Original subtitles

The brothers Grimm, your majesty.

Good day, gentlemen.

Thank you so much for coming.

I suppose you're wondering why anyone my age would request an audience with the

authors of children's stories.

Your letter was most intriguing, madam. I find your collection of folktales

quite brilliant, actually.

Thank you.

But I must say, I was terribly disturbed when I read your version of The Little

Cinder Girl.

One of those who swear that ferocious telling with its fairy godmother and

pumpkins would be closer to the truth.

Some claim that shoe was made of fur.

Others insist it was glass.

Well, I guess we'll never know.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

Might I inquire about the painting?

She's really quite extraordinary.

Her name was Danielle de Barbarac.

And this... was her glass slipper.

Perhaps you will allow me to set the record straight.

Then it's true. The story.

Yes, quite.

Now then, what is that phrase you use?

Oh, yes.

Once upon a time, there lived a young girl who

loved her father very much.

Christmas. I get a mother and sisters all in one day.

Yes. It's going to be very exciting round here. What with the baroness and

Oh, how still.

The master deserves some happiness after all this time.

Bringing up the child on his own.

She must be lovely.

I hope she likes me.

She will love you.

Just Be the little angel I know is in there somewhere.

And don't go chewing on the bones at dinner and give yourself away.

Child, your father arrives any moment.

Blimey! It's faster!

Welcome home, Monsieur Le Seigneur. I see you have brought us a baroness. I

brought you an entire household, Maurice.

You seem to be missing a daughter.

Oh.

Oh, good.

It's absolutely charming, really.

Papa! Oh!

Oh,

look at you, just as I laughed.

I'll wait till your friend Gustave is around here someplace.

No, sir.

I slaughtered him.

Well, so you did.

I had hoped to present a little lady.

Well, I suppose you'll have to do.

Danielle, may I present the Baroness Rodmila de Ghent and her daughters,

Marguerite and Jacqueline.

Hello, Danielle.

At last we meet.

Your father speaks of nothing else.

Ladies, say hello to your new stepsister.

Mademoiselle.

Utopia.

It means paradise.

It's maybe a bit thick for an eight -year -old, but I thought we could add

our library.

Will you read some?

It's been a very long day.

And you're a husband now.

Yes, a husband.

But a father, first and forever.

We've been two peas in a pod, you and I, for a long time.

I suppose this will take some getting used to.

Did you see the way they ate their supper?

Yes. It was perfect.

Like a dance.

Do you like them? Very much.

Good. Good.

Because I have to go to Avignon in a fortnight.

But you just got back.

I know.

For how long?

Only three weeks.

One. Two.

One.

Two.

Sleep tight.

I've never seen so many gloomy faces around here. I shall be back in a week.

Then go.

The sooner you leave, the sooner we can celebrate your turn.

Perhaps by then the three of you and I've got to know each other better.

And counting on you to teach them the ropes around here.

The Baroness isn't used to getting her hands dirty.

Thank you, Maurice.

Safe journey, Master.

Hello, lady.

Back to your lessons.

Wait. It's tradition.

He always waves at the gate.

or there would be hell to pay. But he does not love her, my lord. It's not

love. Perhaps it should be. If he is to become king, he must learn to accept his

responsibility. A sapling cannot grow in the shadow of a mighty oak, Francis. He

needs sunlight.

He needs a good whipping.

Really, Francis, can't this wait till morning?

If I can't sleep, neither shall he.

Henry, wake up.

Please, my owner slipped his shoe, and I have no choice. And our choice is what?

Wait. To let you? I was merely borrowing it. Get out. I'll wake the house.

Ow!

Forgive me, Your Highness. I did not see you.

Your aim would suggest otherwise.

Then speak of this to no one, and I shall be lenient.

We have other horses, Highness.

Younger, if that is your wish.

I wish for nothing more than to be free of my gilded cage.

For your silence.

Four -minute eggs, not four one -minute eggs, and where in God's name is our

bread? It's just coming out the oven, my lady.

Marguerite, precious, what do I always say about towns?

A lady's breeding ought never to raise her voice any louder than the gentle hum

of a whispering wind.

Jacqueline, dear, do not speak unless you can improve the silence.

I was not shrill. I was resonant.

The courtier knows the difference.

I very much doubt your style of resonance would be permitted in the

I'm not going to the royal court, am I, Mother? No one is, except some Spanish

pig. They have the nerve to call a princess.

Darling, nothing is final until you're dead. Even then, I'm sure God

Why is there no salt on this table?

rise in the east. Yes, Louise, it did.

And it is going to be a beautiful day.

Oh, look at all those feathers.

Child, where did you get this? From an angel of mercy.

And I know just what to do with them.

Maurice.

If the Baroness can sell your husband to pay her taxes, then these can certainly

bring him home. The court will have to let him go.

But the king has sold him to Cartier.

He's bound for the Americas.

This is our home, and I will not see it fall apart.

We are waiting.

Oh, take aid, mistress.

All these coins are as good as hers.

Morning, madame.

Marguerite.

Jacqueline. Hello.

I trust you slept well.

What kept you?

I fell off the ladder in Yorkshire, but I am better now.

Someone's been reading in the fireplace again.

Look at you, ash and soot everywhere.

Some people read because they cannot think for themselves.

Why don't you sleep with the pigs, Cinder Soot, if you insist on smelling

one? Ooh, that was harsh, Marguerite.

Danielle, come here, child.

Your appearance does reflect a certain crudeness, my dear.

What can I do to make you...

I do try, stepmother.

I do wish to please you.

Sometimes I sit on my own and try to think of what else I could do, how I

act. Oh, calm down, child. Relax.

Perhaps if we brought back Maurice, I would not offend you so.

It is your manner that offends, Danielle.

Throughout these hard times, I have sheltered you, clothed you, and cared

you. All that I ask in return is that you help me here without complaint.

And that's such an extraordinary request.

No, my lady.

Very well.

We shall have no more talk of servants coming back. Is that quite understood?

Yes, my lady.

After all that I do, after all I have done, never enough.

No, no, no, not that. Get away, old man. You can have anything.

The royal guard.

God,

please.

The painting.

Oh, please, sir, for the love of God, the painting. That man there, he's

away. The guard will assist you. I cannot.

Please, sir.

It is my life.

draw some attention.

I fear, Baroness, anything larger might make her fall over.

Perhaps you're right.

We shall just have to look elsewhere.

I have just a thing.

Have you lost your marbles?

Did you know what the punishment is for servants who dress above their station?

Five days in the stocks.

You'd do the same for me, admit it.

Me? Pretend to be a courtier?

Prancing around like some nobleman. Why, I've never ever been to court.

And neither have you.

Then I won't be recognized.

Now, hand me that gown so I can be on my way.

They'll never buy it.

You are too sweet.

They'll never buy a servant with 20 gold francs either.

I am Maurice's only hope.

And the Baroness, what do you tell her?

I am picking wildflowers.

Gustav, can you still see her?

They're buying a brooch.

Unbelievable.

She ignores the manor, blames us for her debt, and still pretends to have money

to burn.

Don't you dare laugh.

I'm coming out.

The shoes are too big.

Nobody will be looking at your feet.

Yards are fabric, and I still feel naked.

If you're going to be a noblewoman, you must play the part.

You look down to no one.

I'm just a servant in a nice dress.

Come. We have to do something with that hair.

Thank you.

Henry, you promised.

I know.

I lied.

I thought I'd see the world before I gave up my life to God and country.

Then why on earth did you stop?

I suppose it's because I lack conviction.

You seem to have it in spades.

Besides, you claimed it was a matter of life and death.

A woman always is.

She laughs at me, sir, as if she knows something I do not.

The lady had many secrets. I merely painted one of them.

Signor da Vinci has been invited to the palace as the artist in residence.

Leonardo da Vinci?

Michelangelo was trapped under a ceiling in Rome.

I'm just a second choice. Why, here I am on my way to Genoa, and I find my

salvation on the highway.

Sir, you are the very founder of forward thinking, and my father is the king of

backward. Perhaps you can talk him into the 16th century.

Captain Laurent, do translate.

Prince Henry suffers from an arranged marriage, signora.

Among other things.

Oh, your home.

What a lovely surprise.

Do we owe this great honour?

I'm returning your horse, Baroness.

Oh, is it this?

Yes, I took the liberty of borrowing it this morning.

I'm afraid I might have scared the wits out of one of your servants, a young

lady with quite a good arm, actually.

She is mute, my lord.

Really?

She spoke quite forcefully.

Well, it comes and goes.

But as always, Your Highness is welcome to anything he wishes.

Anything at all.

Oh, wait for me.

Oh, ladies.

Here you are.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, may I present Marguerite Françoise Louise of the House of Ghent.

And Jacqueline.

You may indeed.

Ladies, forgive me, but you seem to have blossomed overnight.

I was so looking forward to celebrating the engagement to your own Spanish

friends.

Yes, well, there have been several new developments with regards to Spain.

I must say, Marguerite, that brooch is stunning.

And this old thing, you are too kind.

These developments, I trust, are for the best.

Let us hope so.

Good day, ladies.

Well, that's given me strength.

I wish to address the issue of this

gentleman. He is my servant and I am here to pay the debt against him.

You're too late. He's bought and paid for.

I can pay you 20 gold francs. Madam, you can have me for 20 gold francs. Now

drive on.

The king's the one who sold him.

He's now the property of Cartier.

He is not property at all, you ill -mannered tub of gut.

Do you honestly think it right to chain people like Chateau?

I demand you release him at once.

Get out of my way!

You dare raise your voice to a lady, sir?

Your Highness.

Forgive me, sire.

I meant no disrespect.

It's just... I'm following orders here.

My job to take these criminals and thieves to the coast.

A servant is not a thief, Your Highness, and those who are cannot help

themselves.

Really?

Well, then, by all means, enlighten us.

If you suffer your people to be ill -educated and their manners corrupted

infancy, and then punish them for those crimes to which their first education

disposed them...

What else is to be concluded, sire, but that she first makes these and then

punish them?

Well, there you have it.

Release him.

But, sire... I said, release him.

Yes, sire.

I thought I was looking at your mother. Meet me at the bridge.

Prepare the horses. We will leave at once.

I thank you, your highness.

Have we met?

I do not believe so, your highness.

It was sworn I knew every courtier in the province.

Well, I am visiting a cousin.

Who? My cousin.

Yes, you said that. Which one?

The only one I have, sire.

Are you coy on purpose, or do you honestly refuse to tell me your name?

No.

And yes.

Well, then pray.

Tell me your cousin's name so that I might call upon her to learn who you

For anyone who can quote Thomas More is well worth the effort.

The prince has read Utopia.

I found it sentimental and dull.

I confess the plight of the everyday rustic bores me.

I gather you do not converse with many peasants.

Certainly not, no.

Naturally.

Excuse me, sire, but there is nothing natural about it. A country's character

defined by its everyday rustics, as you call them.

They are the legs you stand on, and that position demands respect, not... Am I

to understand that you find me arrogant?

Well, you gave one man back his life, but did you even glance at the other?

Please, I beg of you, a name.

Any name.

I fear that the only name to leave you with is Comtesse Nicole de Lancret.

There, now.

That wasn't so hard.

Oh, Henry!

You're back!

Hello, Mother.

The King would like a word with you.

Several, in fact.

She usually does.

I should be right here.

How did you find us? How did you get here?

You, sir, are restricted to the grounds.

Are you putting me under house arrest?

Do not mock me, boy, for I am in a foul disposition.

And I will have my way. For what?

You ship me to the Americas like some criminal?

All for the sake of your stupid contract.

You are the crown prince of France.

And it is my life.

Francis, sit down before you have a stroke.

Really, the two of you.

Sweetheart, you were born to privilege.

And with that comes...

specific obligations.

Forgive me, Mother, but marriage to a complete stranger never made anyone in

this room very happy.

You will marry Gabriella by the next full moon, or I will strike at you in

way I care.

What's it to be, Father, hot oil or the rack?

I will simply deny you the crown and live forever.

Good.

Agreed. I don't want it.

He's your son.

Somebody's in trouble.

What do you mean?

You stupid, stupid girl.

How dare you do this to me, to Marguerite? Why, the whole thing makes

It's deceitfulness, Danielle, and I will not have it in this house.

What did I do?

Think, Danielle.

Think really hard.

Prince Henry stole our horse this morning.

Yes, and that would explain why he returned it this afternoon.

How dare you let him surprise us like that?

I'm sorry.

Luckily for you, Marguerite turned in a beautiful performance.

She and the prince had quite an interlude.

Yes, I shouldn't be surprised if he drops by again.

Come, come.

I must know exactly what was said.

The simplest phrase can have a thousand meanings.

He said you were forceful. What did you say?

I called him a thief, madam.

I did not recognize him.

Oh, Danielle.

You poor little country girl.

We must work extra hard to make sure the manor is spotless. We cannot have a

royal bottom sitting on a dirty chaise now, can we? No.

What is he doing here?

I have worked off your... My debts, madame.

They told me I could go home.

Fine.

Go catch a ticket.

Who, dear?

Comtesse Nicole de Longcray.

She's a cousin of... Actually, I don't know who her cousin is.

Surely you have heard of her.

Oh, darling.

There are simply too many courtiers to remember them all by name.

Why do you ask?

Hmm? Oh, never mind.

In honor of Signor da Vinci, I've decided to throw a ball.

A master ball.

At which point, you and I will strike a compromise.

Compromise? You?

If love is what you seek, then I suggest you find it before then.

For five days hence, at the stroke of midnight, you will announce your

engagement to the girl of your choice, or I will announce it for you.

Are we agreed?

What of your treaty?

Let me worry about Spain. You've got bigger problems.

Choose wisely, Henry.

Divorce is only something they do in England.

What news of the engagement?

Cancel.

Rumour has it he must find himself a bride before that very night.

Well, that doesn't give us very much time.

I shall need to know.

The petition is, every move he makes is a jenter, and any other tidbits you

might pick up.

He's playing tennis with the Marquis de Limoges tomorrow at noon.

The skin of such elegance, and the ceiling such

ruthless.

I've grown rather fond of our intrigues together.

Surely you must know that.

I'm having an inkling, my lady.

When my daughter is queen, perhaps we might come to her.

I was

given anything to see you all dressed up like a courtier, speaking to

the prince like a lady.

scolding him was more like it.

And I cannot believe I gave him my mother's name.

A man is insufferable.

Yes, you've been saying that all day.

Well, it's as true now as it was this morning.

Oh, darling, he's royalty.

They're born like that.

Well, then I suppose the penalty for being wealthy is that you have to live

the rich.

I'll bet he's quite charming once you get to know him.

Honestly, I think he and Marguerite deserve each other. Oh, bite your

The only throne I want her sitting on is the one I have to clean every day.

What's wrong with this one?

It's blue.

Well, Henry loves blue.

And 50 other girls will be wearing the exact same colour.

Very good, Marguerite.

Oh, but this one is too small.

Well, then you shall just have to get you a tighter cinch.

I cannot breathe as it is.

If one cannot breathe, one cannot eat.

Mother, focus, please.

You'll perhaps find me what you're looking for. Something fit for a queen.

Come, ladies.

I have just the thing.

But we must speak of this to Noah.

Oh, I do love a good intrigue.

Waste not, want not.

Oh,

perfect.

Oh, look at these shoes.

Where did you get these?

They're Danielle's dowry for her wedding.

Cinderella? Married? To who, the chimney sweep?

Mother, if that dress is hers, perhaps she'll want to wear it to the ball.

when does a royal function include commoners?

Well, never.

But she is our stepsister, and the invitation did say to the ladies of the

house... She's not of noble blood.

And besides, who would notice? No one.

Honestly, Jacqueline, who's sad you are?

What are you doing?

Airing out your dress.

For the mask?

Her dress?

But you just said... I suppose for a commoner, it'll have to do. I mean,

it's practically an antique.

You wish me to go to a mask?

Of course.

I don't know what to say.

Say? Honestly, Danielle.

It hurts me you don't feel like one of my daughters.

I only meant... I thought we could all go as one big happy family.

That is, if you complete your chores in time. Mind your manners till then.

What's the matter with her?

She doesn't want you to go.

Do you really think there is only one perfect mate?

As a matter of fact, I do.

Well, then how can you be certain to find them?

And if you do find them, are they really the one for you, or do you only think

they are?

Then what happens if the person you're supposed to be with never appears, or

does, but you're too distracted to notice?

You learn to pay attention.

Then let's say God puts two people on Earth and they are lucky enough to find

one another.

But one of them gets hit by lightning.

Well, then what?

Is that it?

Or, perchance, you meet someone new and marry all over again. Is that the lady

you're supposed to be with, or was it the first?

And if so, when the two of them are walking side by side, were they both the

for you and you just happen to meet the first one first, or was the second one

supposed to be first?

And is everything just chance, or is something's meant to be?

You cannot leave everything to fate, boy.

She's got a lot to do. Sometimes you must give her a hand.

What's this project?

Do you care to see if they work?

It looks like rain.

Signora da Vinci, are you all right?

I should leave walking on water to the Son of God.

Fortunately, I tripped over an angel.

Comtesse!

Your Highness!

Careful. It's very slippery right there.

Dear, please, allow me.

Thank you.

Where are your attendants?

I decided to give them a day off.

A day off? For what, life?

Don't you ever tire of having people wait on you all the time?

Yes, but they're servants. It's what they do.

Well, I wish I could dismiss mine as easily as you do yours.

I must be going. You're angry with me. No.

Admit it.

Well, yes, if you must know.

Why?

Because you are trying to beat me with your snobbery.

I'm afraid, mademoiselle, that you are a walking contradiction, and I find that

rather fascinating.

Me? Yes, you.

You spout the ideals of a utopian society and yet you live the life of a

courtier. And you own all the land there is and yet you take no pride in working

it. Is that not also a contradiction?

First I'm arrogant and now I have no pride. However do I manage that?

You have everything and still the world holds no joy. And yet you insist on

making fun of those who would see it for its possibilities.

How do you do it?

What? Live each day. day with this kind of passion.

Don't you find it exhausting?

Only when I'm around you.

Why do you like to irritate me, sir?

Why do you rise to the occasion?

Uh,

forgive me, your highness. I've lost track of the hour.

But the wind!

It's perfect.

I am sorry.

I'm playing tennis tomorrow with the Marquis de la Meuse. Will you come? I

go.

Why does she keep doing that?

Paulette, where are the candlesticks? I can hardly see our plates.

They're missing, my lady.

I've searched high and low.

The painting in the upstairs hall is gone too. It seems we have a thief in

midst.

So this is how I'm treated after all our years together.

My husband's prized possessions.

Well, I should just garnish your wages until the pilfered items return.

Is that quite understood?

Yes.

Perhaps I shall ship you off to the Americas with all the rest of the

Oh, didn't you hear? The prince went to the king and asked him to release all

those men.

He didn't.

Now, by...

royal decree, any man who fails must be compensated.

Compensated?

Honestly, what's the world coming to?

Well, what I want to know is who is this contest everyone keeps talking about?

There must have been ten courtiers speaking of her today and how the prince

all over himself.

We shall find out who she is and bury her.

Looking well Marguerite You're welcome to look your highness

Danielle de Barbarac.

You get prettier every week.

And you, Monsieur Le Pew, are wasting your flattery.

It's a pity your soil's the best in the province, and yet so poorly tended.

We have limited resources, sir.

We do the best we can.

Anything I can do.

Well, perhaps you should bring it up with the Baroness and stick to shopping.

I'd rather discuss it with Danielle, if you don't mind.

I may be... Twice your age, child, but I'm well endowed.

As evidenced by my estate, I've always had a soft spot for the less fortunate.

You need a wealthy benefactor, and I need a young lady with spirit.

Prince?

No.

I'll buy nothing this week, and you'd do well to remember that without my

generosity...

Your pathetic little farm would cease to exist.

I'd be very, very careful if I were you.

Horrible man.

If he didn't buy a bushel of vegetables every week, I'd spit on him.

Here.

Never have you tasted anything so delicious.

Don't even think about it.

Like it?

Like it?

Much positively sinful.

What's it called?

Chocolate. The Spanish monks keep sending bricks of it.

These are our servants, Your Highness.

Really? Oh, I love them.

Good day, ladies.

Were there just the two of you?

I'm the chicken, your highness.

We must press for a quick engagement.

Paris at Christmas.

Can you imagine?

No. I don't suppose you can.

My mother was hard on me too, you know.

She taught me that cleanliness was next to godliness.

She forced me to wash my face at least 20 times a day, convinced it was never

clean enough.

But I was very grateful to her.

She wanted me to be all that I could be.

And here I am, a baroness.

And Marguerite shall be queen.

Pity you never knew your mother.

There must be a little bit of her in you somewhere.

I wish I knew what she looked like.

Yes. Well, we must never feel sorry for ourselves, must we?

No matter how bad things get, they can always get worse.

Yes, madam.

You have so much of your father in you.

Sometimes I can almost see him looking out through your eyes.

Really?

Yes.

Your features are so masculine.

And, well, to be raised by a man.

No wonder you're built for hard labour.

Did you love my father?

I barely knew him.

I go away.

I don't know what you're so happy about.

You're going to be swimming in manure to get married.

And I don't know why it bothers you so.

I could care less.

You're lying.

The prince would be your brother -in -law and you, Comtesse de L 'Encre,

be bringing them breakfast in bed.

Yes, but then they would move into the palace and I could stay with the manor

and turn things around. That's all that matters.

You like him.

Admit it.

Nope.

And I suppose if you saw him again, you'd simply... I'd walk right up to him

say, Your Highness, my family is your family. Please, take them away.

Good.

Because here's your big chance he's headed this way.

I'm looking for Signore da Vinci. We're to go to the monastery together. Have

you seen him?

Da Vinci?

No, Your Highness.

Well, is that not his flying contraption? Where did you get it?

From, uh... the contestal inquiry.

She is a friend of his.

You know her?

Please, I must find her. Where is she staying?

Uh, I believe, Your Highness...

That she is staying with a cousin.

The, um... Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent.

Hmm. That does present a problem.

But I do know that she is there.

Alone. By herself.

At this very moment.

Excellent.

Nice painting.

Did you hear?

He likes my work.

And he is headed toward my house.

Then I suggest you run.

Your Highness, what an unexpected surprise.

All right, Comtesse.

Do you not attend church?

My faith is better served away from the rabid crowd.

Yes, I'm afraid my father's edict has created quite a phenomenon, which is

why I am bound for the monastery. The Franciscans have an astonishing library.

Since you are so fond of reading, I thought...

Perhaps you might join me?

It is not fair, Sire.

You have found my weakness, but I have yet to learn yours.

Well, I should think it was quite obvious.

Captain Laurent, I shall not be needing my horse or your services.

Today I am simply Henry.

Henry left early this morning, Baroness. No one seems to know where he went.

But I've brought you something. It will brighten up your day.

It makes me want to cry.

Pick one.

I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens.

What is it that touches you so?

I guess it's because when I was young, my father would stay up late and read to

me. He was addicted to the written word, and I would fall asleep listening to

the sound of his voice.

What sort of books?

Science, philosophy.

I suppose they remind me of him.

He died when I was eight.

Utopia was the last book he brought home.

Which explains why he quoted.

I would rather hear his voice again than any sound in the world.

Something wrong?

In all my years of study, not one tutor ever demonstrated the passion you have

shown me in the last two days.

You have more conviction in one memory than I have in my entire being.

Your Highness, if there is anything I have said or done... Please, don't.

It's not you.

Make haste, Margaret.

Now or never.

Forgive me, Your Majesty, but you seem to have dropped this on your way

out.

I do not even remember putting it on.

Thank you, child.

It is a rare person indeed who would return such a valuable keepsake.

You are too magnanimous, Majesty.

How very kind.

Her name?

Marguerite.

Marguerite?

We shall have a chat tomorrow, you and I. Bring your mother.

As you wish.

Well, this is terribly embarrassing.

We'll head back to the monastery at once, Your Highness.

And we shall continue on foot.

But it's half a day's walk.

Honestly, Your Highness, where is your sense of adventure?

Well, I guess if you put it that way.

Now, it can't be too confident, ladies.

The prince wasn't in church today, and we need to know of what.

Marguerite gets to do everything.

Oh, don't be daft, Jacqueline. The queen doesn't even know you exist.

But Marguerite does. It's for all of us, my dear. We are counting on you to help

her get ready.

Lovely. Next thing you know, I shall be cleaning the fireplace with Danielle.

Where is that girl?

Probably off catching rabbits with her teeth.

Begging your pardon, my lady, but that gilded mirror in your bedchamber, did

move it? Of course not. Why?

It's also missing. Then it too shall come out of your pay.

Either you stop telling her when things go missing, or we'll be paying her to

work. Good thing I didn't mention the tapestry.

would think I would know the way to my own castle.

Why is it men never stop the direction?

Ah, there it is. It is back that way.

And I still can't believe that I'm down here while you're up there.

And in your undergarments, no less.

I couldn't very well climb up here in that gown now, could I?

And besides, you might break your royal neck and then where would we be?

You swim alone, climb rocks, rescue servants.

Is there anything you don't do?

Fly.

Now turn around so I can climb back down.

Oh, no. It's you

again.

Stay aloft, madam.

There are games afoot.

Your quarrel is with me.

Release her.

I insist you return my things at once.

And since you deprive me of my escort, I demand a horse as well.

Milady, you may have anything you can carry.

May I have your word on that, sir?

On my honor as a gypsy, whatever you can carry.

you a horse.

I

want

to be informed the minute she gets home.

Understood?

Yes, ma 'am.

You are reading my thoughts.

Milord. And they're as fuzzy as my own contest.

Then France can see.

Never.

My next choice will be paper.

It is your turn.

And it better be good.

I have no desire to be king.

But think of all the wonderful things you could do for your country, for the

world. Yes, but to be so defined by your position.

To never be seen as who you are, but what you are. You have no idea how

insufferable that is.

You might be surprised.

Really?

A gypsy, for example, is rarely painted as anything else.

They are defined by their status as your title defines you, yet it is not who

they are.

You have been born to privilege, and with that come specific obligations.

I am sorry.

My mouth has run away with me again.

No, milady.

It is your mouth that has me hypnotized.

Oh, right here, please. I don't want to wake anybody up.

You saved my life, you know.

Back there, in the woods.

A girl does what she can, Zaya.

Henry.

Henry.

And Nicole.

Do you know the ruins at Amboise?

Yes. I often go there to be alone.

Would you meet me there tomorrow?

I shall try.

And I shall wait all day.

Off with his head.

Francis, wake up. Our son has something to tell us. Mother, father, I want to

build a university with the largest library on the continent where anyone

study no matter their station.

All right.

Who are you? What have you done with our son?

And I want to invite the gypsies to the ball.

Are you ill?

No.

Yes.

Where were you?

I got lost.

I don't believe you. You're hiding something from me. I can feel it. I

know what it is.

Why don't you tell me so I can get back to sleep?

What about our breakfast?

You have two hands.

Make it yourself.

Are you lazy, little leech?

Jacqueline, go and boil some water.

Me?

Boiled water?

I knew it. I just knew it.

Mistress, you better get in here quick.

Oh, look who finally decided to grace us with her presents.

What do you think you are doing?

Drying on my dress.

Do you honestly think that after that performance this morning I'd let you go

anywhere?

Do you honestly think these games, these intrigues are going to win you a crown?

To hunt royalty like some sport? It's disgusting.

George, just chill.

These are my mother's.

Yes, and she's dead.

So help me God! No!

Marguerite, don't!

Put it down!

Give me the shoes!

Put it down!

Instead of carefully, Danielle, your father's book or your mother's shoes.

Though neither will save you from sound lashing.

Now, you really brought this upon yourself, you know.

First with breakfast, and then that horrid display downstairs.

I don't know what's come over me.

Of course.

I shall never forget the way Marguerite's feet went up over her head

You should not have said that about your mother.

Thank you.

Oh, you really must let my doctor look at that.

To think you saved that baby from a runaway horse.

It was a maternal instinct, Majesty.

Oh, I'm so sorry my son can't join us.

But he seems to have disappeared again.

Again? Yes.

He was gone all day yesterday and did not return until dawn.

Well, it must be marvellous to have that kind of stamina.

Perhaps you could help solve a mystery for me. Do you know the Comtesse de

Lancre? Apparently, she's staying with a cousin, but nobody seems to know who.

Nicole de l 'Encre?

Yes. Oh, how wonderful.

I was beginning to think she was a ghost.

No, I'm afraid she's been around for years.

Yes, and staying with us, as a matter of fact.

Isn't that right, darling?

Yes, of course.

Our cousin.

Whom you like to call Cinderella?

was it B?

Hello. Hello.

Are you well?

I fear that I am not myself today.

I feel as if my skin is the only thing keeping me from going everywhere at

There is something I must tell you.

And I you.

Oh, here, your book.

You left it in the carriage yesterday.

Your Highness.

Henry.

I cannot stay long, but I had to see you.

There is much to say.

Come.

I want to show you something.

I used to play here as a boy.

It was my father's most cherished retreat before the war.

It's beautiful.

I've measured my life by these trees.

Starting here, all the way up there.

And still they grow.

So much life to live.

But I no longer imagine it alone.

You're not making this easy.

I have not slept for fear I would wake to find all this a dream.

Oh, last night I had a revelation.

I used to think that if I cared about anything, I would have to care about

everything. And I'd go stark raving mad. But now I've found my purpose.

It's a project actually inspired by you.

And I feel the most wonderful freedom.

It wasn't me.

You are unlike any courtier I have ever met.

Tomorrow at the mosque, I shall make it known to the world.

Why did you have to be so wonderful?

Now then, what was it you wanted to do?

Simply that last night was the happiest night of my life.

I must go.

Nicole

Of

all

the insidious jokes turning your mother into a contest Why it's almost as absurd

as a prince who spends his days with a servant who sleeps with pigs

What bothers you more, stepmother, that I am common or that I am competition?

Where is the dress, Danielle?

I don't know what you are talking about. The gown, the slippers, they were in my

room this morning and now they're gone.

You hid them, I know it. Where did you put the gown, Danielle?

Where are the candlesticks? And the tapestries and the silver?

Perhaps the dress is with them.

You produced that gown?

than to see my mother's dress on that spoiled, selfish cow!

Perhaps we can arrange that.

Get in there.

Open this door. You'll wish you never set foot in this house.

Marguerite, Jacqueline, gather everything that will fetch a price.

to town first thing in the morning. Mother, it's only a ball.

Yes, and you're only going for the food.

Engaged?

To a Belgian?

I'm afraid so.

That's impossible.

There has to be some mistake.

She was travelling by boat this afternoon.

Baroness Rodmilla was quite reluctant to talk about it.

It's no wonder with kydings such as these.

You know, if she was betrothed, then she damn well should have had the decency

to say something.

Would you have listened?

Of course not. I would have... Oh, God.

How could I have been so blind?

There I was, pouring my royal heart out, and she was simply trying to bid me

farewell. It is a strong woman who can keep her wits about her, with you trying

to steal her heart.

Yes.

And what a clumsy thief I turned out to be.

Come now, Henry.

Any choice is better than Spain.

You must go to the prince. Tell him what's happened.

But I am nobody.

The prince would never see me. You are her friend, Gustave.

She needs your help. The prince expects to see her.

I cannot.

Besides... My master has me working tonight.

Then go to Da Vinci.

Surely a painter can see another painter.

I am but an apprentice, and he is the greatest painter in the world. I can no

sooner talk to God.

Once in your life, man, be bold.

Jacqueline, the horse is one of God's noblest creatures.

Oh, well, why don't I just pull the carriage while I'm at it? If you think

get up there any faster.

Davinci. Yes?

Oh, no, mistress, it's no use.

Allow me.

Oh, brilliant.

Why, that was pure genius.

Yes, I shall go down in history as the man who opened the door.

Gustav, how? Well, Maurice said the prince was expecting you. He is

someone who does not exist.

Signore, my name is Daniel du Barbarac, and I am but a servant. Yes, and I am

the bastard son of a peasant.

What has that to do with anything?

I have deceived him.

The prince will understand.

Come, child, the night is young. We must get you ready for the ball.

I do not wish to go.

But if you stay, the baroness wins.

Because he deserves to hear the truth from the one he loves.

A bird may love a fish, Signore, but where would they live?

Then I shall have to make you wings.

Oh, come on, no time to waste.

Luis, get the dress.

I understand you wanted to see me.

Yes, Father, I did.

Listen, Henry.

Perhaps it was unfair of me to put so much pressure on you as I did about the

marriage contract.

I just thought it was time to make some changes in your life.

You seem to me to be floundering.

And, uh...

Well I just wanted to say that this university thing

is a brilliant idea.

We don't have to announce anything tonight.

I've made my decision.

She looks like a masterpiece.

She looks like her mother.

Come, let us go and see these paintings of yours. No.

When you're as old as I am, my young friend, now is all you've got.

Wait.

It's tradition.

Honored guests, it gives us great pleasure on this festive occasion

not only to honor Signor da Vinci, who seems to have disappeared,

but also to tell you of a long -awaited decision.

So, without further ado... Breathe.

Just breathe. It is my great privilege to announce the engagement of our son,

Prince Henry.

Choke.

Well, well, well.

What have we here?

My mother said you were getting married.

She was misinformed.

But there is something I must tell you now before another word is spoken.

Then you're not engaged?

No, I'm not.

I was about to make the worst mistake of my life.

Who is she?

My guess would be the Comtesse de Lancre.

The who?

Come, there's someone I want you to meet.

Oh, I must speak with you.

Whatever it is, my answer is yes.

No, wait, will you please?

I invited the gypsies.

What are you doing?

Making you a princess.

How dare you?

Madam, contain yourself.

She's an imposter, sire. No!

Her name is Danielle de Barbarac, and she's been a servant in my home for the

past ten years.

A servant, Henry?

Is this some kind of joke?

Baroness, you are on dangerous ground.

Ask her yourself.

She's a grasping, devious little pretender, and it is my duty, Your

expose her as a covetous hoax she is.

Tell these women who you are.

Tell them.

before royalty, you insolent fraud.

My God, it can't be true.

Nicole?

Nicole Delancre was my mother.

I am what she says.

The apple.

That was you?

I can't explain.

Well, someone had better.

First, you're engaged.

And now you're a servant?

I've heard enough.

Henry, please.

Do not address me so informal, madam.

I am a prince of France.

And you are just like them.

Daniel?

Daniel!

What

have

you done?

I have been born to privilege, and with that come specific obligations.

Oh, shit!

You're out of line, old man.

No, you are out of line.

Have you any idea what that girl went through to get here tonight?

She lied to me. She came to tell you the truth, and you fed her to the wolves.

What do you know?

You build flying machines and you walk on water, and yet you know nothing about

life. I know that a life without love is no life at all.

A love without trust?

What of that?

She's your match, Henry.

A servant to my crown, and I have made my decision.

I will not yield!

Then you don't deserve her.

I have it on good authority that before your rather embarrassing debut, the

prince was about to choose Marguerite to be his bride.

Men are so fickle, aren't they?

One minute they're spouting sonnets, and the next you're back to being the hired

help.

Although I must say, I've never seen you quite this dedicated in your chores.

What makes you think I'd do any of this for you?

Well, my, my, my.

I'll please fight you this morning.

Let me pass.

You brought this on yourself, you know. I have work to do.

Let the others handle it.

Don't you understand?

You've won!

Go, move into your palace and leave us be.

You are not my problem anymore.

Is that what I am?

Your problem?

I have done everything you've ever asked me to do and still you've denied me the

only thing I ever wanted.

What was that?

mother I have ever known.

Was there a time, even in its smallest measurement, that you loved me at all?

How can anyone love a pebble in their shoe?

Danielle! My lady!

to Le Pew, right on time.

It's all here, Baroness, right down to the very last candlestick.

My father's books, his paintings, you sold them to him?

Yes, and now they're back.

I couldn't very well have us looking like paupers when the king arrives.

Thank you, monsieur.

This means the world to us.

I'm a businessman, Danielle, not a philanthropist.

I don't understand.

I couldn't very well have you around distracting the prince, now could I?

The Baroness and I have come to, uh, an arrangement.

You, for all this?

Although, I do think I'm getting the better end of the deal.

I thought I had problems.

Where is she?

The Baroness...

Danielle. But she has been sold, sire.

Sold?

But to whom?

He'll appear, your highness, just after the mask.

Tell no one we have spoken, for all shall reveal itself in due course.

Come, little, there is much to be done.

You so hate to see you in irons.

I'd remove them.

If only you'd promise not to run away again.

I have no reason to stay.

You belong to me now.

I belong to no one.

At least of all you.

Oh, I do wish you'd reconsider my offer.

I would rather rot.

I had a horse like you once.

Magnificent creature.

Stubborn, just like you.

will fall to a fault.

It too just needed to be broke.

You will maintain your distance, sir.

Oh, you didn't say please.

Please.

I could hang you for this.

Not if you are dead.

I do love your spirit. Spirit.

My father was an expert swordsman, Miss Jira. He

taught me well.

Now hand me that key or I swear on his grave I will slit you from navel to

nose.

Your freedom, my lady.

Hello.

Hello.

What are you doing here?

I, um... I came to rescue you.

Rescue me?

A commoner.

Actually, I came to beg your forgiveness.

I offered you the world, and at the first test of honour, I betrayed your

Please, Danielle.

Say it again.

I'm sorry.

No.

The part where you said my name.

Danielle.

Perhaps you would be so kind as to help me find the owner of this...

Rather remarkable shoe.

Where did you find that?

She is my match in every way.

Please tell me I haven't lost her.

It belongs to a peasant, Your Highness, who only pretended to be a courtier to

save a man's life. Yes, I know.

And the name's Henry, if you don't mind.

I kneel before you not as a prince, but as a man in love.

But I would feel like a king if you,

Daniel the Barbarat, would be my wife.

out the side door. He was supposed to be getting married.

I heard the prince talk to you. What did he say?

Well, I can't be sure. It all happened so quickly.

But I think what he said was, serves me right for choosing a foreigner over your

sister.

Well, very good. Well, perhaps we should just let him fret about it for a few

days.

His supreme majesty, King Francis, requests an audience with the Baroness

Rodmilla de Ghent and her daughters immediately.

Yes. Is anything wrong?

No, milady. The king demanded that you arrive in style.

Hmm. Then in style. As we speak.

Baroness, did you or did you not lie to Her Majesty the Queen of France?

Choose your words wisely, Madame, for they may be your last.

A woman would do practically anything for the love of a daughter, Your

Perhaps I did get a little carried away.

Mother, what have you done?

Your Majesty, like you, I'm just a victim here. She has lied to us both,

am ashamed to call her family.

How dare you turn on me, you little ingrate. Do you see? Do you see what I

to put up with?

Silence, both of you.

Good Lord.

Are they always like this?

Worth, Your Majesty.

Jacqueline, darling, I'd hate to think you had anything to do with this.

Of course not, Mother.

I'm only here for the food.

Baroness de Ghent, you are forthwith stripped of your title, and you and your

horrible daughter are to be shipped to the Americas on the first available

Unless, by some miracle, someone here will speak for you.

There seem to be quite a few people out of town.

I will speak for her.

She is, after all, my stepmother.

Your Highness.

Marguerite.

I don't believe you've met my wife.

I want you to know that I will forget you after this moment and never think of

you again.

But you, I am quite certain, will think about me every single day for the rest

of your life.

Might that be?

All I ask, your majesties, is that you show her the same courtesy that she has

bestowed upon me.

Have you washed the tablecloth?

You can start on the napkins and move those over there.

Mark Reed.

What? Have you heard the woman?

Who, you?

Yes, time management.

Like hell you are.

You're just as safe as me, a big nobody. How dare you speak to me that way? I am

of noble blood. And you are getting on my nerves.

Now get...

Think of it as a belated wedding present, Your Highness.

What?

I just can't get over it, that's all, Your Highness.

Yes, well, royalty or not, I can still whip you.

I must say, Leonardo, for a man of your talents, it doesn't look a thing like

her.

You, sir, are supposed to be charming.

And we, princess, are supposed to live happily ever after.

Says who?

Do you know?

I don't know.

My great -great -grandmother's portrait hung in the university up until the

revolution.

the truth of the Romans had been reduced.

Are you ready to

let

yourself drown?

Are you holding your breath?

Are you ready?

Did you let that happen?

Thank you.