Reign (2013–2017): Season 4, Episode 1 - With Friends Like These - full transcript

Previously on Reign...

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

Tell me why you're here.

I came back for you, darling.

You're lying.

Just like you lied
when we were together.

Are you sure? Our future...

Nothing is certain but
my feelings for you.

Leith, protect my daughter.

I give you my blessing to wed.

May you have a long and happy life.



Will you marry me?

Yes!

Yes.

I have a message for
you from the De Guises.

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

He confessed the two of you

worked together to plan
the details of my murder.

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

There was an assassination
attempt on Elizabeth.

Lola was said to be
involved. She was beheaded.

- Where was Narcisse?
- He's in prison.

Reverend Knox, it was you.

You don't think that I would confess

to trying to kill a queen?



You used Lola

so that my sister Mary

would be tied to the attempt.

So that even if it failed,

it would become personal

between Mary and Elizabeth.

Every choice I make

will be in service of taking her throne.

Her nation.

Someday it will be mine.

I'm getting good at this.

Elbows bent.

Relax.

You'll find yourself
at the end of a blade.

- Let's break.
- Come on, you know I like fighting.

When there are two queens
vying for the same throne,

only one can survive.

Me or Elizabeth.

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

Darnley is willing to travel

to Scotland to begin courtship.

You know that will infuriate Elizabeth.

Darnley's family has been hovering

near the English throne for years.

Because his family has their own claim.

He has many allies in
England who would support him.

Imagine our claims together.

Wed, I would offer England a king

and the promise of a royal heir,

both things which Elizabeth
has refused to provide.

Darnley comes from a family of vipers

who've a reputation

for ruthless ambition.

Not to mention

he overindulges in women and drink.

Elizabeth executed my friend.

I'm not looking for a man to love,

I'm looking for a
weapon to use against her

to take her throne.

And yet, you would be wed to the man.

A Catholic man.

Scotland is Protestant now.

I have no intention of changing it back.

Well, the Protestants won't think that

if you give them a Catholic king.

Marry Darnley,

and Knox will turn this
country against you.

But to take England, I need power,

and I've made inquiries about Darnley...

There will always be powerful suitors.

Look, you've been back barely a month

and already you have marriage
offers from Highlanders.

Clan Sutherland,
Hamilton, Clan Gordon...

Clan Gordon? "The Rulers of the North."

They're Catholic, too.

You don't have to take a husband

from any of these clans.

You just need their loyalty.

Win the clans to your side, one by one,

and then march on Elizabeth,

with all of Scotland behind you.

Wise counsel.

I'll consider it.

Now, pick up your sword.

It is so kind of you

to invite me back to court again,

Queen Elizabeth, it's been ages.

I, um, love what you've done

with the royal library.

I had hoped your son Darnley

would be joining us, Lady Lennox.

You wanted to see Darnley?

My dear, I had no idea.

I sent for both of you.

My invitation was quite clear.

Well, my vision is deteriorating.

I must confess, I find letters

impossible to read now.

And yet, I hear rumors
you are corresponding

with my cousin Mary...

arranging a royal marriage

between her and your son.

My enemies' rumors, I assure you.

My son is no threat.

Then tell me...

Where is Darnley?

Honestly, I have no idea.

He goes where he likes...

as grown men do.

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

I'm not sure you appreciate

the urgency of the
situation, Lady Lennox.

Queen Mary tried to have me assassinated

here in England.

She is my enemy, and
if Darnley pursues her,

he will be my enemy as well.

Tell your son to come to court.

Or I will have him
dragged here on his knees.

- That's nonsense.
- _.

Here in Spain thousands
of Moors and Jews

have chosen to convert to Catholicism.

It's not a forced baptism

unless you forcibly hold
their head underwater.

If, after the persuasion of torture,

they agree to convert,

then they agree.

Leeza!

Leeza!

Dear lord.

Leeza!

- He's naked.
- Don't look.

I love you!

Whoa!

They say I drove Don Carlos,

my own stepson, mad with desire.

I had to get away from the gossip.

Well, how odd.

I assure you, by the
time Don Carlos left here,

he had quite recovered.

He has good days and bad, Mother,

but he is not the same man.

Well, surely you don't blame me.

All I know is that the prince
of Spain came to France whole,

and left with an enormous piece of wood

sticking out of his skull.

That is not true.

We had our finest surgeon remove it.

Your mother looks different.

Dressed to impress my
sister, Queen Leeza.

Her letters implied
she'd become quite pious

since marrying the king of Spain.

Now, Leeza, do sit.

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

Tell me, how is your husband,

- King Philip?
- Concerned.

What is Charles doing
to stem the rising tide

of Protestantism?

Well, you could ask him yourself,

if only he weren't in Paris.

There is a fire burning
across your land,

and we want it put out
before it reaches our borders.

Look at Mary in Scotland.
How long will she stay afloat

in a sea of heretics?

Philip thinks you need to draw

your Catholic nobles closer.

Secure their loyalty, their gold.

Spain can't fund this court forever.

Claude, Martel, come closer.

A union between the Valois
and the Guise family...

loyal, fierce Catholics...
strengthens the realm

as well as the faith.

A marriage, you mean.

Your marriage.

Martel and I have
discussed this at length.

You! Comforting me these last weeks

about the man I love.

Is she talking about
that dead kitchen boy?

Leith is a soldier

and he is the bravest

and kindest man I've ever known.

He is alive and he is coming back to me.

And, Mother, you promised...

- Claude, you misunderstand.
- That you're a snake?

A parasite?

I don't think so.

I'm marrying Leith, Mother, tell her.

You gave your permission, tell her!

Apparently Claude does not
understand the role of princess.

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

Specifically?

It would please Spain,

the most powerful country
in the world, very much.

Greer.

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

How was your journey from France?

And where is your darling baby girl?

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

How have you been adjusting to Scotland?

I hope your brother's been helping you.

He is. But he has been
ruling Scotland for years

by playing all sides,

and I'm worried he's playing me as well.

In truth, it's been rather lonely.

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

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

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

I asked him to be my agent

to seduce Elizabeth, and he refused.

If your lover refused
to sleep with your rival,

maybe that's a good sign.

Well...

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

Lola Fleming Narcisse
was a mother and a wife.

She was my lady and
my dear, dear friend.

She shall never be forgotten.

Are you all right?

I'm suddenly not feeling well.

I-I think I'm just tired.

I'm going to return to the castle.

I'll come with you. No.

No. Stay with Lola's parents.

Where are we going?

The castle is in the other direction.

Where are my guards?

Stop! Something's wrong.

We need to stop the carriage...

I need to get out.

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

James!

James, I need your help!

I'm sorry, but it's urgent.

Leave us?

I think Mary's been kidnapped.

What?

Tell me exactly what happened.

We, we were at the funeral service,

and Mary left in the royal carriage,

but it never arrived here.

We found her driver and
some guards outside the church.

They'd been drugged.

So she was taken by impostors?

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

We had just taken Mass
with Father Corman...

Wait, Father Corman was there?

Well, that doesn't make any sense.

Corman's parish is far up north.

What is it?

"The rulers of the north."

It's likely Clan Gordon

has Mary, and I think I know why.

Where am I?

Who are you?

Welcome to the north.

I am the Earl of Clan Gordon.

How did I get all the way up here?

Father Corman added something
extra to your Communion wafer.

You drugged me?

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

Our clan protects you from
your Protestant enemies.

Then why did you bring me here?

Because we need something in return.

She's here! The bride's awake!

"The bride"?

Make room! Give her some space!

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

Of course not.

You're going to marry my son.

The hell I am.

Where on earth is George?
Come forward, George.

Meet Mary. Our queen.

Well, don't faint on the girl.

Yeah, Your Majesty, I...

Forgive me, I have palpitations.

I will not marry him.

You will marry my son.

If you want to keep
your throne, that is.

You'd have to be careful.

Gideon, welcome back.

Your Majesty.

Some unfamiliar faces.

They're advisors.

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

Did you gain any

information in Scotland?

Queen Mary maintains her innocence.

She's lying.

Lola admitted the order came from Mary.

But what if Lola was wrong?

Used by someone.

What does Narcisse say?

After having stabbed two of my guards,

Narcisse is imprisoned in the tower

and refuses to speak to anyone.

Except about the food.

That is a topic on
which he is quite vocal.

And Lola's child?

John and the nanny are gone.

Lola surely planned an escape
for after my death.

They could already be in France.

But this is all irrelevant.

Mary is circling Lord Darnley
as a candidate for marriage.

Darnley?

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

Unlike me, their
bloodline is unassailable.

Further removed, Your Majesty.

There are two of them and one of me.

Darnley must be found.

And Mary neutralized.

Neutralized?

Mary tried to strike me down.

I will retaliate in kind.

I need you to focus all your resources

on the manhunt for Darnley.

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

Yes, Your Majesty.

In here, my lord.

Lord Narcisse.

I'm Gideon Blackburn. We met in France.

I know why you're refusing to speak.

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

But you can trust me.

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

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

But I had Mary's word on the topic.

She would never put a
friend in danger like that.

She would if her country were at risk.

Elizabeth was on the
edge of taking Scotland.

And Lola would never have done it

unless the order came from Mary.

When Renee gave Lola the letter, it...

Wait. Renee delivered the message?

John's nanny?

She was the only one way to get messages

in and out of the castle.

But if the order was forged...

If Lola was only meant to believe

the order came from Mary.

Renee could have been involved.

I left Lola's son with her.

In hiding, waiting to flee.

Now, if Renee betrayed my
wife, and her own queen,

what might she do to
a child left behind?

An afterthought, a complication.

- Where do I find them?
- They were waiting

for me at an inn east of the village.

Start there.

You find John!

I promised Lola

that I would protect her son.

And now it is up to you.

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

Tell Leeza no! Tell her you promised me!

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

- He's alive.
- Well, then where is he?

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

If he were dead, I would know it.

- I would feel it in my bones!
- Darling,

that is a fantasy of love.

And not one that I can use

to defy orders from the king of Spain.

And is Spain ruling France now?

Not yet.

They could soon enough.

The religious divide in
France has weakened us,

while Spain, staunchly Catholic...

You mean "repressive."

has remained strong.

If we slaughter our Protestants now,

we risk civil war.

France will crumble
and Spain will step in.

If we do nothing, we anger the Vatican,

who will end our line.

And Spain will step in.

We will lose our throne,
followed by our heads.

She's a bully and I hate her!

I shouldn't have to
marry someone I despise!

But you must be more diplomatic

in your response to a nation

that can crush us.

Just until I can find a way out of it.

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

I had his father killed. Do you
think I want him rising in station?

Lord Martel De Guise.

We were just speaking of you.

I'm not surprised.

I realize the talk

of our marriage was a shock,

so I want you to know that I understand

your harsh response,
though it was humiliating.

Nevertheless, I hope

it's a union you'll consider.

Once you've come to
terms with the realities.

To that end, I've brought you this.

I wrote this to Leith.

It was found weeks ago on
one of the burned bodies.

I thought it cruel to
put it into your hands,

but if it helps you accept his...

Leith is gone, Claude, and I am here.

Prepared to marry you.

To make you happy.

To placate Spain.

And keep the Valois on the throne.

As a friend to your family,

to you, I urge you to say yes.

Renee, are you there?

It's Gideon Blackburn.

Lord Narcisse sent me. I'm alone.

I'm here to help you and the boy.

Don't come any closer.

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

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

I know you were part

of the assassination
attempt on Elizabeth.

But there's a way out of this.

You have information the queen wants.

You know who was really behind

the attempt on her life. It wasn't Mary.

So...

tell me who sent that message.

I can't.

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

He'll have them torn to pieces

by their own neighbors!

Who? Give me a name.

E-Elizabeth will protect your family.

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

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

A man who preaches
hatred when it suits him.

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

It's John Knox.

Don't move!

I have archers outside that window.

If you make any sudden move,

if they see that blade in
your hand, they'll kill you.

Put the blade down

and let me take the boy.

Hey.

What will happen to me?

You will be questioned,
but you will be protected.

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

No!

James.

Reverend Knox.

I hear our queen
has been abducted.

Is it true?

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

We believe it was
Clan Gordon who took her.

Their proposals to the
queen had gone unanswered.

So they kidnapped her,
as is their tradition.

They're lovely people, aren't they?

Good Catholics.

Let me help return Mary to safety.

The fastest way to Clan Gordon's
castle is across a bridge

controlled by the Duarr family.

Protestants loyal to me.

I can ensure access.

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

My reason is the same as yours.

To stop her marrying a Catholic.

Especially a member of Clan Gordon.

And if I accept your help?

Well, in return,

after rescuing Mary,

you wipe out the entire clan.

We can extinguish Mary's
hard-line Catholic support,

and no one will blame us.

Clan Gordon is Mary's last stronghold

of Catholics in the north.

- Without them...
- She will be weakened

and, in time, fall.

Sooner than later would be my choice.

Why drag out the inevitable?

You're asking me to
plot against my sister.

I'm asking you

to choose the winning side.

This is our chance, James.

And it won't come again.

I am your queen

and I order you to return
me to Edinburgh at once.

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

I won't.

And besides, you're running out of time.

My brother and his soldiers
will be on their way.

Your bastard half brother
will be the first to betray you

when he gets the chance.

- Don't you speak of my brother.
- Why?

I've watched James and Knox
work together for years,

even protect each other.

They're closer than you think.

You want me to believe that
all Protestants are against me,

even my brother.

But I don't think that way.

I won't judge a man by his faith.

You're not a tolerant queen,

you're a sheep surrounded by wolves.

And a fool to refuse our protection.

Very well.

You need a knife to
your throat, here it is.

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

When your Catholic allies
become your enemies,

do you think the
Protestants will save you?

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

And that is how your reign will end.

Alone in your castle,

while outside your
people call for your head.

Enough.

Tell your son I will
meet with him in private.

And tell him I will accept his proposal.

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

If I'd obeyed you, we
wouldn't know John Knox

tried to have you killed, not Mary...

Knox is a respected Protestant leader.

I can't go after him without evidence...

evidence that died along
with your witness Renee.

What do you expect me to do?

I want the truth to
inform your decisions.

You're plotting the downfall of someone

who played no part in
this assassination attempt.

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

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

Certainly more than I ever intended.

But no matter what I feel about Mary,

I am an Englishman. I have my
family here, and I serve you first.

I mean, I don't want to
see my country descend

into more bloodshed and war.

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

You admitted to falling for my rival.

How do I know

she hasn't turned you against me?

I'm not against you, Elizabeth.

I know you feel your cousin

is your enemy and you
must be hers in return.

But the two of you are so
consumed with each other,

you didn't notice Knox in the corner,

cheering you on to fight to the death.

Now you have a chance at peace.

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

Meet with her, talk to each other...

To what end?

So we can share

in our burdens? Tell me this,

does Mary want my throne?

You murdered her friend,

England moved on her nation...

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

The reality is so simple.

Stop pretending you don't understand.

Mary and I are positioned
against one other as rivals

by blood, by history,

by men whose power is tied to our own,

and it will always be so.

We are not just rulers,

we are pawns in a much larger game.

The last thing I want

is to know her,

to feel for her, if...

If one day you have to kill her.

Yes.

Your Majesty, you're on the path to war.

And you need to see the cost.

John.

He knows you as his mother's friend.

He still calls out for her.

I don't think he understands

that Lola is never, ever coming back.

As the reality is so simple,

perhaps you could explain it to him.

Was there any progress made

in getting to the bottom of
who killed Martel's father?

Protestants, it was assumed.

It was a roadside attack.

- Were they ever caught?
- Sadly, no.

The Church might want
to open a proper inquiry.

For closure. You understand.

Don't.

No.

He killed Leith.

Martel?

Tell me why you suspect him.

The love letter.

I wrote it. But it
couldn't have been found

- on Leith's burned body, as he claims.
- Why?

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

And it was left here. I know,

because I saw it in
Leith's room only days ago.

I spoke to those witnesses,

as you suggested.

They recognized the Guise sigil.

It was Martel's man
that slaughtered Leith.

But they were afraid.

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

No.

The Guise are powerful.

Especially now that they've
aligned themselves with Spain.

This is the last
thing that we need...

Leeza getting in the
middle of all of this.

Dredging up old wrongs.

I told you I would find a way

out of this marriage and I will.

How?

We'll kill Martel together.

After which, I hope you'll realize.

Mother is always on your side.

Forgive me, Queen Mary.

Father said you'd sent for me.

I did send for you.

Help me lace my dress.

Yes.

I'm terribly sorry about all this.

- You mean the wedding?
- It really wasn't my idea.

But I've learned it's best

to obey Father.

Clan Gordon are good people.

I understand.

They are afraid of the earl,

as are you.

But perhaps you should
be more afraid of me.

Why?

I've been wed before

and I am a queen.

Have you ever been with a queen, George?

No.

Dear, you're breathing heavily.

Have you ever been with a woman?

If you can't perform,

then I have the right

to refuse the marriage.

It's a gamble, but...

Take off your belt.

George.

George?

Queen Mary.

Get back inside.

Now.

Stop her! Stop her!

After her!

To horse, men, to horse!

Clan Gordon's stronghold
isn't much further.

We'll scout their numbers
and plan our attack.

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

Mary!

Are you all right?

Yes.

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

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

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

I want to get you back
to Edinburgh Castle

where you'll be safe.

My men and I will handle
it from here. We have nearly

- a hundred more just down the road.
- A hundred men?

I never imagined you'd bring so many.

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

I'll manage it.

You've been through enough.

Escort the queen back to court.

Why are you so keen to get rid of me?

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

- We rode as fast as we could.
- Or you took a shortcut.

The bridges that cut
through the north...

you could only use
them with Knox's help.

Did he ask you for something in return?

I did what I needed
to get to you quickly.

And now that you're here,

you plan to wipe out
my Catholic supporters?

You can't save them, Mary.

They kidnapped you.

You have to make a show of force,

or every clan in Scotland will defy you

until the end of your reign.

I intend to show force.

But if I move too quickly,

I could find myself
at the end of a blade.

We will ride north together.

We will surround the clan and demand

that they give up their leader.

The earl will bend the knee

or he will die.

Move out!

Lola's son is safe.

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

John Knox was responsible for this.

Lola thought she was
following Mary's orders,

but she was following his.

Knox is the true enemy.

If only there were just one.

My wife is dead.

And you killed her.

Lola betrayed me.

What sentence

would you have given, had
this happened in France?

I had no choice.

You seek absolution

for killing your friend.

She wasn't your friend, Elizabeth,

she was your prisoner.

What a grotesque curse of royalty,

that you cannot even
tell the difference.

The truth

is that had you not
taken her family hostage,

had you not forced her here,

then Lola would still be alive!

Maybe you're right,

but we confided in one
another as friends do,

and she agreed to come here

because she was desperate

to get away from you.

Lord Narcisse, you provided

crucial information to the Crown.

And as a reward, I am transferring you

out of the Tower.

You may see your stepson, John,

and correspond with French authorities

to negotiate your release.

I don't understand.

John Knox misled me
down a very dark path.

Starting today, I choose another.

Earl of Gordon,

you are guilty of kidnapping, extortion

and treason,

but your queen is merciful.

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

I won't offer again.

And I won't beg.

You surround yourself with Protestants,

your guards,

your advisors, your brother.

Let me go and my clan

will protect you.

He's filling your head with lies.

You can trust the Protestants.

Can I trust you?

Or are you waiting for my fall,

so that you can rule again?

Mary, I serve you.

Prove your loyalty.

If you wish to remain by my side,

help me bring order without
losing my Catholic allies.

Kill the earl.

I am not your executioner.

You are today. I need a Protestant

villain to swing the sword.

Someone the family can blame.

While you appear merciful

for sparing their lives.

You're asking me to
make Catholic enemies.

You cannot keep playing both sides.

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

I should kill you all!

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

Enough, James.

The traitor has been punished.

My people,

despite your transgressions,

as Scots,

as Catholics, you are precious to me.

Clan Gordon will live on.

Its holdings and titles
will remain with the clan

if... you pledge your loyalty.

Your Majesty.

Your Grace.

Your Majesty.

Were you seen leaving your chambers?

No.

That is, I don't believe so.

Is it awful if I was?

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

It's fine.

A daughter joining her mother

for an evening stroll is hardly a crime.

No, but murder is.

Why would you murder Martel?

Are my sins any less than his?

- Will I not be damned...?
- Stop.

Killing to avenge a wrong isn't murder,

it's justice,

and justice cannot be a sin.

You must believe that.

I want to, I do.

Good.

Then I need you to scream.

Scream? Why would I...?

Guards! Guards!

- Act shocked.
- I am shocked!

Even better.

Your Majesty.

He jumped.

It was awful.

We saw the entire thing.

The tears might be a bit much.

The tears are real.

Leith really is gone, isn't he?

Martel took him

away forever.

You did this for me.

Why?

Well, it may not be a sin,

but even justice has a price.

It's better the debt be mine.

It's tragic,

but there you have it.

One witness who says Martel

asked for a length of rope,

another who found

this suicide note.

The Guises do not fare well

at French court, do they?

Did you do this?

No, I swear.

I know you, Mother. You raised me.

I know how you solve problems.

Martel was no problem.

He was a shamed man.

Harshly refused

by Claude, publicly humiliated...

- Mother!
- Did you read the note?

His ego couldn't take it,

and I do think that he was keenly aware

of having failed you,

but suicide...

that is such a shameful way to go...

and a mortal sin.

I mean, you could push

for an inquiry, but then Martel's end

will be discussed more broadly.

I don't think the Guises will like that.

Fine. There's no point in arguing.

As a corpse, he's
hardly a viable husband

or a Catholic presence.

But France does need one.

A Catholic presence, I mean.

Someone to counsel the
young king and reassure

the Vatican that Rome has the right

dynastic line on the throne.

Popes can displace kings...

but I don't have to tell you that.

Yet you do.

So, you'll be staying.

Indefinitely.

And Spain steps in.

You were supposed to kill

the entire clan, not just their leader.

Now you've strengthened Mary's hand.

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

Well, you should have found a way.

But you didn't. You threw
your lot in with Mary and now God

will take you down with her.

I will spread the word with my followers

that you betrayed us,

that you're a Catholic
sympathizer, a weak...

Do not threaten me.

I am half brother to the queen.

My family has royal blood in our veins.

The people believe that
God chose us to rule,

while you merely spout His teachings.

That is true power.

Power that a commoner
like you will never have.

Keira.

Where's my son? Where's Darnley?

He's not here, Lady Lennox.

But he was, from the looks of it.

I don't know why you two continue

to pursue this dangerous
little love affair.

You have no future and you know it.

I have defied Elizabeth

to secure a crown for my son,

and nothing is going to stand
in my way, certainly not you.

Now, Queen Mary has expressed interest

in Darnley and I need to get him

to Scotland, and he must leave

before Elizabeth finds him.

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

He got a letter from the queen.

Which queen?

Mary writes to me.

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

Apparently not all.

Your Majesty,

may I present the honorable
Lord Darnley.

Queen Elizabeth.

I hear you've been looking for me.

You're a difficult man to find.

I thought you'd be
halfway to Scotland by now,

on your way to marrying my cousin.

I know why you want to
prevent that wedding.

You fear the tides of power

will turn against you.

With all my Catholic

allies here in England,

I am the foothold Mary needs

to start a revolution

and dethrone you...

hypothetically.

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

Very well.

What do you want?

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

She is promised to a
suitor of a powerful family.

As queen, you can
break their engagement.

That sounds expensive.

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

Queen Mary and I will never meet.

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

How are you feeling?

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

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

A letter arrived for you.

It's from Gideon.

Mary.

You sent for me?

I received intelligence
from England today.

John Knox was behind

the assassination attempt on Elizabeth.

He forged a letter in my handwriting

ordering Lola to kill Elizabeth.

Lola thought she was
just following my command

and she died for it.

Mary, I...

I'm so sorry.

I can't keep blaming my cousin for this.

I would've done the same.

As it is, because of who we are,

it doesn't make a difference.

We are still two queens

and there is only one English throne.

Did you know about Knox?

Mary, I'm on your side.

I am asking if you knew.

I knew... after the fact.

And you did nothing.

You said nothing.

You had just achieved
peace with the Protestants.

If you'd retaliated against Knox...

- You didn't trust my judgment.
- I do now.

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

I don't have to prove myself to you.

I am queen!

And your job is to serve me!

Instead you serve a Protestant agenda.

Knox's agenda.

You tried to help wipe out

my Catholic supporters,

or was that Knox's idea, too?

I defied Knox and severed
all ties with him.

I have no other side but yours.

You made sure of that.

Perhaps.

But you have a long road

before I trust you again.

That Highland lord was right.

I have Protestant enemies everywhere.

If I am to survive the battles to come,

I will need Catholic allies.

You're going to marry Darnley.

Mary, I told you,

that's risking your throne.

My throne will always

be at risk.

I need power.

And I must do whatever
it takes to get it.

I need a husband that Rome and
Catholics all over the world

will stand behind.

And that husband is Lord Darnley.