Original subtitles

Look,

your baby sister's being added to the painting.

She's a pretty little thing, isn't she?

Perhaps some fresh air would do you some good.

Or a carriage ride.

Well, I just pushed a child out of my body, so bouncing over cobblestones

little appeal.

I just meant that.

You've not left your room in months.

I must get used to it.

I'm told it's unsafe for me to leave Versailles.

Yes.

That Roger Jandahalwa and her vile lies.

I wish he was the only one slandering me.

It's time for Madame Sophie to go to the nursery.

No, I want to keep her with me.

Thank you.

You are not required.

I told your land to keep the secret.

If you're going to be angry with anyone, it should be me.

Don't worry.

I'm still furious at both of you.

No, excuse me.

I was reading to Sophie.

I don't want any visitors today.

Are you listening? I said no visitors. I'm here to help.

Who are you?

An admirer who wants you to live.

You have an infection. Let me see.

I should have healed by now. You've been picking at it.

Not much else to do around here.

I have an ointment that can help.

What do you want?

You're showing the king and queen as tyrants.

But there is more to be done.

I'm not interested in politics.

Are you interested in freedom?

You have praises at the Palais Royale.

Write your story and we'll print it.

In return, I'll secure your escape from this place.

What would I write?

Tales of a life at Versailles with a king and queen.

I barely knew them.

It'd sell better if you did.

I'll bring what you need to write.

And to escape.

I'll never get past this guard.

He hates me. I haven't had a meal he hasn't. Batten.

Write your story.

I'll deal with the rest.

Spin, spin, spin, spin, spin, spin. Where's it going to end up?

Ah.

Giddy up.

Your Majesty, I'm afraid we have another blackmail letter from England.

I told you I don't want to know.

Well, this time Lamotte has included proof.

He has your private letters and has divined their intimate

content.

I will go to London and negotiate.

Whatever he wants is a small price.

He gets nothing.

Let him publish.

Be damned.

Well, yes, but... What do you think? You need to think of the wider

implications. I forbid you from taking this any further.

Thank you, Bertolt.

Say what you have to say.

He's right.

You can't dismiss this.

Listen, I know it's hard to think about the Dauphin situation, but one day

Normandy will be the next king of France.

These letters confirm the timeline of our relationship, and they'll cast doubt

on the boy's parentage.

It's blackmail.

I'm not giving in to blackmail.

Let me deal with this.

I know London.

I'll find your letters.

By the time you get back from England, I'll be myself again.

Promise?

Mustard paste.

To clear the lungs.

How kind.

Go along.

I'm sorry.

Oh, Majesty.

Fear not.

I have battled through to deliver an official draft of the tax reforms for

notables to approve.

Do other kings have to ask permission to enact their will?

What if the notables defy me, like the Parliament did?

They won't.

The General's chosen them carefully.

Apart from Orléans, they're...

allies who will put the needs of the country above their own selfish

And when they endorse your reforms, you will be the king who ushered in a new

era for France.

And you will be the nation's greatest financial controller.

We'll see.

And Valjean will be the most loyal and honorable minister a monarch could ask

for.

Valjean.

Valjean.

The doctor.

Quickly, the doctor. Help!

Where's the doctor? Now!

Please don't leave me.

Don't leave me, Russia.

What a terrible shock.

No man knows the hour of his death.

He was the only minister who never betrayed me.

And now, I must persuade the notables without him.

The Count de Vergennes was a fine diplomat and a great statesman.

It was his idea to summon you here today in this assembly of notables

to hear my plan for improving the revenue of the state

and assuring a more equitable assessment of taxation.

Abuses in tax payment are defended by

self -interest.

and ancient prejudice.

These tax abuses oppress the wealth -producing, labouring and professional

class.

I plan to remedy this defect.

A king who wants the nobility and clergy to pay their own way.

Impressingly democratic.

You won't be saying that when you get a land tax bill for your six million

acres.

That's the price of reform.

Oh, please.

The public might believe you're a egalitarian codswallop, but you don't

These proposals are dangerous.

The ordinary people already resent us. If Louis enforces these taxes, the

of Nobility will hate us too.

Someone should assassinate him.

Someone hasn't forgiven Louis for banishing her girlfriend.

Still no letters from the lovely Marguerite.

Well, she has not forgotten you, my dear.

There could be a thousand reasons for her silence.

Perhaps Margarita's rediscovered her love for her husband.

That'll happen.

A visitor from Parliament.

Gird yourself.

I can come back later. No, no, no. Stay.

Close the door on your way out.

Does your brother know you're entertaining his enemies?

He sees you here often enough.

You may speak freely in front of my wife.

Will the notables approve these tax reforms?

They are certainly more amenable to the king's plans than your parliament.

They've been handpicked to agree, and they don't know the king is struggling

with his faculties.

Parliament is confirmed.

Well, it needn't be.

Reassure your colleagues that I have no intention of allowing my brother to

enact this lunacy.

You knew.

The trial was a mistake.

I wonder what else you've been right about over the years.

My life might have been different if I'd listened to you.

But perhaps not so interesting.

Be honest.

Did you know before I told you about the Durfoam?

No, of course not.

You all knew.

But you didn't tell me.

I'm so sorry.

He would never keep anything like that from me.

I have kept something from you.

Go on.

So, Yolande was determined that Colon be made financial controller.

That's no secret.

He was appointed the night that you had that dreadful miscarriage.

Yolande saw you collapsed, but she didn't raise the alarm.

And she left you to bleed while she pushed Cologne for the job, and she

denied...

to tell you so many times.

But I thought you wouldn't believe me.

I do believe you.

How can I compose a skillful arrangement of events or gracefully express myself

when I can only speak a language dictated by sorrow?

But I must take up this pen to protect my memory from slanderous words of

malice.

There you go.

I have been abused, insulted and disgraced.

The wounds inflicted on my honour are too deep to heal.

Your Majesty, I'm pleased to report that the notables are broadly in favour of

the changes to taxation.

Thank God. Never doubted it.

However, before we discuss your proposals in more

depth, I must clarify a point of confusion.

We are told these new taxes are necessary for the...

financial health of the nation.

But, according to Mr. Necker's famous report, our

treasury makes an annual profit of 12 million livres.

That is more than enough to serve the country.

So why does His Majesty require more?

It is not for the Assembly to question the King's requirements.

We might be reassured if His Majesty showed us the account.

I wasn't suggesting that.

That bastard.

Remember your place.

We have spent years covering up the deficit to save France from financial

and your brother's undone all our work in two minutes.

Everyone's going to blame us for this, Matt.

We have to tell them the frightening truth.

We can't.

I didn't expect them to ask to see the accounts.

Anyway, what was the fair question?

Not in front of the entire assembly.

Fine.

If we're in surplus, why are you in need of money?

There is no surplus.

But... But Necker... Necker...

Necker cooked the books to hide our war spending.

If I share the accounts, it will show that France is mired in debt that

multiplies every single day.

How much do we owe?

Six billion.

But you said a bit of debt.

Six billion is not a bit.

I thought I could... Just don't.

Don't.

Everyone was so pleased with me after the war, I didn't want to let them down.

Why on earth would you let me buy some clothes?

To prevent you and the children from suffering, not to my mistakes.

You deceived me.

About this.

About...

I'm a truthful man.

I never deceived you about anything.

You are a liar!

I don't know what to do.

All right, I don't know how to rule. I need Vazhen. No, you don't.

You still have Kalon.

Why did you want to see me?

I know you've been whispering in corners with the king's brother.

Is treason afoot?

My concern is always the preservation of the crown.

Well, this is cosy.

Try to stop her. She wouldn't take no for an answer.

I heard you'd been summoned to a chinwag.

Did I miss my invitation?

Well, forgive me, Madame de Rohan. I didn't know you were joined at the hip.

Only when it comes to foiling your nasty little political manoeuvres.

My efforts saved your nephew from the scaffold.

But did not save him from exile.

No good deed goes unpunished.

Well, now you're here, perhaps we can find common ground.

Show me one point on which we agree.

That the king is a fool.

I concede that his plans for tax reform suggest idiocy.

Well, if he wants us to further his note, he must show the notables of the

account. For all we know, he requires a new tax to fund his wife's jewellery

collection. Don't you believe the nobility should pay their way?

They do pay.

In blood.

Shed for the king on the battlefield.

Those who don't desert their post.

You are mistaken.

I served with honour.

Really? I heard you abandoned ship at the first sound of cannon fire.

But it's so hard to know who to believe these days.

I don't know, can't we just go back to how we were? I mean, you can't be angry

with me forever.

I can do as I please.

I can't find my notebook.

Where is it?

Leave us.

Oh, stay where you are.

This is petty.

You know Louis swore me to secrecy.

You left me to bleed.

She's lying.

She's always been jealous of our friendship.

My notebook.

I need to write a list of economies.

You cannot believe her over me. I've been at your side since you were a girl.

loved you for it.

Even when your behavior has grieved me, I have preferred it to the pain of

losing you.

So many people want me dead.

I just never thought you would be one of them.

No.

No, no, no. Please don't.

But not in your right mind.

But you cannot abandon me.

You may stay a court as long as you please, but your welfare is no longer my

concern.

Leave.

There. It is done.

You and I are the same.

We have both devoted years to loving individuals.

Unworthy of our affection.

I'm sure you all appreciate that sharing the accounts outside of an official

financial report would be against formality. Instead, may I suggest

as delegate I could confer with His Majesty and relay said information.

You want the truth?

Here it is.

The account.

Every single secret loan.

than the care ever took out to hide the war expenditure.

The hell? Come on!

The king is not to blame for this mess.

Nor me.

We're not in surplus.

And we never have been.

Thanks for the care, we're in terrible, catastrophic debt. And the only way to

fix it is for you, dear boy, to approve the tax reforms.

What are you doing?

Let them see the truth.

They need to understand what's at stake.

No.

Don't.

We have to get over it. I cannot be trained to get out of my sight!

Get a grip you look deranged

And now I've been exposed.

You didn't have a choice.

I see why you hid it.

Someone betrayed me.

You must go.

No.

Then I will have no one.

You have me.

I will help you.

Grant this great love for yourself.

If I go now, all the work we've done, it will be for nothing.

I see.

The carriage waiting outside in the name of Sir Henri.

What about the guy?

They've been bribed.

Even him?

No, he might take a little extra persuasion.

He might find the feeling a little sharp.

What is going on with Louis?

He's not turning up to any of his meetings. He's been resting.

There is no time.

He needs a new financial controller. Where?

The assembly was chaos.

And Paris? It is out of control.

People are openly spouting dissent without fear of censure.

Louis must deal with it. He can't just hide away. I must see him. He's not

taking visitors.

Well, if you won't tell him what's happening, then I will.

He is not taking any visits.

Ah!

You've rested long enough.

Lily?

What are you doing?

I tried to map the cause of the leperous, but I couldn't. I told you to

him.

Leave him. He's not dressed.

He's not well. Go!

Louie.

Louie, come on.

They're blaming me for this. They are blaming you for this. They're calling

Madam Deficit. Well, I don't care what they call me. I can't do anything.

Oh, you can.

You can. You can. I can't do anything. I can't rule.

You sent for me.

What do I need to know?

About what?

Politics. The economy, everything.

The king... Is temporarily indisposed.

Oh my gosh, my mother ruled an empire.

I'm sure I can look after France for a day or two.

Now, tell me.

What's going on?

The Assembly of Notables has failed.

And the economy is hanging by a thread.

We need money now.

How much?

Somewhere in the region of 500 million.

Can we get another loan from Parliament?

Unlikely.

They are furious about the prospect of tax reform.

Then we must put their minds at ease.

Who's our most vocal opponent in Parliament?

May I help?

Bring him to me.

One more thing, Your Majesty.

Please, make it good news.

I'm afraid Jean Lamotte has escaped from prison.

but not ache in the absence of our exchanges.

Perhaps you found my correspondence dull.

This will be the last I write.

That will trouble you no more.

The Queen is meeting with Malheur.

Well, that's nice.

For God's sake, wake up!

This is serious.

Louis has genuinely lost his mind. Well, isn't that what you wanted?

I don't know.

I didn't want her ruling in his plane.

What shall we do?

I don't know.

It doesn't matter.

What do you mean?

It's all so pointless.

She abandoned me and...

Your

Majesty.

Thank you for coming.

Where is... The king is on urgent business.

I speak as his ambassador.

This is most irregular.

These are irregular times.

Politics are not my forte.

So, obviously, I don't understand the details of the king's proposal, but...

He wants the Parliament to lend him 500 million livres.

That's impossible.

I don't want to see the King. In return.

Oh, Scott.

He will drop his tax reforms.

There will be no increased tax on the church on the ability.

Oh, no.

No need to bother them. No need for extra taxes if the Paris Parliament just

grants Louis the money he requires.

It will have to be debated.

The king respected your process.

Tea?

Why are they still talking?

It's just a formality.

Once they agree to learn, we can go back.

I've had enough of this. No, just a little longer.

Just a little longer.

I've had enough. No, no, no.

You have debated long enough.

You have debated long enough!

The matter is decided.

You will give me the loan I require.

Majesty, we must follow proceedings.

He's right, Louis. Sit down.

My word is enough for this to pass.

I command this edict to be registered.

Registration without the consent of Parliament is illegal.

It is legal because I am king and I want it!

Mr. President?

His Majesty's request must be declared null and void.

The Duke of Olioi?

Correct.

King's demand for a loan is denied.

Traitor.

You are a traitor. You're all traitors.

The king's behavior demonstrates that Parliament must have the power to

France from royal despotism.

The crown must be held accountable for its actions, or France is vulnerable to

tyrannical rule.

Let me guess.

A letter from the king.

We should do this somewhere more private.

No. Let's do it here.

I've been banished from Versailles! Again!

Now, Orléans, if Louis keeps banishing people, you'll be ruling from an empty

palace.

Do you imagine that alcohol consoles you?

I can see why.

But it's blunting your wits, Josephine.

I've seen the paper regarding Margaret's exile.

Popol and Adelaide were behind it.

Neither Louis nor I have acted against you.

Pick your side.

I am tormented.

Each hour that passes reminds me of your indifference.

My husband keeps me confined and guarded.

I plot every hour to find a way back to you.

I will have my revenge on this man who has wronged me.

Mr. Knicker.

You remember this room?

I occupied it for many years.

While you ran off the deficit.

Yes.

And yet the people loved you.

For some reason, they still do.

The king doesn't share their admiration for you, and neither do I.

But it has been decided that you should return to government as financial

controller.

Thank you, but I no longer seek offer. This is not a request.

You got us into this mess.

Now get us out of it.

Unfortunately, it seems you're the only one who can do that.

We look forward to hearing your proposal.

What are you wearing?

Trousers.

I like them.

What did I miss?

Swedish invasion.

First hand must really love her.

Now, can you try?

Yeah, it looks healthy.

Come on, we're going to go.

To go now.

Let's go.

Uh,

nurse?

Can you, uh, bend the dough fan?

Quickly, now,

come along.

Back home, it's a tradition for the father to build a coffin.

He goes out to collect sprues, thistle down, to make a mattress.

So he's sure that the child's comfortable, even in death.

The doctor said she didn't suffer.

Slipped away.

Shall I sleep?

I'm sorry, but I must speak with Quinn. Can't it wait?

I'm afraid not.

The situation in the countryside is worse than we originally thought.

The peasants were already hungry before the storm wiped out the harvest.

Now more starving people are heading to Paris looking for food.

We need to provide more aid.

Do we have the resources?

The deficit? We have been making savings, yes.

Not enough to make a difference.

We can't let people starve because of a stupid hailstorm.

There are also other factors at play.

Our agents suspect Orléans is buying up grain and storing it for himself.

Oh, my God.

Do you want him arrested?

We can't act on suspicions.

Every move we make only increases his popularity with the people. Well, how do

we proceed?

What about Louis?

So you were of it.

His nerves are still bad.

I thought it better to come to you.

You hardly talk these days.

I am busy with my cause.

Ah, yes.

Abolition. Little tip.

If you want to achieve anything, you have to play dirty.

What do you mean?

Is there any bread for starving?

Please, please, sir.

Just a bit of bread.

Take that hailstorm.

A dreadful disaster.

Yeah, but also an opportunity.

No surprising man can make capital in a time of shortage.

Come over here, come over here.

Peasants are killing themselves with keponga.

And you want to make money from misery? Not money.

Capital.

Political capital.

Gothai has no money to help them.

Perhaps they will turn their allegiance to someone who can actually feed them.

Not despicable.

No.

I mean it.

Good luck with your cause.

You're going to take the moral high ground. You'll need it.

Everyone, tell the people to come to the door of my kitchen.

I have plenty of bread to share.

My popularity has given the market a boost, but the fundamental problem of

debt remains.

Why did you lie about the deficit?

Sometimes one must tell a monarch what he wants to hear.

Tell me the truth.

Tell me only the truth.

To save the economy, the king must enact his tax reforms immediately.

How?

The only way to do that is to call an Estates General.

A what?

An old institution.

Representatives of the clergy, nobility and commoners gather to advise the king.

Nick, I've never heard of it.

That's because the Estates General hasn't gathered for over a hundred

Well, what if we do nothing?

Famine. Rising prices, rebellious aristocracy, eager to limit the king's

Something will snap.

You must talk to the king.

You have to convince him to summon a state general immediately.

I asked you to come because, well, everything got too much. The deficit,

Bergen, Sophie.

Louis needs time and rest.

And me.

The country also needs me, so I'm just between the duties and the children, I

think. I don't know how to. You're sending me away. No, I'm... I'm... Well,

is what it sounds like. I'm split into too many pieces.

Now.

Seriously? No, I'm... I just... I don't have time for a private life. Not at the

moment.

It's fine.

off the press.

Jeanne Lamotte de Valois. My life at Versailles.

Any good?

The crown is gonna hate it.

Oh, I have some strong opinions about the government of my country.

One day, I hope to see a government that dispenses freedom and happiness.

and the abolishment of institutions that give one class of men the impunity to

oppress another.

But let it be known that whatever ingenuity my enemies use to turn the

popular prejudice against me, I will seat myself here, firmly on the rock of

truth. Even as the angry waves of falsehood break with fury at my feet.