The Spanish Princess (2019) s01e04 Episode Script
The Battle for Harry
1 Previously, on "The Spanish Princess" QUEEN ISABELLA: If God has not graced you with child, you are to return to Spain.
MARGARET: Are you to be a mother? My condition is unclear.
Unless that girl is carrying an heir, our alliance is in shreds.
God will have me wed Prince Harry.
LINA: It is forbidden.
Not if I'm a virgin, if my marriage wasn't It was not consummated.
You were heard by Lady Pole.
If the truth is asked of me, my answer will support whatever keeps my conscience and my head attached to my neck.
If you are still a maid, then, Catherine, I can be your husband.
- [WINCES.]
- Lady Mother? The child is coming early.
ELIZABETH: I will be with Arthur before night falls.
If Harry marries her, the Tudor line ends.
No more boys.
[FOOTSTEPS ECHOING.]
[WIND BLOWING.]
MAN: The king is dead.
Why else would he miss his own wife's funeral? No one saw him at the abbey, and they haven't seen him since.
God hates the bloody Tudors.
He's killing them, and punishing the lot of us for their sins.
[HOOFBEATS AND NEIGHING.]
[DOGS BARKING.]
We know someone's mustering in France.
I've got my ideas on it.
But whoever it is, they're forming a great army to get a York back on the throne.
[WOMAN SCREAMS.]
We heard they need men here to join, and I say - the time is right - [CRASH.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[SCUFFLING.]
You will tell my lady the king's mother [COINS JINGLE.]
everything they said.
[BEADS JINGLING.]
[BELL TOLLING.]
- [YELLING OUTSIDE.]
- [PARROT SQUAWKING.]
[GROWLING.]
[FOOTSTEPS ECHOING.]
MARGARET: Henry.
Henry it's been a month.
You need to eat, and you need to bathe.
The people think that you're dead.
My spies tell me so.
The city is a tinderbox.
Not everything is neatly ordered like your printed page, Mother.
The people fear you have abandoned them.
You must show them that you're strong and well, insist that our allies flush out this faceless man who musters against us in France.
And why is that Spanish girl still here? She has no child.
We must come to terms with Spain and what to do with her.
Harry wants to marry her.
- What? - He wants to marry Catherine.
And people like a royal wedding.
I'll write to the pope for dispensation.
Harry cannot marry her.
She's his brother's wife.
It's a sin.
She says she did not lie with Arthur.
Oh, she lay with him.
I know that for a fact.
These are lies, wicked lies.
You don't think your spies tell you what you want to hear? Arthur's dead.
Would you make him impotent as well? The Tudors, unable to produce a male heir? We'll be called weak.
Henry.
[LION PANTING.]
[MUSIC PLAYING.]
I don't know how you ever came to England knowing you might never see your mother again.
I know it sounds foolish, but I'm afraid that she's that she's cold down there.
In Spain we have bullfights.
We call them "the festival of the brave," because the bull is sacred, a deity.
When I was small, there was a bull of such strength and courageous heart that people came from all over Spain to see him.
He was called El Rey.
The finest matador was picked to fight him, and in the ring, El Rey was gored once, twice, three times but he did not go down.
The fight continued late into the night, but El Rey wouldn't die.
As the sun came up, the matador was so exhausted, he had to be carried out.
But El Rey stood there, broken and bleeding, but for six days, he refused to die.
On the seventh day, they summoned my mother, and she pardoned him.
You are El Rey.
You are wounded, but you remain standing.
Yes, I stand for you.
And soon, we will be husband and wife God willing.
[BELL TOLLING.]
You think he will marry her? Shh! I've told you not to talk about their marriage until it is official.
Lord Stafford says that the prince falls in love with a different girl each week.
Perhaps Lord Stafford speaks about himself.
He burns for me.
You said you had given him up, Rosa.
I want to, but I don't know how.
You are just tied up in a big, fat knot, because [SPUTTERS.]
Why is it a fat knot? Whatever it is, you are just tied up in it, because when the Infanta marries Harry, you'll have to wed an ugly Tudor man or lose your place with her.
Oh, so will you, if any of the English lords will still have you.
Uh, tell the Infanta I am on an errand.
Rosa! [GIGGLES.]
Good to see you, too.
[SCOFFS.]
[SOFT MURMURING.]
[ROOM QUIETS.]
You may sit.
What news of His Grace, the king? The king still mourns his queen.
- Parliament grows restless.
- MAN: Everyone does.
In my parish, there's open talk now of supporting a York claim, should it come.
- I've heard the same.
- Enough.
The kin [APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS.]
[COUNCILORS MUTTER.]
Uh, forgive me, my lady.
I was detained.
MARGARET: The king has such a mighty heart that when it breaks, it threatens to shatter the kingdom.
He will return from his grief, but in the meantime, we will appoint a regent.
Oh, finally, a plan.
So, who will it be? Me.
Stafford, have three garrisons stationed in the boroughs to quell any unrest.
Let us hear no more talk of Yorks.
And all of you will contact any friends you have abroad to discover the name of our tormentor who's raising this unholy army against us.
Then we'll press Spain for the gold Spain does nothing for us, except send us a barren, lying harlot and expect us to pick up her laundry bills.
No, I will deal with Spain and the princess.
My lady.
The king tells me you have some devil's notion that you will wed Prince Harry, which is impossible, as you are his brother's widow.
I am a maid.
Our marriage was not consumma Yes, it was.
I have eyes and ears all over England.
I know if someone sneezes in Dorset or trips in Northumberland.
The boy who brought you your firewood in Ludlow, he was mine, as was the girl who scrubbed the floors.
Everything that happened there came back to me.
Except the things they could not see, unless they see through walls.
I admit there were some acts that we engaged in for our pleasure.
But Arthur couldn't I am a virgin, as I was when I first came to England.
You, do you swim in the same sin as your princess, or will you tell the truth? It is true, my lady.
You were married many months.
You ask me to believe that there were no natural acts between man and wife? It saddened both of us.
And all the time we wondered if you were with child, you said not a word.
I wanted to protect my husband's memory.
Then the queen died, and there was no time - for Harry and I to - Oh, get out.
[LAUGHS.]
Perhaps my lady has forgotten we are within my rooms.
Get out.
You and your Spanish harem will leave my palace.
I am the Dowager Princess of Wales.
You cannot simply throw me out.
Yes, I can, and have.
The king will not allow it.
The king is indisposed, and I am regent, which means that from now, I am the king.
What have I done? I've put us on the streets.
We have nowhere to live.
For now.
The king told her you were to marry Harry, which means that he does not oppose it.
Lady Margaret's anger is a sign that you are winning.
She has drawn her sharpest sword, Highness, and here you are, unbloodied and alive.
I cannot ask Prince Harry to speak out for me while he and his father are grieving.
It would be unseemly.
Let me ask at court about a place for us to stay.
QUEEN ISABELLA: In every battle comes a moment when you think that you're beaten.
[GROANS.]
It is he who continues the attack who wins, and we always win.
[GRUNTS.]
Hey hey! Right.
Better that.
HARRY: Let me show you how to throw.
Harry, may I have a moment? Yes, of course, Lady Grandmother.
There is a rumor that this Spanish widow has set her sights on you, which is, of course, unthinkable.
We cannot let so valuable a princess go to waste.
We need the Spanish treaty.
If we don't keep her, France will grab her, and then fat King Louis would have all that Spanish gold to use against us or to push me from my throne, when I inherit it from Father.
It may be Louis who musters men against us.
"If a man shall take his brother's wife, "it is an unclean thing, and they will be childless.
" Leviticus.
"If brethren dwell together and one of them die "with no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry a stranger, "her husband's brother shall take her as a wife and perform the duty of a husband.
" Deuteronomy.
No.
I mean, I I'm happy that you know your scriptures, but there are better choices for you.
There are other princesses to wed.
There weren't for Arthur.
The Spanish alliance was our Holy Grail.
- Has something changed? - Mm, she is bespoiled.
She has lied to you.
You don't think I would know it if she had? Or do you think your intellect is sharper than my own? No, of course not.
It Well, then we are agreed.
You see there, Lady Grandmother, sometimes different roads can lead to the same castle.
Lord Thomas.
Lady de Cardones.
How may I be of service? The Infanta and her retinue wish to find lodgings outside of the palace.
Oh, dear.
Uh, well, I can inquire about apartments, but I assume you will soon be sailing back to Spain? We are staying here in London.
Ah.
Well in that case, Durham House will suffice.
It's on the Strand, owned by the church.
Foreign dignitaries have stayed there during visits, so the Infanta will be right at home.
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
Fresh fish! [BLEATING.]
The Infanta not go back to Spain if her husband be dead now? It is not up to us to decide.
[OUTSIDE CHATTER AUDIBLE.]
Good.
It's small and easy to guard.
[SIGHS.]
The Infanta will hate it.
[RAT SQUEAKING.]
Then we live here.
We marry.
I carry you, just like I did when you were ill.
We have the babies here.
The baby Saalik and the baby Roushana.
Don't you mean baby Magdalena? Ah? SÃ.
Bebé Saalik and bebé Magdalena.
Oh, Maggie.
Uncle Richard.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Your Grace, Sir Richard Pole and Lady Margaret are here.
[DOG WHINES.]
Your Grace, we are deeply sorry for your loss, and we share it.
I loved her as you did, Your Grace.
Lizzie and I were When all is said and done, she was my cousin, and I am broken at her passing.
Tell me, Lady Pole are these the robes of your confessor? Seek an audience with your priest.
You will find no absolution here.
If you had not so distressed her in her final hours, she might still be with [DOOR RATTLES.]
Aunt Maggie, Pole, I heard you had returned to us.
We are sorry for your loss.
We feel it deeply, but, uh, summer is ahead, and I hope my marriage will provide warmth and cheer to England when she so badly needs it.
Marriage? I am to marry Catherine, secure our treaty with Queen Isabella, and then produce an heir so we may have succession and stability.
But is it agreed? Why else would I say it? Congratulations, Your Grace.
The wedding will be set for June.
If we can assist with the preparations in any way.
And we will be, uh, sure to congratulate the princess.
HARRY: That will prove difficult.
It seems my lady grandmother has risen above her station and sent her from the palace.
Please do as your grandmother sees fit.
We have pain enough without having a family war.
Of course, Father.
But nothing need prevent you writing for the papal dispensation when you see fit.
Attend to Meg, Lady Pole.
She is soon to leave for Scotland and needs a mother's help before she goes.
She has been denied that so you will have to suffice.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS.]
Do you see now how destinies are only meant for men in England? No, Meg, never think it or believe it, or it will become the truth.
You must hold your courage and your strength and fight for what you want.
Safe travels north.
I hear it's even colder there than here.
It's colder there than everywhere.
[LAUGHTER.]
Meg, your father has asked me to ready you for your departure.
Did you know that Catherine has been thrown out of the palace by my grandmother? I'm not sure that's any business of mine.
Come.
She's gone, the Spanish girl.
I take it that no letter has been written to the pope as yet? Every time I open my eyes, I learn the lack of Lizzie over again and hear the words she spoke upon her deathbed.
And what were they, Henry? [CRYING.]
What is this? From the emperor? How long have you had this? [OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
Tell them to take my things inside quickly.
[SHOUTING IN SPANISH.]
Rápido! It's just talk.
We have had 15 years of peace.
No one would now turn their coats to York to wade through blood again.
My lady.
I've learned the name of our tormenter, the phantom challenger raising men in France.
Edmund de la Pool, your own wife's cousin.
May I see? De la Pool? My wife has had no contact with him.
It appears that he is being sheltered by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian himself, who will not hand him over, despite the king's entreaties that he should, because Maximillian fears that we would kill the rat.
Of course we would, the last York heir standing.
We must build our armies to withstand a York invasion.
An assault against the throne, backed by the wealth of the Hapsburg empire.
My lady, the treasury is depleted, and our war chests are empty.
I'm sure you all know Edmund Dudley, who has served the city as a gifted lawyer and is now the Speaker of the House of Commons.
He shows his loyalty by offering his services to find ways to fill our coffers.
[COUNCILORS MURMURING.]
There are places to cut spending, but that alone will not yield the kind of revenue that we need.
We will raise the taxes on the most popular items, like wool and leather, and we shall create new fines for things like dogs in church, singing in the street, and impersonating the king.
All ideas that will be effective at stirring resentment on the streets.
If it's soldiers that we need, why not begin by conscripting those who came here with the Spanish princess, in lieu of half the dowry that was never paid? Not in lieu, in part payment, and a small part.
Thank you.
It will do quite well.
No, don't put them on display.
I will guard you, Highness.
We are very near the street.
Will people say I am unwanted and have been sent away in disgrace? They will say the king's mother is a battle-ax, and they will love you even more.
You are right.
I will trust to God that this is all within His plan and that Harry will soon come to me and Lady Margaret will find husbands for you both.
The Scots king wants us to wear matching white damask for the wedding.
I hope he does not expect us to match every day, like demented twins.
Did you ever see your mother's wedding dress? Red, for war.
Your grandmother wanted to tear it off her with her teeth.
[CHUCKLES.]
Would you find it for me? We could use it for a red trim to my own.
I'm honoring my mother.
Aunt Maggie, will it hurt, after the wedding? The night? I will tell you what your Aunt Cecily told me on my wedding night.
It hurts a little at first.
Then it feels quite nice.
You will be here when it comes time for me to leave? I wouldn't miss it for all the heather in Scotland.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Enter.
Your cousin Edmund is in Flanders marshaling men against the king.
Well, I-I have not seen or spoken to him in over a year.
Thank God.
If he contacts you, you must tell the king at once.
His Grace is stricken, and his mother would make enemies of us all.
Look how she banished Princess Catherine, even though Harry lays claim to her hand.
Yes.
No one is safe.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
[FRONT DOOR OPENS.]
ROSA: Your Grace.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Good evening, ladies.
Forgive me.
I just happened to be passing.
You were at court when I was sent away, were you not? My father didn't want me to make a fuss.
Grandmother is a curmudgeon, but, uh, she will come around.
This is a curious hour to visit, Your Grace.
I was preparing to bathe.
Well, don't let me stop you.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Well, it is cozy here.
The furnishings are cheap and shoddy.
It is beneath my station.
There was a brawl in the street.
Yes, well, it's lively.
I got into a scrap just around the corner from here, and when the fellow realized who I was, he, uh he wet his drawers.
[STIFLES GIGGLE.]
You won't be here for long, Catherine.
Only for as long as the king wishes to sit in his dark room.
We are all sitting in the dark.
All of us must wait.
Very well, my lord.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[BUOY BELL RINGING.]
[DOG BARKING.]
[MAN YELLS OUTSIDE.]
Welcome back, my lord.
Bring him water.
My lord.
MARGARET: What kept you out so late? There was a privy council meeting, You should have been there.
You have not placed her out of my reach, you know.
The future of this kingdom rests on you.
You must be at every meeting.
I'm disinclined to do your bidding when it risks this country's future.
How do you think Queen Isabella will react when she learns her daughter is treated like an outcast? I simply sought to save her reputation.
She cannot be here in the palace with so many men around when she is Shining far more brightly than you do.
It is unseemly.
Until this awkward question is resolved, the princess must live far from the court.
I think you would have her rot on the Strand.
[SCOFFS.]
Don't be ridiculous.
Durham House is perfectly adequate.
She expects her luxuries.
Your brother's death robs her of her entitlements, so now she comes to you instead.
My handsome boy, you are my prodigy, my stupor mundi.
You haven't been yourself since your mother's death.
I'm afraid you're vulnerable and this girl sees it.
It's late.
You should rest, Lady Grandmother.
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[WATER SPLASHING.]
Her husband die, and now she take his brother? What game does she play? [CHUCKLES.]
What makes you think it's a game? You play a game as well? No.
Uh but I came here to say what happened between us, it cannot ever Because you like the gold plates? You heard the Infanta.
I have a duty to my parents and to Catherine.
So there will be no more or [KISS.]
this.
Oh! [HORSE TROTTING.]
- [MAN SHOUTS.]
- [BOTTLE SHATTERS.]
[HORSE NEIGHS.]
[MEN SHOUTING.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[BELL TOLLING.]
MAN: Bless you, my lady.
WOMAN: Bless you, my lady.
MAN: Bless you, Princess.
Come on.
We're going hunting.
- Shh.
Wait.
- [WINGS FLAPPING.]
There.
No, hold back.
You'll scare them, and they'll break too soon.
That bird was young, easy sport for you.
Maybe that's how you prefer it.
Not at all.
If it doesn't have a full fighting chance, then there is no test of skill.
And you are skilled, aren't you? Should we Should we ride back? How are you finding the gelding? He is very fine.
I should dearly love a stallion as this.
Oh, you would like him as a gift? It will be a marvelous gift, were you to offer him.
You don't have anywhere to keep him on the Strand, do you? So I suppose that's another target for you to set your sights on.
Now we have four birds each.
We are equal.
[BELL TOLLING.]
[MUTED STREET CHATTER.]
Highness.
QUEEN ISABELLA: "The pope would have to grant a dispensation if you were to wed Prince Harry.
Do you have one? I imagine not.
So take your widow's jointure, and return to Spain.
By my hand, your mother, the queen.
" I'm not coming home! That will not be my fate! I will be queen of England! [BELL TOLLING.]
You sent for me, my lady? I did, yes.
Come in, child.
Sit with me.
This is a new vintage.
We can try it together.
I expect your husband's told you that your cousin is a traitor to the crown.
- I have had no contact with him.
- I know.
He's been rabble-rousing against our house for years.
But I'm prattling.
I find these newer spices rather hard on the stomach, but you must try one of these little orange things covered in sugar.
They come from Italy, but they're none the worse for that.
Thank you.
The Infanta, Meg tells me you don't like her.
It is difficult for me to like her, given what was done to bring her here.
The sugar gets everywhere.
You dined with her and Arthur every night at Ludlow, didn't you? And he was conducted nightly to her room, as I instructed? We made sure that he was.
So they were married both in word and deed, happy in the marriage bed? I did not go inside.
We granted them their privacy.
But we can agree that they were lovers.
I cannot say.
I did not bear witness to it.
Well, her confessor tells me that you helped her ladies with the linen.
Were there any signs upon the sheets? - [SIGHS.]
- Oh, come on.
You're a married woman.
Don't let's be coy.
I have told you all that I observed.
[SCOFFS.]
All that you observed? All that you've fabricated since my grandson's death.
You and that harlot and her painted lady will be our downfall.
If she seduces Harry and marries him upon this lie, it is a sin against the Lord, our God, and you will burn in Hell! Your cousin was a traitor.
Are you one as well? I am an honest woman, which is more than can be said for half the people in this palace.
I have told you all that I know, and that is all I will say.
You will leave this palace, and you will never be admitted here again.
Guards! Lady Pole is barred entrance from any royal residence from this day forth! Get her out! [MARKET CHATTER.]
Come to the tavern tonight.
Maybe I will let you hold my hand.
I can't.
The Infanta is at Mass.
Speak English.
My Spanish tongue offends you? Or perhaps today it's my Muslim heart? I have a duty.
At least I will sleep in a bed in a castle, not a barn with horses.
I am called to Westminster to join Tudor army.
Oviedo, please.
What do you want from me? I want you to say yes.
Would it really have been so hard to have given her what she wanted? She is poison, and it hurts me to give in to her.
It would have kept our family safe.
GROOM: Your horse, my lady.
Are you not coming with me? I have duties for the king, and I need to try and mend the damage you've done.
Godspeed to Stourton.
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
[DOGS BARKING.]
MAGGIE: Where are we? This is the wrong way.
We're going the wrong way! Who are you? [HORSE NEIGHS.]
- Guards! - [MAN MUTTERS.]
Stop him! - Go! Come on! - Guards! Guards! [GASPING.]
MAN: In there.
No, this is a house of sickness, I cannot go in.
I will not! [WHIMPERS.]
Tell Margaret Beaufort she will not get away with this.
[LATCH CLICKS.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
[GASPS.]
Edmund.
It's been too long, Cousin Maggie.
I'm sorry about the disguise, but the Tudors mean to have my head.
It is true, then.
You would take the Tudor crown.
And I need your help.
You must visit each of our cousins in turn, all those still loyal to the house of York, and speak to them in person, no letters.
- Tell them I must bring - I will tell them nothing.
I have children I would like to see grow old.
Maggie, our family ruled this land long before Henry Tudor stole the crown from us.
It is your birthright as a Plantagenet.
My birthright is a diet of betrayal and of grief.
I am sick of others asking me to risk my life for their political gain.
You think I cannot overturn the Tudors? Just because you think your cause is the right one, it doesn't make you any different from them.
Then you're against me.
I am neither for nor against you, cousin.
I wish only to be left in peace.
Don't contact me again, Edmund.
May God have mercy on you.
[SEABIRDS CALLING.]
My wedding dress is finished, Father, so I will be leaving.
I had the seamstress sew in red trim from my lady mother's wedding dress.
[DISTANT SHOUTING, WEAPONS CLASHING.]
You do understand why you're here? Yes, my lady.
We are for English army.
Yes, conscripted, which means you serve the king of England now, not the Infanta.
I've seen you speaking with my grandson.
I hear you're a gifted crossbowman.
It is prince who has the gifts, sharp eye, brave heart, quick But he have other things to learn.
For example? [SPEAKING SPANISH.]
He doesn't know when to give up? I've been studying Spanish.
I thought it might come in useful, and it has, as I've understood your impertinence.
[CHUCKLES.]
You have wisdom for a soldier.
I watch and listen.
Do you, indeed? Perhaps you could watch and listen for me in places where I cannot.
[BELL TOLLING.]
How could Aunt Maggie not be here? She promised that she would.
MARY: Meg! Don't go, Meggie.
[KISS.]
Is it a very long ride? Yes, long and bumpy and cold.
[LAUGHTER.]
I'm only here to make sure you're really going.
One day, you'll visit, and I'll make you eat sheep's stomach.
[LAUGHS.]
What is it? [INDISTINCT CONVERSATION.]
Don't let anyone poison you against your own heart.
Go well, Scrapper.
PAGE: All hail the king! God go with you, Meg.
Be strong for England, and be happy for yourself, my queen of Scotland.
[KISS.]
Guard her well, Thomas.
With my life, Your Grace.
[CHUCKLES.]
[HORSE NEIGHS.]
HENRY: Now, we look to the future.
Tonight, we shall have a feast a celebration, even.
Highness, they sent you back Dominus, and there is a letter from the king.
I am invited to the palace to dine this evening.
The king has something to announce.
[LAUGHS.]
[MUSICIANS PLAYING.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[APPLAUSE.]
PAGE: His Royal Highness, the king! [APPLAUSE.]
[MUSICIANS STOP.]
Please, be seated.
Please, sit down.
[GUESTS MURMURING.]
Grief is an ocean that drowns everything breath, appetite even faith.
I have been away from you, beneath the ocean searching for something to cling to and I have found it England.
She is the finest kingdom in all of Europe, and I will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
And I can think of no better way to do so than with a royal marriage, a treaty of flesh and blood that will make the rest of Christendom bow to us and not just for a generation but for generations to come.
As my wife died she made one last request of me.
And I have wrestled with her request and I have decided that I will honor it.
I will take Princess Catherine of Aragon to be my wife.
To a nursery full of sons.
MAN: A nursery full of sons.
MARGARET: Are you to be a mother? My condition is unclear.
Unless that girl is carrying an heir, our alliance is in shreds.
God will have me wed Prince Harry.
LINA: It is forbidden.
Not if I'm a virgin, if my marriage wasn't It was not consummated.
You were heard by Lady Pole.
If the truth is asked of me, my answer will support whatever keeps my conscience and my head attached to my neck.
If you are still a maid, then, Catherine, I can be your husband.
- [WINCES.]
- Lady Mother? The child is coming early.
ELIZABETH: I will be with Arthur before night falls.
If Harry marries her, the Tudor line ends.
No more boys.
[FOOTSTEPS ECHOING.]
[WIND BLOWING.]
MAN: The king is dead.
Why else would he miss his own wife's funeral? No one saw him at the abbey, and they haven't seen him since.
God hates the bloody Tudors.
He's killing them, and punishing the lot of us for their sins.
[HOOFBEATS AND NEIGHING.]
[DOGS BARKING.]
We know someone's mustering in France.
I've got my ideas on it.
But whoever it is, they're forming a great army to get a York back on the throne.
[WOMAN SCREAMS.]
We heard they need men here to join, and I say - the time is right - [CRASH.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[SCUFFLING.]
You will tell my lady the king's mother [COINS JINGLE.]
everything they said.
[BEADS JINGLING.]
[BELL TOLLING.]
- [YELLING OUTSIDE.]
- [PARROT SQUAWKING.]
[GROWLING.]
[FOOTSTEPS ECHOING.]
MARGARET: Henry.
Henry it's been a month.
You need to eat, and you need to bathe.
The people think that you're dead.
My spies tell me so.
The city is a tinderbox.
Not everything is neatly ordered like your printed page, Mother.
The people fear you have abandoned them.
You must show them that you're strong and well, insist that our allies flush out this faceless man who musters against us in France.
And why is that Spanish girl still here? She has no child.
We must come to terms with Spain and what to do with her.
Harry wants to marry her.
- What? - He wants to marry Catherine.
And people like a royal wedding.
I'll write to the pope for dispensation.
Harry cannot marry her.
She's his brother's wife.
It's a sin.
She says she did not lie with Arthur.
Oh, she lay with him.
I know that for a fact.
These are lies, wicked lies.
You don't think your spies tell you what you want to hear? Arthur's dead.
Would you make him impotent as well? The Tudors, unable to produce a male heir? We'll be called weak.
Henry.
[LION PANTING.]
[MUSIC PLAYING.]
I don't know how you ever came to England knowing you might never see your mother again.
I know it sounds foolish, but I'm afraid that she's that she's cold down there.
In Spain we have bullfights.
We call them "the festival of the brave," because the bull is sacred, a deity.
When I was small, there was a bull of such strength and courageous heart that people came from all over Spain to see him.
He was called El Rey.
The finest matador was picked to fight him, and in the ring, El Rey was gored once, twice, three times but he did not go down.
The fight continued late into the night, but El Rey wouldn't die.
As the sun came up, the matador was so exhausted, he had to be carried out.
But El Rey stood there, broken and bleeding, but for six days, he refused to die.
On the seventh day, they summoned my mother, and she pardoned him.
You are El Rey.
You are wounded, but you remain standing.
Yes, I stand for you.
And soon, we will be husband and wife God willing.
[BELL TOLLING.]
You think he will marry her? Shh! I've told you not to talk about their marriage until it is official.
Lord Stafford says that the prince falls in love with a different girl each week.
Perhaps Lord Stafford speaks about himself.
He burns for me.
You said you had given him up, Rosa.
I want to, but I don't know how.
You are just tied up in a big, fat knot, because [SPUTTERS.]
Why is it a fat knot? Whatever it is, you are just tied up in it, because when the Infanta marries Harry, you'll have to wed an ugly Tudor man or lose your place with her.
Oh, so will you, if any of the English lords will still have you.
Uh, tell the Infanta I am on an errand.
Rosa! [GIGGLES.]
Good to see you, too.
[SCOFFS.]
[SOFT MURMURING.]
[ROOM QUIETS.]
You may sit.
What news of His Grace, the king? The king still mourns his queen.
- Parliament grows restless.
- MAN: Everyone does.
In my parish, there's open talk now of supporting a York claim, should it come.
- I've heard the same.
- Enough.
The kin [APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS.]
[COUNCILORS MUTTER.]
Uh, forgive me, my lady.
I was detained.
MARGARET: The king has such a mighty heart that when it breaks, it threatens to shatter the kingdom.
He will return from his grief, but in the meantime, we will appoint a regent.
Oh, finally, a plan.
So, who will it be? Me.
Stafford, have three garrisons stationed in the boroughs to quell any unrest.
Let us hear no more talk of Yorks.
And all of you will contact any friends you have abroad to discover the name of our tormentor who's raising this unholy army against us.
Then we'll press Spain for the gold Spain does nothing for us, except send us a barren, lying harlot and expect us to pick up her laundry bills.
No, I will deal with Spain and the princess.
My lady.
The king tells me you have some devil's notion that you will wed Prince Harry, which is impossible, as you are his brother's widow.
I am a maid.
Our marriage was not consumma Yes, it was.
I have eyes and ears all over England.
I know if someone sneezes in Dorset or trips in Northumberland.
The boy who brought you your firewood in Ludlow, he was mine, as was the girl who scrubbed the floors.
Everything that happened there came back to me.
Except the things they could not see, unless they see through walls.
I admit there were some acts that we engaged in for our pleasure.
But Arthur couldn't I am a virgin, as I was when I first came to England.
You, do you swim in the same sin as your princess, or will you tell the truth? It is true, my lady.
You were married many months.
You ask me to believe that there were no natural acts between man and wife? It saddened both of us.
And all the time we wondered if you were with child, you said not a word.
I wanted to protect my husband's memory.
Then the queen died, and there was no time - for Harry and I to - Oh, get out.
[LAUGHS.]
Perhaps my lady has forgotten we are within my rooms.
Get out.
You and your Spanish harem will leave my palace.
I am the Dowager Princess of Wales.
You cannot simply throw me out.
Yes, I can, and have.
The king will not allow it.
The king is indisposed, and I am regent, which means that from now, I am the king.
What have I done? I've put us on the streets.
We have nowhere to live.
For now.
The king told her you were to marry Harry, which means that he does not oppose it.
Lady Margaret's anger is a sign that you are winning.
She has drawn her sharpest sword, Highness, and here you are, unbloodied and alive.
I cannot ask Prince Harry to speak out for me while he and his father are grieving.
It would be unseemly.
Let me ask at court about a place for us to stay.
QUEEN ISABELLA: In every battle comes a moment when you think that you're beaten.
[GROANS.]
It is he who continues the attack who wins, and we always win.
[GRUNTS.]
Hey hey! Right.
Better that.
HARRY: Let me show you how to throw.
Harry, may I have a moment? Yes, of course, Lady Grandmother.
There is a rumor that this Spanish widow has set her sights on you, which is, of course, unthinkable.
We cannot let so valuable a princess go to waste.
We need the Spanish treaty.
If we don't keep her, France will grab her, and then fat King Louis would have all that Spanish gold to use against us or to push me from my throne, when I inherit it from Father.
It may be Louis who musters men against us.
"If a man shall take his brother's wife, "it is an unclean thing, and they will be childless.
" Leviticus.
"If brethren dwell together and one of them die "with no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry a stranger, "her husband's brother shall take her as a wife and perform the duty of a husband.
" Deuteronomy.
No.
I mean, I I'm happy that you know your scriptures, but there are better choices for you.
There are other princesses to wed.
There weren't for Arthur.
The Spanish alliance was our Holy Grail.
- Has something changed? - Mm, she is bespoiled.
She has lied to you.
You don't think I would know it if she had? Or do you think your intellect is sharper than my own? No, of course not.
It Well, then we are agreed.
You see there, Lady Grandmother, sometimes different roads can lead to the same castle.
Lord Thomas.
Lady de Cardones.
How may I be of service? The Infanta and her retinue wish to find lodgings outside of the palace.
Oh, dear.
Uh, well, I can inquire about apartments, but I assume you will soon be sailing back to Spain? We are staying here in London.
Ah.
Well in that case, Durham House will suffice.
It's on the Strand, owned by the church.
Foreign dignitaries have stayed there during visits, so the Infanta will be right at home.
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
Fresh fish! [BLEATING.]
The Infanta not go back to Spain if her husband be dead now? It is not up to us to decide.
[OUTSIDE CHATTER AUDIBLE.]
Good.
It's small and easy to guard.
[SIGHS.]
The Infanta will hate it.
[RAT SQUEAKING.]
Then we live here.
We marry.
I carry you, just like I did when you were ill.
We have the babies here.
The baby Saalik and the baby Roushana.
Don't you mean baby Magdalena? Ah? SÃ.
Bebé Saalik and bebé Magdalena.
Oh, Maggie.
Uncle Richard.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Your Grace, Sir Richard Pole and Lady Margaret are here.
[DOG WHINES.]
Your Grace, we are deeply sorry for your loss, and we share it.
I loved her as you did, Your Grace.
Lizzie and I were When all is said and done, she was my cousin, and I am broken at her passing.
Tell me, Lady Pole are these the robes of your confessor? Seek an audience with your priest.
You will find no absolution here.
If you had not so distressed her in her final hours, she might still be with [DOOR RATTLES.]
Aunt Maggie, Pole, I heard you had returned to us.
We are sorry for your loss.
We feel it deeply, but, uh, summer is ahead, and I hope my marriage will provide warmth and cheer to England when she so badly needs it.
Marriage? I am to marry Catherine, secure our treaty with Queen Isabella, and then produce an heir so we may have succession and stability.
But is it agreed? Why else would I say it? Congratulations, Your Grace.
The wedding will be set for June.
If we can assist with the preparations in any way.
And we will be, uh, sure to congratulate the princess.
HARRY: That will prove difficult.
It seems my lady grandmother has risen above her station and sent her from the palace.
Please do as your grandmother sees fit.
We have pain enough without having a family war.
Of course, Father.
But nothing need prevent you writing for the papal dispensation when you see fit.
Attend to Meg, Lady Pole.
She is soon to leave for Scotland and needs a mother's help before she goes.
She has been denied that so you will have to suffice.
[BIRDS CHIRPING.]
[APPROACHING FOOTSTEPS.]
Do you see now how destinies are only meant for men in England? No, Meg, never think it or believe it, or it will become the truth.
You must hold your courage and your strength and fight for what you want.
Safe travels north.
I hear it's even colder there than here.
It's colder there than everywhere.
[LAUGHTER.]
Meg, your father has asked me to ready you for your departure.
Did you know that Catherine has been thrown out of the palace by my grandmother? I'm not sure that's any business of mine.
Come.
She's gone, the Spanish girl.
I take it that no letter has been written to the pope as yet? Every time I open my eyes, I learn the lack of Lizzie over again and hear the words she spoke upon her deathbed.
And what were they, Henry? [CRYING.]
What is this? From the emperor? How long have you had this? [OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
Tell them to take my things inside quickly.
[SHOUTING IN SPANISH.]
Rápido! It's just talk.
We have had 15 years of peace.
No one would now turn their coats to York to wade through blood again.
My lady.
I've learned the name of our tormenter, the phantom challenger raising men in France.
Edmund de la Pool, your own wife's cousin.
May I see? De la Pool? My wife has had no contact with him.
It appears that he is being sheltered by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximillian himself, who will not hand him over, despite the king's entreaties that he should, because Maximillian fears that we would kill the rat.
Of course we would, the last York heir standing.
We must build our armies to withstand a York invasion.
An assault against the throne, backed by the wealth of the Hapsburg empire.
My lady, the treasury is depleted, and our war chests are empty.
I'm sure you all know Edmund Dudley, who has served the city as a gifted lawyer and is now the Speaker of the House of Commons.
He shows his loyalty by offering his services to find ways to fill our coffers.
[COUNCILORS MURMURING.]
There are places to cut spending, but that alone will not yield the kind of revenue that we need.
We will raise the taxes on the most popular items, like wool and leather, and we shall create new fines for things like dogs in church, singing in the street, and impersonating the king.
All ideas that will be effective at stirring resentment on the streets.
If it's soldiers that we need, why not begin by conscripting those who came here with the Spanish princess, in lieu of half the dowry that was never paid? Not in lieu, in part payment, and a small part.
Thank you.
It will do quite well.
No, don't put them on display.
I will guard you, Highness.
We are very near the street.
Will people say I am unwanted and have been sent away in disgrace? They will say the king's mother is a battle-ax, and they will love you even more.
You are right.
I will trust to God that this is all within His plan and that Harry will soon come to me and Lady Margaret will find husbands for you both.
The Scots king wants us to wear matching white damask for the wedding.
I hope he does not expect us to match every day, like demented twins.
Did you ever see your mother's wedding dress? Red, for war.
Your grandmother wanted to tear it off her with her teeth.
[CHUCKLES.]
Would you find it for me? We could use it for a red trim to my own.
I'm honoring my mother.
Aunt Maggie, will it hurt, after the wedding? The night? I will tell you what your Aunt Cecily told me on my wedding night.
It hurts a little at first.
Then it feels quite nice.
You will be here when it comes time for me to leave? I wouldn't miss it for all the heather in Scotland.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Enter.
Your cousin Edmund is in Flanders marshaling men against the king.
Well, I-I have not seen or spoken to him in over a year.
Thank God.
If he contacts you, you must tell the king at once.
His Grace is stricken, and his mother would make enemies of us all.
Look how she banished Princess Catherine, even though Harry lays claim to her hand.
Yes.
No one is safe.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
[FRONT DOOR OPENS.]
ROSA: Your Grace.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
Good evening, ladies.
Forgive me.
I just happened to be passing.
You were at court when I was sent away, were you not? My father didn't want me to make a fuss.
Grandmother is a curmudgeon, but, uh, she will come around.
This is a curious hour to visit, Your Grace.
I was preparing to bathe.
Well, don't let me stop you.
[CLEARS THROAT.]
Well, it is cozy here.
The furnishings are cheap and shoddy.
It is beneath my station.
There was a brawl in the street.
Yes, well, it's lively.
I got into a scrap just around the corner from here, and when the fellow realized who I was, he, uh he wet his drawers.
[STIFLES GIGGLE.]
You won't be here for long, Catherine.
Only for as long as the king wishes to sit in his dark room.
We are all sitting in the dark.
All of us must wait.
Very well, my lord.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
[BUOY BELL RINGING.]
[DOG BARKING.]
[MAN YELLS OUTSIDE.]
Welcome back, my lord.
Bring him water.
My lord.
MARGARET: What kept you out so late? There was a privy council meeting, You should have been there.
You have not placed her out of my reach, you know.
The future of this kingdom rests on you.
You must be at every meeting.
I'm disinclined to do your bidding when it risks this country's future.
How do you think Queen Isabella will react when she learns her daughter is treated like an outcast? I simply sought to save her reputation.
She cannot be here in the palace with so many men around when she is Shining far more brightly than you do.
It is unseemly.
Until this awkward question is resolved, the princess must live far from the court.
I think you would have her rot on the Strand.
[SCOFFS.]
Don't be ridiculous.
Durham House is perfectly adequate.
She expects her luxuries.
Your brother's death robs her of her entitlements, so now she comes to you instead.
My handsome boy, you are my prodigy, my stupor mundi.
You haven't been yourself since your mother's death.
I'm afraid you're vulnerable and this girl sees it.
It's late.
You should rest, Lady Grandmother.
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[WATER SPLASHING.]
Her husband die, and now she take his brother? What game does she play? [CHUCKLES.]
What makes you think it's a game? You play a game as well? No.
Uh but I came here to say what happened between us, it cannot ever Because you like the gold plates? You heard the Infanta.
I have a duty to my parents and to Catherine.
So there will be no more or [KISS.]
this.
Oh! [HORSE TROTTING.]
- [MAN SHOUTS.]
- [BOTTLE SHATTERS.]
[HORSE NEIGHS.]
[MEN SHOUTING.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[BELL TOLLING.]
MAN: Bless you, my lady.
WOMAN: Bless you, my lady.
MAN: Bless you, Princess.
Come on.
We're going hunting.
- Shh.
Wait.
- [WINGS FLAPPING.]
There.
No, hold back.
You'll scare them, and they'll break too soon.
That bird was young, easy sport for you.
Maybe that's how you prefer it.
Not at all.
If it doesn't have a full fighting chance, then there is no test of skill.
And you are skilled, aren't you? Should we Should we ride back? How are you finding the gelding? He is very fine.
I should dearly love a stallion as this.
Oh, you would like him as a gift? It will be a marvelous gift, were you to offer him.
You don't have anywhere to keep him on the Strand, do you? So I suppose that's another target for you to set your sights on.
Now we have four birds each.
We are equal.
[BELL TOLLING.]
[MUTED STREET CHATTER.]
Highness.
QUEEN ISABELLA: "The pope would have to grant a dispensation if you were to wed Prince Harry.
Do you have one? I imagine not.
So take your widow's jointure, and return to Spain.
By my hand, your mother, the queen.
" I'm not coming home! That will not be my fate! I will be queen of England! [BELL TOLLING.]
You sent for me, my lady? I did, yes.
Come in, child.
Sit with me.
This is a new vintage.
We can try it together.
I expect your husband's told you that your cousin is a traitor to the crown.
- I have had no contact with him.
- I know.
He's been rabble-rousing against our house for years.
But I'm prattling.
I find these newer spices rather hard on the stomach, but you must try one of these little orange things covered in sugar.
They come from Italy, but they're none the worse for that.
Thank you.
The Infanta, Meg tells me you don't like her.
It is difficult for me to like her, given what was done to bring her here.
The sugar gets everywhere.
You dined with her and Arthur every night at Ludlow, didn't you? And he was conducted nightly to her room, as I instructed? We made sure that he was.
So they were married both in word and deed, happy in the marriage bed? I did not go inside.
We granted them their privacy.
But we can agree that they were lovers.
I cannot say.
I did not bear witness to it.
Well, her confessor tells me that you helped her ladies with the linen.
Were there any signs upon the sheets? - [SIGHS.]
- Oh, come on.
You're a married woman.
Don't let's be coy.
I have told you all that I observed.
[SCOFFS.]
All that you observed? All that you've fabricated since my grandson's death.
You and that harlot and her painted lady will be our downfall.
If she seduces Harry and marries him upon this lie, it is a sin against the Lord, our God, and you will burn in Hell! Your cousin was a traitor.
Are you one as well? I am an honest woman, which is more than can be said for half the people in this palace.
I have told you all that I know, and that is all I will say.
You will leave this palace, and you will never be admitted here again.
Guards! Lady Pole is barred entrance from any royal residence from this day forth! Get her out! [MARKET CHATTER.]
Come to the tavern tonight.
Maybe I will let you hold my hand.
I can't.
The Infanta is at Mass.
Speak English.
My Spanish tongue offends you? Or perhaps today it's my Muslim heart? I have a duty.
At least I will sleep in a bed in a castle, not a barn with horses.
I am called to Westminster to join Tudor army.
Oviedo, please.
What do you want from me? I want you to say yes.
Would it really have been so hard to have given her what she wanted? She is poison, and it hurts me to give in to her.
It would have kept our family safe.
GROOM: Your horse, my lady.
Are you not coming with me? I have duties for the king, and I need to try and mend the damage you've done.
Godspeed to Stourton.
[THUNDER RUMBLING.]
[DOGS BARKING.]
MAGGIE: Where are we? This is the wrong way.
We're going the wrong way! Who are you? [HORSE NEIGHS.]
- Guards! - [MAN MUTTERS.]
Stop him! - Go! Come on! - Guards! Guards! [GASPING.]
MAN: In there.
No, this is a house of sickness, I cannot go in.
I will not! [WHIMPERS.]
Tell Margaret Beaufort she will not get away with this.
[LATCH CLICKS.]
[DOOR OPENS.]
[GASPS.]
Edmund.
It's been too long, Cousin Maggie.
I'm sorry about the disguise, but the Tudors mean to have my head.
It is true, then.
You would take the Tudor crown.
And I need your help.
You must visit each of our cousins in turn, all those still loyal to the house of York, and speak to them in person, no letters.
- Tell them I must bring - I will tell them nothing.
I have children I would like to see grow old.
Maggie, our family ruled this land long before Henry Tudor stole the crown from us.
It is your birthright as a Plantagenet.
My birthright is a diet of betrayal and of grief.
I am sick of others asking me to risk my life for their political gain.
You think I cannot overturn the Tudors? Just because you think your cause is the right one, it doesn't make you any different from them.
Then you're against me.
I am neither for nor against you, cousin.
I wish only to be left in peace.
Don't contact me again, Edmund.
May God have mercy on you.
[SEABIRDS CALLING.]
My wedding dress is finished, Father, so I will be leaving.
I had the seamstress sew in red trim from my lady mother's wedding dress.
[DISTANT SHOUTING, WEAPONS CLASHING.]
You do understand why you're here? Yes, my lady.
We are for English army.
Yes, conscripted, which means you serve the king of England now, not the Infanta.
I've seen you speaking with my grandson.
I hear you're a gifted crossbowman.
It is prince who has the gifts, sharp eye, brave heart, quick But he have other things to learn.
For example? [SPEAKING SPANISH.]
He doesn't know when to give up? I've been studying Spanish.
I thought it might come in useful, and it has, as I've understood your impertinence.
[CHUCKLES.]
You have wisdom for a soldier.
I watch and listen.
Do you, indeed? Perhaps you could watch and listen for me in places where I cannot.
[BELL TOLLING.]
How could Aunt Maggie not be here? She promised that she would.
MARY: Meg! Don't go, Meggie.
[KISS.]
Is it a very long ride? Yes, long and bumpy and cold.
[LAUGHTER.]
I'm only here to make sure you're really going.
One day, you'll visit, and I'll make you eat sheep's stomach.
[LAUGHS.]
What is it? [INDISTINCT CONVERSATION.]
Don't let anyone poison you against your own heart.
Go well, Scrapper.
PAGE: All hail the king! God go with you, Meg.
Be strong for England, and be happy for yourself, my queen of Scotland.
[KISS.]
Guard her well, Thomas.
With my life, Your Grace.
[CHUCKLES.]
[HORSE NEIGHS.]
HENRY: Now, we look to the future.
Tonight, we shall have a feast a celebration, even.
Highness, they sent you back Dominus, and there is a letter from the king.
I am invited to the palace to dine this evening.
The king has something to announce.
[LAUGHS.]
[MUSICIANS PLAYING.]
[OVERLAPPING CHATTER.]
[APPLAUSE.]
PAGE: His Royal Highness, the king! [APPLAUSE.]
[MUSICIANS STOP.]
Please, be seated.
Please, sit down.
[GUESTS MURMURING.]
Grief is an ocean that drowns everything breath, appetite even faith.
I have been away from you, beneath the ocean searching for something to cling to and I have found it England.
She is the finest kingdom in all of Europe, and I will stop at nothing to keep her safe.
And I can think of no better way to do so than with a royal marriage, a treaty of flesh and blood that will make the rest of Christendom bow to us and not just for a generation but for generations to come.
As my wife died she made one last request of me.
And I have wrestled with her request and I have decided that I will honor it.
I will take Princess Catherine of Aragon to be my wife.
To a nursery full of sons.
MAN: A nursery full of sons.