04x02 - A Grain of Deception

[bunniefuu]

Previously on Reign...

My sister, Queen Leeza.

She's become quite pious since marrying the king of Spain.

Philip thinks you need to draw your Catholic nobles closer.

Secure their loyalty, their gold.

Spain can't fund this court forever.

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.

Did you know about Knox?

I knew.

You have a long road to travel before I trust you again.

Lord Narcisse, you provided crucial information to the Crown.

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

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.

I need power, I need a husband.

And that husband is Lord Darnley.

So you've come to my court to bargain.

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

She is promised to a suitor of a powerful family.

You can break their engagement.

If you do this for me, Queen Mary and I will never meet, and without me, Mary Stuart will be powerless against you.

(Birds singing)

♪♪

Hyah! Hey!

(Horse neighs)

Captain: Halt!

In the name of the English Crown!

Halt!

(Horse snorts)

Halt!

Please. We're just farmers.

(Neighs)

(Grunts)

You're farmers of gunpowder, by the looks of it.

You're Scottish Guard.

Peasant: On my life, the village of Canonbie will never surrender.

No need to give your life today.

Instead... give Queen Mary a message.

(Screams)

Mary: Please tell me we've received word from Lord Darnley.

Otherwise, James, I might be alarmed by your urgent manner.

Some things are more important than Darnley's strange silence, or your marriage plans.

I know you are opposed to Darnley because he is a Catholic lord, but if I am to protect myself against Elizabeth...

Protect your own country first.

Man: Bring a basin of water.

Why? What's happening?

(Man screams)

Man: Easy, lad.

Mary: Oh, my God.

Who did this to you?

We were intercepted a mile outside Canonbie.

You poor young man.

Two of our soldiers were disguised as peasants, but their farm cart was ambushed nonetheless.

English soldiers took the grain and the munition.

Canonbie is a Scottish town.

The English had no right.

It's a disputed border region.

One that I swore to protect.

If we don't get supplies to the town by the end of the week, the villagers will starve.

The soldiers said the siege would be lifted if Canonbie surrendered.

I told them the villagers would rather die.

This is the third time we've tried to supply arms and food to Canonbie.

I was promised this would not happen again.

It should not have, Your Majesty.

But somehow, the English were aware of our movements.

All three times.

The question is, how?

(Rooster crows)

Keira: Darnley... my love...

Oh...

We can't.

If I'm not whole on my wedding night...

As your husband, I will promise not to judge.

But you are not my husband yet.

In case you've forgotten, I am still engaged to Lord White, not you.

Darling, I told you, that's being taken care of.

Queen Elizabeth is negotiating with Lord White to get you out of your engagement so that we can be together.

♪ Wonder what you're thinking ♪

What about your mother?

She seems determined to make you a king.

Accepting Mary's invitation to the Scottish court does not guarantee me a crown.

And I would lose you.

I can't lose you.

Keira... you are more important to me than all the kingdoms in the world.

More important than Scotland... or England... or my own satisfaction, which is why I will preserve your virtue for our wedding night.

But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves.

♪♪

Queen Mary doesn't know what she's missing.

Oh, dear.

It did seem as though it would be a closer game this time, didn't it?

You only b*at me by one point.

Did I?

Oh. I think you're mistaken.

It's another crushing defeat.

Clearly, I am not a worthy adversary.

You know, I would understand if you simply... sent me home.

Are you forgetting you stabbed two of my guards after your wife tried to have me k*lled?

John Knox tried to have you k*lled.

Which you would never have known about, had I not informed you.

And that is the only reason I'm allowing you to return to France... that is, if they'll have you.

What does that mean?

Well, I sent the terms of your release over a week ago, though I've heard nothing.

The ball is, as they say, in the Valois court.

Well... clearly, King Charles is dealing with more pressing matters.

I assume he relies more heavily on his experienced advisors, which is why I wrote to Catherine de Medici directly.

Then why hasn't she responded?

It's almost as though she doesn't want you back.

(Sighs)

Bocce... such a devious game.

But it is Italian, after all.

Gideon: Your Majesty, might I have a word?

If it's regarding Lord Darnley's marriage arrangement, speak freely.

Lord Narcisse has bigger things on his mind than matchmaking, such as how to avoid another humiliating loss.

Lord White has reluctantly agreed to release Lady Keira from her engagement, but he isn't happy about it.

I've arranged to send a substantial sum.

Then we are one step closer to keeping Darnley from Mary's reach.

Mm.

Well done.

I admit, I was concerned about your reluctance to work against your "other" queen.

I have one queen, one country and one goal, peace.

A political marriage between Mary and Lord Darnley would only fan the flames of w*r.

What is not a step towards peace is that John Knox has arrived at English court.

Ah.

Knox accepted my invitation.

He plotted your assassination and dares to show his face here?

He knows I cannot arrest him without proof of his treachery, which I do not have.

Then why on earth have you brought him here?

If Knox accepted my invitation, it means he does not suspect I know his involvement.

Knox's weakness is that he thinks he's untouchable.

But I have a plan to show him he's not.

(Quiet murmuring)

Another Mass.

God must be drowning in our adoration.

Claude: I like Mass. It brings me comfort to know that Leith's soul can be at peace.

Some advice from a caring sister?

Don't grieve so openly for a commoner you should never have even considered marrying.

It will hurt your reputation, and for what?

He's dead.

How often is Charles taking the Eucharist?

He's back from Paris, I sent word that we were attending Mass; why didn't he join us?

The king is a pious but busy man.

Or should be.

The nobles tell me he missed the last two privy council meetings because he'd taken to his bed.

They lack leadership, especially with the lord chancellor stuck in English prison.

I assure you that Lord Narcisse's return is being taken care of.

Queen Elizabeth has sent word that the English are willing to release him if France makes monetary reparations.

Leeza: Doesn't that require the king's signature?

I don't see that happening anytime soon, what with Charles so "busy."

Admit it, Mother.

France needs new leadership.

(Exhales) I can't believe it.

Charles fires me as his regent so he can rule the country by himself and he's not even ruling it.

Charles fired you because you were a self-serving tyrant whom he could no longer trust.

Why, Claude, how nice of you to take time away from your grief to criticize.

This is more important than my strained relations with your brother.

If the position of lord chancellor remains open, Spain will try to fill it with one of their own, and granting Spain a presence in our government practically makes France a Spanish colony.

I will not allow it.

Your brother can sign those papers in my blood, but I and France need Narcisse!

James: I selected those four generals myself, Mary.

I've known them for years.

I don't believe there's a traitor among them.

The only people who knew about our attempts to supply Canonbie were those generals, myself and you.

And yet England has thwarted us every time.

Through luck or skill, I don't know.

But I trust those men.

They are loyal both to Scotland and to you.

And what about their servants?

Or their wives?

You tend to underestimate women, James.

Like you underestimated me.

I made a mistake.

I failed to tell you about Knox's involvement in Lola's death because I didn't trust your leadership, and I was wrong.

Now I don't know who to trust.

You had your own agenda when you rescued me from Clan Gordon.

And you forced my hand against them, making me an enemy of the Catholics and John Knox.

Now I have no choice to serve anyone but you.

Which brings me to ask you this, James, can I trust you?

Canonbie isn't Clan Gordon.

It's not a Catholic or Protestant issue.

This is about Scotland.

None of us wants that village falling to England.

Well, someone does, and they're close to me.

Do you have any idea what it feels like to have a whole village's lives in your hands, and not know who I can trust?

Not even my own brother?

Mary...

Stop.

There is nothing you can say.

Your actions have spoken for you.

And if I am going to be alone, then I will save Canonbie myself.

Elizabeth: Reverend Knox, thank you so much for coming.

I was honored and... surprised by your request.

Please excuse the heightened security.

You may not have heard, but there was recently an att*ck on my life at my own castle, and I think you can guess who was responsible.

Mary, Queen of Scots.

Huh.

Well, what can you expect from a Catholic?

And a woman.

It was Eve who damned us all.

If it's my preaching on women's roles you wish to discuss...

Actually, no.

But I would like to talk about joining forces against Mary.

Mary's return to Scotland is inconvenient for both of us.

Despite our differences, there must be a way we can work together on her removal.

Mary has managed to turn many of the nobles who formerly opposed her.

But they could be turned back.

For a price, I imagine.

Their loyalty does not come cheaply.

Give me a day to gather the funds.

Until then, I hope you will stay here at court as my guest.

Despite our differences, perhaps this is the beginning of a mutually beneficial alliance.

I could not look forward to anything more.

I had forgotten how much I missed silk brocade.

And don't get me wrong, Scottish wool is very warm...

But French clothes are so beautiful.

It's not disloyal to Scotland to admire them.

Catherine sent me these weeks ago, just haven't had time to unpack.

A St. Brigid's Day party is the perfect excuse.

The tradition of blessing new garments, give the ladies of the court a chance to see the latest in French fashion.

And you think the information being leaked is coming through one of the generals' wives?

It's the next logical place to look.

I want to believe James when he says that my generals are loyal to me, but men forget that women have ears.

Yes, well, it wouldn't be the first part of the female anatomy that comes to a man's mind.

(Chuckles)

So... how can I help?

The dresses are just the draw.

I need you to make sure that the party is... relaxed.

And once everyone, including the generals' wives, have let down their guard, I will drop a bit of information in confidence.

If that information leaks, it will reveal who the traitors are in my court.

It's an excellent plan.

Oh, I've missed this.

What, spying?

Saving Scottish villages?

Spending time with you... and having a party, even if the purpose is political.

I've missed you, too.

Since I've arrived in Scotland, I've felt very alone with no one to turn to.

In fact, I was hoping to make your visit more permanent.

How?

I had to respond officially to Lola's involvement in the assassination attempt against Elizabeth.

I had no choice but to confiscate her family's lands.

But Lola was tricked and her family have already suffered enough.

I know, and I want to be sure they're taken care of, which is why I am asking you and Castleroy to move here and manage their lands for them.

You could set up residence at court, at least for part of the time, and be my lady again.

Mary, I... don't know what to say.

I understand if you need some time to think.

There is much to miss in France.

But I do hope you say yes, Greer.

Honestly, I need someone here I can trust.

Well, this is a very generous proposal and a chance to regain my best friend.

I shall write to Castleroy immediately and tell him of your kind offer.

(Sighs)

Ah, Charles, if I could have a moment.

Not now, I need some air.

Well, you can breathe while I talk.

There are urgent matters that require your attention.

Again? I'm sick of people asking things of me.

You are the king, that is the job.

Queen Elizabeth will release Narcisse, but she is demanding compensation for his return, so if you could please sign these documents, we can get our lord chancellor back.

I'll look at it later.

At least think of your nephew, young John. He's also trapped in England, surrounded by strangers instead of home with his family.

Lucky him.

Charles, wait.

(Grunts)

What has happened to your arm?

It's fine. I fell.

It's a minor injury.

Please let me look at it.

I said it's fine.

I haven't been sleeping well.

Well, then bring Narcisse home and let someone else take the burden.

Your absences are starting to be cause for concern, particularly with your sister, Leeza.

At least dine with your family.

Show her you are present and capable of ruling this country without Spain's help.

If I say I'll come to lunch, will you stop talking?

Yes.

And perhaps you will sign these documents later?

Lord Narcisse.

The queen requests your presence.

Please, tell me that France has finally negotiated my release.

Sorry, no.

But perhaps you can earn your own way home.

The man responsible for your wife's death is here.

Elizabeth has a favor to ask.

So, are you k*lling Knox, or am I?

Knox cannot be harmed while he's here in England.

Me, then.

Let me be clear, Lord Narcisse.

I do not want you to assassinate John Knox, not until I get what I want.

Which is?

Proof of who my enemies are.

You know that Knox forged the letter from Mary.

He threatened your life and he cost Lola hers!

Yes, but the nanny, who was my only witness, is dead.

I have no proof of that crime, so I need Knox to plot another.

And you want me to help him do that?

Gain Knox's trust.

He hates me because I am a woman with a throne.

While he's in England, he's probably already planning a meeting with my enemies, and if not, you can suggest it.

Catching Knox in the act, plotting against me, will give me the evidence I need to bring him down.

You want me to entrap him.

And what's in it for me?

Your freedom.

Worthless without justice.

Do you honestly expect me to be so close to Knox and not k*ll him?

You are not the only one who cared for Lola, or wants Knox dead.

Do what I ask, and once I have the evidence I need... you can have Knox.

(Indistinct conversation)

The four generals' wives have arrived and the wine is flowing.

Well done.

I've arranged for James to interrupt me with an "urgent" message after I get the four of them together.

Which ones are they?

Greer: Lady Calum and Lady Innes are partaking of the pheasant.

And standing at the foot of the stairs, talking to Emily Knox, are Lady Donal and Lady McEwan.

Emily Knox?

I didn't know Knox had a daughter.

Greer: He doesn't.

That's his wife.

Oh, she seems...

Young.

Yes.

Well, we'd best begin.

Ladies! Welcome to my St. Brigid's Day luncheon, a time to celebrate spring, sisterhood, and a chance for me to get to know all of you better.

In France, we celebrate this day with beautiful things.

So, in honor of St. Brigid, let us raise a glass to the patron saint of fertility.

Woman: Your Majesty.

Woman 2: To St. Brigid.

(Women gasp)

(Indistinct conversation)

He gambled the family fortune away in three short years.

The daughter will have no dowry left at this rate, and she won't be married for her looks, that much is certain.

And his brother, well...

Queen Mary, there you are.

James has arrived.

Oh.

Have you seen Lady Calum's new cosmetic cream?

We all have.

It makes your complexion flawless, Lady Calum.

The secret is in the arsenic.

Or is it the lead?

I forget.

Both are so good for one's skin.

Mm.

(James clears throat)

Forgive me for interrupting, Queen Mary, but I have a rather urgent message.

Oh, what is it?

That is good news.

Thank you, James.

What is it? What's happened?

Can you ladies keep a secret?

The next time the English intercept a certain shipment, they will get a surprise in the form of poisoned grain.

Oh.

(Gasps)

To Scotland.

Woman: Really is a wonderful breeze.

Woman 2: Try it on.

Oh, no!

Mary: Oh, dear.

Lady Calum: Poor Mrs. Knox, she is straight off the farm.

Mary: I'd feel sorry for her if she wasn't married to John Knox.

Feel sorry for her because she's his wife.

Really? It isn't a happy marriage?

How could it be?

Alone in that house with Knox off preaching all the time.

She must be very lonely.

I hear she drinks to excess.

I haven't seen Mrs. Knox touch a drop all day.

Well, you don't think a reverend's wife would dare drink openly, do you?

But the servants say otherwise.

Oh, that's interesting.

Sad is more like it.

Yes, of course.

Speaking of which, I think I've had a bit too much to drink myself.

If you ladies will excuse me?

Your Majesty.

I also hear he makes her have "relations" through a hole in the sheet.

(Gasp, laughing)

That's speculation, of course.

Then why repeat it?

For God's sake, we might as well eat, the king is clearly not on his way.

Perhaps something came up.

Like ruling a nation? Mother, please.

Charles is shirking every responsibility imaginable.

He can't even be bothered to find a proper husband for poor Claude.

I'm still in mourning.

We know, Claude.

And frankly, it's embarrassing.

I'm embarrassing?!

Uh-huh.

That's right.

In this family, nobody actually has feelings.

Another empty chair.

But perhaps that's best.

It gives us a chance to talk about the lord chancellorship.

I've received word from my husband, King Philip.

I'm aware who you married, Leeza.

You don't have to keep saying it.

Spain will pay for Narcisse's release.

Really?

Of course.

We want him out of England as much as you do.

But only if he steps down as lord chancellor permanently.

And I assume you have a replacement in mind.

Yes. Cardinal Juan Rosales.

Ah. A Spaniard.

A true and loyal Catholic.

A fine man, I'm sure, but he would need to be approved by the privy council.

Well, luckily, he's on his way as we speak.

Then he will have made the trip for nothing, because I will never allow a Spaniard to gain a foothold in the French government.

You have no authority over the French government.

Neither do you.

You're not in charge here, Leeza.

No one is in charge here!

So now I am forced to come in and clean up your mess.

Do not touch my mess!

I may not be queen or regent, but I still have influence, and I will get my lord chancellor back without the help of Spain.

Narcisse: The finest Venetian glass, and what do the English put in it?

Riesling.

I would k*ll for a good French red right now.

You're in the wrong country, then.

But not by choice.

I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced.

I'm Lord Narcisse, Queen Elizabeth's special guest.

I stabbed two of her guards at my wife's beheading.

So, you're the Frenchman whose wife tried to assassinate the queen.

A failure that many regret.

I know that I do.

(Chuckles) Dangerous talk.

Which is why I made sure that we are alone.

Elizabeth m*rder*d my wife.

I have cause for vengeance and nothing to lose.

But you, Reverend Knox, if you use your time here at court well, I believe that you have everything to gain.

So you know who I am.

And you think you know why I'm here.

Well, I assume that you and Elizabeth are conspiring against Mary, a mission I heartily approve of.

Loyalty to Mary cost my wife her life.

But once Mary is gone, then Elizabeth will reign over both countries, and I do not care for that at all.

Well, neither do I, frankly.

Then why not make use of this time?

Elizabeth's inner circle must have a few malcontents waiting for leadership.

Of course, you would need a safe place to meet away from prying eyes and English ears.

And I suppose you have such a place in mind.

The French embassy.

Technically, it's French soil.

You and your supporters would be virtually untouchable.

Lord Narcisse?

What you propose is a dangerous act of sedition, and we should not speak of it further.

Tempting though it may be.

Mary: James?

I need to speak to you.

I've already assigned guards to watch the homes of each of the generals.

If any of their wives attempt to contact England, we'll know soon enough.

Good, but there's something else.

I need you to befriend Emily Knox.

Emily Knox? Why?

I hear that it's an unhappy marriage and that she's lonely.

You don't seriously expect me to seduce John Knox's wife?

Well, she is in his house.

She may have knowledge of his doings.

At the least, she has access to his documents and may provide a valuable resource.

Do you not understand how dangerous this could be?

Not just for me, but for her, as well.

Knox cost Lola her life.

And he is after mine.

He is out of town, possibly plotting against me, which means you need to act now.

I am not your whore.

Oh, but you're Knox's butcher?

You were going to take action against Clan Gordon for him.

Why not take this action for me?

I'm giving you a chance to earn my trust.

You speak of me earning your trust, but what of you?

You give orders, you use people.

Whatever I do, it's never enough.

Because no matter how many times I prove to you my ability as a ruler, you still refuse to give me your loyalty willingly.

I am alone to defend myself and Scotland against all enemies.

But in an effort to take down your enemies, you run the risk of losing those you truly need.

Trust is given, but loyalty is earned.

And you, my queen, have not earned mine.

I'll be leaving within the hour for a meeting at the French embassy.

Have my carriage ready.

(Baby cooing)

Look who's still awake.

Sorry if we disturbed you, sir.

Poor boy has trouble falling asleep.

Well, I expect he misses his mother.

It's, uh, it's John, isn't it? Lady Lola's son.

I'm a friend of the family.

Then you know if ever a soul had a reason for unrest, it's this child.

He's lost much for one so young.

His father, mother...

And his last caregiver.

I hear she ran off and abandoned the child.

Oh, no, sir. She d*ed, sir.

They found her with the boy and brought them back to court.

But an infection took her strangely quick.

Poor thing, no wonder he can't sleep.

Also, I think he's getting a...

Excuse me.

Do I only give orders and use people?

Mary, no, not as a friend.

But as a queen.

It's what queens do. You can't help that.

I suppose this is why queens find it so hard to trust people.

Why are you packing?

I thought maybe I should.

I'm not sure if I can accept your offer to stay here at court.

Why not? Has Castleroy refused?

No. No, not at all. It's just... something's been bothering me since the St. Brigid's Day party.

All that gossip about the unfortunate Mrs. Knox.

Those vultures were laughing at the poor girl...

And I only seemed to fuel the fire.

Greer, of all the threats that I have faced since I came to Scotland, John Knox is the most dangerous.

And those women, their gossip gave me information that I can use against him.

I understand.

That is your life, and the life here at court.

But I'm not sure it can be mine.

Not with Castleroy and Rose.

If you're afraid of people finding out that Castleroy isn't her father, no one needs to know.

Not a secret we can keep.

The truth is the baby is even darker in complexion than her father.

Oh, I see.

In France, we've had to pretend that Rose is an orphan we've taken in.

And when I think of my child here at court...

People can be awful.

Greer, I'm so sorry.

How can I be your lady when even the servants in the royal nursery would refuse to care for her?

Even a queen cannot change how people are.

Mary, I would love to stay, but this is my family.

And your loyalty must lie with your family.

If you must go, I understand.

But if you stay, you'll be provided with the best care.

And you and your family will be welcome in my court.

As a queen and as your friend, this I can guarantee.

Thank you.

I'd love to stay.

We enter the embassy through the catacombs.

Have a man posted on the street in case Knox runs.

He already has.

Knox is gone.

I received word from my contact at the embassy Knox never showed, and he's not at the castle, either.

What?

He may have sensed a trap.

He was seen entering the infirmary an hour ago asking questions about the death of John's nanny.

Then he knows the nanny was never in the infirmary.

Yeah.

He must suspect that we hid the truth that she was k*lled by the queen's guard, but if he thinks she told us about his association with the assassination attempt, he'll flee.

You, go after Knox.

You two come with me.

The French embassy is this way.

(Indistinct chatter)

Dear God.

We're going to need more men.

50 of my own subjects gathered against me?

(Chuckles)

I imagined he could summon a handful of disloyal men, but 50?

Unfortunately, Knox is not amongst them.

We stopped him before he reached the border.

He's been detained, but we have no evidence against him.

Then we have nothing.

We have witnesses who are willing to testify that the men we've arrested were conspiring against you.

Those men, at least, will be tried for treason.

I cannot bring them to trial.

Not all 50 of them.

They are English nobles, your own subjects.

What would you have me do?

Let their hatred of me be heard in a court of law?

Parade their treason through the streets, so that the vast number of them can inspire others to do the same?

Your Majesty...

We must k*ll them.

k*ll them all.

Mother, is that what you're wearing to afternoon mass?

(Scoffs) I'm not going to afternoon mass.

Not today or ever again.

Leeza can take her false humility and Spanish aggression, and she can choke on it.

I'm getting Narcisse back today.

Your sister may have the power of Spain and the church, but I still have friends.

I have invited the nobles to a banquet where I will remind them of the liberal extravagance of the Valois, and what they stand to lose if Leeza and Spain take over.

They will be begging for Narcisse's return, a French lord chancellor, not a puppet of Spain.

Queen Mother, you're looking well.

Am I, Lord Dennard? I thought I might be pale at the shock of betrayal.

Where is everyone?

Of the ten nobles I've invited, only you have deigned to appear.

Well, I believe many had a change in schedule considering the crops, and, uh, holidays upon us.

You mean the nobles discussed it and determined that Spain is strong while the Valois seem weak.

Everyone but you has deserted me.

And you just came for the food.

And your charming company.

Get out!

You left rather quickly in the night.

Was it something I said?

When I found a nanny at your court d*ed suddenly of infection, without the infirmary having any record of her illness, I decided to return home.

Suddenly, I felt... unsafe.

Oh, I imagine you did.

Especially when you found out the nanny did not die of a mysterious infection.

She was k*lled moments after confessing you were the one who organized the assassination attempt on my life.

How troubling.

And yet you seem so untroubled.

People say things, but without proof, they're just words.

That's why you tried to catch me in the act of sedition.

You have no proof against me.

Otherwise, I'd be in the Tower right now.

The Tower is too good for you.

I'll be handing you to Lord Narcisse, instead.

No, you're not.

Your rule is tenuous, it always has been.

Despite your years on the throne, 50 of your Protestant subjects gathered against you just last night.

And yet none of them have been heard from since.

Because you k*lled them.

See, you think that's a show of power, but we both know the truth.

You're afraid.

That's why you did it quietly, hoping no one would know.

But the rumors are already starting to spread.

Now, if you give me to Lord Narcisse and I go missing... those 50 will be replaced by 100, those 100 will raise 1,000 more.

Soon you'll have an uprising on your hands.

You think your life is worth that much?

(Chuckles)

You're just a man.

And you are a woman of questionable birth that no one really wants on the throne.

Even Mary. Returned, as queen of Scotland, she's a greater thr*at than ever, yet... you do nothing.

Why not send assassins?

Because you know that k*lling another queen only opens the door to someone k*lling you.

Someone like you?

You tried to have me k*lled and you failed.

So take your anti-monarchist poison back to Scotland and direct it towards Mary... where it might actually do me some good.

Greer: Mary?

Is everything all right?

I just received word that the English soldiers did not stop our latest shipment.

The grain got to Canonbie.

I needed to find the leak and get food to the villagers.

I knew that if the English forces believed that the grain was poisoned, they'd allow the shipment to pass through.

But then that's good news.

You supplied the village and found the leak.

Not quite.

I still don't know which of the generals' wives is responsible.

But you had all four women followed.

And none of them did anything suspicious.

Lady Calum and Lady McEwan spent all day in their chambers; Lady Innes, all day at church.

Yes, well, according to Lady McEwan, Lady Innes takes confession daily for "impure thoughts."

(Laughs)

And Lady Donal went into the village, saw her dressmaker, and then stopped at the blacksmith for some reason.

Because she doesn't trust her servants to do anything, not even sharpen her husband's swords.

That doesn't make sense.

The Royal Armory takes care of w*apon maintenance.

Then what was she doing at the blacksmith?

Lady Donal: Faster, faster!

(Gasps in pleasure)

Use the crop!

Captain: First tell me, when is the next shipment to Canonbie?

(Gasps)

Guard: Lady Donal, on behalf of Queen Mary and Scotland, you are under arrest for treason.

No! I didn't mean to commit treason!

I was seduced! Oh, please, k*ll me now!

I can't be beheaded in front of my children!

Good day.

Lord James, do you have a moment?

Uh... of course, Lady Knox.

Thank you.

I beg your pardon?

The belt I admired at the party arrived, with a note that was so caring.

"It looks lovely no matter how you wear it."

How thoughtful of you to ease my embarrassment, but I cannot accept your gift.

Mrs. Knox, I don't know...

I am married.

A gift, even one given out of pity, sympathy...

I just can't accept it.

But you... you are so kind.

I'll have the gift returned to you.

We need not speak of this again.

(Sighs)

James? What's wrong?

Mary. She's scheming, manipulative...

Whatever Mary has done, I'm sure she has her reasons.

She has one reason for everything she does, she is the queen.

Which is a burden neither of us can truly understand.

You don't know what she's been through.

And while I know it's not easy being in her circle, it's usually worth it, because she has a good heart and she protects those closest to her.

(Birds singing)

(Door opens)

She let Knox go.

Elizabeth couldn't hold him, and his disappearance would have caused a scandal.

The only scandal I care about is justice left undone.

Are you sure what you seek is justice and not vengeance?

Against Knox, but against Elizabeth, too.

Your hatred of her must have been convincing if it satisfied Knox.

Hating Elizabeth was not a difficult role to play, I'll grant you that.

But as much as it pains me to say, Lola was part of an assassination attempt.

Elizabeth had no choice... she had to punish her.

She had no choice with Knox, either, Lord Narcisse.

Then it appears justice will have to wait.

There's a boat ready to take you and Lady Lola's child back to France.

I'll instruct the captain to leave immediately.

Lady Lennox: Lord Narcisse, what a surprise.

I would have thought you'd be halfway back to France the moment you got your freedom.

And yet, I felt oddly compelled to seek you out, Lady Lennox.

To offer my congratulations on your son, Lord Darnley's, imminent marriage to Lady Keira.

You've made a mistake.

Lady Keira is engaged to Lord White.

She was.

But one hears many things at English court.

And what I hear is the queen made a financial arrangement with Lord White to cancel the engagement.

Really?

Yes. Quite a large sum, too.

To be delivered in secret by a single horseman... today.

Why are you telling me this?

'Cause you don't want Elizabeth to get her way, and neither do I.

She m*rder*d my wife and I despise her.

Well, then, we can only hope that the money arrives there safely.

The roads are rife with danger.

It would be such a shame if that money went missing.

Narcisse: I daresay it would undo all of Elizabeth's hard work.

(Horse whinnies)

(Man screams)

(Horse snorts)

You sent Knox's wife a note and a gift from me, even after I made it clear that I do not wish to form a relationship with her.

Because I made it clear that we needed to move now, before Knox returned.

And if I don't agree to pursue this "friendship"?

Then you will have, once again, chosen Knox over me.

And I won't be able to protect you from him when he returns and finds that you've given his wife a gift.

Now you're threatening me!

You leave me no other choice!

And you, once again, are forcing my hand!

(James sighs)

Lady Greer wants me to believe that you only do what you must in order to protect those closest to you, but she's wrong.

Ever since you returned to Scotland, you have sought to destroy every alliance I worked so hard to build.

The only alliance you should have is with me!

I have spies in my own court, my Protestants are against me, my Catholic supporters had me kidnapped.

I said I could do this alone, James, but I can't.

I need your help. Not just as your queen, but as your sister.

I spent my childhood isolated in a foreign land and now the only family I have left is standing in front of me and I'm afraid he's beginning to hate me.

I don't want to hate you, Mary.

Then don't!

Aren't you tired of playing both sides and trusting neither?

Aren't you tired of being alone?

More than you know.

Then I beg of you, let us take a leap of faith and end our pattern of lies and deceit and instead trust one another, be loyal to one another, protect one another.

Because we are the only family we have left.

Pick a side, James... and let it be mine.

Because unlike Knox, I will never betray you.

You're right.

We are all the family we have.

And I am on your side.

(Door opens)

Catherine: Charles.

We need to talk.

I can't. I'm tired.

I'm sorry.

But I can't just let you take to your bed, or whatever else it is you choose to do rather than be king.

Not when your sister is determined to sink her claws into France.

I cannot stop her, I cannot save France.

I have tried and I have failed.

(Sighs)

I know that I am not regent, but I am your mother and I am not going to sit by and watch while both my son and my country slip away.

Let me help you.

Please. Tell me, what is wrong?

Is that the paperwork to bring Narcisse home?

Yes, it is, but...

Leave it.

I'll sign it.

That's what you want, isn't it?

Charles, what I want...

Put it down and go.

Please, Mother.