Previously on The Serpent Queen...
Madame de Poitiers, the king is dead.
I will wind her up and watch that silly girl
burn this country to the ground.
My first order of business--
A decree that makes Protestantism illegal
on French soil.
- Fuck off. - Banishment.
You bitch. You fucking bitch.
Our niece is out of fucking control.
Do you have a plan?
Separate the king from Mary's influence.
I must ask you to reconsider
before we reach our destination.
Or what happens at our destination, Mother?
I just don't want to see anything happen to you.
That's all.
Help, help, help!
I believe Catherine
was responsible for what happened.
I wrote to my cousin in England asking for help.
I believe Catherine has intercepted
her letter in return.
It would be my honor
to help you rid France of the Serpent Queen.
Good.
Are you looking for me, hm?
Apparently, I'm not the only one.
I presume you're the one
who told Mary where her men could find me.
Catherine did not leave me much choice.
No, no, she's good at that.
Is this what you're here for?
Do you know what it is?
Queen Elizabeth's seal.
Or a rough approximation of it, yeah.
Now all you have to do
is decide what you're gonna do with it, hm?
You wanted to see me?
You've been listening to my story for a few days now.
Would you like to know how it ends?
I would.
But perhaps I should be the one to tell you.
That was the plan, was it not?
Go on then.
I'm listening.
You convinced Montmorency and the Bourbons
to join your kidnapping plot.
Though you may have regretted it
almost immediately.
Francis, oh, my--please!
I didn't think he was ill.
- Francis. - Please, help me!
- Help, help, help! - Stop the carriage!
Stop!
Stop now!
Hold!
Hold the carriage!
Why are they stopping there?
How the fuck should I know?
Someone help him, please!
Mary--
What's going on?
Help, help, help. Please!
So you devised another plan...
Help me!
A plan that would help you
assume a power
you always knew should be yours...
What's she doing?
And yours alone.
An attack on the king!
Surround the king!
Get down!
Stay with the carriage!
It's okay, it's okay.
Fuck this.
Francis, please.
Don't leave me alone in this wicked, godless world.
Please!
Ahh!
Fuck, fuck, fuck. Fuck.
You?
No, no, no, no, you... you misunderstand.
Un-fucking-believable.
I was- I was here to protect the king.
I... I'd heard rumors of a plot.
Oh, so that's why you're in a wood,
hiding underneath a log?
- Yeah. - Mm.
You're so fucked.
The attack is over!
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay.
What are you doing?
I don't know what the fuck you're playing at,
but if he talks, Mary won't leave a head in place.
I won't say anything, not a word, I swear.
Antoine, I've known you all your life,
and you stand for absolutely nothing.
I can't trust you.
Sorry about that.
- He is the regent! - I don't give a shit who he is.
What the fuck is happening?
Antoine, you must run.
Follow the creek, and in a few miles,
you will find a farmhouse.
I will send someone for you.
You will be safe there.
Antoine, do you want to die?
Run!
Please forgive me.
What happened?
It was Antoine.
Antoine?
Didn't think he had it in him.
He's still breathing. Guard!
- Yes, sir. - Get help!
Take the constable to the hospital,
and make sure he's well-guarded!
Right away, sir.
We will bring the dogs and hunt him down.
I wouldn't worry.
It's Antoine, he won't get far.
You wouldn't worry?
Do you have any idea what just happened?
If my idiot cousins think they can get away with this,
we're closer to civil war than any of us imagined.
We need to find Antoine and kill him
before he raises an army of pissed off Protestants.
Of course.
Is it possible that this is God's plan for me...
...when I am yet so young?
Niece, whatever His divine plan may be,
you can always turn to me, as God's representative,
for comfort and guidance.
Yes, Mary, take comfort in the church,
and leave governance to us, your uncles.
We have your best interests at heart.
But my faith and my governance are one.
Yes, up until this moment.
But the thing is, the Bourbons would never
have attempted something like this
if they did not believe they had the support of the people.
There is widespread discontent
with these anti-Protestant policies.
I have heard there are critics
even in the king's personal bodyguard.
The king's men?
Turn against him?
No, that's impossible.
Actually, it is possible.
They've been asked to arrest and, in some instances,
execute their own kinsmen.
Tends to get people a little exercised.
With the king ill,
if people were to turn against the Crown,
we would lose control of the whole country.
We need to act rationally, unemotionally.
And that is why you must let us deal with things.
Queen Mother.
What do you think?
I can only think of the health of my son, our king.
I would hope your uncles could do the same.
Well said.
How is the king?
I have made a thorough examination.
There is significant blockage to both lungs,
as well as extensive lacerations,
which suggest consumption,
something he was perhaps born with.
Will he live?
The king's survival is extremely unlikely.
No! No!
Is the strain from the attack?
Is the... the people
responsible for this will be punished.
They have seen nothing yet.
Do you hear me?
No, we will soak France in blood
for their treachery!
- You have visitors. - Your Majesty.
We've come to offer our condolences.
I cannot imagine what you're going through at this time.
Seems as if I am cursed to outlive those dearest to me.
Now, I know this is a delicate situation,
Your Majesty, but the question of succession
needs to be addressed.
What question?
My second son, Charles IX,
will be king when his brother dies.
Of course, but due to his youth,
all power must rest with the regent.
Antoine of Bourbon.
Had it escaped your mind?
I know not very much does.
Initially, the people will certainly demand
we follow the correct line of succession.
But once they hear of the plot against the king,
I'm sure they're gonna change their mind.
A new regent may be possible,
but the candidate has to be trusted by the king.
Someone esteemed, and with experience.
But who?
We were thinking of Montmorency.
Montmorency is an honorable man,
but he is hardly in favor.
Up until recently, he was living in exile.
Yes, but the people like him.
And he represents a bygone era of stability.
But what of his condition?
He's stable, I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear.
Yes, expected to make a full recovery,
God be praised.
A miracle.
We will, however, need the king's support.
Can we rely on you to convince him?
Of course.
But to transfer regency,
the regent himself must sign it over.
Yes, we're very much aware of that.
My men are searching the country as we speak.
Antoine has proved himself
to be surprisingly stubborn prey.
Like hunting a mole.
If I may make a suggestion,
Louis has been arrested for treason.
Offer him clemency
in return for the whereabouts of his brother.
No.
After the plot against the king,
Mary will never go for clemency.
No, but the new regent will.
And in the meantime, she needn't find out.
You really do have vision.
Through my grief.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
give me the strength to face my enemies.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.
This grief feels unbearable, I know.
But a dying king
makes for a very dangerous time.
Now is not the moment to lose your wits.
I have not lost my wits.
I am planning a cruel and unusual revenge
on all of France's traitors.
You can do that later...
When you are regent.
Regent?
It is difficult to contemplate,
but soon, your husband will be no more,
and his brother too young to rule.
A regent is the highest power in the land.
Look ahead, Mary.
Shouldn't that be you?
Well, if it would help France.
And it be God's... God's will.
I believe it is.
But there are those who conspire against you.
Who?
I have often wondered if the Cardinal
is the Catholic he claims to be.
I am sorry to say
a similar thought has crossed my mind.
They have confided in me
they wish to make Montmorency regent
to appease the very men who attacked our king.
Whereas I, like you,
believe now is not the time to falter.
I had not expected a friend in you, but...
I'm grateful nonetheless.
We are united in our love for the king.
Let me give you a piece of advice.
Do not let anyone
stand in the way of your calling.
One thing men cannot abide is a woman in power.
I have to ask you, cousin,
what the fuck were you thinking?
I told you,
I was there to prevent an attack on the king.
That you knew about because...
I told you, I'd heard rumor.
I thought it was my duty to intervene.
I am but a loyal servant of the Crown.
Fucked is what you are.
Mary's gonna cut off your fat head.
- She wouldn't dare. - Oh, she would.
Well, then there'll be a civil war.
A holy war, if she's got anything to do with it.
She'll love that.
Well, if she cuts off my head, yours will be next.
Mark my words.
Ah.
Already crossed your mind, has it?
That's the thing about zealots.
Nothing's ever enough.
- Oh, God. - What?
Come on, it's not that bad.
That's what you think, because you haven't
been through what I've been through.
Exiled, unemployed,
separated from the only person you've ever trusted,
burdened with a truth that nobody'd believe,
because in this game we play,
you sound like a fucking liar whether you are or not,
and finally...
...sentenced to death.
We can avoid all that.
Hold on, hold on.
What is this truth you speak of?
You wouldn't believe me, but trust me when I say...
...you have a serpent in your midst.
We know.
Mary.
That's why we're here.
You don't have the faintest idea
what's going on, do you?
Listen to me.
All you have to do is tell us where Antoine is,
and you will be pardoned.
No, you listen to me, you fucking idiot.
If I knew where the fuck Antoine was,
I would tell you, but I don't.
I really don't.
I wish I did, because I miss him.
I miss my big brother...
twat that he is.
I won't do it.
Why should I?
You've done it before.
An apple filled with poison I never forced anyone to eat
is an entirely different thing.
He's half dead already.
And besides which, if he lives,
it will mean our destruction.
You should have thought of that before you stabbed him.
This is not a request.
If you fail, don't bother coming back.
I win again.
And without any strategy or skill.
How do you do it?
Pure luck.
It's just always been my way.
Drives Louis mad.
Oh.
I see Aabis has been taking very good care of you.
Well, this isn't
the most salubrious accommodation I've been in.
Well, I'm sure Louis would prefer this
to where he finds himself.
How is he?
As well as one could imagine,
being in a dungeon.
Would you give us a moment, please?
We have business to discuss.
Indeed, we do.
I could be a bit more comfortable.
My understanding is that confit de canard
is the specialty of this region,
which, along with a nice chilled Burgundy,
would ease my pain somewhat.
Indeed, of course.
And you shall have all of that and more...
...as soon as you sign this.
Relinquish my regency?
To you?
Why would I do that?
Because, Antoine,
your brother has been imprisoned for treason...
...and if you don't, he'll be executed.
No.
What do you mean, no?
I mean no.
My brother told me never to sign away my regency again,
and I won't.
But his life is in danger.
What proof do I have of that?
Louis is clever.
Always has been.
How do I know he didn't evade the king's men,
and you're lying about him being held captive?
Wouldn't be the first time you've lied about something.
You hoodwinked us into this whole fucking kidnapping thing
in the first place, against Louis' better instincts,
I might add, and if he is imprisoned,
the only thing keeping him alive
is the fact that I haven't signed away my regency.
So in the words of my dear grandmother,
get fucked.
You said you'd help me.
Now is not the time, Aabis.
Then when?
The situation at the moment is very delicate.
I cannot be seen intervening on behalf of a Protestant boy.
He's not a fucking Protestant.
And he won't survive much longer in there.
Tell me,
what is the fate of a young boy
when the fate of a nation hangs in the balance?
It is everything.
Well, I'm afraid I don't have time
for such sentimentality.
I'll see to your friend when I'm able.
You finally reached for the throne for yourself.
I just don't want my son to suffer.
It contains an opiate from the East.
With enough, he will feel no pain.
But in his condition, it will shorten his days.
His days are done already.
He was marked for an early grave since birth.
I pray I'm not the reason.
Do not falter.
We are close.
We?
I saw this in you the first day we met.
Where do you think you're going?
I'm Sister Grace
of the Sacred Order of the Diminutives,
here to tend to the sick.
Order of the Diminutives.
Is that some kind of joke?
You think I'd make that up?
I'm here to wash and change the patient.
Go on, then.
You want to watch?
I mean, I won't judge if that's your thing,
but according to the Bible, God certainly will.
I have to piss anyway.
Mother...
Mother, is that you?
Yes, my son.
Sleep now.
It hurts, Mother.
Mother, it hurts.
It's only a dream.
Sleep now.
You sure?
Doesn't feel like a dream.
Let me live, please.
Your mistress sent you.
Get me past the guards, and I will let you live.
Have you heard the news?
Montmorency...
he's missing.
Missing?
I fear my uncles may be involved,
and it is part of their plot to name him as regent.
My...
My maid saw them visiting Louis in the dungeons.
Come with me.
There's not a moment to lose.
We need to leave here now.
France is no longer safe for us.
I don't think that's a good idea.
No.
I think what you want to do is stay
and face your responsibilities to France.
Yeah.
Isn't that right, Edith?
- Don't you speak to her. - Or what?
Don't look like you're in any state to be making threats.
Here's the thing.
The king's dying, France needs a new regent,
and Antoine can't do it 'cause everybody knows
about his plot against the king.
The situation requires someone neutral,
someone to settle the conflict.
That's you, Montmorency.
But make no mistake,
you will become our regent
if you don't want anything to happen
to those you care about.
And you wonder why people have begun to doubt the Church.
Listen to me.
We are better than the fucking lunatic
that is in charge right now.
Are you surprised?
Your niece is what you made her.
Be that as it may, she's all our problem now.
You're scared of Mary. Is that it?
You two are really something.
There's nothing you wouldn't do in pursuit of power, is there?
Do what they ask.
That's good advice.
Shut the fuck up.
Listen.
I won't let them hurt you.
The people need someone
capable of ruling.
Who else has the stomach to do what is necessary?
All right.
Good man.
But let me just reiterate,
if the power goes to your head
and you develop some kind of independent streak--
One thing.
If anything happens to her, I will kill you.
Or die trying.
I don't doubt it.
Don't you understand, hm?
The truth will set you free.
I- I couldn't agree more.
And that- that's why you have to believe me.
It- it wasn't me.
I was only there to protect the king.
Catherine, tell her.
Just admit your involvement
and tell us where to find your brother.
I told you, I don't know where he is.
Perhaps if we gave him the proper incentive,
he would tell us the truth.
What does that mean?
Cut off his finger.
- What? - What?
Do not stray from your path, Mary.
It was her.
She was behind it.
Mary, I... I am not your true enemy.
She planned the whole thing.
You have to believe me.
A man would say anything to save his skin.
You fucking bitch.
Well, I thought you were there to protect the king.
So which is it?
Are you a loyal servant,
or were you lead astray by the Queen Mother?
I have one question.
Will you hand over your brother
and advise him to sign the regency over to me?
- You, regent? - Yes.
Did you put her up to this nonsense?
This is what is best for France, Louis.
Jesus.
Do you even know what the truth is anymore?
If you are dedicated to the cause,
Mary, there is no excess.
Yes. Guard.
Guard, give me your knife.
No, do- don't do this.
For the last time,
I ask you to tell me where Antoine is.
I don't know where he is.
Promise.
The little one.
You haven't got the guts.
Hold him down.
No, no, no, no. Don't--
Hold him down!
Catherine, please, for the love of God,
don't do this.
Don't do it. Don't--
I'm giving you one last chance.
One last chance.
Fuck you.
Ah, fuck, fuck!
Ah, fuck. Fuck.
Fuck, ah!
You're fucking mental.
No, I'm not.
I'm just better at this than you are.
And don't you ever forget it.
Bring her.
I heard you have a friend in trouble.
Perhaps I could help.
And in return?
Tell me where to find Antoine.
You said you wanted proof
that your brother remained in harm's way
if you don't do as I say.
Will that suffice?
Oh, my God, it's his fucking finger.
And we will cut piece after piece
after piece of him off...
unless you sign.
He's gonna be so disappointed in me.
Antoine.
I wouldn't.
Hello, Catherine.
This is nice, isn't it?
It's like a Privy Council meeting,
but with guns.
I think this is the one you need to sign, cousin.
Montmorency will be regent.
Now, hold on just a minute.
I do have principles, you know.
You don't.
I have been entrusted
to safeguard the honor
of the royal family of France.
I can't just be forced to sign away the regency
to whomever has the bigger gun.
I don't see why not.
Ah!
What the fuck was that?
Ah, fuck.
Come what may, I will be my own man.
- Sign. - Stay down!
Stay. Stay down, Francois.
Stay with me, okay? Just stay with me.
It's your leg.
I swear to God, Montmorency,
you mark my words.
You and that girl will pay.
- I swear! - We'll see about that.
Well... you still doubt my conviction?
Good boy.
I'm sure Daddy's proud of you.
Now, I had him sign over the regency
to someone who's been overlooked, underestimated,
someone capable of sacrificing their friends
and plotting with their enemies to rule France.
Are you surprised to see me alive?
I have known you since you were a child.
I've been watching you.
And either because of your will to survive
or because you really are possessed of a black heart,
you are the only one that can save France
from any of these fucking idiots when they are in charge.
All you have to do now is convince your dying son.
You think you have the stomach for that?
Are you okay?
- Did they hurt you? - I'm all right.
I always knew I could depend on you.
You've never let me down.
I said get out!
I did wrong. I did wrong.
- Mary, Mary. - I did wrong.
- I did wrong--the regency. - Gather yourself.
Tell me, what has happened?
I asked Francis for the regency,
like you told me to, and...
...he accused me of all sorts of baseness.
He...
he said...
he said that I wanted him to be sick,
and worse, that I only ever loved him for all these years
because of his sickness, for it meant
that I may one day rule in his stead,
and he...
he even said that I had no interest
in performing my wifely duties.
Did he offer you the regency or not?
No, he refused.
And I begged for his forgiveness for asking,
but he would grant me no such peace.
- Oh, Mary, Mary, Mary. - I...
Mary, shh.
Calm yourself.
Yes.
- Go and calm yourself. - Mm.
I will talk to him, and I will make this right.
Yes, because he...
he must always know
that I have had his best interests at heart.
We all do.
My son...
Is it true the Bourbons plotted to kidnap me
and now I must break the chain of succession?
It is what is best for the country.
I am sorry I have not understood your true nature
until now.
But how can you understand anything now?
They say one sees clearest when one is closest to death.
Perhaps you won't die.
The doctors have been wrong before.
No, no.
What's that you've got?
Antoine has agreed to sign his regency over to you?
Why would he do that?
I persuaded him.
And now you must persuade me.
You're in great pain, aren't you?
Oh, Mother...
Why does it have to hurt so much?
I accommodated myself to death.
I always knew it would come early for me,
but the pain...
I have never felt anything like the pain.
Shh, shh.
You are the strongest person I have ever known,
to live with the suffering that you have endured.
Do you know that?
I have something here...
...that will take your pain away.
You simply have to take a sip.
But if you do,
it will be an end of this life.
And I fear giving this to you
takes more strength than I possess.
Give it to me, please, Mother.
Please give it to me.
My child...
And now you must rest.
Peace awaits.
And now I will leave you to live with your choices.
Shh, shh, rest.
Just rest.
Shh, rest.
Oh, fuck.
Fuck.
Hear ye, hear ye!
- Louis of Bourbon... - Fucking move!
...Second Prince of the Blood,
is pardoned for the crime of treason.
What?
The king is dead.
Long live the new king by order of the new regent,
Her Majesty Queen Catherine.
Then the king is dead,
and my mother-in-law has taken the regency for herself.
She has made a fool of me.
Fuck off.
I shouldn't have signed away the regency
under any circumstances, should I?
No.
I...
No, I... I will...
I will write to my cousin Queen Elizabeth in England,
and when she hears that some...
some commoner has stolen the throne of France,
she will be moved to help me.
I'm sure of it.
I'm sure, despite our...
our differences.
But first, we must all be united in our task.
The fuck...
Uncle?
Will you back me now?
Yes.
Anything to oppose Catherine.
The Bourbon Princes of the Blood,
are you with me?
Am I with you?
Are... are you fucking joking?
My granddaughter has vision.
The sanctity of the rules of succession are at stake.
Do you really have a choice?
I'll think about it.
Let's go.
I'm starving.
You'll be all right.
Oh, no, I'm fucked.
The finger...
Finger's gone.
Once you were regent,
you moved the court to Chenonceaux,
where you could keep a better eye on your enemies.
You only needed one final piece
to seal your victory against Mary.
I'm sorry, I can't help you.
Please, I just... I have no one.
And I have nowhere to go.
And I just- I just don't know what to--
All right, all right, don't cry.
Let me ask the cook if she needs another maid.
Thank you.
Then when you found me...
you didn't waste any time,
because you knew Mary had sent a letter
to her cousin Queen Elizabeth of England.
Make sure this finds its way
to my cousin Queen Elizabeth of England.
Move posthaste and let nothing delay you.
A letter, I am guessing,
that never found its way to its recipient,
but could be used to trick Mary
and get rid of her once and for all.
You carry an important message.
How could you know that?
There.
Would you like it?
It's good luck for your travels.
Do you want me to tell you your future?
First, you made sure to win my trust,
so when you asked me,
I would go to Mary's chambers to search
for evidence of treachery that did not exist.
And then you made sure I would despise you,
all to make Mary believe that the letter
she asked me to steal from you
was an authentic reply from her cousin.
Though now I know this letter
asking Mary to return to Scotland
and join forces with Elizabeth to dethrone you...
is a forgery.
I found the replica of Queen Elizabeth's seal
in your magician's camp.
The sight of him watching us on our ride made me suspicious.
You are very clever.
That's why I chose you.
So now that you know...
...are you with me or against me?
First, I want to know.
You sacrificed your best friend,
your husband,
your son...
...for power?
No.
For freedom.
In that case,
I am with you.
Here are my terms.
Thought you couldn't read.
There's lots of things you don't know about me.
A title?
Property?
A little education is a dangerous thing.
Apparently.
Feels good to be bad, doesn't it?
Feels better to get my own back.
Exactly.
Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary...
we must prepare to depart at once.
Oh, my cousin has answered my call for aid!
Safe travels.
History will remember you.
Come!
I wouldn't count on it.
I will not let anything happen to you.
What could happen to me?
Precisely.
Looks like all is forgiven?
I wouldn't say so.
But I imagine she realizes she cannot govern
without women like me on her side.
And I intend to dedicate myself to her cause.
Well, that's that then.
Checkmate.
On the contrary.
I will spend the rest of my life getting back at her
for what she did to us.
But in the meantime,
we shall convince her we are her closest allies.
My homeland.
Greetings.
Your queen has returned.
Uh, Queen Mary, what are you doing here?
My cousin wrote to me saying that she would help me
in my time of need.
Has she not yet arrived?
Surely, you know your cousin Elizabeth
would not tolerate your presence on British soil.
She will see it as a threat to her rule.
But her letter said that--
- Her... her letter? - Yes.
If there was such a letter,
I'm... I'm sure you've been fooled by forgery,
Your Majesty.
So it was Catherine who triumphed after all.
And to think, just a week ago,
you had them all right where you wanted them.
Now she promises to make tolerance
the new law of the land
and break the treaty with the Holy Roman emperor.
No official religion at all.
They will blame you and your brother.
Mother, when will you shut up?
Isn't it obvious?
When you do something to shut me up.
Thank you for your loyalty.
Keep in mind, you will only have my loyalty
if you can protect the people I care about.
Allow me.
Trust no one.
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ I'm having visions, a serpent's hiss ♪
♪ Of bodies twisted and serpent's kiss ♪
♪ Thought I was dreaming, I'm seeing red ♪
♪ Thought you were breathing, but now you're dead ♪
♪ I am the nightmare, I am the wind ♪
♪ The scary story you tell your kids ♪
♪ Now don't be frightened, now don't you scream ♪
♪ For 'tis the season of the queen ♪
♪ 'Tis the season of the queen ♪
♪ 'Tis the season of the queen, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ 'Tis the season of the queen ♪
♪ And you are not ♪
♪ Okay, just awake and time to get some bread ♪
♪ Legend of the day, hail to the queen I say ♪
♪ Okay, just awake and time to get some bread ♪
♪ Legend of the day, hail to the queen I say ♪
- ♪ Okay, just awake ♪ - ♪ For 'tis the season ♪
- ♪ Time to get some bread ♪ - ♪ Of the queen ♪
♪ Legend of the day, hail to the queen I say ♪
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ Hail to the queen I say ♪