Original subtitles

The kings are demanding a new expedition.

And why do you look sad while giving good news?

Because everyone is convinced that I got to the Indies on my first trip.

France has reached Italian lands with almost 50,000 soldiers.

Give supplies to our troops in Sicily.

May it be ready for the attack.

Will you crown yourself as the king of the Mediterranean?

You should ask the pope for that title.

I command you to take measures about bad practices at the monasteries.

It's my will to marry my son to one of the king's daughters. Whichever.

Starting today, you hold the charge of provincial governor of the Franciscans.

Open up right now!

Run!

Let's make a pact, Your Majesty.

I'll show the pope the true faith doctrine.

With blood and fire!

I ask you to defend papal lands as you promised, the pillar of Christianity.

In exchange for the help, you'll give Castile

the rights over the sea territories.

You'll have the papal bull.

And you, welcome to the Borjas family.

In the name of the queen, I command you to open the doors of your monastery.

I won't save your convent

util you pay for your sins with your tears!

This document proves my suspicions were true.

Make sure Rome gives you control of all territories within 100 leagues

from the Azores and Cabo Verde to the west and east.

Official practice will be mandatory for the Franciscans in this province.

The pope gave Castile the rights over the new lands.

With the terms you dictated.

Our flag is Castile's and Castile, which is me

trusts in you. Never forget that.

Is Colombus on his way to the Indies again?

From now on, my fleet will stop your ships from going to the Atlantic.

With what right?

If you ignore Alcacovas, I'll ignore the bull.

Where we only see water, he knows there's land!

And not just any lands for the effort he's making.

The route to the west leads to untouched lands.

Portugal won't let Castile be the only one to have them.

We'll sign the treaty.

But we both know it'd be hard for me to fulfill it.

If you won't do what you promised we won't do it either.

You must know Aragon doesn't need to respect your advance anymore.

The next time our kingdoms meet...

will be on the battlefield!

Portugal won't object to Castile's domain over Melilla and Cazaza.

They are little enclaves.

In exchange, lets make it 370 leagues to the west of Cabo Verde.

So it will be.

Episode 3

Who came back from the Indies in those ships?

A bunch of disgruntled men. Father Bernardo among them.

How could they dare without the royal license?

They'll answer that themselves.

What's the reason for your unexpected return, Father Bernardo?

The tyranny of Governor Colombus, Your Highness.

The admiral has imposed a terrible way of governing everything and everyone.

Explain yourself.

He has founded a villa, La Isabela.

He ordered the noblemen to construct it

with their own hands right next to the commoners.

Shouldn't they all work for the new lands' prosperity?

But he barely gave them food, Your Majesty.

And why do you think he did such a thing?

The gold, Your Highness. He's only led by greed.

But even though the treatment of the Christians is shocking

the treatment of the natives is much worse.

What treatment do they receive?

You must know, Your Majesty, that if someone is accused of robbery

his nose and ears are chopped off with no judge or law.

The viceroy's word is the only law there.

Didn't Colombus listen to your complaints?

Cristopher went out on an expedition more than three months ago.

No one has heard of him since then.

- Then who rules La Hispaniola? - His brothers, Your Highness.

The admiral put them in charge of the council.

And they have worse manners.

- Be sure your complaints will be heard. - Your Highness.

I'm sorry that we interrupted the order the pope commanded of us

but my labor is useless there.

No one is interested in harvesting souls

unless they come covered in gold.

What do a wool weaver and a cartographer know about governing?

There must be a reason for that behavior.

- We hope the admiral will explain this. - Be sure he does.

He is not reporting gold to us, or converted souls.

He's just causing trouble. I know that well.

We need to find someone urgently who will create order there.

- If you wish, I'll look for someone myself. - I'll take care of it.

Do you want me to prepare some soup for you before you leave?

It's a cold morning.

It's not soup that I need right now, Beatriz.

I hope he hasn't died.

May God forbid.

It has been so long since the admiral was admired everywhere he went.

And if the man I trusted in isn't at the level of the mission?

Don't worry, Your Highness.

No one in Castile doubts

that you always look for the biggest benefit for the king.

Anyway, the mission in the Indies must continue.

Give your heart some rest. I'll pray for the admiral.

There are two souls we need to pray for now.

For the admiral's, and for our cardinal's.

[Rome. French Camp.]

Ferdinand is sending no more than 2.500 men against us, Your Majesty.

- Cavalry? - Light, around 300 horsemen.

The rest is infantry. Ferdinand doesn't have much gold.

The gold in Castile was spent on other things.

Who commands the troops?

Gonzalo Fernandez de Cordoba, sir.

A good captain, brave, and intelligent.

Not enough to stop the pope from crowning me king of Naples.

The pope chose a brave travel companion.

Don't underestimate Ferdinand, Your Majesty. He's planning something.

I find it strange that his answer was so tepid.

Because you're tepid, not hot or cold. I'll vomit you.

It's written. Only a bad taste will be left of the Aragon man in Italy.

Cheer up that face.

Glory waits for us in Rome.

[Guadalajara.]

How are you, Your Excellence?

Hungry.

The dumb doctors say

food restriction will heal me.

But I doubt that, or all those beverages, will cure my disease.

Have faith and patience.

I'm sure you'll get well soon with God's help.

I won't get up from this bed again.

You know that.

Let's not waste time in lamentation.

I named you the executor for my testament.

It's an honor, your reverence.

You need to think carefully

about who will be my successor.

It's a very important decision.

I'll do it, at its right time.

Listen to me well.

Don't chose anyone from a royal family.

It will only displease you.

Remember Carrillo.

Will you offer me a candidate?

Francisco... de Cisneros.

You know I agree with his will for reforms but...

Give him the instruments, and he'll make it to the end.

Listen to me, for the nails of Christ.

I promise you I'll keep your words in mind.

My guilt is great

and my regret even greater.

I'd like to leave this world

with the peace of mind that I at least did the right thing once.

Cisneros, archbishop of Toledo.

Get out.

Why give him such power?

Because he's capable of reforming our church.

His reverence is intriguing on his very deathbed.

And on top of everything, he tangles you in his plans.

He doesn't tangle me. I think Cisneros is the best candidate too.

- He's tenacious, pious... - I'll propose a more adequate one.

The archbishop of Saragossa.

- Your son Alfonso? - Yes.

Wouldn't he be an ideal ally?

Your son is aware of the affairs of state, that's true.

What else can you ask for?

That he is closer to heaven than to Earth.

The cardinal of Spain must have his mind and soul in the interests of the church.

Like that monk who only thinks of getting back to his convent.

You know I wouldn't neglect such an important decision.

So I must understand there's nothing more to talk about.

Come in.

Your Highness, the bishop of Badajoz is waiting for you.

Thanks for coming so soon to our call.

I'm aware of your loyalty, and your family's.

You showed it at very hard times.

It couldn't have been different. Your Majesty,

only you have the right to Castile's throne.

I need you again now. As you know some ships came back from the Indies.

- They didn't bring good news. - Yes, I know.

You know all the effort we've put into the Indies enterprise.

- All of Castile knows about it. Whether the admiral is alive or not

we need to find a way to make the route profitable.

We hope you can give us solutions.

I appreciate your confidence, Your Majesties.

Prepare ships full of supplies for those in La Hispaniola as soon as possible.

Your command will be executed firmly.

We need those lands back in order, Fonseca.

If not, we'd not receive income

and no one would teach the word of God.

Your Majesties,

Cardinal Mendoza has died.

May God have him in his protection.

[Rome. Vatican.]

You'll crown me as king of Naples, and you'll do it today.

I can do no such thing. Alfonso is the legitimate king.

I have known rights to the throne of Naples. No one could tell you differently.

You're right. Just my conscience.

I warn you, I'll destroy Rome. I will leave no stone or trace of it.

I am the vicar of Christ.

You won't convince'me with threats.

You're the vicar of Christ thanks to me!

You'll force me to do something I don't want to.

Go back to France?

I could force you to sign my nomination with your own blood.

Your Majesty, let his holiness think about your offer.

Calm down.

I'm a good Christian. I don't want to have God against me.

I'll be the king of Naples, Your Holiness

with your blessing or without it.

Gonzalo's troops are stationed at Reggio.

- Ready for combat. - Carlo's forces are bigger than ours.

Even if we add Naples' army to ours.

- We'll send reinforcements soon. - 1,500 men.

That's not enough.

How does Gonzalo plan to combat the French?

With the same guerrilla tactics he used against the Muslims in Granada.

But the French are not the Muslims.

The captain ensures us it's the only way to defeat such a powerful enemy.

The truth is he can't face

an army this superior in men and supplies on the open field.

Carlo's heavy cavalry would step over him.

So let's prey that his tactic is the right one.

If not, there's only one solution.

- Retreat. - Never.

- I don't doubt the general's value. - He has clearly shown it.

But he is forced to fight in such a reckless way because he has no choice.

And he will be victorious! There's too much at stake!

If that's true, why should we play it all in one movement?

Explain yourself.

Even if Gonzalo achieves victory

it will be hard to stop Charles with no allies.

The French king has been smart.

He signed treaties with Burgundians, the English and Venetians.

Naples is very important.

If the captain fails, France will have the Mediterranean.

If that happens, may God forbid

we'd need to worry more about what would come next.

Who could stop the French voracity?

Imagine you're a Roman emperor.

- Marcus Aurelius. - As you wish.

Would you dress your slaves in different clothes than yours to distinguish them?

What do you think?

I'm not sure.

That would be convenient.

We'd know when we are looking at a free man and when we're not.

Right. But if you dress all the slaves the same way

they'll soon notice they are more than the free men.

- I haven't thought about that. - I knew it.

Our heads wouldn't stay long over our shoulders.

You should be the queen of Castile and Aragon.

Why do you say that?

You're smarter than me.

Both kingdoms would win if you were the heiress.

Our son feels the weight of the crown before even having it.

You felt it too. It's a fact of life when you're born as a prince.

Juan will inherit the crowns of Castile and Aragon.

The weight is double, as is responsibility.

God will illumine his steps.

Didn't He do that with you?

Do you have news about Gonzalo?

It isn't good at all.

I made a mistake in Italy.

It will be hard to defend the pope from the French's siege.

And if he's forced to surrender and gives Naples to Charles...

You're losing the war before fighting the first battle.

France is a big threat for our kingdoms. Isabel.

It has always been like that.

What has changed now that I see so much anguish in your gaze?

I wanted to be a step ahead of France, but he did it better than me.

He gathered more men, more weapons and better allies.

If he attacks the pope, all of Christianity would rise up against him.

Only the ones who didn't offer their help first or who don't fear him.

They will be few by then.

Lady.

There's a way to force the enemy to surrender.

But I need to count on your permission.

To defeat France? Permission granted.

Listen to me.

We need to be together in this. Together to the last consequences.

Tell me. What do you need from me?

You've already given me what I needed from you.

France is our natural enemy.

Not only because we share borders on land and at sea

but because they are the most powerful kingdom in Europe.

Stopping French aspirations

could consume our reigns and our children's.

I know that well. It almost ended your father's.

Castile and Aragon can't stop such a powerful neighbor by themselves.

We need to look for allies.

Look. England.

Even though they're isolated, they look at the French with distrust.

- It has been invaded before. - If that happens...

our daughter Catalina's wedding to the prince of Wales

would guarantee our support.

And it wouldd guarantee their support.

The northwest would be secured.

If we got a similar agreement

with Emperor Maximilian...

plus the Italian enterprise...

we would have France surrounded on its four sides.

Maximilian hates King Charles. Maybe he'd accept an agreement.

But you forget something. We must make peace with Portugal

if we want to avoid an enemy at our backs on the peninsula.

Now I understand why we need to be together on this.

- Do you think we'll make it? - With the blood of our blood.

We'll go together in this, Isabel.

What's wrong, Mother?

I was thinking about you and about your brothers.

And what have they done to make you so sad?

I ensure you I'm innocent.

Innocent and smart.

But still too young to understand.

There's no purer love than that a mother has for her children.

It's not the love some of my lectures preach about.

But some day, if that's God's will, I'll learn it myself.

Then you'll understand why it affects me

to think how different your lives would be

if you hadn't been born from a queen's womb.

Do you think they would be happier?

You wouldn't be forced to accept

that the sake of the crown is above us all.

Mother, we've known two things since we were little:

that we are at the service of our kingdoms

and that you love us so much

that you'd never do anything that could harm us.

I know Juan will reign someday

and I'll need to get married to seal a valuable alliance.

I just hope to be as happy

as you are with my father.

Now I miss the lost hours with you and your brothers.

Maybe you weren't there but...

your example was.

And your dedication.

I'll put the destiny of our children in your hands.

May the sacrifice we demand from them be for the good of Castile and Aragon.

I thank you for trusting in me this way.

I know how hard their sacrifice is for you.

But trust me, if we achieve our goals

it will be for the glory of our kingdoms.

Give me a moment if it's not a problem.

I wanted to hand it over in person.

- What is it about? - Read.

But...

it's not possible.

I can't be the archbishop of Toledo. I'm not worth it.

No one could be worthier than you.

My only will is to live far away from the world and...

It's also your will to reform our church.

And we both share that.

I can't accept.

Cardinal Mendoza insisted himself that you must be his successor.

And I really thank you both, but...

At the top of the church, you'd have the power to make the much-needed reforms

with the protection of Rome and the queen of Castile.

Excuse me. They're waiting for me.

Accept your destiny, Your High Eminence.

With all due respect, Your Majesties

it won't be easy to form that great alliance.

No one said it would be.

Sir, England and Burgundy have peace agreements with France.

So did we. But agreements can be broken

when there's a just cause.

What's Charles' excuse to reclaim Naples?

- To defend Christianity from the Turks. - We'll do something similar.

Our alliance won't be made against Charles, but to protect Christianity.

- Do you mean that... - The real motive

to stop the French, would never be public.

All the alliance members would be forced to save and protect the pope

- threatened by Charles... - Or by the Turks.

We'll send ambassadors to Venice, Rome and London

to let them know about our plans

and to start the required negotiations.

Ypu will go to Maximilian's court and then to Flanders.

I'll do what you say, Your Majesty.

What is it, Chacon?

Your Majesties, we're at war with France.

Any kingdom that joins Castile or Aragon, even to protect Christianity

would be Charles' enemy.

Don't worry. They'll value or friendship more.

Excuse me. Why are you so sure?

Our children will be the mortar that will build up that alliance.

We called you because you seem to be a prudent man.

With prudence, I suggest you promptly recognize Charles as the king of Naples.

I'd never do such a thing because of threats.

Ignore the threats then.

What do you want in exchange for his designation as king?

I'm willing to negotiate. But I demand that my authority not be questioned.

On the other hand, the crown of Naples is valuable.

Don't think you'll have it for free.

We'll see if we can satisfy your conditions.

I want the king of France

to publicly recognize me as pope

king of Rome, and vicar of Christ on Earth.

I'm glad to see you trust more in my master's word...

than in the help of the king of Aragon.

Convince His Majesty.

Let's avoid spilling blood as much as possible.

Especially ours.

Wheat seeds, animals... everything's already in the ships.

They'll leave Cadiz for the Indies very soon.

Fine. I see you didn't waste time.

What are you thinking about how to fix things at La Hispaniola?

If Colombus' brothers' bad government is the problem

we'll find a new way to administer the new lands.

- What do you suggest? - People there demand more freedom.

If the crown gave licenses for new expeditions...

Expeditions without Colombus.

But with the crown, which would receive part of the benefits.

Wait. We signed documents with the admiral at Santa Fe forcing us to...

They all think he is dead. And if he is, so are the treaties and laws.

No way! I put my word on it.

I won't betray the admiral without knowing if he's alive or not.

If he lives, I'd listen to his reasons before denying my support.

- Your attitude is honorable, but... - Forget about that idea!

And don't mention it again.

Andres, do me a favor. Look for Cisneros. I need to talk to him.

Father Francisco? I saw him leaving the palace.

- Are you sure? I'd swear on that.

It seems he was in a hurry.

Tell the guards.

Have them look for him and get him back to me as soon as possible.

I didn't want to displease the queen, Your Highness.

- I beg you to tell her that. - Don't worry.

I acted like a fool by assuming...

I don't think your proposal was foolish at all, Gonzalo.

What's more, I'd like to hear about it in more detail.

People are wondering why a single man is taking so much benefit from the crown.

They have enough reasons to do so.

We went too far by guaranteeing so many privileges to Colombus at Santa Fe.

And in exchange, now he imposes his tyranny over your servants.

Isn't it time for the crown to get back what it owns by right?

My wife feels a great appreciation for the admiral.

She has always been with him.

- Just the idea that he suffered an... - I'm sorry to interrupt.

But the queen is the only one in Castile who thinks Colombus is alive.

And his compromises with him.

Be sure the queen will think things better. Be patient.

Let me tell you something, Fonseca.

Up until then, be careful about contradicting her.

We signed an agreement. And even if Colombus is dead, his family isn't.

I just came to comfort you, my lady.

Have you thought about your servants?

Many people have crossed the sea

risking their lives for Castile, looking for wealth.

I know, pray for them too.

Others are waiting for their opportunity as well.

Would you deny it out of loyalty to a dead man?

That's not what I want.

And let's not bury the admiral before we're sure.

We won Rome's favor because we compromised to spread our faith.

But the admiral hasn't respected that either.

- We demanded gold too, so needed here. - That's right.

But how long will those lands remain under our control?

If we fail to fulfill the mission the pope entrusted to us?

Even more, if Gonzalo doesn't stop the French.

I'm afraid Rome would take any excuse to affect our interests.

Don't torment me anymore.

We owe too much to the admiral.

He discovered great things for Castile's glory.

And he has obtained great benefits in gold and titles.

In exchange, he has sent promises of gold and many problems.

I know how big your heart is and the purity of your soul.

But don't allow your mind to be clouded by your affection for him.

I knew they brought back Cisneros.

What's wrong with me, Ferdinand?

I trust in people who seem to want to compromise me.

You're the queen. Impose your authority.

Have Fonseca write the documents.

I'll sign those licenses.

You, who preach humility as your flag...

do you rise against your queen?

Your Highness.

I'm not interested in power. I've said that before.

I'm your confessor

and that's enough honor for me.

Unless you have forgotten about your vow of obedience...

soon we'll celebrate your designation.

Get out.

And take a bath.

The dignity of the charge demands a certain composure.

I'll have that in mind, Your Highness.

- What is it about? - News from Naples.

The French have defeated our troops at Seminara.

How did it happen?

They say our troops ran away when they saw the French's superiority.

Ran away? My troops ran away from the enemy?

- How many men have we lost? - Just a few hundred.

The Neapolitans suffered more. Reinforcements are on their way.

Gonzalo's tactic will not work. Let's replace him.

- Don't make hasty decisions. There's... - He will explain this when he's back.

Give the order.

Do you have any objections?

Not at all.

It's good, very good.

Charles trusts you know the circumstances

under which he accepted your demands.

- What do you mean? We've defeated the enemy at Seminara.

My demands aren't related with the war's course.

They're still your allies, Your Holiness.

Their destiny runs beside yours.

My king hopes you honor your part of the deal as soon as possible.

King Charles is impatient to have the crown of Naples.

Hurry up, the French document makes us untouchables.

Is everything ready, Angelo?

The guards will take care of us. The castle will support the siege.

The crown of Naples will cost Charles more than he thinks.

I won't give it to him.

Even if I need to crawl out of the Holy See.

Thank the useful protection of the king of Aragon.

I swear he'll pay for this.

[Flanders.]

Emperor Maximilian has told his son Felipe

about the generous offer you've made.

Generous and beneficial for both parts.

Nevertheless, you must keep in mind that Felipe has reigned his lands

with his own voice since he was a young boy.

Maybe he considers his marriage to Princess Juana as a parental imposition.

I'm sure you'll convince him of the benefits of such a union.

You don't need to present yourself, my friend.

I know who you are and what your mission is in Flanders.

My mission is to go back to Castile as soon as possible with a positive answer.

- -The alliance we offer you... - Against our powerful neighbor, France...

Proximity makes it a bigger danger.

Or would the duchies and counties that depend on you

resist a French offensive by themselves?

You know they wouldn't.

But Aragon and Castile wouldn't either, being bigger kingdoms.

So we both understand the alliance is convenient.

Although I'm my father's servant, I don't share his financial problems

or his hate for Charles, who has won my respects.

The compromise between your sister Margarita and the French benefited you.

Even though there was no wedding

I'm the duke of Burgundy thanks to his generosity.

But why don't you think we'd reclaim the lands he put under your command?

Marrying his enemy's daughter may give him enough reason to do so.

Don't think about it that way.

They consider marriage a guarantee for you to keep your domains safe.

Is that my father's opinion too?

If you'd have stopped the French in Italy

would you have thought of this union?

The vision of the kings of Castile and Aragon goes far beyond that.

It's true the plan goes far beyond the battle for Naples.

So let me think about it.

Marriage is an important thing.

What God has joined together, man must never separate. Right, sirs?

I understand your hesitation

but marrying Juana wouldn't be an act of war against France.

And not doing it would be contradicting the emperor's will, my father.

- I care more about France's reaction. - Take advantage of the opportunity.

Today France is powerful and fearsome, yes.

But Castile and Aragon are growing realms.

Their importance could be very strong in the future.

I'm not impressed. I'll inherit an empire one day.

Add your union to our neighbors in the south to your heritage

and imagine how your voice would be heard in Europe.

And may the French not mess with your domains

because the response to such a strong alliance won't take long.

Let the ambassador know that I'll marry Juana.

Regarding France... leave that to me.

The Sforza from Venice are the most interested in creating the Holy League.

Emperor Maximilian is interested too, of course.

And the English? Have they said anything?

Despite the marriage of your daughter Catalina and the prince of Wales,

Henry doesn't seem willing to collaborate.

As it has always been.

There's one more problem this time.

The duke of York is asking to marry Catalina.

Ricardo of Shrewsbury, first Duke of York. Who is he?

I don't know much.

I know he's a candidate for the throne of England.

Doesn't he know she's already engaged?

I don't know, madam.

But the official request came through Emperor Maximilian.

What are his merits?

He has the support of Margarita of York.

And the Emperor's support.

That is the problem.

King Henry accuses Maximilian of intruding in his business

and refuses to make an alliance with him.

Understandable. He was the one who tried to take away his throne.

Does he have any chance of obtaining it?

Very little, in my opinion. But I wouldn't say none.

Only if you give him your support too.

So everything will crumble to support an adventurer.

Has the emperor lost his mind?

How could we marry our daughter to a would-be king?

We've taught her to reign, not to conspire.

We won't deny the duke of York our daughter's hand

but make sure his request gets to the hands of the king of England.

Then he'll know that the one who desires his throne

also wants to take Catalina from him.

Make it clear that we'd break the commitment

between her and the prince of Wales

if he doesn't agree to be part of the Holy League.

You'll make Henry feel very lonely on his island.

- I've finally found you, Your Majesty. - What is it, Fonseca?

- The Indies licenses? - Yes, but I have news of the admiral.

He's still alive, thanks to God.

Some ships arrived at Cadiz with Antonio, his secretary

and a letter for you.

What happened to him?

He got to La Hispaniola more dead than alive

and found his brothers and great disorder.

The queen mustn't know anything about this.

No one should tell her news of Colombus until she signs the licenses.

Not a word. Understood?

As you order, Your Highness.

Are you sure you did the right thing?

How could God allow such a liar of low character to rule in Rome?

He promised to crown me king of Naples.

Your Majesty, think about it.

Naples isn't the problem now.

He's right. That crown will cost you too much.

I won't stop the siege.

The pope will give up, even if I need to burn down his castle!

My lord, Ferdinand isn't the only ally of the pope anymore.

We can't fight Castile, Aragon and Maximilian at the same time.

I hate them all!

My soldiers will drink their blood.

We'll cut his son's throats, and we'll rape his wives and daughters.

I promise you we'll exterminate them all!

Calm down, Your Majesty. I beg you.

That Aragonese dog has put everyone against me!

Do you want me to calm down? Bring me his head!

Guards. Look for help.

Drink. Slowly.

Maximilian must be celebrating with a thousand whores!

What did you expect? That he'd let go the opportunity to go against France?

Don't you know how he feels about you?

I should've let you marry him.

You serve me so little.

When will you give me an heir?

You can't even give birth to a child who lives long enough to grab a sword.

Is everything as you want?

Fine.

If you don't mind, let's start with the pending issues.

The cardinal wanted to leave everything in order, but his illness stopped him.

The most important thing is to designate Pedro de Mendoza as cardinal of Cazorla.

You will use your new powers for the first time with him.

- Family of the cardinal? - Brother of the dead man.

The Mendozas asked the queen to give you this charge.

And her highness accepted, as was to be expected.

The Mendozas have offered many services to the crown.

Here is the document. You only need to sign it.

Reverence.

I won't sign.

- Maybe you didn't understand. - I did understand.

I won't sign it.

Let's go to other issues.

Chacon, news from England?

No, Your Highness.

- From Gonzalo. - Is he already in Castile?

He sent you a letter.

Announce his return, then.

He's still in charge at Naples. His men refused to be replaced.

Tell that to Chacon. Tell the queen the news about another of her men.

Captain Fernandez of Corddba refused to be substituted.

What does the letter say?

It explains what happened in Seminara, a misunderstanding with the Neapolitans.

They thought the Aragonese were leaving the battle and fled, scared.

It seems they didn't understand it was a tactical retreat

and abandoned our troops to their fate.

Bastards!

Gonzalo ordered retreat to avoid failure.

- Is that his excuse? - Yes.

And he asks for patience and confidence in him and his men.

He disobeyed the order of the king.

Others would've paid for it with their lives already!

That is true. But think wisely.

Meditate on your decision.

- Whatever you decide, I'll support you. - Your Majesties.

I have important news. The admiral is alive.

His secretary, Antonio of Torres, came back from La Hispaniola.

They found lands and rivers from which you can take gold with your bare hands.

God knows how much comfort comes with those words.

What is it, Your Highness?

Don't you see?

If I had just waited a little before signing the documents...

- Something more, Fonseca? - Yes.

But I think it'd be better if you see it with your own eyes.

What is this?

The admiral sent them. There are many more.

Free them from their chains!

It's not possible. They are prisoners of war.

War? What war do you mean?

There are two contradictory versions.

The Indians were arrested during an expedition

to punish them for their mess.

- That is Columbus' version, I guess. - That's what his secretary says.

But people say our troops used to burst into their villages

and terrorize their women.

Colombus says nothing about that in his letter.

Is he trying to hide what's really happening in the new lands?

- Is there something more? - Many Indians have died.

They charge against them with horses and dogs.

Is so much cruelty necessary?

The red men think our ships come from heaven

and now we charge against them with blood and fire?

If they rise up against the viceroy, they rise against the crown.

They must be punished. There's nothing to discuss.

What will we do with the ones he sent?

You can't free them. They are prisoners of war.

Their fate is to be sold as slaves.

That was done with the Muslims and at the Canary Islands.

We won't do such a thing.

What do you suggest, my lady?

To form a commission with ecclesiastics and jurists.

They will decide what we should do with the red men.

Your Highness, there's something else.

It's about Archbishop Cisneros.

He refuses to sign the recognition of Hurtado de Mendoza.

He refuses?

With what reason?

He has no argument.

So? Doesn't he know he's his mentor's brother?

He knows it. The Mendoza family sent a complaint.

They didn't expect that from the cardinal.

Neither did I.

And they don't understand why he has been supported.

He needs to show me the signed designation by tomorrow.

Tell his reverence that I don't care about his reasons. Only one thing matters:

It's his queen's command for Hurtado de Mendoza to be the cardinal of Cazorla.

My answer is still no.

Do you know how great the queen's displeasure is?

You're risking your own charge!

None of those reasons will make me change my mind.

I don't understand you.

You can do a lot for the church you love so much from here.

Do you want to lose everything from being so stubborn?

Here you have the candidate's credentials.

Have you at least checked whether this man is worthy of the charge?

Admiral Colombus wrote it in his letters.

When he came upon the Indians, they knew no cult or religion.

They think forces of good lie in heaven, so they can be taught the gospel.

And what happens if the Indians refuse to be converted?

Not all of them have refused. Some of them have been baptized already.

Many others have risen against the viceroy.

They reject with violence everything coming from Castile.

- The word of God as well? - That's right.

How's that possible? Are we sure they have souls?

Are they capable of believing?

We're going back to the same point, sirs.

We've been arguing all afternoon.

It'd be better to continue tomorrow.

The queen is waiting for answers.

None of us have them for now.

We'll only find it when God wants to enlighten us.

We need to give some answer.

We still don't have them, Your Highness.

This isn't a trivial matter, Your Majesty.

We can't take care of it in a few talks.

The debate promises to be long.

And what should we do with those men while you discuss it?

Whatever you choose, Your Highness, will be the right call.

I'm sure it won't offend God.

Pedro Hurtado de Mendoza.

Sit down.

Sit down. I beg you.

You fought in Malaga, Almeria and Granada.

You're a knight of the Order of Santiago.

- I see you've studied me well. - It's my duty.

They think you're a formal man, a brave soldier.

And the most important...

a solver of problems.

And in spite of everything. I don't have your confidence.

Here I only see the acts

but I don't see the man.

- I don't understand what you mean. - Your confession would be enough.

If you want me to be the one to take it.

God knows every corner of my soul already.

Why should I be ashamed if you know it?

Your Highness, about the red men.

- Tell me. - Some are sick and some have died.

Have the doctors check them.

There are too many of them to feed and care for while we reach an agreement.

They might not last the winter.

Fonseca, the Indies are your command.

Look for a solution.

- Anything else? - Nothing, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

I came to confirm the designation of Mendoza as cardinal of Cazorla.

Not because you commanded it...

but because he is a man of good.

And god-fearing.

Do you enjoy playing with your queen's patience?

I'm not a friend of politics, you know that well.

Nor of impositions.

Except when it's you who dictates them, am I wrong?

I had to judge Mendoza for myself.

I'm glad that you're a rigorous man.

But let me tell you

you and I will get further if we walk together.

I suggest that you not forget

that my authority comes before yours.

And my force too.

Your Majesties, great news has come.

Gonzalo defeated the French in Burano and has Treia under siege.

Thanks for listening to my prayers.

It's only a battle, now we need to win the war.

We need to open a new front to divide the French and weaken them.

- It's Navarro's turn. - That's right.

Let's give them no rest on our borders!

There's something more, Your Majesties.

The king of England decided to join our alliance.

It seems the news about Catalina's new suitor

encouraged the king to take action.

Sirs, the Holy League is a fact.

All together we'll push the French back to their lands.

Make sure we don't get more marriage offers.

We have no available children.

The defense of our borders

demands alliances and sacrifice.

You, children of kings

are destined to seal and strengthen

the relations of our reigns with our allies.

It's our will to formalize your engagement

with the heirs of the different royal houses.

Juan, prince of Asturias and Gerona

will marry Margarita of Austria

daughter of Emperor Maximilian.

Princess Juana with Archduke Felipe

heir of the sacred empire.

A double marriage that will turn the Habsburgs

into our firmest allies against France.

As accorded one day, the prince of Wales will marry the young Catalina.

And about Portugal...

the heir to the throne will marry Princess Maria.

This is our decision.

Thanks to you

our family will spread in the most important European courts.

They all await you with respect and admiration.

If God wants it...

you're called to rule a continent.

You must be at the level of the mission that relies on you.

We're sure you'll honor your rank.

And you'll strengthen our blood

in the name of Castile and Aragon.

- When will the wedding take place? - As soon as it's signed.

You'll get married for powers in Castile.

You'll travel to Flanders.

Your husband, the duke of Burgundy, will see you there.

The fleet that will bring you back will bring Juan's wife.

That's the agreement.

Do you know Margarita? What is she like?

I haven't seen her. But they say she's very pretty.

And is she smart too?

She's the daughter of kings, I'm sure she is.

As smart as your wife?

No one is as smart as your mother.

I'm glad you hope she's smart.

Your legacy would be a great weight even for the best of the princes.

You are so, my angel.

You've been preparing yourself to rule your entire life.

You'll be the best at it.

I'd like to have someone as great as you by my side.

Don't torture yourself. You'll be a great king.

And there will be no better queen or wife

in the entire world than Margarita.

Let me introduce our children to you.

Juan and Juana of Aragon.

You have enough reasons to be happy, Your Majesties.

You'll marry the best suitors.

Archbishop Busleyden is the ambassador of Emperor Maximilian.

Above all, I'm the adviser of your future husband.

What's the archduke like, Your Eminence?

Felipe is an extraordinary man.

Seldom has a prince

been as worthy of that name as Felipe of Austria. I guarantee it.

And about Princess Margarita...

I doubt there's a smarter

and more charming youngster in the Christian world.

Someone needs to corroborate what's happening at La Hispaniola.

In detail.

- Aren't the letters enough? - They are not reliable.

Envy and rancor can be read from them.

I need eyes as pure as water to judge Columbus.

And how will you do that?

An honorable judge will go to La Hispaniola

on the first ship coming out of Cadiz.

I hope you take care of the preparations.

May I ask who you chose?

Juan of Aguado. He has traveled to those far lands before.

We want him to find out what's true of the accusations against the admiral.

- It will be as you command. - About the licenses...

No other expedition will leave from Castile

until I have news of the admiral.

- Anything else? - Yes. One last thing, Fonseca.

- Have you taken care of the red men? - Of course.

They will be sent to the Canary Islands where they'll be treated as free men.

- Why there? - Weather.

It's said it's more similar to their islands, kinder.

They'll remain there until an expedition sends them back to their homes.

Be sure they find as much comfort as any son of God.

You said there were 500 red men.

Did you take part of the shipment?

Some have died, but the price is the same.

Come on, come on. You know you'll make good business with them.

Look for the buyers outside the courts, like I said. Be discreet.

- Don't worry. - Forget that you saw me.

We never spoke. Understood?

Are you planning to reclaim the crown?

My rights can't be questioned.

It's time for Naples and Sicily to be a single realm again.

Prepare yourself to burn in hell for eternity.

You've changed so much that it was difficult to recognize you.

Father! Father!

Juana of Castile...

I take you as my wife in front of God and my servants.

You'll go to a strange place, but you'll never be alone.

Your fate and the kingdom's are tied to that creature's.

Renowned cartographers claim it's impossible that he got to Asia's coasts.

And where are our ships getting to then?

To an archipelago in the middle of the ocean.

Princess Isabel must be my son's wife.

Do you agree?

My life is only at the service of God.

I fulfilled your desire to not take vows, but I won't get married.

You'll do what you're ordered!

- Would you give him what he asks for? - Take these.

It will shut down many mouths.

What do you bring from this journey, Admiral?

Ferdinand is getting his troops in Italy.

Let's attack now, sir.

I need to give it to the pope personally.

Then you'll need to wait until he's back.

Has he left Rome?

You won't get close to the princess again, did you hear?

Go look for a saddle and follow me.

Traitor! Traitor! Son of the evil spirit!

Juan!

I'll never see her again.

And her sisters will go behind her.