Original subtitles

My stepdaughter Anna and I hate each other more than anything.

She hates me for usurping the throne and killing her father.

Let me go!

I need to see my father!

I hate her because, even now, she still

doesn't love you.

The king has passed away!

Victoria! Was this your plan all along?

You swore you'd die for me!

But you used my trust!

Then killed my father!

You monster!

Isn't this what you wanted?

Don't forget.

You were the one who sent me to your father.

And make me carry his only son.

What? From this day forth, I am the queen regent. I won't let you stand in

my way.

Take the princess away.

Victoria! From this day on, it's you or me!

Quick!

The queen has fainted!

Anna, just as you wished, I'm going to die.

And I'll die in the year I love you most.

You're dying, yet still protecting her.

You don't understand.

I owe my life to Anna.

Don't worry When I become queen everyone will have food and shelter

no corrupt official will ever hurt you again From that day on I made

a vow my life belonged to hers

With

nothing but sheer nerve and a willingness to risk my life I built the

most fierce assassin hid in the world.

The Water Blade.

Our job was simple.

Eliminate anyone who might be a threat to her.

I was willing to stay in the shadows.

To be her shadow.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder.

But once you meet again, there's no letting go.

I saw my princess again that quiet summer.

Take off your clothes.

Let's have a wedding.

Want to get married?

My princess is so sweet.

She has no idea what kind of monster she's dealing with.

My father is going to adore you.

Your father?

The king?

the queen!

God save the queen!

The kingdom kneel before me, yet I envied only Elma Hawthorne, Anna's

childhood sweetheart, who could stand beside her in the light.

So I could only love her from the shadows.

Waterblade? That assassin guild everyone's been talking about?

No way. I'd never trust a bunch of killers.

A bunny!

Anna was poisoned by the rebels, left in a coma, and I could no longer hide my

love for her.

No, this can't be happening.

Anna, please, open your eyes, look at me.

The princess ate this cursed apple.

It's enchanted with a sleeping spell.

She'll slowly wither away in her sleep until she dies.

There has to be a way. I order you to save Anna.

You are the most powerful healer. Please save her.

There is only one way to break the curse.

True love's kiss.

Only a person who truly loves the princess, someone willing to sacrifice

everything for her, can wake her.

But there's a price.

The curse will be transferred to that person.

They'll be dead within one month.

I will save you, my princess.

Whatever the cost.

What happened?

Where's Elmer?

As long as you're safe, that's all that matters.

As a king, Arthur couldn't stand his woman loving someone else.

Even if that someone was his own daughter.

Your Majesty, the king offered you a way out.

Stop loving the princess and all is forgiven. Why put yourself through this?

No.

You

took

the curse for Anna.

For that I am grateful.

But a queen falling in love with her own stepdaughter is a scandal I cannot

allow. I can set you free.

But Anna must never know how you feel about her.

Soon after, the king passed away suddenly.

That's when I realized he spared me so I could protect Anna.

Protect Anna.

Remember your promise.

She can never know.

If I can't be the person you love, then let me be your sharpest blade. I'll stay

in the dark and cut down every thorn standing between you and the throne.

If you keep pushing yourself like this, The curse will consume you even faster.

How much time do I have left?

Less than a month.

That's enough.

Claiming you killed the king, faking a pregnancy.

You're making her hate you.

The king is dead.

The kingdom is crawling with enemies.

And the princess is too young.

Too innocent.

I have to make sure she holds the throne.

But before that, no one can ever think we're on the same side.

The more she hates me, the safer she'll be.

If she hates me enough, she won't be sad when I die.

Relax your wrist.

Victoria, you're perfect.

If I weren't a princess, and you weren't my stepmother, I think I might

kiss you.

Then do it.

This is wrong.

Victoria, you'll always be my stepmother. Nothing more.

Or maybe...

She never cared about me at all.

Love.

Make the announcement.

The coronation is tomorrow.

The sooner the better.

I, Victoria Ashford, the Queen Dowja, swear before God and the realm. From

this day until the prince comes of age, I shall rule as Queen Regent. I will

defend our lands, protect our people, and uphold the kingdom's dignity.

And when the prince is of age, I shall return the crown and the throne to him.

Get out of my way.

Stand down!

My father's body isn't even cold, and you're already stealing his throne. I

was a fool to ever trust you.

Turns out only Elmer's got my back.

Wouldn't it be safer to side with the queen?

I'm not helping Anna.

I'm using her.

She has no one else.

If I back her now, she'll be totally dependent on me.

Once she's queen, I rule the kingdom through her.

And if she's just playing the lamb?

You have no right to judge her.

Elmer fights for this country.

What about you, Victoria?

You poisoned my father for a crown.

Who's... Who's the real monster here?

Did the queen kill the late king?

Was the king really poisoned?

Anna.

Did you ever trust me?

Even for a second?

Never.

You really want to raise a sword against me, Anna?

I... Your Highness, don't waste your breath.

Kill her and avenge the late king.

You planned this from the very beginning. Now he's gone and you control

the court. You got what you wanted.

Stop playing the victim. I planned this.

Anna, don't forget.

You arranged all of this yourself. You were the one who chose me for your

father. Yes.

I was naive.

I was stupid.

I walked straight into the trap you set.

And got my father killed, you filthy liar!

None of this is your fault, your highness.

I've already investigated Victoria's past.

Her life before entering the palace is a blank.

Someone must have planned her every move.

A woman with no past murders the king.

And seizes power by claiming to carry the heir.

Victoria, who sent you?

There's no proof she's a spy.

Plus, she carries the late king's heir.

Yeah. The late king's heir.

She'd sleep with anyone for power. Who knows who the father really is?

You actually think that of me? What else wouldn't you stoop to?

People of Ashford!

I am King Arthur's eldest daughter and the rightful heir to the Ashford throne.

Are you really going to bow to a woman with no past who stands accused of

murdering your king?

Remove Victoria from the throne and crown me queen.

I will uncover the truth of my father's death and protect our kingdom!

Remove Victoria!

Crown Anna!

The princess is naive and impulsive.

Easy to control.

Put her on the throne, and I'll be the one pulling the strings.

Don't think I don't know what you're planning.

Guards! Arrest this traitor and throw her in the dungeon!

Your Highness, she's trying to lock you up.

Victoria, finally dropping the act.

You vicious snake.

I hope you die screaming.

You'll get your wish soon enough, Anna.

Just not yet. I can't die until I've cleared every threat from your path.

See that?

That's the difference between someone loyal and a heartless beast.

She has a heart. You don't. To keep you on that throne, I risked everything.

And you call me a heartless beast?

Everyone's here.

Good.

Duke Oscar, the late king's own brother. Why is he here now? Is he after the

throne too?

Princess Anna attempted to assassinate the queen regent. Her majesty showed

mercy. She wouldn't harm her own stepdaughter.

Allow me to deliver justice.

Take Anna and Elmer to the dungeon. They'll stand trial for treason.

Your majesty, I trust this arrangement meets with your approval.

Everything I had, and I thank you for it!

Of course.

Why bother? Let me kill them myself.

It'll save your majesty the trouble.

No! No?

Rumor has it that the queen and the princess were unusually close.

Could it be true? Anna is the late king's only daughter. She has strong

backing. My regency just began.

Kill her now, and I lose the people's trust, and hand my enemies the perfect

excuse to rebel.

I'm looking forward to our partnership.

My political ally.

Likewise.

Victoria, it's Anna.

Oscar's having her tortured in the dungeon.

Claims he's interrogating rebels.

She won't last much longer.

What did you say?

Do you love her that much?

Not that it was good for her.

Stop!

Who gave you permission to torture her?

Drop the act.

Without your orders, would they ever dare touch me?

Anna, I... Anna, I... Enough!

Do whatever you want.

Kill me, torture me, I don't care.

I just want to be far away from you when I'm dead.

And if there's a next life, I swear... I never want to see you again.

Victoria, do you think there's a next life?

Maybe. Then promise me, if it's real, you have to come find me first.

We met too late in this life.

Next time I want to meet you sooner, so I can have you by my side longer.

Okay. I promise. You once wished we'd meet earlier in the next life. Now, you

pray we never meet again.

Want to die?

Not yet.

I'll kill you myself before my son takes the throne.

But not today.

Release the princess.

This isn't mercy.

You just can't afford to let me die here.

The whole kingdom would know you slaughtered the late king's only

daughter. Since you care so much about your reputation, release Elmer too.

Or I'm not leaving this dungeon.

You can't bear to leave her.

Fine. I'll give you what you want.

Release her too.

Anna, did it hurt this much when the whip came down on you?

Enough, Victoria!

You weren't the one who hurt Anna!

I promised to keep her safe. I failed.

I deserve this.

For every lasher she took, I'll take twice as many. I owe her that.

Have you lost your mind? The curse is already eating away on your life. You

can't take this. If you keep doing this, you'll die.

Curse, what are you talking about?

What are you talking about, Curse?

What are you doing?

Her Majesty, she's just feeling sick from the pregnancy.

Don't tell me you're dying. I didn't expect karma to catch up with you this

fast.

You're the biggest threat to my son's throne.

Do you really think I'd die before I dealt with you?

You killed my father, stole my throne.

Then you locked me in a dungeon and let them torture me.

Even God can't stomach your sins.

Looks like he's sending you to hell early, Victoria.

Are you actually worried about me, Your Highness?

Or just can't let go of what we used to have?

You even came all the way to my chamber just to see me?

Of course I came.

How else would I know when you finally die?

But don't die too soon.

I want to be the one who drags you off that throne.

I want you to lose your power, your child, and your dignity.

Then I'll drag you to my father's grave and make you pay for every last thing

you've done.

So stay alive.

I'm not done with my revenge yet.

So after all that, you still can bear to see me die, can you?

Relax. I'm not dying just yet.

Now you've had your little visit, go back and recover.

Behave, and I'll let you keep living under my watch.

Step out of line, I'll send you straight back to that dungeon.

Enjoy your victory while it lasts.

Half the court suspects that bastard you're carrying isn't Ashford Blood at

all. Whether this child is Ashford Blood isn't for you to decide. You will not

taint the Ashford Bloodline with some bastard of unknown blood.

And hear me, I will never let you give birth to that thing.

You're only alive because I allowed it.

And you dare threaten my child?

Anna, I can let you walk out of that dungeon alive.

I can take your life back whenever I please.

Your Highness!

Elma? You're badly hurt. Why did you come?

You've been gone so long, I was worried.

Victoria, don't you dare lay a hand on Princess Anna.

Don't move. Your wound's opened up again.

Everything Elma suffered in that dungeon, I'll make you pay for it a

thousand times over.

I'm suffering right now.

Every time I see how much you care about her, it feels like a thousand lapses

tearing into my back all over again.

Fine. I'll be waiting.

Whatever you give me, Your Highness.

I'll take it all.

been waiting long?

I'm sorry.

Elmer dragged me to a banquet at the last minute.

It's okay.

I only waited a little while.

You're such a fool.

When I didn't show up, you should just go back.

You don't have to wait.

Your Highness, have you ever heard of Alahans?

What Alahans?

They're an ancient tribe. In their language, there is no word for waiting,

only looking forward to.

So I never felt the wait was a burden.

Every second without you was simply a second's looking forward to the moment

I'd see you again.

Keep talking like that and I might not have the heart to give you to my father.

There's still time.

But Victoria, remember this.

My father doesn't like submissive women.

Hold your head high.

Never let him look down on you.

Yes. Whatever your highness asks of me, I'll do my best to make it highness

gives me. I'll cherish it.

Good girl.

That look on her face. I haven't seen it since she became my father's queen.

Why does she... Why does something feel so wrong?

My heart hurts.

Like something precious is about to disappear.

Forever. Your highness, let's go.

Don't waste your breath on her.

It's no use.

I'm the only one she has left.

Once I help her claim the throne, I'll be the person she trusts most.

And when that day comes, she'll gladly give me anything I ask for.

I won't let you have her.

You? In this pathetic state?

You look nervous.

And don't even think about coming after me.

Anna won't spare you.

Victoria, are you okay?

Janice, put a few people I can trust under Elma's command.

I want to report on her every move.

And find a few generals who know how to command an army.

Have them pledge their allegiance to the princess and stay by Anna's side,

teaching her how to lead.

She needs real control of the military if she's going to hold on to that

throne. And find her a few skilled healers she can trust.

You have to protect her.

Victoria!

Anna.

Victoria! You're finally awake!

How long was I out?

Ten days.

Ten days?

What's happening at court?

Don't worry. I told everyone your pregnancy is delicate and you need

complete bed rest, so you won't be handling state affairs for now.

What about Anna?

Did she come to see me while I was unconscious?

No.

Maybe that's for the best.

The less she cares about me, the less she'll hurt when I'm gone.

Janice?

How much time do I have left?

Fifteen days left.

I see.

Where is the princess?

It's Elma's birthday today.

Princess Anna is hosting a banquet for her at the palace.

I was unconscious for ten days, and she never came to see me. Not even once.

Turns out she's been busy celebrating Elma's birthday.

She invited quite a few neutral nobles.

I think she's using the banquet to win their support.

That's good.

She's finally learning to play the game.

After everything she's been through, my princess has grown up so much.

Where are you going?

You can barely stand.

You can't leave. To the banquet.

I don't have time to waste.

Those nobles are still on the fence.

And with Anna's reputation as it is, she may not be able to keep them on her

side.

If she wants their loyalty, I'll make sure she gets it.

So this is supposed to be Elmer's birthday banquet?

Looks more like an excuse for you to buy the noble's loyalty.

Maybe you're not as foolish as I thought, Your Highness.

I don't think you're invited.

I'm several ranks above Elmer.

She should be honored I bothered to show up.

Isn't that right, Elmer?

Your Highness, without the late king's protection, you may not become queen.

But that doesn't mean you're out of options.

Be my mistress.

When the new king takes the throne, I might just put in a good word for you

and spare your life.

You all saw that?

Princess Anna just attacked an innocent nobleman in public simply because she

thinks her royal blood puts her above the law!

It was you! The late king believed everyone was equal under the law.

She's no longer the heir to the throne.

Yet she still thinks she can treat nobles however she pleases.

If a princess breaks the law, she should face the same punishment as anyone else.

She must answer for what she's done today!

He's right.

Even a princess can't just assault a noble.

Especially one who's lost her right to the throne.

But assaulting a noble is punishable by death.

Our ancestors bled to build this kingdom.

Are we supposed to let a princess trample all over us just because she's

royal?

Execute her!

Execute her!

Execute her!

The moment I take back the throne, you'll be the first man I execute.

With the Queen Regent on the throne.

You'll never see that day.

Still think you're some untouchable princess?

Get on your knees!

Stop!

I see.

What?

Sending your lapdog to humiliate me wasn't enough?

Now you're here to pin another crime on me yourself.

I saw everything that happened. The princess is finished.

Looks like the power struggle at court is already decided.

We'd better choose our side carefully.

One wrong move and our families could pay the price.

Indeed.

Your Majesty, Princess Anna struck a nobleman in front of everyone and showed

complete disregard for the law. I leave it in your hands.

Please see that justice is served.

What the princess did was wrong.

A royal princess faced with such insolence, she should never have stopped

at a mere slap.

She should have taken his life on the spot.

Don't worry.

I'm here.

No one can hurt you.

Don't think killing one of your lap-pags is going to fool everyone.

You saw the tide turning, so you traded his life for their loyalty.

Too bad I don't have time for your little act.

It makes me sick.

Do you really think everything I've done was just an act?

Get out! All of you, get out!

Cedric was my man!

You killed him in front of everyone!

the hell was that about precisely because everyone knew he was your man i

had to kill him what do you mean cedric used your name to threaten neutral

nobles he laid hands on a royal princess in public if i'd protected him

the nobles would think your name gave them free reign to do as they pleased

and i intend to name you regent once my son takes the throne

I killed him to protect your reputation and to preserve our alliance.

Our alliance?

Somehow I'm starting to believe those rumors about you and the princess are

true. Still have feelings for her, your majesty?

Anna is the late king's only daughter.

If she were humiliated at my banquet, what would that say about the royal

family? Besides, my husband is dead and my child hasn't even been born yet.

Oscar. Who else can a mother and her unborn child rely on if not you?

So your majesty knows, you can't afford to lose me.

The late king has only just passed, and eyes are watching our every move at

court.

Now is not the time.

First, Help me eliminate everyone who stands against me.

Help my son secure his hold on the throne.

And when that day comes, the new king and I will remember who helped us get

there.

Good. I'll be waiting.

Anna, don't worry.

Oscar is hungry for power, and Elma is up to no good.

Anyone who threatens you...

I won't let a single one of them get away.

What the hell is that bitch Victoria up to?

With Cedric dead, my influence at court takes a serious hit.

I need someone to fill his shoes.

And fast.

Cedric thought he picked the right side.

Thought he was safe, but Victoria killed him anyway.

Think about it.

You and I could end up no different.

What are you getting at?

I serve Victoria.

You serve Anna.

But in the eyes of those in power, we're nothing but pawns. Use us, then throw us

away.

If we want to survive, we can't keep playing by their rules.

We have to turn the tables and become the ones moving the pieces.

You're smart and beautiful.

Surely you understand that much, don't you?

You want me to betray Princess Anna?

Betrayal? Don't make it sound so ugly.

You've risked your life for her all these years.

And what have you gotten in return?

Then what does Jukoska think I deserve?

Power.

Wealth.

And a seat you'll never have to bow to anyone again.

And would that be you?

No. Us.

You don't have to defend that wicked woman to me. Say whatever you want. I'll

never betray Princess Anna.

Elmer. What a loyal little lapdog. Fine. Follow Anna, then. When Her Majesty

secures the throne, don't come crawling back to me.

Elmer, are you all right?

Did he hurt you?

I'm fine.

Don't worry, Your Highness.

No matter what they offer me, I'll never betray you.

I know.

Everything you've done for me, I see it all. Come on, let me help you back to

your room so you can get some rest.

You were right.

Elma agreed to join forces with Oscar.

They're planning to move troops into the capital.

Victoria, should we hand the evidence over to Anna now? She doesn't even trust

me. Why would she trust anything I give her?

Anna, you may love Elma, but her love for you is nothing compared to mine.

The bait is set.

The fish has taken the hook.

Now, we reel them in.

Your Majesty, with Cedrian Vaughn dead, the position of Captain of the Royal

Hard is now vacant. For the security of the palace, I recommend General Elmer

Hawthorne as his successor.

Elmer Hawthorne.

How convenient.

I happen to have a secret report on you, too.

You and Oscar Ashford have been conspiring in secret.

He would recommend you as captain of the Royal Guard and you'd march 3,000 troops

into the capital.

Then you'd seize the palace, kill me and my unborn child and usurp the throne.

Isn't that right?

The secret order, the messenger, the troop movement records.

I have them all. The evidence is conclusive.

Oscar Ashford and Elmer Hawthorne have conspired against the crown. I sentence

them for treason.

Guards, seize them!

You bitch!

Your Highness!

Save me!

Victoria forged all of this evidence. She's trying to get rid of everyone who

stands beside you.

Victoria, I'm no longer a threat to you.

Why must you take away the only person who truly cares about me?

She's the only one who truly cares about you?

Then what am I? Is she really that important to you? Of course.

You'd betray me, but Elmer never would.

Seize Elmer Hawthorne! Now!

Let us go, or I'll die right here in front of you.

Stand down! All of you, stand down!

Don't hurt the princess!

Fine.

I'll let her go.

Just put the knife down.

What's wrong with Her Majesty?

Her Majesty isn't feeling well due to her pregnancy.

This council is dismissed!

Victoria, you can't keep doing this!

You've given everything for her, and what have you gotten in return?

Her hatred?

Her accusations?

Janice.

You have a potion that can keep me conscious for a while.

Don't you? Give it to me.

No.

That potion forces the curse into submission.

You won't pass out.

But the pain will be ten times worse.

Your body can't take it.

I don't have much time left.

There's still so much I haven't done for Anna.

Please, give it to me.

Victoria!

Victoria!

What's wrong?

Why are you so pale?

I'm fine.

Just period craps.

How long was I out?

About half an hour.

Come in.

Your Majesty, the fugitive Elma had someone deliver a letter.

For your eyes only.

What does it say?

She's holding Anna's life over my head.

She wants to meet me alone.

No! You're too weak to go anywhere alone.

And this is obviously a trap set by Elma and Princess Anna.

My life has always belonged to her.

Janice, you don't understand. I can't risk Anna's life, even if it's a trap.

I have to go.

Marcus Whitwood.

Cedric Vaughn.

They were all Oscar's men.

And now, even Oscar is gone.

The only one who benefits from all this is me.

Could it be... she's been... They probably just turned on each other over

how to split the spoils.

No.

Oscar backed Victoria publicly. Even if she saw him as a threat, she wouldn't

take him out. Not before her throne is secure. Maybe she cut him loose on

purpose. Lower your guard, then come for you. She holds the power now. If she

wanted me dead, I'd be dead already.

Anna.

Don't tell me you're falling for her trick again.

Look what she's done to us.

No.

I just feel like she's hiding something from me.

And I don't believe you would betray me either.

I'm going to the royal palace.

I'll get the truth from her myself.

And I'll make her drop the charges against you.

You wanted to know what she's been hiding from you?

She's been hiding the fact that she loves you more than anything in this

world. Every time she looks at you, she looks like she'd give you her own life

without a second thought.

Even an outsider like me could see it.

Somehow you're the only one who never did.

For you, she'd throw away everything I've ever dreamed of.

Power, status, wealth, reputation, even her own life.

Fine. If she loves you that much, let's see if she's really willing to trade her

life for yours.

Your Majesty, you can't wake her.

I gave her a little something to make sure the princess gets a nice, quiet

sleep.

Where's the antidote?

Give it to me.

That's not very sincere, Your Majesty.

What the hell do you want?

I was the one who set you and Oscar up.

I was the one who convicted you of high treason. It was all me.

Come at me.

Leave her out of this.

Come at you?

Gladly. Get on your knees and beg.

Wouldn't do it?

Guess you don't love her that much after all.

Fine.

I'll kneel.

I'll beg.

Just give her the antidote.

Your Majesty, when you sentenced me from high...

Did you ever dream you'd end up here, on your knees, begging for my mercy?

However, I don't think that's enough.

Tell you what, slap yourself.

If it amuses me, maybe I will hand over the antidote.

What was that? I didn't hear a thing.

Enough? Give me the antidote.

Anna risked her own life to save you.

She cares about you that much.

Why would you do this to her?

Cares about me?

That's not caring.

If she really cared, she'd make me powerful enough to rule this kingdom.

Rich enough to rival the royal treasury.

Instead, I went from a general everyone looked up to, to a fugitive everyone

wants dead!

And you still call that caring about me?

You chose to side with Oscar.

What does Anna have to do with any of it?

Here's the deal.

Let me stab you once, and the antidote's yours.

Fine.

You have my word.

Die!

Victoria, what are you doing here?

Elmer!

Elmer was the last person in this world who truly cared about me.

Do you really hate me that much?

Anna, no.

It's not what you think.

Victoria, I'll kill you for this!

Anna, I...

Victoria! Victoria!

Anna, take the antidote.

Hurry.

Anna, get out of here.

Killing the Queen means death.

Even for a princess.

Go. Now.

You killed my father, stole his throne, humiliated me in front of everyone, and

yet, you risked your life to save me.

Even after I stabbed you, you just told me to run.

Victoria, what are you really doing?

Or is this just another scheme?

I'm cold.

Is this...

What

is this?

This is...

How could she?

All of this.

It's all about me.

Pick one.

What do you mean?

Why did you keep all this?

Victoria, what else are you hiding from me?

I like collecting trophies from people I've beaten.

Something to remember them by.

Your father's reading glasses.

Oscar Ashford's cufflinks.

Elmer Hawthorne's medal.

So everyone who ever truly cared about you is just a stepping stone for you to

climb your way to the throne.

What else would they be?

Why is it that every time I start to see you differently, every time I think

maybe you're not completely beyond saving, you have to do something even

more disgusting and crush whatever little hope I have left?

Since we used to be so close, I'll let you pick one thing yourself. A little

memento for me.

How about that dress?

No, it never looked good on you anyway.

How about that wine glass, then?

Every time I see it, I'll remember how Her Highness, Princess Anna, was driven

into a corner by a mere subject.

You're insane!

What's this?

Feeling sorry for me?

A heart that soft doesn't belong on the throne.

No wonder your own father never chose you. I never want to see you again.

You make me sick!

Hate me.

At least you won't forget me.

How many more wounds am I going to have to patch up for you?

Oscar is under arrest.

He's being executed tomorrow.

Elmer is dead.

What are you going to do about the remaining nobles who oppose Anna taking

the throne?

No need.

The rest are just scattered.

No real threat.

Just send someone to remind them where they stand.

And the nobles who support you as regent? They were never loyal to me.

They were loyal to the power I held.

Once I'm gone, they'll swear faith to the new queen without a second thought.

The threats within the kingdom are finally under control.

But there are still threats beyond our borders. Beyond our borders?

Valyria from the east.

Nor half to the west. They've both had their eyes on Ashford for years.

I have less than a week.

I need to find Anna a husband.

Someone who can help her hold on to the throne.

Let's hear it, Your Majesty.

Why'd you summon me?

You're the son of Valeria's late queen. The throne should be yours.

But you lost your mother at seven.

After your father remarried, he turned his favor to your younger brother. Now

even Valeria's most powerful nobles are backing him. Keep this up, you'll lose

the throne you were born to inherit.

However, if you marry Princess Anna and secure Ashford's support, everything

changes, and I'll help you take back the throne of Valeria.

Help me take the throne?

That's all well and good, but nearly every powerful noble in Valeria has

already sided with my brother.

Even with Ashford behind me, they won't suddenly switch sides.

How do I know you're not working with my stepmother?

Dangle Princess Anna as bait, lure me in, then get rid of us both.

Even if you're telling the truth.

Why would Princess Anna marry a fallen prince from a neighboring kingdom?

Smart. Cautious, too.

You might just be worthy of my princess.

So the rumors are true.

You and Princess Anna really did have a forbidden love affair.

Are you sick?

The rumors aren't true.

She never loved me. As you can see, I'm dying.

I have to arrange everything before I die.

Make sure she holds the throne.

I see.

So you're not choosing a husband for your stepdaughter.

You're choosing someone for the woman you love. Someone who can protect her

even after you're gone.

Every name on this list is a powerful noble in Valyria.

Leverage.

Their secrets are all here.

Enough leverage to turn them to your side.

Even if I say yes, Princess Anna may not.

I'll tell you everything she likes, everything she hates.

Whether she says yes, that's on you.

So, I've dealt you a winning hard. Are you ready to play?

There are three conditions.

First, you tell Anna nothing about me. Not a word.

Second, you will always support and respect Anna.

You will never force her to do anything against her will.

As for the third, I'll tell you when the time comes.

Deal.

Your Highnesses, please wait.

I brought you some flowers from Valyria.

I thought you might like them.

Didn't I tell you I didn't want to see you?

The Queen Regent controls the court.

And she's carrying a prince.

Are you really willing to bow to this mother and son for the rest of your

life?

If we marry, I can use Ashford's support to reclaim my throne.

Even if you don't love me, I can still take you away from here and give you the

freedom you've always wanted.

I've already lost the will to fight for the throne.

If I stay here, there's no telling when Victoria might decide to kill me.

Maybe leaving isn't such a bad idea.

Did you say you brought me flowers?

Show me.

This is the Silver Star Flower.

It only grows in the northern valleys of Valyria.

It's freezing there year-round.

The harder the wind blows, the prettier it blooms.

It looks perfect on you.

But even the prettiest flower is only there to make a princess like you shine.

White roses suit you best.

Soft and delicate on the outside, yet covered in thorns.

Your heart is purer than anyone else's, but you're more stubborn than anyone I

know.

Am I supposed to take that as a compliment or an insult?

Compliment, of course.

Any flower would fail next to you.

My princess should always be this way.

Pure, proud, and never bowing to anyone.

Your Highness, don't you like it?

No. I love it.

Sam, why don't we go horseback riding?

I'd love to.

If you miss her that much, go see her.

You don't have much time. Just don't leave with regrets.

And go as what?

The friend who betrayed her?

Or the wicked stepmother who stole her crown.

This is a magic mirror.

My gift to you.

Through it, you can see the person you love most, whenever you want.

Janice, please leave me. I have something I need to take care of.

Come on!

Your turn next.

Remember, don't tense up.

Grip the horse gently with your knees.

Keep your wrists loose and move with the horse.

And if you want to turn, look where you want to go first.

But I don't want to learn.

With you here, I just want to stay like this and let you take me wherever you

want to go.

Anna, come with me. There's a view up ahead.

You seem distracted all day. Something on your mind?

Maybe I can help.

I was just thinking about the past.

There was someone I trusted once. I trusted her so completely that as long

as she was by my side, I felt safe no matter what happened.

I trusted her enough to share everything I had with her.

Then what happened?

Then she married my father and became queen of this kingdom.

But that still wasn't enough for her.

She killed my father.

She wouldn't even let me see him one last time.

After he died, she stripped me of my birthright, killed everyone loyal to me,

tried to throw me out of the palace.

Maybe one day, she'll kill me too. I won't let that happen.

This probably sounds childish to you.

People like us were never meant to expect anything real.

When I was seven, my mother died.

My father remarried soon after and had another son.

Then, little by little, everything that belonged to my mother disappeared, as if

someone were erasing every trace of her.

Her palace was given to someone else.

Her servants were dismissed.

Even the nobles who once swore loyalty to me began flocking to my brother. He

was still my father, but suddenly he felt like a stranger.

watching someone take everything that was yours bit by bit, without even the

right to fight back.

So no, I don't think you're childish.

The betrayal, the loss, the helplessness, I know exactly what that

feels like.

To you, to us, and to a life of our own. To that.

Come on, I'll walk you back to your chambers.

Looks like your highness rides better than she drinks.

Nonsense. I just didn't see the pillar.

Here we are.

Good night, my princess.

Good night, my princess.

It's you.

I love you.

Worse than just...

Anna, are you sure this is what you want?

Anna, I... I'm sorry.

I was drunk.

Let's save it on our wedding night.

Really? I'd rather leave Ashford with Sam while I still have a choice than

stay trapped in Victoria's schemes and let her keep messing with my heart.

So...

I'll see you tomorrow.

Yeah.

Janice. Victoria!

You're finally awake!

Is it night?

What?

Why aren't the lamps lit?

Why is it so dark?

I can't see anything.

It's the curse.

It's reached your eyes.

I see.

And eventually, you won't be able to see, hear, smell, taste, or feel

anything.

I'm sorry. I tried everything I could to save you, but I still couldn't change a

thing.

Janice, this isn't your fault. I made these choices myself.

Should we really spend what little time I have left crying?

There's something else.

Lucy, your second-in-command at Waterblade sent word.

I have two bad news.

Go ahead.

The first is... Anna and Sam have decided to get married.

How could that be bad news?

With Sam by her side, Anna can hold the throne. Even when I'm gone, no one will

touch her.

What's the other one? The rumors about you and Anna having an illicit affair

are getting worse by the day.

Even children in the streets are turning them into songs.

Now the rumors have reached the church.

If the church declares Anna has been involved with you, then even if she

takes the throne, the people will see her as unclean.

Should I do something to shut them up?

No. It only makes things worse.

Janice, I need you to do two more things for me.

Anything.

First, arrange Anna's wedding as soon as possible.

I'm running out of time, even if I'm only sitting among the guests.

At least we'll be attending the same wedding together.

Victoria. Fine.

What's the second thing? On the wedding day, I want you to denounce me in front

of Anna, the church, and every noble.

I want you to accuse me of poisoning the late king, faking my pregnancy, and

plotting to usurp the throne.

Are you insane?

I can't!

I can't do it. Victoria, I'm your healer.

Isn't watching you die enough?

Now you want me to send you to the scaffold with my own hands?

Janice.

Only if Anna orders my execution herself can she prove to the church and everyone

else that there was never anything between us.

Everything I've done was to make sure she could secure her hold on the throne.

We can't give up now. Not when we're this close.

Janice.

I was never going to have much time left anyway.

Please, let me protect her one last time.

Okay.

On a day like this, why is Her Majesty showing up dressed for a funeral?

I was wondering the same thing.

Victoria, are you doing this on purpose?

Did you dress like this just to curse my wedding?

I was willing to leave Ashford. I was willing to give up everything that

should have been mine.

Why won't you just leave me alone?

I used to imagine what you'd look like in a wedding dress so many times.

But now... I'll never get to see it.

we are gathered here today in the presence of god and these witnesses to

join princess anna ashford and prince sam valeria in holy matrimony marriage

is a sacred bond of faithfulness devotion and love for better or for

worse for richer or for poorer in sickness and in health till death do you

part prince sam valeria do you take anna ashford to be your wife to love honor

and protect her in good time and bad in sickness and in health, and to stand by

her side for as long as you both shall live.

I do.

Princess Anna Ashford, do you take Prince Sam Valeria to be your husband,

to love, honor, and trust him, in good times and bad, in sickness and in

health, and to stand by his side for as long as you both shall live?

I... I do, Anna.

Please be happy.

Wait!

Before God and the Church and everyone, I'm here to expose Queen Victoria.

Expose Her Majesty?

I once stood before all of you and confirmed that the Queen was carrying

the late King's child.

Yes, we all remember that.

It was all a lie.

The Queen was never pregnant.

She forced me to fake it. She forced me to tell everyone she carried a new heir

to the throne.

Then she has no right to rule as Queen Regent.

Princess Anna is Ashford's only heir to the throne.

And there's more.

The late king didn't die of an illness.

What are you saying? She poisoned the late king.

I have the late king's final letter. It proves everything I've said is true.

Anna, my beloved daughter.

If you are reading this, your father is already gone.

All these years, my greatest pride was never the throne.

It was you.

Forgive me that I can no longer walk beside you.

Remember, whatever happens from here on out, you must protect yourself.

There's one more thing you must remember. My death is Victoria's doing.

Anna, beware of her.

Victoria.

My father was so good to you.

How could you do this to him?

Winner takes all. That's the game.

If I hadn't been caught off guard by Janus's betrayal, you'd be the one lying

dead right now, Anna. Your Highness, everything the Queen did was to seize

the throne.

I couldn't stand by and watch someone so ruthless steal the crown. Your Highness,

sentence the Queen to death.

Avenge the late King.

Sentence the Queen to death.

Avenge the late King.

Sentence the Queen to death.

Avenge the late King.

I... Sentence the queen to death!

Avenge the late king!

Do you remember the third condition you promised me?

Of course.

On your wedding day with Anna, if she hesitates.

I want you to order my arrest, throw me in the dungeon, and sentence me to

death.

You... Sentence the queen to death!

Avenge the late king!

Why does something about this feel wrong?

Guards! Seize Queen Victoria!

Guards! Seize Queen Victoria!

Seize her!

One more thing, your highness.

By the late king's final command, you must set things right.

and ascend the throne at once.

Queen Anna!

Queen Anna!

Queen Anna!

Queen Anna!

I hereby strip Victoria of all her royal power and authority.

Effective immediately, I, Anna Ashford, officially take the throne as the new

Queen of Ashford!

Victoria, after everything you sacrificed, you finally got what you

wanted.

Your Majesty, Victoria poisoned the late king, faked her pregnancy and usurped

the throne.

Her crimes are unforgivable.

Your Majesty must order her execution at once and uphold the law.

Victoria's had years to plant loyalists at court.

As long as she breathes, Your Majesty's throne will never be safe.

Besides, rumours about Your Majesty's relationship with Victoria are spreading

throughout the capital.

Show her mercy now.

People will suspect the worst.

Victoria must die.

Only then can your majesty clear your name and prove have nothing to do with

this criminal.

Execute Victoria!

Execute Victoria!

Everyone! As for her, I'll decide her fate.

Once I uncover the truth and have conclusive evidence.

You poisoned the late king, lied to the entire kingdom, and still thought you

could steal Queen Anna's throne?

A vile bitch like you could die a hundred times, still wouldn't be enough!

Still playing queen, huh?

Enjoy these last few days while you can.

Once Her Majesty gives the word, you'll be hanging from the gallows!

I finally did it.

There has to be a way. The sleeping curse can be transferred.

Victoria, I may not be able to change Anna's order, but I won't let you die in

agony from that curse.

Only the kiss of true love can awaken one who has fallen under the sleeping

curse. true love is not the devotion of one heart alone it is two hearts that

love each other answering one another the moment their lips meet two hearts

that love each other so if anna doesn't love victoria

victoria's kiss could never wake her anna loves you she always has victoria

you were never loving her alone i have to tell her

anna

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to.

I guess you can't even give me a little bit of your love. After everything I've

been through, after all the betrayal, I don't even know what love is anymore.

Love is telling yourself not to care about someone, but your heart won't

listen.

Love is when something makes you smile.

They're the first person you want to share it with.

Victoria, look!

Love is talking about them without even realizing it, because they've quietly

taken over your every thought.

Well, the kitchen just came up with this new flavor.

Victoria would love this.

Love is wanting to be near them, to touch them, to share a closeness that

words can't describe.

Here we are.

Good night, my princess.

Good night, my princess.

It's you.

I know now.

I finally know!

Anna? Victoria!

I found the real secret behind the sleeping curse. There was a page folded

over in an ancient book. It says true love's kiss only works when two people

truly love each other.

Do you hear me?

If your kiss can wake Anna, it means you don't just love her.

She's been in love with you all along.

Victoria.

Janice. Is that you?

What are you doing here?

Victoria.

Why won't you say something?

Damn this curse.

It didn't just take your sight.

Now it's taken your hearing too.

You won't even get to hear the truth that she loves you.

Victoria. You gave everything to put her on that throne.

And the first thing she does as queen might be to order your death.

Was any of it worth this?

What are you talking about?

What do you mean she gave everything to put me on the throne?

What curse?

What true love's kiss?

What are you talking about?

Tell me!

Since you heard everything, I'll tell you the whole truth.

That poisoned apple you ate was cursed with a sleeping curse.

You were doomed to waste away in your sleep until you died.

The only thing that could wake you was true love's kiss.

But whoever gave you that kiss would take the curse upon themselves and be

left with only three months to live.

She did it to save you.

That's why she started coughing blood, why she kept passing out, why she lost

her sight, and now even her hearing.

She knew she didn't have much time left.

So she lied.

She claimed she murdered the late king.

She claimed she was carrying his heir.

She did all of it to make you hate her.

She said if you hated her enough, you wouldn't be sad when she died.

No. No, I don't believe you.

If she really did all this for me, then why did she kill Elma?

Elma? You really think Elma was loyal to you?

You thought Victoria was eliminating your allies?

She wasn't.

She was eliminating everyone who wanted to use you, hurt you, or keep you from

the throne.

She was clearing your path to the crown.

Even your marriage to Sam.

Victoria was the one who made it happen.

She made sure you had someone powerful enough to protect you, even after she

was gone.

Even the accusation at your wedding was her plan.

She never threatened me, and I never conspired with her.

Your father died of illness.

Every charge against her was a lie she ordered me to tell.

The rumors about you two had already reached the church.

She made you condemn her so you'd never be tamed by them.

She never did any of this to steal your throne.

She only wanted to place the crown, the kingdom, and your future safely in your

hands.

Victoria, why did you have to be like this?

Why did you hide all of this from me?

You're insane!

I never want to see you again.

You make me sick.

What have I done to you?

Victoria, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I was so stupid.

Too stupid to see everything you did for me. Too stupid to realize that I've

loved you this whole time.

Janice, what's wrong?

Victoria, it's me.

Can you hear me?

I love you. Do you hear me?

I said I love you.

Janice, are you crying?

Don't cry.

Victoria.

I knew from the beginning what it would cost me to wake Anna with that kiss.

But if I had to choose all over again, I'd save her no matter what.

Janice, none of this was your fault.

I'm glad Anna finally has the throne.

That's all I ever wanted.

Oh, it hurts.

Victoria, please don't leave me.

Victoria?

Victoria!

Victoria!

Victoria, just like you wanted, I'm queen now.

But what's the crown worth if I can't have you by my side?

I'd give up everything.

My crown, my throne.

I just want to be with you.

Oh, no.