Stay with me, Eleanor. You must keep up.
Come on.
We stop for nothing.
I can't go on. If we stop,
they will find us.
If they find us, we are dead.
Come on.
Come on!
I'm coming.
No word of the princess' whereabouts as yet, sire.
I have trust in Monsieur Marchal.
We need to talk.
I see a light in those eyes, brother.
I am eager to discuss the hunt.
I look forward to it.
But, sire, the Cardinal was hoping to share mass.
Tell him to save some for us.
I've traced the midwife.
She lives a day's ride south.
Summon her immediately.
It's too dangerous.
They mustn't know that we've found her.
Then you should go to her.
I want you to hear this with your own ears.
We ride together.
I should put myself at risk for a fanciful fiction?
This...
..is the truth!
The Knights of Damascus are protecting
a prisoner for the Vatican.
The Church is behind the entire conspiracy
and Cardinal Leto is pulling the strings.
Di Marco tried to kill me because I found out.
Now, I have no doubt
that the man in the iron mask is a bastard brother
and the midwife is the only one
who can confirm it.
And if you are wrong?
Who else could he be? Why else would his face be hidden?
They want to launch this man as a pretender.
To push me from my throne. Do they really
think they can challenge my legitimacy?
If the Church acknowledges him as our older brother,
then they can call him the true king of France.
We leave at once. Tell Bontemps.No.
We tell no-one.
Especially Bontemps.
*CREDITS*
You must prepare yourself for the worst.
An innocent girl on the road will confront thieves
and vagabonds.
And the king's men.
We must pray for her deliverance.
I fear God may have other ideas for her...
..and me.
Even if God were to deliver the princess safely...
..has she shown the character
of a queen?
She was removed against her will.
Upon her return, my claim to Spain shall remain intact.
That's if Louis' men find her.
Madame Duvernay.
What's left of her.
We shouldn't be stealing from each other.
Come on, come on.
Piss off. We're hungry. Yes, we're all hungry
and living in shit and we're
starving. Whose fault's that, huh?
Look, come on.Move!
The King says France belongs to all of us.
He promises us the world
but he just taxes us
and look what we're left with.
Well, I don't know about you. I've had enough.
The council is eager to address
the question of your remarriage, sire.
I was thinking perhaps His Majesty might
permit me to take care of this.
If you feel minded.
I hope I know His Majesty's needs better than they do.
I may be some time.
The council expects you later, sire.
I trust you to guide them in my absence.
Well, shouldn't they know where you are going?
Tell them I've gone hunting.
News from our scouts, sire.
The Ottomans are gathering their forces.
- I want to know the minute they move on Vienna. - Of course, sire.
Sire, we must know where you are going.
A boar has been spotted at Viroflay.
A beast big enough only a king could kill.
Then I should come with you.
That will not be necessary.
Fabric for a queen.
I pray it will never be worn.
I'm sure someone could find a home for it.
Lorraine, do shut up.
Oh, deliver me from angry women.
What do I do?
Just wait?
Your fate is in the king's hands.
Surely the fact that he has not yet sent
me to Spain means there is still hope.
Quite possibly.
You're just saying that to cheer me up, aren't you?
You think he will still send me?
If that is his decision...
..then you shall go.
To my death.
They told me you were leaving. There is no future for us here.
Monsieur Cavanel, our people have strength if we remain together.
How much of our wealth has he taken?
How many of our friends forced to recant?
Our Bibles have been burned.
Our hearts broken.
How much longer till the King takes our very lives?
So we must make our case as one.
We should confront him while the Cardinal is in Versailles.
He'll be forced to listen. And if his ears remain deaf?
Then we must protest!
How do you propose to do that?
Do you plan resistance? Violence?
Well, I for one will not wait for him to turn on us.
I'll no longer walk on tiptoe lest I anger him.
Monsieur Cavanel?
I've been refused permission to leave.
I thought I'd find you indulging yourself.
I take simple pleasure where I can find it.
I need your help.
So, do I detect the musky scent of humble pie?
I have shown you no animosity.
But little affection.
And now you come seeking what?
Goodwill?
Not for me.
Cavanel has been forbidden passage to the Netherlands.
The exodus of God's chosen people has begun.
You are a man of some influence.
Not any more, Delphine.
You have more access than I do.
He only needs a signature on the appropriate document.
But that would presuppose a generosity of spirit.
Beneath that shiny veneer,
behind the badinage...
..I believe you're a man who might wish to do the right thing.
The risk is too great.
Forgery carries a heavy penalty.
I knew you were all talk,
but I hadn't taken you for a coward.
- Am I a coward? - Yes.
Couldn't you at least hesitate?
Why bother when there is ample evidence? What...?
I don't like to rock the boat, it's true.
I consider myself a pragmatist.
Experience has taught me to gird my loins at every opportunity.
That's survival, not cowardice.
So, are you going to do the noble thing or not?
Oh, the noble thing.
It's not my job to look after the Protestants.
But I fear for them.
It starts with burning books and ends with burning people.
With Madame de Maintenon
carrying the torch.
This could help you wangle your way
back into Delphine's good books.
Maybe even her eiderdown.
Please! I'm beyond that now.
I have other fish to fry.
So why the prevarication?
I'm considering other strategic objectives.
Perhaps it's time I did the same.
Last warning, Bastien.
Late again this week and I'm docking your wages.
I was paying my respects to the dead.
You were stirring up trouble. No.
I was just saying what some people are thinking.
My workers are content.
You pick a fight with the King, there'll only be one winner.
Well, at least I'd have the guts to try.
What's the point in fighting a battle you can't win?
Look what happened to our people after
Monsieur Colbert was attacked.
Look what happened to Olivier.
God made the world this way for a reason.
Anyone who tries to change that's a fool.
People will stand up for themselves one day.
Not in my workshop, they won't.
We get a reputation for that,
the King will shut us down in a blink of an eye.
Now, get back to work, all of you.
You think you're better than us, don't you, huh?
You think you're one of them now?
Remember your place, Bastien.
Leave it, Guillaume.
No. I won't have disrespect in my workplace.
I remember where you came from.
I know who you are.
Yeah, you just bent over, took it like an old mare,
just like those leeches up in that palace!
Get out and don't come back!
Please, Guillaume!
He doesn't mean it. Yes, I do.Out!
Take your job, stick it up your arse.
I'd rather eat rats than serve him any longer.
Come on, son.
Is she lame?
Damn it!
- Get up! - No.
We'll have to go on my horse.
But I can't.
I need to sleep.
Okay, we can rest a while.
I'm not taking back what I've said.
I'm not asking you to.
Your brother would sell his own mother.
He sent your wages.
That's blood money.
I know you need 'em.
So, what'll you do now?
Speak my mind, like I've always done.
And if they won't listen?
I can't sit back any longer.
I have to do something.
So do I.
Is this going to upset me?
It is customary to request an audience.
It is customary for a king's word to be trusted.
My troops came across a merchant en route to Malta
carrying more than just spices.
Louis has signed a trade deal with the Ottomans
worth millions.
This is business.
The wheels of commerce must be allowed their own momentum.
But why now?
What's he giving in return?
The Ottomans are gathering forces on my border.
Then you must prepare to repel them.
And if Louis has taken their side?
That is a bold accusation.
It's a blatant act of war.
He has chosen the infidel over Rome.
He has betrayed me and defied you.
As sure as day follows night, the man
seeks to take your power for his own.
Remember your place, Emperor!
No-one in this world...
..dictates to the Church.
I will not sleep in there.
We have no other option.
But it looks horrible.
Come on. This way.
But this place is for animals. Yes.
What if there are spiders?
Spiders are the least of your worries. Come on.
Do you remember the last time we did this?
Just the two of us?
We were barely old enough to wipe our own noses
and you were scared of the dark.
Is that Gemini?
Orion's belt.
Gemini is to the east.
Castor and Pollux,
the two brightest stars.
The twins.
I can't believe you thought I was behind the subterfuge.
Your record of trust has been patchy, to say the least.
You think I'd deliberately scheme against you,
have men killed in secret and have you assaulted?
I didn't know what to believe.
I knew there was a plot. I knew it went right to the top.
I presumed there was nobody more powerful than you.
There isn't.
Damned Church causes nothing but trouble.
What do you think Leto is planning?
He wants to control me.
Failing that, he'll try to destroy me.
With our brother,
the rightful king.
If the Vatican has its way,
we'll be living like this for the rest of our lives.
We?
This is why I need you, brother.
For my even temper and analytical thought?
For your instinct...
..and your heart.
What kind of person kills an innocent woman?
Your're guilty as sin.
You used me, just like your mother.
- Close your eyes. - No.
Close them!I shall not.
You cannot kill me when you see love in my eyes.
Liar.
Yes,
I was an agent for Emperor Leopold.
Yes, I plotted against Louis.
And yes, I am in love with you.
And I know you feel the same.
Tell me what I felt for you was not wasted.
You are a better man
than the King knows.
You're not some heartless dog that he owns.
It's not my place to question my orders.
I can not discuss the king's orders.
If I cannot do my duty...
..what else is there?
You have your heart...
..and your conscience.
Wait inside for an hour,
then ride west. Stop for nothing.
What will you tell the King?
I am frightened for you.
You must think only of yourself.
If I see you again...
..I will do my duty.
I have no time for this.
If the people of Paris are unhappy with
their lot, it does not concern me.
It should.
I find your tone impertinent.
Please, accept my humble apologies.
Monsieur Louvois, if the King does nothing
to appease them, he will pay a heavy price.
The salt tax is taking its toll.
The mood of the people is changing.
What exactly are you saying?
I fear the people may rise up against His Majesty.
Are you not betraying your people by telling me this?
My loyalty is to the King.
Then give me their names and addresses
and they will be imprisoned.
Please do not ask me to do that.
I came here to warn the King.
I do not wish the people to suffer.
Then your contract will be terminated
and you will no longer be
in the service of the King!
I see the burden of the national deficit
weighs heavy on your houlders.
I only wish I could help.
Sadly, mathematics was never... Why are you here?
To apologise.
For the death of my niece? Yes.
The timing of your apology is dubious.
What do you want?
You really believe me beyond redemption?
The evidence speaks against you.
Then I'm sorry you have such a bleak view of human nature
and I bid you good day.
The actual reason
for your visit?
I had a small service to ask of you.
Which may, I belive, benefit the royal coffers.
But it's nothing really.
What is it?
You will, of course, know of Monsieur Vanel.
No, who is he?
He's a chocolate maker in Lyon.
Talented.
He would like to expand his business overseas.
Very commendable.
Indeed.
He's set to sail from Calais to England next week.
However, there's been a delay in his papers.
He asked me to see whether you could help.
And why should I do that?
Because, sir, he's a faithful servant to the crown
and shares your belief
that the future of France lies in trade and commerce.
What is it you want me to do?
Simple confirmation of his identity
and guarantee of safe passage.
And I have your word, for what it's worth,
that he is genuinely involved in legitimate business?
For what it's worth...
..yes.
Thank you.
And, as if by magic, "Vanel" becomes "Cavanel."
Voila.
How can I thank you?
By paying me.
How... How much?
The price for freedom?
Well, let's say...
Shall we say two thousand...?
No, make it three.
I'll have the money sent
directly to your rooms.
Are you sure you will not join me?
Yes. My place is here.
Good luck in your new life.
You demand money for helping people in need?
You saw me as the Good Samaritan? No, but...
I demand money in order to survive.
And if any of your other friends need help...
..you know where to find me.
Madame Secretan?
I cannot see you.
Please,
remain seated.
But I can recognise the voice of the King.
Like your kind father's.
I'm honoured to welcome you to my home.
My brother and I have come to ask you some questions.
Do you remember Louise de Lafayette?
Forgive me, sire.
I had a privileged position.
Some things I swore never to speak of.
And if your King commands you now?
The King was fond of her indeed.
Yes, we know they had a child.
Be at peace.
Take your time.
One day...
..we were walking together
near the harvest...
..when Louise's time was close but not quite close enough.
She gave a faint gasp of pain...
..and blood gathered on the hem of her skirt.
We laid her on the warm grass.
She cried softly
but made no protest,
despite her agony.
And then he was born.
Little Robert.
His face bore a birthmark.
The mark of Cain.
I can still hear his tiny voice crying out to the heavens.
But to no avail.
That was his one and only breath.
He died?
Oh, yes. Yes, of course.
Otherwise, Robert would be King.
And but for the hand of fate,
we would have worshipped him.
Why wasn't he given a royal burial?
But, Your Highness, he was.
Follow the rise in the meadow
to the foot of the holy cross,
a sacred place of pilgrimage and prayer.
Turn your face to the west.
There is a corner in the high wall.
Beside it, you must look to the earth
in the shelter of the old stones.
There, your poor brother rests in peace.
Louis Bourbon and Louise de Lafayette
wept together as they buried him in secret for shame.
Because they wanted no question over the King's ability
to sire an heir.
Louise left immediately for the convent.
But the King and Queen visited every month to pray with her,
to share the pain of their loss.
Madame. Who else knew about this?
No-one outside the King's inner circle.
Your father's private surgeon arranged everything
with the greatest of care and kindness.
He was his closest aide. Jean-Baptiste Bontemps.
Bontemps' father covered the whole thing up.
Your most trusted friend knew about this all along.
Then he should be applauded for keeping our father's secret.
This cannot be the end of it.
A baby was born to the King, and he died.
There is no more mystery.
So who's the man in the mask?
Whoever he is, he cannot take my throne.
This doesn't answer anything.
It tells us what we need to know... that I'm the rightful King.
So where does the Vatican fit into it? Perhaps they don't.
And perhaps Bontemps knows nothing.
So who told us about Macquart?
And who has the most dealings with the cardinal and Di Marco?
And who told us the man in the mask was a fiction all along?
That prisoner is being kept hidden from us for a reason,
and Bontemps knows why.
Why on earth
would we send the creature to the colonies?
It is the best way to rid ourselves of this problem once and for all.
He must remain here,
where we can protect and look after him.
But as long as he remains in Europe, he is a threat.
And a very useful one.
What sort of use do you have in mind?
Should Louis require a little persuasion.
I will not enter into a conspiracy against the King.
What have you been doing all your life?
I've been protecting the King.
Call it what you will.
You will continue.
Unless you want the King to know that his most trusted servant
is in fact...
..a traitor.
Now...
..where exactly
is the prisoner held?
Let's stop. I need to rest.
Are we nearly there? No.
If you push hard,
you should reach the Dutch border in a few days' time.
What do you mean, "you"?
I must go back. There's something I have to do.
What?
Destroy the King.
What? Revenge for my mother.
If you go back, the will kill you. That's a price I am willing to pay!
Sophie, listen to me, if you return, you will throw away everything,
and you are too young to die. Come with me.
Let's start a new life together.
I cannot make this journey without you.
God knows what the future will be but at least we will have hope.
And each other.
Speak,
and the Lord shall hear you.
I accuse myself of lying.
Do you regret this lie?
I do not.
But to lie is to sin.
Is loyalty a sin?
Loyalty to whom?
To someone close to me.
Whom I love...
..and honour...
..and sought to protect
from a secret
that would destroy him.
There are those that woulde use the secret against my master.
If you truly love your master...
then you will find a way to stop them.
But whichever path I follow...
..it will end in destruction.
Well? Did you find them?
In a convent on the road to Aix-la-Chapelle.
And?
Belonged to Princess Eleanor.
And the Duchesse de Cassel?
She will trouble you no longer, sire.
I knew I could trust you, Monsieur Marchal.
Tell Bontemps we would speak with him.
Did you find your brother?
Yes. In a field.
Your Highness?
He was buried six feet underneath the clay a long time ago.
And the man in the iron mask? Remains a mystery.
Bontemps is the key.
You're convinced of this?
He knows something.
Find him.
I assure you that every effort will be made to find,
torture and execute the men that did this.
Well, it shouldn't be hard to find them.
Why not?
Because they're your men.
You really belive me capable of having a young woman murdered?
I believe you capable of anything.
You blame me for the a tragedy, that was of your own making.
It was not that allowed her to escape
and it was certainly not I that exposed
her to the dangers of highway bandits.
You little... Gentlemen!
Your Majesty...
..may I suggest you retire to your rooms?
There is something I wish to discuss with the King.
With the princess dead...
..no doubt you now wish me to sanction
the marriage between King Charles
and your niece.
Only if you see fit, of course.
I do not.
Your claims to Spain is void.
You have betrayed the Vatican. Nonsense!
We know of your arrangement with the Ottoman heretics.
Arrangements?
A trade deal in return for allowing them to invade Austria.
What business is it of the Vatican if the Ottomans attack Austria?
Don't try my patience.
Austria is the gateway to the Holy Roman Empire.
If the Muslim hordes take Vienna, they will not stop there.
Your Eminence, you have my word
that no Muslim shall set foot on land belonging to the Vatican.
Your word has lost its currency, Louis.
Then I will proceed without your support.
You defy the Church? Yes.
This is a declaration of war.
I would advise you against waging war with me.
And I would advise you against crossing me, Louis,
King of France.
You may have armies...
but I have a weapon
that will destroy your empire before it is even completed.
Are you threatening me?
It is not me that threatens you.
Who, then?
You're about to find out.
Find Monsieur Bontemps.
Tell him I wish to see him
immediately.
Sir?
You've found him? He was seen headed for the stables, sir.
Ever since I came to the throne,
I have been guided by sound advice
and sensible strategy.
I've cultivated neighbours and alliances,
signed treaties, consulted with the Vatican.
Those days are over.
Spain, Strasbourg, Luxembourg will all be mine... now.
Sire, you're talking about an all-out war. Yes.
While I admire His Majesty's audacty
and ambitions...
..would it not be wise to pursue
through alliances, diplomacy...
The time of diplomacy is over!
From now on, France fights alone.
Our only allies are courage and unlimited force.
Stop worrying.
Fabien will find him and bring him back.
Now...
..where is the bride?
My niece hardly dead a day.
Ladies and gentlemen of the court,
I ask you to salute my niece Marie-Louise,
the next Queen of Spain.
I have received word that the Ottoman armies have already set forth.
You must return to defend your country.
Do not underestimate him.
Do not underestimate the power of the church.
Your Eminence. Cousin. Perhaps you might join me for mass.
Thank you for your kind offer but I'm leaving.
Certain matters require my attention at home.
Of course. I hope the next time we see each other
it will be in more joyous circumstances.
I doubt that. Goodbye, Louis.
Everyone seems to be leaving.
I'm not.
Were you sent to kill me?
If that was so, you'd be dead by now.
Don't push me!
Bravado does not suit you, Bontemps.
Put down the blade and we will return to Versailles.
That's not possible.
Why not?
What business do you have here? You betray the king?
No. To protect him.
The only person you're protecting it yourself.
Listen to me!
There are dark forces at work
that would destroy the crown.
Do you really take me for a fool?
And do you really take me for a traitor?
We have known each other many years, Marchal.
But whatever has passed between us,
one thing has remained steadfast.
Our loyalty to our King.
Did you find him?
No, Your Eminence.
Prepare my carriage.
Who passes?
Alexandre Bontemps.
Furta dicemus ad inferos.
We're here to deliver the prisoner a message from the Cardinal.
Have you come to kill me?
Your journey is reaching its end.
That will not be necessary, Your Highness.
What the hell are you playing at?
You lied! You betrayed your king! Let him speak!
Everything I did, I did in your best interest, sire.
But now they turn my good into an evil.
Who?
The Church?
It was a secret and now it is a curse.
I want the truth.
Now.
Sorry to disappoint you.
You were expecting someone else?
Am I dreaming?
This is your oldest wish come true.
Remove the mask.
Who are you?
They call me the Duc de Sullun.
"The man with no name."
What is your real name?
It is not my name but who I am that matters.
Who are you?
I am your father.
*CREDITS*