Like a blade of grass reaching for the sun ♪

I'm getting good at this.

♪ I'm ready to begin ♪
♪ I keep on climbing ♪

Elbows bent.

Relax.

♪ Up against the wind ♪
♪ Are you ready? ♪
♪ Are you ready ♪

Charge too quickly, you'll find yourself at the end of a blade.

♪ To fly on your own? ♪

Let's break.

Come on, you know I like fighting.

When there are two queens vying for the same throne, only one can survive.

Me or Elizabeth.

Is that why you've reached out to Lord Darnley?

Darnley is willing to travel to Scotland to begin courtship.

You know that will infuriate Elizabeth.

Darnley's family has been hovering near the English throne for years.

Because his family has their own claim.

He has many allies in England who would support him.

Imagine our claims together.

Wed, I would offer England a king and the promise of a royal heir, both things which Elizabeth has refused to provide.

Darnley comes from a family of vipers who've a reputation for ruthless ambition.

Not to mention he overindulges in women and drink.

Elizabeth ex*cuted my friend.

I'm not looking for a man to love, I'm looking for a w*apon to use against her to take her throne.

And yet, you would be wed to the man.

A Catholic man.

Scotland is Protestant now.

I have no intention of changing it back.

Well, the Protestants won't think that if you give them a Catholic king.

Marry Darnley, and Knox will turn this country against you.

But to take England, I need power, and I've made inquiries about Darnley...

There will always be powerful suitors.

Look, you've been back barely a month and already you have marriage offers from Highlanders.

Clan Sutherland, Hamilton, Clan Gordon...

Clan Gordon? "The Rulers of the North."

They're Catholic, too.

You don't have to take a husband from any of these clans.

You just need their loyalty.

Win the clans to your side, one by one, and then march on Elizabeth, with all of Scotland behind you.

Wise counsel.

I'll consider it.

Now, pick up your sword.

(Sighs)

(Birds trilling)

Woman: It is so kind of you to invite me back to court again, Queen Elizabeth, it's been ages.

I, um, love what you've done with the royal library.

I had hoped your son Darnley would be joining us, Lady Lennox.

Oh, you wanted to see Darnley?

My dear, I had no idea.

I sent for both of you.

My invitation was quite clear.

Well, my vision is deteriorating.

I must confess, I find letters impossible to read now.

And yet, I hear rumors you are corresponding with my cousin Mary... arranging a royal marriage between her and your son.

My enemies' rumors, I assure you.

My son is no thr*at.

Then tell me...

(Whispering): Where is Darnley?

Honestly, I have no idea.

He goes where he likes... as grown men do.

But if I hear from him, I will be sure to let you know.

I'm not sure you appreciate the urgency of the situation, Lady Lennox.

Queen Mary tried to have me assassinated here in England.

She is my enemy, and if Darnley pursues her, he will be my enemy as well.

Tell your son to come to court.

Or I will have him dragged here on his knees.

(Panting)

That's nonsense.

Here in Spain thousands of Moors and Jews have chosen to convert to Catholicism.

(Panting, grunting)

It's not a forced baptism unless you forcibly hold their head underwater.

If, after the persuasion of t*rture, they agree to convert, then they agree. (Laughs)

(Laughter)

Don Carlos: Leeza!

Leeza!

Oh, dear lord.

Leeza!

(Women gasping and clamoring)

He's naked.

Oh, don't look.

I love you!

(Guards talking indistinctly)

Whoa!

(Don Carlos yelling)

Leeza: They say I drove Don Carlos, my own stepson, mad with desire.

(Scoffs)

I had to get away from the gossip.

Well, how odd.

I assure you, by the time Don Carlos left here, he had quite recovered.

He has good days and bad, Mother, but he is not the same man.

Well, surely you don't blame me.

All I know is that the prince of Spain came to France whole, and left with an enormous piece of wood sticking out of his skull.

That is not true.

We had our finest surgeon remove it.

Your mother looks different.

Dressed to impress my sister, Queen Leeza.

Her letters implied she'd become quite pious since marrying the king of Spain.

Now, Leeza, do sit.

(Clears throat)

(Sighs)

The rules in these matters are a bit fuzzy, aren't they?

Tell me, how is your husband, King Philip?

Concerned.

What is Charles doing to stem the rising tide of Protestantism?

Well, you could ask him yourself, if only he weren't in Paris.

There is a fire burning across your land, and we want it put out before it reaches our borders.

Look at Mary in Scotland. How long will she stay afloat in a sea of heretics?

Philip thinks you need to draw your Catholic nobles closer.

Secure their loyalty, their gold.

Spain can't fund this court forever.

Claude, Martel, come closer.

A union between the Valois and the Guise family... loyal, fierce Catholics... strengthens the realm as well as the faith.

A marriage, you mean.

Your marriage.

Martel and I have discussed this at length.

You! Comforting me these last weeks about the man I love.

Is she talking about that dead kitchen boy?

Leith is a soldier and he is the bravest and kindest man I've ever known.

He is alive and he is coming back to me.

And, Mother, you promised...

Claude, you misunderstand.

That you're a snake?

A parasite?

I don't think so.

I'm marrying Leith, Mother, tell her.

You gave your permission, tell her!

(Claude sighs)

(Footfalls receding)

Apparently Claude does not understand the role of princess.

Speak to her. Make her see the benefits of this.

Specifically?

It would please Spain, the most powerful country in the world, very much.

Greer.

I wasn't sure you'd make it in time for Lola's funeral.

How was your journey from France?

And where is your darling baby girl?

Little Rose stayed behind with Castleroy, but I had to come.

How have you been adjusting to Scotland?

I hope your brother's been helping you.

He is. But he has been ruling Scotland for years by playing all sides, and I'm worried he's playing me as well.

In truth, it's been rather lonely.

Bash is gone, and Gideon has returned to English court.

I don't know if I'll ever see him again.

I thought you and Gideon loved each other... what happened?

I asked him to be my agent to seduce Elizabeth, and he refused.

If your lover refused to sleep with your rival, maybe that's a good sign.

Well...

I suppose it's time to say good-bye.

Lola Fleming Narcisse was a mother and a wife.

She was my lady and my dear, dear friend.

She shall never be forgotten.

♪ How can I say this without breaking? ♪
♪ How can I put it down into words? ♪
♪ When it's almost too much ♪
♪ For my soul alone ♪
♪ I loved and I loved ♪
♪ And I lost you ♪
♪ And it hurts like hell ♪
♪ Yeah, it hurts like hell ♪

(Sighs)

Are you all right?

I'm suddenly not feeling well.

I-I think I'm just tired.

I'm going to return to the castle.

I'll come with you. No.

No. Stay with Lola's parents.

(Church bell rings)

(Horses whinny)

(Faint neighing)

Where are we going?

The castle is in the other direction.

Where are my guards?

Stop! Something's wrong.

We need to stop the carriage...

Oh, I need to get out.

It's all right. It'll all be over soon.

(Horses neigh)

James!

James, I need your help!

Oh, uh... uh...

I'm sorry, but it's urgent.

(Clears throat)

Leave us?

I think Mary's been kidnapped.

What?

Tell me exactly what happened.

Uh... we, uh, we were at the funeral service, and Mary left in the royal carriage, but it never arrived here.

We found her driver and some guards outside the church.

They'd been drugged.

So she was taken by impostors?

She wasn't feeling well, that's why she left alone.

We had just taken Mass with Father Corman...

Wait, Father Corman was there?

Well, that doesn't make any sense.

Corman's parish is far up north.

What is it?

"The rulers of the north."

It's likely Clan Gordon has Mary, and I think I know why.

(Gasps)

Where am I?

Who are you?

Welcome to the north.

I am the Earl of Clan Gordon.

How did I get all the way up here?

Father Corman added something extra to your Communion wafer.

You drugged me?

Don't be afraid. You're among Catholic allies here.

Our clan protects you from your Protestant enemies.

Then why did you bring me here?

Because we need something in return.

(Music playing, crowd clamoring)

She's here! The bride's awake!

"The bride"?

(All cheering, clamoring)

Make room! Give her some space!

You had me kidnapped, and now you expect me to marry you?

Of course not.

You're going to marry my son.

The hell I am.

Where on earth is George? Come forward, George.

(All clamoring)

Meet Mary. Our queen.

Well, don't faint on the girl.

Yeah, Your Majesty, I, uh...

Forgive me, I have palpitations.

I will not marry him.

You will marry my son.

If you want to keep your throne, that is.

You'd have to be careful.

Gideon, welcome back.

Your Majesty.

Some unfamiliar faces.

They're advisors.

I've been consulting with them after the attempt on my life.

Did you gain any information in Scotland?

Queen Mary maintains her innocence.

She's lying.

Lola admitted the order came from Mary.

But what if Lola was wrong?

Used by someone.

What does Narcisse say?

After having stabbed two of my guards, Narcisse is imprisoned in the tower and refuses to speak to anyone.

Except about the food.

That is a topic on which he is quite vocal.

And Lola's child?

John and the nanny are gone.

Lola surely planned an escape for after my death.

They could already be in France.

But this is all irrelevant.

Mary is circling Lord Darnley as a candidate for marriage.

Darnley?

They are cousins of their own. Both of legitimate royal descent.

Unlike me, their bloodline is unassailable.

Further removed, Your Majesty.

There are two of them and one of me.

Darnley must be found.

And Mary neutralized.

Neutralized?

Mary tried to strike me down.

I will retaliate in kind.

I need you to focus all your resources on the manhunt for Darnley.

Leave the lord chancellor of France to rot in his cell.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Guard: In here, my lord.

(Door opens)

Lord Narcisse.

I'm Gideon Blackburn. We met in France.

I know why you're refusing to speak.

You're afraid of being implicated in your wife's crime.

But you can trust me.

I know you weren't involved and neither was Mary.

You're surprised to hear that, aren't you?

But I had Mary's word on the topic.

She would never put a friend in danger like that.

She would if her country were at risk.

Elizabeth was on the edge of taking Scotland.

And Lola would never have done it unless the order came from Mary.

When Renee gave Lola the letter, it...

Wait. Renee delivered the message?

John's nanny?

She was the only one way to get messages in and out of the castle.

But if the order was forged...

If Lola was only meant to believe the order came from Mary.

Renee could have been involved.

I left Lola's son with her.

In hiding, waiting to flee.

Now, if Renee betrayed my wife, and her own queen, what might she do to a child left behind?

An afterthought, a complication.

Where do I find them?

They were waiting for me at an inn east of the village.

Start there.

You find John!

I promised Lola that I would protect her son.

And now it is up to you.

Are you really marrying me off just because she says so?

Tell Leeza no! Tell her you promised me!

Claude, a promise will not bring Leith back to you.

He's alive.

Well, then where is he?

It has been weeks since our forces crushed the Red Knights.

If he were dead, I would know it.

I would feel it in my bones!

Darling, that is a fantasy of love.

And not one that I can use to defy orders from the king of Spain.

And is Spain ruling France now?

Not yet.

They could soon enough.

The religious divide in France has weakened us, while Spain, staunchly Catholic...

You mean "repressive."

... has remained strong.

If we slaughter our Protestants now, we risk civil w*r.

France will crumble and Spain will step in.

If we do nothing, we anger the Vatican, who will end our line.

And Spain will step in.

We will lose our throne, followed by our heads.

She's a bully and I hate her!

I shouldn't have to marry someone I despise!

But you must be more diplomatic in your response to a nation that can crush us.

Just until I can find a way out of it.

You don't want me married to Martel, either?

I had his father k*lled. Do you think I want him rising in station?

(Knocking)

Lord Martel De Guise.

We were just speaking of you.

Martel: I'm not surprised.

Uh, I realize the talk of our marriage was a shock, so I want you to know that I understand your harsh response, though it was humiliating.

Nevertheless, I hope it's a union you'll consider.

Once you've come to terms with the realities.

To that end, I've brought you this.

I wrote this to Leith.

It was found weeks ago on one of the b*rned bodies.

I thought it cruel to put it into your hands, but if it helps you accept his...

Leith is gone, Claude, and I am here.

Prepared to marry you.

To make you happy.

To placate Spain.

And keep the Valois on the throne.

As a friend to your family, to you, I urge you to say yes.

(Knocking)

Renee, are you there?

It's Gideon Blackburn.

Lord Narcisse sent me. I'm alone.

I'm here to help you and the boy.

(Gasping)

Don't come any closer.

Renee, it's all right. Don't be afraid.

I'm not here to hurt you or the boy.

I know you were part of the assassination attempt on Elizabeth.

But there's a way out of this.

You have information the queen wants.

You know who was really behind the attempt on her life. It wasn't Mary.

So... tell me who sent that message.

I can't.

If he finds out I've talked, he'll hurt my family.

He'll have them torn to pieces by their own neighbors!

Who? Give me a name.

E-Elizabeth will protect your family.

She can't protect them! They're in Scotland!

I know of one man in Scotland with that kind of influence.

A man who preaches hatred when it suits him.

Who'd love to see the two queens destroy each other.

It's John Knox.

(Crying)

Don't move!

I have archers outside that window.

If you make any sudden move, if they see that blade in your hand, they'll k*ll you.

Put the blade down and let me take the boy.

(Crying)

Hey.

What will happen to me?

You will be questioned, but you will be protected.

I don't believe you. I can't go back.

No!

(Grunts)

(Crying)

(Birds chirping)

Knox: James.

James: Reverend Knox.

Knox: I hear our queen has been abducted.

Is it true?

You might as well tell me the details.I 'll learn them anyway.

We believe it was Clan Gordon who took her.

Their proposals to the queen had gone unanswered.

So they kidnapped her, as is their tradition.

They're lovely people, aren't they?

Good Catholics.

Let me help return Mary to safety.

The fastest way to Clan Gordon's castle is across a bridge controlled by the Duarr family.

Protestants loyal to me.

I can ensure access.

Why are you so eager to save a queen you loathe?

My reason is the same as yours.

To stop her marrying a Catholic.

Especially a member of Clan Gordon.

And if I accept your help?

Well, in return, after rescuing Mary, you wipe out the entire clan.

We can extinguish Mary's hard-line Catholic support, and no one will blame us.

Clan Gordon is Mary's last stronghold of Catholics in the north.

Mm.

Without them...

Oh, she will be weakened and, in time, fall.

Sooner than later would be my choice.

Why drag out the inevitable?

You're asking me to plot against my sister.

I'm asking you to choose the winning side.

This is our chance, James.

And it won't come again.

I am your queen and I order you to return me to Edinburgh at once.

You're not going anywhere until you marry my son.

I won't.

And besides, you're running out of time.

My brother and his soldiers will be on their way.

Your bastard half brother will be the first to betray you when he gets the chance.

Don't you speak of my brother.

(Laughing): Why?

I've watched James and Knox work together for years, even protect each other.

They're closer than you think.

You want me to believe that all Protestants are against me, even my brother.

But I don't think that way.

I won't judge a man by his faith.

You're not a tolerant queen, you're a sheep surrounded by wolves.

And a fool to refuse our protection.

Very well.

You need a Kn*fe to your throat, here it is.

If you don't marry my son, Clan Gordon will turn against you.

When your Catholic allies become your enemies, do you think the Protestants will save you?

You'll have an entire nation united against their queen.

And that is how your reign will end.

Alone in your castle, while outside your people call for your head.

Enough.

Tell your son I will meet with him in private.

And tell him I will accept his proposal.

You disobeyed my orders.I told you to find Darnley.

If I'd obeyed you, we wouldn't know John Knox tried to have you k*lled, not Mary...

Knox is a respected Protestant leader.

I can't go after him without evidence... evidence that d*ed along with your witness Renee.

What do you expect me to do?

I want the truth to inform your decisions.

You're plotting the downfall of someone who played no part in this assassination attempt.

You are desperate to absolve Mary, aren't you?

(Exhales)

You're right. I do care for her more than I should.

Certainly more than I ever intended.

But no matter what I feel about Mary, I am an Englishman. I have my family here, and I serve you first.

I mean, I don't want to see my country descend into more bloodshed and w*r.

And I don't want to see you in danger.

You admitted to falling for my rival.

How do I know she hasn't turned you against me?

I'm not against you, Elizabeth.

I know you feel your cousin is your enemy and you must be hers in return.

But the two of you are so consumed with each other, you didn't notice Knox in the corner, cheering you on to fight to the death.

Now you have a chance at peace.

Mary is just over the border, closer than she's ever been.

Meet with her, talk to each other...

To what end?

So we can share in our burdens? Tell me this, does Mary want my throne?

You m*rder*d her friend, England moved on her nation...

(Chuckles)

In other words, yes, or why would she seek out Darnley?

The reality is so simple.

Stop pretending you don't understand.

Mary and I are positioned against one other as rivals by blood, by history, by men whose power is tied to our own, and it will always be so.

We are not just rulers, we are pawns in a much larger game.

The last thing I want is to know her, to feel for her, if...

If one day you have to k*ll her.

Yes.

Your Majesty, you're on the path to w*r.

And you need to see the cost.

John.

He knows you as his mother's friend.

He still calls out for her.

I don't think he understands that Lola is never, ever coming back.

As the reality is so simple, perhaps you could explain it to him.

(Owl hooting)

(Music playing, indistinct chatter)

Leeza: Was there any progress made in getting to the bottom of who k*lled Martel's father?

Protestants, it was assumed.

It was a roadside att*ck.

Oh.

Were they ever caught?

Sadly, no.

The Church might want to open a proper inquiry.

For closure. You understand.

Don't.

(Ggrunting): No.

(Crying): He k*lled Leith.

Martel?

Tell me why you suspect him.

The love letter.

I wrote it. But it couldn't have been found on Leith's b*rned body, as he claims.

Why?

Because it was a letter I wrote long before he left.

And it was left here. I know, because I saw it in Leith's room only days ago.

I spoke to those witnesses, as you suggested.

They recognized the Guise sigil.

It was Martel's man that slaughtered Leith.

But they were afraid.

I-I... I don't know if they'd speak against him.

No.

The Guise are powerful.

Especially now that they've aligned themselves with Spain.

Oh, this is the last thing that we need...

Leeza getting in the middle of all of this.

Dredging up old wrongs.

I told you I would find a way out of this marriage and I will.

How?

We'll k*ll Martel together.

After which, I hope you'll realize Mother is always on your side.

(Clears throat)

Oh... forgive me, Queen Mary.

Father said you'd sent for me.

I did send for you.

Help me lace my dress.

(Clears throat)

Yes.

Uh...

I'm terribly sorry about all this.

Oh, you mean the wedding?

It really wasn't my idea.

But I've learned it's best to obey Father.

Clan Gordon are good people.

I understand.

They are afraid of the earl, as are you.

But perhaps you should be more afraid of me.

Why?

I've been wed before and I am a queen.

Have you ever been with a queen, George?

No.

Oh, dear, you're breathing heavily.

Have you ever been with a woman?

Uh...

If you can't perform, then I have the right to refuse the marriage.

It's a gamble, but...

Take off your belt.

Oh...

George.

(Gasps)

George?

(Male voices talking outside)

(Goat bleats, cow lows)

(Horse whinnies)

Clansman: Queen Mary.

Get back inside.

Now.

Earl: Stop her! Stop her!

(Horse neighs, men shouting)

After her!

Clansman: To horse, men, to horse!

(Horse neighs)

Clan Gordon's stronghold isn't much further.

We'll scout their numbers and plan our att*ck.

Once we've rescued the queen, we'll...

(Horse neighs)

(Hoofbeats approach)

Mary!

Are you all right?

Yes.

The earl kidnapped me so I'd marry his son.

The earl of Clan Gordon; it's as we thought.

How many men do you have? We need to push north.

I want to get you back to Edinburgh Castle where you'll be safe.

My men and I will handle it from here. We have nearly a hundred more just down the road.

A hundred men?

I never imagined you'd bring so many.

If Clan Gordon puts up a fight, there'll be a slaughter.

I'll manage it.

You've been through enough.

Escort the queen back to court.

Why are you so keen to get rid of me?

And how did you get so many men here so quickly?

We rode as fast as we could.

Or you took a shortcut.

The bridges that cut through the north... you could only use them with Knox's help.

Did he ask you for something in return?

I did what I needed to get to you quickly.

And now that you're here, you plan to wipe out my Catholic supporters?

You can't save them, Mary.

They kidnapped you.

You have to make a show of force, or every clan in Scotland will defy you until the end of your reign.

I intend to show force.

But if I move too quickly, I could find myself at the end of a blade.

We will ride north together.

We will surround the clan and demand that they give up their leader.

The earl will bend the knee or he will die.

Man: Move out!

(Lock clanks)

Lola's son is safe.

He's here at the castle, being tended to.

(Exhales)

John Knox was responsible for this.

Lola thought she was following Mary's orders, but she was following his.

Knox is the true enemy.

If only there were just one.

My wife is dead.

And you k*lled her.

Lola betrayed me.

What sentence would you have given, had this happened in France?

I had no choice.

Oh, you seek absolution for k*lling your friend.

She wasn't your friend, Elizabeth, she was your prisoner.

What a grotesque curse of royalty, that you cannot even tell the difference.

The truth is that had you not taken her family hostage, had you not forced her here, then Lola would still be alive!

Maybe you're right, but we confided in one another as friends do, and she agreed to come here because she was desperate to get away from you.

Lord Narcisse, you provided crucial information to the Crown.

And as a reward, I am transferring you out of the Tower.

You may see your stepson, John, and correspond with French authorities to negotiate your release.

I don't understand.

John Knox misled me down a very dark path.

Starting today, I choose another.

(Grunts)

Earl of Gordon, you are guilty of kidnapping, extortion and treason, but your queen is merciful.

I am offering you this chance to beg for my forgiveness.

I won't offer again.

And I won't beg.

You surround yourself with Protestants, your guards, your advisors, your brother.

Let me go and my clan will protect you.

(Indistinct murmuring)

He's filling your head with lies.

You can trust the Protestants.

Can I trust you?

Or are you waiting for my fall, so that you can rule again?

Mary, I serve you.

Prove your loyalty.

If you wish to remain by my side, help me bring order without losing my Catholic allies.

k*ll the earl.

I am not your executioner.

You are today. I need a Protestant villain to swing the sword.

Someone the family can blame.

While you appear merciful for sparing their lives.

(Scoffs)

You're asking me to make Catholic enemies.

You cannot keep playing both sides.

And if you wish to remain my advisor, you will do as I say.

(People shout)

I should k*ll you all!

I should execute every last one of you for your treason.

Enough, James.

The traitor has been punished.

My people, despite your transgressions, as Scots, as Catholics, you are precious to me.

Clan Gordon will live on.

Its holdings and titles will remain with the clan if... you pledge your loyalty.

Woman: Your Majesty.

Man: Your Grace.

Others: Your Majesty.

Were you seen leaving your chambers?

No.

That is, I don't believe so.

Is it awful if I was?

You told me to meet you; you didn't say anything about...

It's fine.

A daughter joining her mother for an evening stroll is hardly a crime.

(Whispering): No, but m*rder is.

Why would you m*rder Martel?

Are my sins any less than his?

Will I not be damned...?

Stop.

k*lling to avenge a wrong isn't m*rder, it's justice, and justice cannot be a sin.

You must believe that.

I want to, I do.

Good.

Then I need you to scream.

Scream? Why would I...?

(Screams)

Guards! Guards!

(Whispering): Act shocked.

I am shocked!

Even better.

Your Majesty.

Oh, he jumped.

It was awful.

We saw the entire thing.

(Crying)

The tears might be a bit much.

(Crying): The tears are real.

Leith really is gone, isn't he?

Martel took him away forever.

You did this for me.

Why?

Well, it may not be a sin, but even justice has a price.

It's better the debt be mine.

It's tragic, but there you have it.

One witness who says Martel asked for a length of rope, another who found this su1c1de note.

The Guises do not fare well at French court, do they?

Did you do this?

No, I swear.

I know you, Mother. You raised me.

I know how you solve problems.

Martel was no problem.

He was a shamed man.

Harshly refused by Claude, publicly humiliated...

Mother!

Did you read the note?

His ego couldn't take it, and I do think that he was keenly aware of having failed you, but su1c1de... (sighs) that is such a shameful way to go... and a mortal sin.

I mean, you could push for an inquiry, but then Martel's end will be discussed more broadly.

I don't think the Guises will like that.

Fine. There's no point in arguing.

As a corpse, he's hardly a viable husband or a Catholic presence.

But France does need one.

A Catholic presence, I mean.

Someone to counsel the young king and reassure the Vatican that Rome has the right dynastic line on the throne.

Popes can displace kings... but I don't have to tell you that.

Yet you do.

So, you'll be staying.

Indefinitely.

(Door closes)

And Spain steps in.

Knox: You were supposed to k*ll the entire clan, not just their leader.

Now you've strengthened Mary's hand.

She gave me no choice. I couldn't publicly refuse the queen.

Well, you should have found a way.

Oh, but you didn't. You threw your lot in with Mary and now God will take you down with her.

I will spread the word with my followers that you betrayed us, that you're a Catholic sympathizer, a weak...

Do not thr*aten me.

I am half brother to the queen.

My family has royal blood in our veins.

The people believe that God chose us to rule, while you merely spout His teachings.

That is true power.

Power that a commoner like you will never have.

Keira.

Where's my son? Where's Darnley?

He's not here, Lady Lennox.

But he was, from the looks of it.

I don't know why you two continue to pursue this dangerous little love affair.

You have no future and you know it.

I have defied Elizabeth to secure a crown for my son, and nothing is going to stand in my way, certainly not you.

Now, Queen Mary has expressed interest in Darnley and I need to get him to Scotland, and he must leave before Elizabeth finds him.

So, where... is... Darnley?

He got a letter from the queen.

Which queen?

Mary writes to me.

Not Elizabeth... I have intercepted all of her letters.

Apparently not all.

Your Majesty, may I present the honorable Lord Darnley.

(Sighs)

Queen Elizabeth.

I hear you've been looking for me.

You're a difficult man to find.

I thought you'd be halfway to Scotland by now, on your way to marrying my cousin.

I know why you want to prevent that wedding.

You fear the tides of power will turn against you.

With all my Catholic allies here in England, I am the foothold Mary needs to start a revolution and dethrone you... hypothetically.

So, you've come to my court to bargain.

Very well.

What do you want?

I'm in love with a woman I can't have.

She is promised to a suitor of a powerful family.

As queen, you can break their engagement.

That sounds expensive.

If you do this for me, I will stay here in England with the woman I love.

Queen Mary and I will never meet.

And without me, Mary Stuart will be powerless against you.

How are you feeling?

It's good to be home... and to be unmarried.

Yes, the single life is a bit rougher here than I remembered.

A letter arrived for you.

It's from Gideon.

Mary.

You sent for me?

I received intelligence from England today.

John Knox was behind the assassination attempt on Elizabeth.

He forged a letter in my handwriting ordering Lola to k*ll Elizabeth.

Lola thought she was just following my command and she d*ed for it.

Mary, I...

I'm so sorry.

I can't keep blaming my cousin for this.

(Sighs) I would've done the same.

As it is, because of who we are, it doesn't make a difference.

We are still two queens and there is only one English throne.

Did you know about Knox?

Mary, I'm on your side.

I am asking if you knew.

I knew... after the fact.

And you did nothing.

You said nothing.

You had just achieved peace with the Protestants.

If you'd retaliated against Knox...

You didn't trust my judgment.

I do now.

The way you handled Clan Gordon proved to me that...

I don't have to prove myself to you.

I am queen!

And your job is to serve me!

Instead you serve a Protestant agenda.

Knox's agenda.

You tried to help wipe out my Catholic supporters, or was that Knox's idea, too?

I defied Knox and severed all ties with him.

I have no other side but yours.

You made sure of that.

Perhaps.

But you have a long road before I trust you again.

That Highland lord was right.

I have Protestant enemies everywhere.

If I am to survive the battles to come, I will need Catholic allies.

You're going to marry Darnley.

Mary, I told you, that's risking your throne.

My throne will always be at risk.

I need power.

And I must do whatever it takes to get it.

I need a husband that Rome and Catholics all over the world will stand behind.

And that husband is Lord Darnley.