Once Upon a Prince (2018) - full transcript

[♪♪♪]

[man on radio]: Anything?

Not yet.

Just walking and talking,

but no dropping to one knee.

What's taking this boy
so long?

Hold on.

Something's happening.

Plans change, Susie.

We're not the same kids

who dreamed
about getting married.



It took me a long time
to admit that,

mainly because I don't want
to let you down.

I feel like I've put my life
on hold for you.

I was waiting for you.

But you didn't have to.

You could've started
your business without me.

Why didn't you?

Guess this is goodbye, then.

I'm sorry.

Oh...

This doesn't look good at all.

Oh, boy...

What's, "Oh, boy..."?

Your sister and Adam.



Oh.

Tell Susie I will of course
be her Maid of Honor,

but I get to pick
the dress color.

No peach taffeta
like Zoe Snow's wedding.

The worst!

Avery, honey...

that's not going
to be a problem.

I'm so sorry.

[sister]:
You can do better!

Mom, are you
giving Avery

a play-by-play
of my break up?

In my defense,

I thought this was going
to have a different outcome.

Can you just tell Dad
I'm going to skip work today?

I just need to clear my head.

[dad]:
It's okay, baby.

You take all the time
you need.

[car radio playing soft rock]

[tire popping]

[turns radio off]

Avery!

-Hello.
-Hi.

Do you need some help?

Uh, I do
if you have a tire jack.

A tire jack?

Why, did you get a flat?

Yeah, that's why
I need the tire jack.

Well, shouldn't you have...?

You don't have one.
Look at that.

Yeah, my sister
borrowed it.

She got a flat a few weeks ago,

and she was supposed
to return it...

But she didn't.

Yeah, which I'm just now
finding out about.

Well, then this must be
your lucky day.

I don't know about that,
but...

Come on.

Let's see if we can find you
a tire jack.

Ah-hah!

Success!

Yes!

Do you need something else?

Uh...

well, I rather thought
there'd be instructions.

Have you never
changed a tire before?

First time for everything.

What's your name?

Oh, sorry.

Nate Kenneth,
at your service.

Hi, Nate Kenneth.

I'm Susanna Truitt.

Susanna, nice to meet you.

Shall we?

Yeah.

Let's give this a go.

Thank you so much.

Of course. Do you
mind holding this?

Not at all.

Thank you.

With an accent
like that,

it sounds like
you're not from Georgia.

[laughing]

And here I thought
I blended in.

Have you heard of a
country called Cambria?

Um...

no, but I'm not that good
at geography.

It's all right.

It's a challenge
even for those that are,

mainly due to the fact

that it's not much larger
than your St. Simons Island.

Um, may I?

Please, thank you.

What brings you here?

Visiting a family friend.

Do you know
Mrs. Waller?

June Waller?

Yeah, her name is on half
the buildings in town.

She's your friend?

Well, my father's,
actually.

Yeah.

I'm on holiday before
I start a new job.

Oh, what do you do?

Public relations.

What do you do?

Ah, landscape architecture.

Oh, impressive.

I mean, I'm still trying
to get things on my resume.

There's not a lot
of landscape architect firms

on the island, so...

Why don't you start
your own firm?

You're the second person
to say that to me

in two hours.

First one was my boyfriend
as he was breaking up with me.

I'm sorry, that was...
I don't...

I don't know
why I said that.

Well, listen,

sometimes,
it's easier to tell things

to a complete stranger.

Yeah, maybe,

but I don't really have
an answer

for either one of you,

or myself.

Adam and I were supposed
to open up our business

when he got back,

but clearly, that's not
going to happen anymore.

I've had my plans change
unexpectedly, too.

It can be quite
difficult.

Yeah.

Oh, here.

Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

Oh, wait, here.

Is this a handkerchief?

It is.

Never met anyone our age
with a handkerchief before.

Are you sure you're not,
like, a time traveler

from another era
or something?

Not that I'm aware of.

Okay.

Oh...
ugh, I'm sorry.

That's all right.
That's what it's for.

Um... I'll clean it.

I'll clean it
and get it back to you.

All right.

That tree is
incredible.

Yeah, it's called
Lover's Oak.

There's a legend

that if a couple gets engaged
underneath it,

they'll stay married forever.

I used to have
all these fantasies

about getting proposed to
underneath there.

Nothing fancy,

just, you know, the entire thing
covered in twinkle lights...

a little fancy.

Yeah, I guess...

had it all planned out,
but...

things change.

Life is what happens

when you're busy
making other plans.

John Lennon.

That's right.

You know,
I do remember Cambria.

You do?

Yeah, that's where
they recreated

the Florentine Gardens, right?

Yes, that's right.

Right.

Breathtaking,
aren't they?

I couldn't agree more.

Well, thank you so much,
Nate Kenneth,

for everything...

and I promise to return
your handkerchief cleaned.

I look forward to it.

Thanks.

[engine turning over]

Hello, John.

Keys.

You make my job
difficult.

It was one drive.

Lasting
two hours.

I went to clear my head,

but then I helped
a damsel in distress.

We sort of
worked together,

but got my hands dirty.

[knocking]

Hi.

Hi.

I never liked Adam.

Yes, you did.

Retroactively, I didn't.

I figured you'd be
all red-eyed and puffy,

but you seem okay.

I mean, trust me,
it's not fun.

I'm just trying
to figure it out.

We had all these plans,
like...

we were going to get married
when he finished his tour.

We were going to open
the business together,

and...

oof...

now I have literally
no idea

what I'm doing
with my life, so...

Maybe you could have one?

Meaning?

Meaning...

you've been waiting
for this or that...

him to return,
him to propose,

blah, blah, blah.

Meanwhile, you keep
working for Mom and Dad

despite having
a degree...

that just hangs there,

like a very expensive
wall ornament.

Well, Adam and I were going
to open the business together.

So...

now you start it
on your own.

If anybody can do it,
it's my big sister.

What is this?

Oh, it's...

it's...
a reminder...

that even on a really lousy day,
some good can happen.

Have you been enjoying
your stay so far?

Your hospitality,
Mrs. Waller,

is, as always, impeccable.

You remind me so much
of your father

when he was your age.

I can only hope to be
half the man he was.

I have no doubt
that you will be.

When do you head home
for the festivities?

A fortnight.

Oof.

Well, I hope you're
planning to get out

and see some of
our little island...

see the sites,
meet some people?

You know, I've actually
already met one of your locals.

Susanna Truitt?

Glo and Gib Truitt's eldest?

Possibly.
She's a landscape architect.

I came upon her stranded
on the side of the road.

And you helped
her out, I hope?

We sort of worked together.

Capable woman.

Did you say Susanna's
a landscape architect now?

I did.

In fact,

I was hoping to talk to you
about that.

[Avery]: Thank you.
Have a great day.

Where's Dad?

He's, like, 20 minutes
late for his shift.

Did you text him?

Mm, no answer.

Hmm.

You know what,
can you just take my car

and just pop by and make sure
everything's okay?

Why do I have to
be the one to go?

Okay, fine.

I'll go, and you can just stay

and watch the store
all by yourself.

Thought so.

Bye.

Here, let me...

You again?

Me again.

What brings you here?

Fate.

Fate?

Indeed.

As it happens,

Mrs. Waller needs a guiding hand
when it comes to her garden,

and thanks
to our earlier encounter,

I just so happen to know
a landscape architect.

So, Fate.

Oh, no, no,
no, no... mm-mm.

No?

No.

I can't do
Mrs. Waller's gardens.

I'm an amateur.

You said you were
a landscape architect.

An amateur landscape
architect.

I haven't done
anything big, and I...

[phone buzzing]

certainly can't
do anything

to Mrs. Waller's
expectations.

Plus, I don't want to go
and embarrass you.

You wouldn't embarrass me.

Come on, at least
take the meeting.

What if I blow it?

What if you don't?

[phone buzzing]

Excuse me, sorry.

This keeps...

What is it?

It's my father.

I need to get
to the hospital.

Ugh, Avery has my car.

I'll drive you.
Come.

Okay...

Excuse me, I'm looking
for Gib Truitt's room.

Thank you.

Dad?

-Is everything okay?
-I'm fine, honey.

There's nothing wrong with me.

Stress-induced
heart palpitations.

I told you I didn't need
to come in for this.

You did the exact
right thing.

You, Gib Truitt,
you need to rest...

at least a week,
maybe more.

It's spring, Doc.

It's our busiest time.

Gib...

were you under the impression
this was optional?

Because it's not.

He's going to rest.

I promise.

I'll see you
next week.

You have to listen
to the doctor.

Yeah, but the store...

We'll figure something out, Dad.

You're what's
important, Dad.

[P.A. announcement]:
Dr. Shipp to Emerg.

Dr. Shipp to Emerg.

You know I'm pleased as punch
I'm surrounded by strong women,

but there's a little matter
of heavy lifting involved.

We can manage,

and if we can't,
we'll hire someone.

Mm.

I'm not comfortable
with just anyone in the store...

and we need someone now.

Well, perhaps
I can be of assistance.

You stayed.
Thank you.

I wanted to make sure
your father was all right,

and I'm quite serious.

I'm happy to help out
through the week

while he recuperates.

You're on vacation.

Well, the best part of which

is being able
to do as I please.

[Avery]: And you want
to spend a week

working
in a garden supply store?

I would.

What is it you do again?

Public relations,

but I spent quite a bit of time
as a boy

with my father in the garden,

so I know my way
around a wheelbarrow.

Now, you tell me what
you want lifted, carried,

whatever else,
and I'm your guy.

I'll do my best.

Nate is staying
with Mrs. Waller.

And if I were to help out,

that might provide you
with a bit of a break

should you find yourself

working on
Mrs. Waller's gardens.

You're doing
Mrs. Waller's gardens?

No.

Possibly.

-I told you...
-And I heard,

but don't you want
to do landscape design?

Yes, well, she does.

I do.

Then you have
to start sometime.

He's got a point.

But...

Can you give us a moment?

Yes, of course.

Do you trust him?

I don't really know him.

Mrs. Waller trusts him.

And he seems super-eager
to be helpful.

Well,
we need helpful right now,

and we don't have
a lot of options.

Tomorrow morning,
7:00 a.m.?

Wonderful!

Excuse me?

Have you seen this man?

Am I crazy,

or has our Monday shipment
been put away already?

Yeah. Nate did it.

He's been going full
steam ahead all morning.

Your dad
will be relieved.

Oh, and as promised...

one clean handkerchief.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Good job today.

Thanks!

I had a great time.

You need
to get out more.

So I spoke
with Mrs. Waller,

and she has time tomorrow
afternoon to chat...

just a chat,

and a chance
to look at the gardens.

No pressure.

Okay.

-Yes?
-Yes.

It's an opportunity,
and I'm grateful.

Nervous, but grateful.

Oh, you have, um...

dirt.

Oh.

Right here.

[camera clicking]

Thank you.

Uh...

After you,
Miss Truitt.

Thank you.

[John]:
So...

have you come
to your senses?

[groaning]

I moved pallets of soil,
more than I can count.

Got scratched up
by rose thorns.

Every muscle aches,

and look, I'm developing
a callus.

See?

Good.

Yeah.

It was an absurd idea
from the outset,

and if your mother
found out,

she would have my head.

No doubt.

All right, I'm going
to take a shower,

but there's
a 50-50 chance

I might pass out on the bed
before I do so.

Please make sure I'm up
by 6:00 a.m.

Why?

I don't want to be late
for my second day.

[Gib]:
Oh, this is decaf, isn't it?

Last thing you need
is caffeine.

But that's where
the fun is.

Fun, like a trip
to the hospital.

Well, don't you
look professional?

You think?

It doesn't look
like I'm trying too hard?

Oh, not at all.
You look lovely.

Thanks.

So is Nate and Avery
at the store?

He's meeting me
at Mrs. Waller's.

Oh, speaking of Nate,

I've invited him
for supper on Friday.

Well, he's been working
so hard,

and it'll give your dad
a chance

to get to know him better.

Or I could go to the store.

No, you're not going
to the store.

[Susanna]: Okay,
I have to go.

Wish me luck.

-Luck!
-Okay. Thank you.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Um...

I'm here to see Nate
and Mrs. Waller.

You're Susanna Truitt?

Yeah.

Interesting.

[Nate]:
Susanna, hello!

I see you met John.

Old mate
from the navy.

He doesn't really
talk much.

Mrs. Waller's
just out back here.

Did you find
the place all right?

Yeah, it's
beautiful.

Here we are.

How nice to see
you again, Susanna.

You as well.
Thank you.

Susanna was valedictorian
at St. Simons High

the year
I was commencement speaker.

I didn't think
you'd remember me.

Of course, dear.

It was my honor to share
the stage with you.

Tea?

Please, yes,
thank you.

[Mrs. Waller]:
So, what do you think?

I think it's not
a seaside garden,

not in the way
it should be.

What do you mean?

Seaside gardens are supposed
to be so romantic,

and you're supposed
to work in harmony

with the nature
that's around them.

In what way?

Well, there should be
dune grass,

and lavender,
and sage,

and this garden doesn't
have any of that.

Kind of feels
constricted, you know?

It feels like there should be
some more space.

I would start,

and I would take out
that white fencing

right there.

Here, I can actually
show you.

Oh, yes.

You see, these drawings,

these sketches
are a little more natural,

and we could use the
actual grade of the land

as it goes down
to the sea, too.

These are wonderful.

Well, thank you.

I obviously did them
before I saw your actual garden.

But you can do this?

Yeah.

Well then,
don't let me stop you.

I have a trip to Europe

next week,

but you will have
any and all access

to supplies.

So, Susanna
has the job?

Yes.

Didn't I make that clear?

Thank you!
Thank you.

I promise,

I will make them
perfect and beautiful

for you.

I have all the faith
in the world.

Thank you.

To fate.

To Fate.

[laughing]

So... that's
Ms. Truitt.

It explains so much.

I don't know
what you mean.

[John]: You haven't thought
this through, Nate.

These are my last days
of freedom

before everything changes.

You run the risk
of heartbreak...

for the both of you.

[Susanna]:
I like this one down there.

This one?
Okay.

So... yeah.

So these two here?

Yeah, I think
let's do them both.

Okay, perfect.

Thank you.

Yeah, you do
the heavy lifting.

I like...
oh, that guy's really good

'cause it smells so good.

This one?

Yeah. It's good.

Smells very nice.

I know.
Okay, um...

These-- these
are pretty, yeah?

Yeah.

That's all right,
I'm just kidding.

Just grab it.

I am.

Are you sure?

Careful,
they're fragile.

You put them down, then.

You have to put them
down then. Yes.

Plant the perennials.

Perennials?

What do they
look like?

Um, they're
all different things, really.

Really?

These all different--
All right.

Perfect.

Can't wait to see what
you're going to do here.

You're pretty
good at this.

I didn't go to college
for nothing.

[Gib]: So you were in the navy?

I was.

And so,
are you retired,

or how does that work
over there?

Ah, well, technically,

I'm still part
of the service.

Once a navy man,
always a navy man.

Indeed.

So, Nate, have
you had a chance

to see much
of St. Simons?

Susanna's got him
working too much.

For which I'm grateful.

Well, you have
the weirdest idea

of a vacation.

A respite away
from my everyday life....

and this most certainly
has been that,

but to your point,
Mrs. Truitt...

-Glo.
-Glo.

I would very much like

to see more of your island
before I depart.

Susanna could give you
a bike tour.

You still remember
how to do that,

don't you, Suse?

Susanna used to help
give bike tours

around St. Simons

back when she was competing
to be the Peach Princess.

I'm sorry,
the Peach Princess?

Mm-hmm, in high school,

Susie won the local
Peach Princess Beauty Contest

and she became kind
of an ambassador

for St. Simons

for a whole year.

She was adorable.

I bet she was.

[Gib]: Okay, can we get back
to talking 'bout the Navy now?

Please?

Yes, absolutely...

um... as soon as
I help clear the table?

Would that be
all right?

So should I be calling you
the Peach Princess?

Is that your official title?

I was 16.

You have to understand,
it was family tradition.

I had to enter
the contest.

Actually, I do understand.

Family tradition
is very important

where I come from as well.

Then you get it.

I do,

and in all sincerity,

a bike tour
sounds wonderful,

if you can spare the time.

I think I can swing it.

Wonderful.

I'll see you at work.

Yeah.

It's out.

[Avery]:
Susanna!

You are so not
going to believe this!

Believe what?

Who Nate really is!

Oh, thank you, Steven.

Oh, Nathaniel...

Susanna!

You're a prince?

Oh, you saw.

Yeah...
I saw.

I can explain.

Is your explanation,

"I'm a prince
and it slipped my mind"?

Would you believe that?

Yeah, actually, I would.

You know,
'cause it happens all the time.

It does?

No!

Right...
stupid me, um...

Would you allow me
to explain?

I'm sorry for not telling you
who I really was.

Anonymity is so rare for me,

and so I think I held onto it
a bit too long.

In many ways, being here
where no one recognizes me

has been such a blessing...

especially now.

Why now?

This will be
my last real holiday.

My father passed away
a few months ago

most unexpectedly.

I'm so sorry
about your father.

Thank you.

He was a great man,

and an unbelievable king.

It'll be hard to follow
in his footsteps.

I think that
you can do it.

What makes you so certain?

Well, I don't know much

about what it takes
to be a king,

but I do know
a lot about people,

and I've seen
how hardworking

and generous
and kind you are,

so...

I think the people of Cambria
would be very lucky to have you.

That might be
the best compliment

I have ever been given.

If I might return
the favor...

I know
your life hasn't gone

exactly
as you'd thought.

That's an understatement.

But...

you're the sort
of smart and resourceful person

that'll make the most

of any circumstance
you find yourself in.

Thank you.

So, a prince, huh?

What's it like to just
be watched all the time?

You grow accustomed
to it.

No, for me,
the hardest part

is having decisions
made for me,

sometimes even
before I was born.

Like what?

Where I'll go
to university...

Naval Academy.

My area of study...

political science,
civil engineering, law.

Whom I'll marry.

You have arranged
marriages?

No, but...

when I do marry,

I must marry a woman
from Cambria.

Must?

It's tradition.

Anyone in mind?

Names are always
being floated...

one more than others.

[reporters]: Lady Ginny!

Lady Ginny, this way!

Did he tell you anything
about this relationship?

How many women has it been now?

What are you up to now, Morris?

Lady Ginny!
Lady Ginny!

[Susanna]: He's a prince, Dad!

He's, like,
the real thing.

And he's been
hauling mulch for us!

Okay, Nate is coming.

I told him we were
going to play it cool.

Hi, honey...

I mean, uh...

It's all right.
Hon' is fine.

I wanted to apologize to you

for not being forthright
about my identity.

You've all been so giving,

and I really appreciate being
treated just like a normal...

No need to
apologize, hon'.

You are too kind,

Now, I wish that I could
continue working here

because it's been truly fun...

[clearing throat]

But now that
my secret is out,

that is quite
impossible.

Well...

Nate, you've already done
so much.

And we can get
someone else

to cover when
my dad's recovering.

I know this is a little late
at this point,

but...

Gib and I got this
made up for you.

Thank you...

all of you.

I'm going to miss this place.

We're going
to miss you.

Oh, we never got
that bike tour.

Well, are you leaving
town right away?

Day after tomorrow.

So, what are you
doing right now?

Let's do it.

Here we are.

Yeah.

Isn't that the tree
where we first met?

Yeah, exactly.

Oh, well, come on.

Let's stop here.

So beautiful.

[Nate]: Now, the day we met,

that was a great day, but...

in all my life,

I've never had a day
like today.

I feel...

free.

Is that a good thing?

The best.

Thank you.

Could you be
something else...

other than a prince?

I'll be king soon.

I know that.
I just mean...

When I first met you,

you seemed so eager
to help.

You even volunteered
at the store.

Why?

The real reason.

The chance to lead
a normal life...

just for a few days.

The chance to make
my own decisions.

Royalty has evolved

into a mostly
ceremonial position.

Ceremonies
are theatre.

For some time now,
I've felt

as if I was a prop
in someone else's life.

Will that change
when you become king?

I certainly hope so.

I'm sure it will.

So what's the first thing
you're going to do as king?

Open the Florentine
Gardens to the public.

They're so beautiful,
they should be shared...

I mean, especially once
Sir Edward's finished

renovating
the South Oval.

Sir Edward?

Tilbury. He's...

Yeah, he's amazing!

I studied his work
in college.

I thought he'd retired.

He had,

but my mother is very
good at getting her way.

Wow.

[laughing]

I wish you could
see the gardens.

You'd love them.

Maybe someday.

I certainly hope so.

We should probably
get going.

Yeah, right.

I can't figure
this out.

It's all right.
I got it.

[camera clicking]

You coming?

Eventually.

[phone ringing]

Lady Ginny?

What a surprise.

Someone's been busy.

And making a profit.

So I've seen.

So everyone has seen.

Here's the thing, Morris.

Remember how I pulled in
a few favors with the Queen

to get you
into the royal press pool?

Yeah...

Then you also know
how very much you owe me,

Now, Morris...

are there any other surprises
you'd like to tell me about?

[John]:
According to your mother,

Lady Ginny was just able
to stop Morris Alderman

from publishing this.

I'm sorry, Nate,

but the Queen
was quite clear.

The flight leaves
in three hours,

and your bags are
already packed.

We must leave now.

[line ringing]

[rings]

[dryer blowing]

[voice mail]:
Hey, it's Susanna.

Please leave a message
and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Hey, Susanna, it's Nate.

Bit of bad news.

I have to return home
immediately.

I'm so sorry I couldn't
say goodbye in person.

Evie Jones is
at the register.

She wants to talk to you.

Oh.

Hi, Evie.

What's up?

Are the rumors true?

Yes, we had a prince
working for us.

No, he is no longer here.

Oh, not about him.

That you're redoing
Mrs. Waller's gardens?

Uh, yeah...

yeah, that's true,
actually.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Are you available
to do some work on my gardens

when you're done?

I'd love to.

Wonderful.

Thank you.

Of course!
Thank you.

Thank you.

There will be
a few hours

between the coronation
and the coronation ball.

Is there anything
in particular

you'd like to include
in the itinerary

after the morning's
walkthrough?

Is my son dreaming
about America...

or one American
in particular?

Thank you, John.

Hello, Mother.

Hello, darling.

Good flight?

Good enough.

What's this?

This is your grandmother's
engagement ring.

It's time you started

to think about your life
after the coronation.

This is quite
a way off.

Not as far
as you might think,

and Lady Ginny has
proven herself

quite useful of late.

Not that again,
Mother.

You must choose someone.

It cannot be
the American.

Remind me again why.

[laughing]

You know why.

Tradition...

and to be fair,

the girl has
absolutely no preparation

for a role
such as this.

Few do.

And is this where you remind me
that Ginny does?

No need.

Most of all,
Nathaniel,

you must always remember

that you are to be
the King of Cambria.

There are enough doubts

about the role
of the monarchy

in the modern era

as is.

We would be
beyond foolish

to invite more trouble,

and we are not foolish.

Now, I have
a very boring meeting

with the Prime Minister,

but you'll be pleased
to know...

I have invited Lady Ginny
for tea.

Hello, darling.

Ginny...
what a surprise.

I wasn't certain you'd
make it back in time

for your big day.

I was only gone
a couple of weeks.

A lot can happen
in a few weeks,

and apparently did.

Ginny, you're always
best when you're direct,

so please...

let me have it.

I merely wanted
to see how you were doing

after your trip
to America.

Rumors are swirling

that our future king
is perhaps distracted.

Anything in particular,

or... anyone?

Well...

I do have this rather large
event on the horizon.

The coronation ball.

You do remember how to dance,
don't you?

I do, but...

there's also
the actual coronation.

Oh, that.

You'll get through that
with ease,

but should you need help,

you know perfectly well

there's no one else
who understands you

quite like I do,

and who also knows

how to navigate the nuances
of royal politics.

I'm quite unique.

That you are.

Tea?

Please.

Aw....

looks real nice, honey.

Thank you.

I just want it to all be done
when Mrs. Waller gets back.

It's going to be perfect.

Is everything okay?

Something
on your mind?

Dr. Miller gave your father
the go-ahead

to return to the store
full-time.

That's great.

Well, not
if he goes back

to working
the same crazy amount.

I mean,

having Nate help us
like he did

just made it
more obvious...

we need to hire
a couple more people...

especially now that
your landscaping's taking off.

Mom, it's just Mrs. Waller
and Evie Jones.

That's it.

It's a start.

Folks like

that you're Mrs. Waller's
choice,

and it's just going
to grow from there.

I hope so.

I know so.

You're made
for bigger things, Susie.

I've always felt that.

Thank you.

I love you.

[John]: Some bills
from the Prime Minister

for you to sign, ma'am.

I'll e-mail your secretary
the security updates.

[Queen]: Nathaniel hasn't been
the same since he's returned.

I recognize that look,

and so do the gossip pages.

Nathaniel is to be crowned
King of Cambria within ten days.

As such, he is required

to marry a woman
of Cambrian descent.

I want him to be happy,
not hurt...

not harboring some delusion

of a young girl
who could never fit in.

Perhaps he should see that.

What do you mean?

At the moment,
Ms. Truitt is an ideal,

the personification of
all that he cannot have.

That's due in part
to the romanticized circumstance

in which they were together.

And your suggestion is?

Change the circumstance.

Bring her to Cambria.

Allow him to see her
in a new role.

Shatter the illusion?

That could work.

I think we might have
to take it one step further...

show him without question

that she could never be
Queen of Cambria.

I think I have an idea
of how to do it...

and you're going
to help me, John.

Of course, ma'am.

Anything you need.

An apprentice?

To Sir Edward Tilbury.

Who's that?

He's the most famous
landscape architect

in the entire world.

And he wants you
to apprentice for him?

[Susanna]: I feel like Nate
probably pulled some strings

because I know he's working

in the Florentine Gardens
in Cambria.

Well, it says here

that it's only until
Nate's coronation.

That's next week.

I bet you get
an invitation to go.

I want to go!

Okay, calm down.

I don't even know
if I'm going to go

What are you talking about?

Of course you're going to go.

Well,
what about the store?

I mean,
who's going to cover?

Well, I'm back,

and Uncle Lonnie said
he would help.

And I'll go with Susanna,

so she's not all alone...

in a foreign
country...

[squealing]

where we know royalty!

It's gorgeous.

-We're here.
-I'm so excited!

I can't wait to see
our castle rooms.

It's so pretty.

Thank you.

This is not how I pictured it.

Well, this is
the employee quarters.

You think you could call Nate
to get us an upgrade?

I'm sure Nate knows we're here.

He's just...
he's busy.

He'll call us
when he can.

Besides,

I have to get to work.

Fine.

You go do that...

while I go shopping!

Um, Sir Edward?

Hi, I'm Susanna Truitt.

Ah, the American.

Yes.

Um...

yes, I am American...

but I just wanted to say,

I am so honored to be
working with you.

This is just
a dream come...

Yes, well,
take this.

Down the path,
round the corner,

and clean that area.

Okay, um...

I just...

Well, get on with it.

Shoo!

Oh!

Hi.

What are you doing?

Uh...

Oh, um...
Your Highness.

Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Ma'am,
may I present to you...

Yes, I know who this is.

You're exactly as I imagined.

I was thinking gooseberries
in that area.

Splendid idea, ma'am.

Yes, I shall instruct
the gardeners to...

I don't understand
why this wasn't on my schedule.

It was a
last-minute addition.

Your mother wanted

to promote
the renovations

as well as
your coronation.

My coronation
hardly needs promotion.

The clothes here are awesome.

We can easily find stuff
to wear for the coronation.

We weren't invited
to the coronation.

We will be.

Nate's not going to ignore us
while we're here.

I'm here to work.

Fine...

but Susie?

They have ball gowns
that are gorgeous!

We weren't invited
to the coronation ball, either.

We will be.

How can you be so sure?

Because it's Nate.

Speaking
of our former hired help,

have you seen him yet?

Because I have questions
about this whole dorm situation.

Remember,
we're guests here, okay,

so when we're in public,

we have to refer to him
as Prince Nath--

[Nate]: Obviously,
it's an earlier time

than I was expecting.

Hold on one second.

Nate?

Hey, I was wondering
when I'd run into you!

Susanna?

Hey!

[cameras clicking]

-Nathaniel.
-Turn this way, darling.

John, handle this.
Come, come...

I'm so sorry...

Okay...

thank you,
that's all for today.

Well, that was embarrassing.

John will make sure

none of those photos
are published.

Thank goodness.

What are you doing
in Cambria?

I'm here for the apprenticeship
with Sir Edward.

The what?

The landscape architecture
apprenticeship.

I thought you put
me up for it?

I don't even know
what it is.

Well then,

you don't know that
Avery's here either?

-She is?
-Yeah.

Well, that's great.

When did you both arrive?

Two days ago.

She's been out sightseeing
and shopping

while I do all the work,

and I'm working
in the new garden.

That's why I
look like...

You look lovely.

Liar.

I bet
you're the prettiest gardener

in the crew.

Wow...

This is beautiful.

Wait,
if you didn't bring me here,

who did, and why?

I may have an idea.

The Queen, yes.

I met her
this morning.

You met my mother?

Mm-hmm.

She's got intimidation
down to an art form, huh?

Yes, she does.

A skill honed
from childhood.

My father always
used to say

that he was king,
but she ruled.

You know what?

I actually
kind of admire that.

Wait, where are
you staying?

Uh, the employee quarters.

Oh, no.

That will not do.

Follow me, please.

[Nate]:
Welcome to the guest wing,

where you should have been
all along.

Amazing.

Now, Avery, you're in here,

and Susanna,
you're just next door.

Told you
Nate would take care of us.

Bit of an
improvement, hmm?

Little bit, Nate.

We can still call you Nate,
right?

Of course.

Well, in private,

but in public,
we should...

stick to the rules.

[cell phone buzzing]

Duty calls.
Um...

can you join me
for lunch tomorrow?

Uh, yeah, I'd love to.

I just, I don't really know
if we get a lunch break or when.

I certainly hope you do.

Let's lunch together...

although...

to avoid
any more impromptu photo ops,

shall we say the pagoda, noon?

Okay, perfect.
Yeah, I'd love to.

Great.

[squealing]

Good morning, Nathaniel.

Good morning,
Mother.

Don't you seem chipper
this morning?

I am.

I ran into a couple
of friends yesterday.

Oh?

Susanna and Avery Truitt.

Ah.

It seems you've
already met Susanna.

Yes, when I was examining
the progress in the garden.

What are you up to?

I don't know what you mean.

You know exactly what I mean.

Well,
isn't she a friend of yours?

Isn't this an opportunity
for her?

Think of the stories

she'll be able
to tell her clients

when she gets back
to America.

It'll be a feather
in her cap.

It sounds so... benevolent.

Thank you very much.

If it was anything
but benevolent,

would I have allowed her sister
to come along?

Mm.

I'm not sure,

but you did place them both
in the employee quarters.

Susanna is an employee.

I'm sure that's the reason.

Regardless,

I've now moved them both
to the guest wing.

Without consulting me?

I don't need to consult you,
Mother...

and...
be prepared.

I'm inviting them both
to the coronation.

The family coronation?

Yes.

You can't.

Why not?

She's American.

They both are.

And so is Mrs. Waller.

I have invited a few
very select friends and family

to your coronation.

Exactly.

My coronation.

Nathaniel...

I worry
that you'll get swept up,

and do something foolish...

like leave.

I love my country, Mother.

This is my home.

I'm not going anywhere.

Promise me
you will not abdicate.

I would never.

Good...

because your cousin Colin
is next in line,

and we both know

he'd have
the throne room

turned into a disco
by week's end.

[chuckling]

[chuckling]

[Nate laughing]

-It's true!
-No, you're exaggerating.

Yeah, it's true.

Oh, God.
Ah...

[phone buzzing]

Oh, sorry.

Does the famous Lady Ginny know

that you're having lunch
with me?

No, why should she?

I read somewhere

that you guys
were practically engaged.

Mm...
read where?

It was online gossip websites.

Ah, yes.

They love
to speculate about us.

So, is it true?

Ginny and I have been friends
since we were children.

And you dated?

Briefly,
in university.

Why'd you guys break up?

Because neither of us
was ready to settle down.

But someday, you might be?

Ready to settle down?

I certainly hope so.

No, I mean, Lady Ginny
checks all the boxes.

Mm.

Now I know you've been reading
those gossip sites.

What?
She's a Cambrian aristocrat.

Isn't that essentially
a prerequisite?

More of a tradition.

Isn't it the same thing?

To my mother, yes.

Oh, I am going to be late
for work.

I'll help you clean up.

No, don't bother.

I've got this.

I've kept you too long
anyway.

I don't want you to be late
for Sir Edward.

Okay.

I'll see you later.

Bye.

[Queen]:
It isn't working.

What isn't?

Bringing
the American here.

First, I hear

that Nathaniel has moved
the Truitts

into the guest suites,

and now I hear

they're sneaking off
together

to have lunches
in the garden.

Lunches?

Sounds harmless.

It isn't harmless,
it's dangerous.

Your plan has failed.

Perhaps it's
because Nathaniel

has already seen
Susanna

in a garden
environment,

and it's one
in which she excels.

Even Sir Edward said
he was impressed

with how hard she works.

He said that?

Sir Edward is rarely impressed,

which doesn't help
the problem.

Ah, wonderful.

You're both here.

I just wanted to let you know

that I've invited
both Susanna and Avery

to the Coronation Ball.

John, please make note of that

so there are no curious
security issues.

Thanks.

It's getting exciting.

Nate, I can't
go to a ball.

Why not?

Because I'd feel
out of place.

I've never been
to a royal ball before.

It's probably going
to be deadly dull.

You're not selling it.

Unless you were there.

Nate...

Do you know
how to dance?

Uh, does line
dancing count?

I don't know
what that is,

but I'm suddenly
desperate to see it.

No.

Fine.

Hmm.

What's in here?

Wow.

This is amazing.

Wow.

Not showing you
my line dancing here.

A waltz.
It's easy.

-No.
-Yes.

-We can't.
-We are.

Here?

What could be better?

It's easy.

You'll pick it
right up.

[playing music]

So... follow
these steps.

Madam.

Right foot back.

Left off to the side.

Very good.

I'm already confused.

You got this.

Now, left food forward.

Right to the side,

and left to right.

Very good.
Again.

One... two... three.

One... two...
three.

Did they teach you this
in prince school?

They do.
It's on the test.

[laughing]

All right,
very good.

Now we partner.

Okay.

Same as before.

I'll lead.

And...

one, two, three...

one, two, three...

Yes...

[chuckling]

You're great.

Hey.

Sorry I'm late.

Oh, don't be silly.

I only just got here myself.

Did you start without me?

Uh, well, no.

I might have had
just one sandwich.

Okay.

What's that?

Ah, my oath.

What's that for?

My coronation oath.

See, the Archbishop
reads this here and here,

and I respond.

Kind of like wedding vows.

A bit, yes.

Have you practiced?

Only just,

but I'm supposed to.

Let's practice.

All right.

[clearing throat]

Ready?

Yes.

"Are you, Nathaniel Kenneth
Richard Leopold Bartholomew..."

Seriously?

Yes.
My father's was longer.

Wow.

"Are you willing and able

to take the oath
to be the King of Cambria?"

I am willing and able
to take this oath

and swear by all that I have

that I will be a good
and faithful servant.

"And do you promise
to uphold and defend

the laws, charters,
and constitution

of the Kingdom of Cambria?"

I do so promise.

"And do you promise

to protect
the freedoms and rights

of all Cambrian citizens?"

I do...

with all my heart,

from this day forward

and all the days of my life...

so help me God.

"I now pronounce you
King and country."

[clapping]

Nicely done, Nathaniel.

I think you and Cambria
will make a lovely couple.

Ginny!
What brings you here?

The Queen sent me.

Now, don't be rude.

Introduce me
to your friend.

Of course.

Ginny, this is Susanna Truitt.

Susanna, this is
Lady Genevieve Byron.

Do I curtsy?

Please don't.

I'm too young to feel
like my parents.

[laughing]

Why did my mother
send you?

Apparently,

Her Majesty was trying
to get ahold of you

about some
coronation logistics...

something or another,

and to talk
to the Archbishop,

but you don't seem to be
answering your phone.

Um...

Well, I'll just...

I'll clean up.

I'll help.

Okay.

Thank you both.

Your oath?

Right.

Can't forget that.

It's lovely to meet
you at last, Susanna.

At last?

Well, you've certainly been
the talk of the town

since the photos surfaced.

I don't think
you know

what you'd be getting
yourself into.

I'm sorry?

With Nathaniel.

Oh, we're just friends.

Yes,

but as one who has
genuinely been his friend

for many years,

I think it should
be pointed out

that standing
beside royalty

is much more than
watching polo matches

and wearing
the proper hat.

There are expectations.

Why are you
telling me this?

Because I care deeply
about the Cambrian monarchy,

and if it is to survive
the 21st century,

then Nathaniel needs
someone beside him

who understands how to control
what people see...

and what they do not.

You.

It's nothing personal, Susanna.

This is merely the way
things are.

Tradition.

That's right.

Tradition.

I'll take this
back to the house.

Bring the glasses,
will you?

Look who I found!

Mrs. Waller!

I came for the coronation

and much to my delight

found I wasn't the only
St. Simons resident here.

I've been
catching her up

on everything
you've been doing.

And not doing.

Your sister tells me

you haven't gotten your gowns
for the ball yet.

Well, we're not sure
if we're going.

We're going.

[Mrs. Waller]:
You've been invited,

haven't you?

Yeah.

By the prince
himself.

Well then...

as ladies of
St. Simons, Georgia,

it's our duty to make sure
we properly represent.

We are going
shopping.

My treat.

What do you think?

Yes, let's go!

It's so
beautiful here.

The first time I came
to Cambria as a little girl,

I thought
this is the place

that all the fairy tales
were talking about.

That's exactly
what it feels like.

And you have the best view
of anyone,

working in the gardens.

You have seen
the Florentine Gardens?

I've been
working so much,

I haven't really
had a chance.

You have to change that.

What are you doing here?

Mrs. Waller told me
about these gardens,

so I was just...

This is a private garden.

I'm sorry,
I didn't know that.

It's really beautiful.

Yes, it is.

It's Italian,
isn't it?

That's right.

The design is exquisite.

Did Sir Edward do it?

No, my...

late husband, Leo...

designed this garden for me.

For you?

Yes.

It was
a wedding present.

He redesigned
the castle gardens

to match the garden
where he proposed to me,

in Florence...

a proposal

that I was free
to accept

because
I was from a Cambrian family.

The tradition
in Cambria.

An important one...

one that should be respected.

Well, thank you

for letting me
share in your garden.

It's beautiful.

[church bells ringing]

I only wish your father
were here to see this.

He would be
so proud.

Thank you.

Good luck.

Are you,

Nathaniel Kenneth Richard
Leopold Bartholomew,

willing and able
to take the oath

to be the King of Cambria?

I am willing and able,

and swear by all that I have

that I will be
a good and faithful servant.

And do you promise

to protect
the freedoms and rights

of all Cambrian citizens
and residents?

I do,
with all my heart,

from this day forward
and all the days of my life,

so help me God.

God save the King!

God save the King.

Could be
your turn next, Ginny.

I'm not sure what
you mean, Your Majesty.

The king needs a queen.

I can't think of anyone
more suited to the position

than you.

Why are you packing?

I'm not going.

What?

But... we have dresses!

I'll return mine
to Mrs. Waller.

What is going on?

I just...

what am I thinking?

This whole thing with Nate,
it's never going to... work.

I'm going to let you in
on a little secret.

You've never once looked
at anyone

the way you look at Nate.

Not even close.

That makes it worse.

Because...?

Because he's not "Nate".

He's not the guy
who helped me lug soil

and helped me
in Mrs. Waller's garden

and who I rode bikes
with around St. Simons.

He's Nathaniel,
King of Cambria now.

And you're my big sister

who worked
all through high school

and still got straight As,

then worked
two jobs in college

and got on I don't even know
how many honor rolls

every single year.

Okay, you're strong

and smart and caring,

and if King Nathaniel
suddenly forgets all of that

just because he recited
some vows or whatever,

then he's not
the Nate that we know.

How many times in your life
do you think

we'll get an invitation
to a royal ball?

Come on, Susie!

We have to go.

[♪♪♪]

If you're looking
for Lady Ginny,

she's right over there.

The renovations to the gardens
are being well received.

Mm.

Do you think your father
would have approved?

He would love them.

In fact...

they're so beautiful,

I want to share them
with the public.

Really?

Really.

We've kept them to
ourselves for too long.

It's time we open them up.

It's time we open up.

Oh, I see.

Man of the People.

Yes.

Change will do us good.

You're the king.

Apparently.

You know...

I believe this is the first time
we've danced together

since we dated.

A long time ago.

Some things remain the same.

Everyone is staring.

Everyone
always stares.

You're not.

Your eyes are
everywhere else

but on me.

I'm sure she'll show up soon.

Who?

You know who.

[music ending]

[clapping]

Susanna.

I heard some music.

Thought I would check it out,
see what was going on.

Just this little party
I'm throwing.

Any special occasion?

None that I can think of
at this very moment.

Will you dance with me?

Look into my eyes.

Remember our practice.

Just pretend
it's you and I in here.

All right?

[waltz playing]

Good evening,
Mrs. Waller.

John.

I've been meaning
to thank you

for your recommendations
on dress shops in town.

They were
quite fruitful,

as you can see.

Just doing my job.

Which is?

To protect Nathaniel.

You look
beautiful.

Oh...

Mrs. Waller helped me
pick out this dress.

It's not the dress.

It's you.

But I must admit,

I was a bit nervous there
that you weren't coming.

Well, I almost didn't.

Why?

Because you're a king, Nate.

Nathaniel.

Nate.

To you, I will always be Nate.

But to the rest of the world,

you're King Nathaniel
Kenneth Richard...

...Leopold Bartholomew.

It's exhausting.

It's always been
exhausting...

but with you
by my side,

I finally feel

like I can tackle this
new chapter of my life

and remain sane...

thrive, even.

You don't need me to thrive.

You were born
to be king.

You're going to be amazing
at this.

Oh, wow.

What?

It just hit me.

It just truly
hit me...

I'm a king.

We should have a toast
to celebrate,

like you did for me

when I was hired
for Mrs. Waller's gardens.

Excellent idea...

although I'm not sure
we have any sweet tea here

in Cambria.

Some champagne, then?

It's a sacrifice,

but...

You really are
beautiful.

I'll be right back.

Two glasses of champagne?

Is one of
those for me?

Um...

No, I understand.

I didn't until I saw
the two of you together,

dancing and laughing,

and you looking at her

how I'd always hoped
you'd look at me...

but you never did,

and you never will.

Ginny...

would you be cross with me
if I said

I think
you two might get along?

Yes, right now, I will...

but...

I think you're right.

Someday.

Someday.

Ah, Susanna,
there you are.

I was looking
for you.

I have a little
confession.

I was the one

who arranged
your apprenticeship.

Why?

I wanted
to show my son

how wrong you are,
both for him,

and for Cambria.

Well, respectfully,
Your Majesty,

I've never claimed
to be right for him.

Love is wonderful,

but it fades,

and in its place remains
responsibility and duty,

neither of which is easy,

and that is why our family
has always married

people from Cambria.

They know
what to expect,

both the good
and the bad.

Like Lady Ginny.

Nathaniel may not be
in love with her,

but he respects her
and likes her

and knows that
she is ready

to take over the position

and the commitments.

And I'm not?

How could you be?

You're not from here.

I like you,
Susanna...

but I simply must put
my country,

and my son's
future, first...

no matter what.

Good night, Susanna.

[eager chatting]

[Evie]:
Oh, thank you!

Look forward
to seeing you next week.

You too.
Thank you so much.

Have a good day.

Evie Jones seems happy.

I know.

I'm going to start
on her place next week.

Oh, honey,
I'm so proud!

And I have
two other leads

that came in.

Oh, that's wonderful!

I guess word spread
really fast

about me working
on Mrs. Waller's house.

Maybe
you should tell Nate.

Have you spoken to him?

No, and I don't expect to,

but it's okay.

I think even though things
may have not worked out

the way that
I'd hoped,

I believe things are going
to work out

the way
that they're supposed to.

His Majesty's lunch
with the Prime Minister

went very well.

I feel confident

they'll have an excellent
working relationship.

Excellent.

Thank you, John.

If there are
no further questions...

It's been a week
since the coronation.

Do you think
he's begun to get over her?

No.

Nor do I.

In fact, if anything,

I think it's rather worse
than before she arrived.

John...

one of the many qualities

that I have always
admired about you

is your uncanny ability

to accurately assess
a person or a situation

and to give sound,
sage advice.

Thank you, ma'am.

So, I find it
rather confusing

that when it came
to making suggestions

as to what to do

about Nathaniel's feelings
for Susanna,

you came up
with a plan

that was so
spectacularly wrong.

Did I?

Didn't you?

Ma'am,

my job always has been
and always will be

to protect this family.

Protection comes
in many forms.

I feel very confident
that my suggestion

to bring Ms. Truitt
to Cambria

was entirely about
doing what is best

for this family,

and the King.

Ma'am.

What are you doing?

Gardening.

I remember when Father
and I used to come here

when I was a boy...

get our hands dirty.

It's important, you know?

Stay connected
to the earth...

not feel above
anyone or anything.

I remember

when the two of you used
to come back from the garden

covered in dirt
and happy as could be.

I think
Father would have liked her.

They could've talked about
the garden together.

Probably.

I just don't understand
why she left.

You know,
why didn't she say goodbye?

Perhaps she thought

she was doing the right thing
for you.

The right thing?

She seems
like a sensible girl.

I'm sure her heart
is in the right place.

And what place is that?

A realistic place.

She understands

that marriage to you
is impossible.

Because of tradition.

Yes.

So, because no member
of the royal family

has ever married
someone not born in Cambria,

I'm not free to do so now?

-Nathaniel, listen...
-No, Mother.

When I took the oath
to be king,

I swore that I would protect

the rights and freedoms
of all Cambrian citizens.

Of course.

I am a Cambrian citizen.

I have rights,
and I have freedoms.

But...
you are an example.

And what sort of example
would I be

were I to abandon
the woman that I love?

I've never heard
you say those words before...

that you love someone.

Because I've never
said them before.

Words have impact and meaning,

and I do not use them lightly.

Just like your father.

Yes.

He said to me

he only ever told one woman ever
that he loved her...

and that, when
my time came,

I better mean it.

I do, Mother.

-[Avery]: Hey.
-Hey!

What are you doing
for the rest of the night?

I'm just going to go home

and work on this design
for Evie Jones' garden.

Can you give me a ride home?

What happened to your car?

I got another flat.

-Avery!
-I know.

I know.
Come on.

Let's get out of here.

I'll drive.

Okay.

[Susanna]:
Why are we stopping?

What's this?

Go on.

Hello.

Nate?

What's all this?

Susanna, I don't know
if you have any interest

in becoming
part of the royal family.

It can be
a bit of a challenge,

I assure you,

but if you do...

and if you love me
even a fraction as much

as I love you...

then I know
we can rewrite tradition.

Susanna...

I offer to you my future,

my heart, and my kingdom.

Will you marry me
and be my queen?

Uh...

Susanna,
give the boy an answer!

Are you guys crashing
my engagement?

Focus, Susanna.

I thought you wanted...

More than anything,

I want what
any mother wants...

for her child
to be happy,

and you make him happy.

Yes.

Nathaniel Kenneth
Richard Leopold Bartholomew,

I will absolutely
be your queen.

And one more thing,
my Peach Princess.

We need somebody
to renovate

the North Oval
of the gardens.

Any suggestions?

One.