Versailles

We can never comprehend this world.

We can only learn that there are dangers.

And there are secrets.

Some secrets bring with them release, redemption.

But others are best buried deep in the earth, never to be found.

The Lord said, "I have set before you life and death."

"The choice is our own."

Do we make a bargain with God?

Or do we trade with the Devil?

Feels good to be home, sir.

That's not what I'd call it.

Long live the King!

Good luck to you, my friend.

Emperor Leopold of Hungary, Archduke of Austria

and leader of the Holy Roman Empire.

I kiss the hand of the victor

and proffer the humble supplication

of my people and my crown.

The King accepts your wishes with respect.

Welcome to Versailles.

I can't help but ask why you invited

me and not William of Orange.

I thought perhaps you and I might speak the same language.

Your Majesty.

You should know your sister bore

her last days with great fortitude.

Please accept our condolences on your wife's passing.

The King is most kind.

I hope he brings such generosity to the terms of the treaty.

There is so much to discuss.

You've done all of France proud.

You've made me proud, brother.

I see you've been busy.

Indeed.

And... I have a surprise to show you.

I built this palace as a symbol of

imagination and human achievement.

But that wasn't enough.

Every body needs its heart.

Every crown must have its jewel.

Versailles needed a diamond so bright, you might think it

was forged by the creator of the sun, the moon and the stars -

a beacon to the world, reflecting

the power and glory of God himself.

The Galerie des Glaces, now completed.

Voila!

Gloria tua...

..et gloria dedicatur...

..aedificationis Francorum.

Your go.

Come on, hand over the money!

Well, about bloody time!

Guillaume, come here!

I thought you'd never come home.

Hey!

Bastien!

Well, you didn't get any prettier, did you, eh?

Good to see you in one piece, boss.

So did Jeanne look after you lot while I was away?

Your sister can crack the whip, all right!

Only when they're slacking...

..which is most of the time.

So... how was it?

Over. That's all needs said.

Right, so hurry up and get out of that uniform.

We have got work to do.

Come on, lads! Move it!

The servants must be crisp and clean as the linen,

the wine perfectly chilled and the glasses never empty.

And these flowers are flaccid.

I want only the blooms bursting with vigour.

The King has decreed this event should represent

the pinnacle of France's success.

I do not wish to disappoint him.

Go.

So... tell me how much you missed me.

I was somewhat preoccupied, marshalling troops,

defending the Empire and dodging death.

I have been rather busy myself.

All that cavorting and carousing must be quite gruelling.

Of course I must hear all about your

derring-do on the field of battle.

But we have a little surprise for you first.

Say hello to little Philippe.

He just might be a future king of France.

A fighting tiger, like his father.

Make it stop!

You're not holding him correctly.

You need to support his head.

Oh! He's hungry.

And you're not anatomically equipped.

You should have seen the birth.

Utter carnage.

So... here we are.

The hero returns.

You have a remarkable sense of timing, Bontemps.

It's a natural talent, sir.

Your presence is required immediately.

I've only just got here.

Not you, Your Highness -

the Chevalier de Lorraine.

He must open festivities.

"There is no peace," says the Lord, "for the wicked."

How much longer, Uncle?

I can't wait for the festivities! I want to dance.

Patience, child.

You're representing your country and your family.

To acquire an eminent husband, you will remain silent...

..and drink no wine.

I thought that this was a palace of fun.

For the French, perhaps.

It remains to be seen how an Austrian is entertained.

I think Louis seems very generous.

Ha! Louis is never what he seems.

He'll find a way to make us pay...

..somehow.

There.

Your destiny is there for the taking...

..if you choose to seize it.

Your people are waiting.

Who could fail to be impressed, my King?

It's nice to be home.

So is he sleeping with the ice queen or not?

Moot point.

They're certainly thick as thieves.

Some women simply aren't built for sex...

..apparently.

This is a special day for France.

We might be victorious in battle, but we greet Emperor Leopold

not as an old enemy, but as a new friend.

I have invited him here not to debate sanctions,

but to discuss creating a new world where our empires co-exist,

a partnership that can benefit all.

To that end, we welcome him to Versailles -

the beating heart of France.

All this glitter - you would not think this country broke.

This is also a time to give thanks...

..to God, above all.

Without his hand, we would not have peace.

And to my brother, whose strength and valour have given us

this glorious victory.

Enjoy!

Excuse me.

This must be hard for you, I imagine.

No, I'm fine.

I know how to survive.

We should spend some time together.

We haven't spoken properly in ages.

You're fully occupied, evidently.

It's such a shame. We used to be so close, but...

..things get in the way.

How is the King these days?

I think he knows himself better than he used to.

He can be a hard man to satisfy.

We have an understanding.

A deeper connection.

I don't see you by his side much in public.

I know my place.

I am not the Queen.

Nor am I a harlot who will sin with impunity.

Your Highness.

Your Majesty.

I was hoping we might meet again.

Unfortunate you had to lose the war to do so.

You are still beautiful, Marie-Therese.

I am older.

None of us can escape time.

But as the years pass,

one gains more appreciation for the finer things in life.

Life here is about seeking pleasure

for everyone else, except the Queen.

I would very much like to spend time with you.

I don't think that would be wise.

Suzanne?

Yes, Madame?

I didn't wish to startle you.

I just wanted to check.

I heard that you once worked at the chateau de Villarceaux.

Yes. Yes? Well, I was wondering -

do you remember any of the guests that were staying there?

Madame de Maintenon, for instance?

They say that, to find out what

really happens behind closed doors,

you just have to ask the chambermaid.

Your victory has given me great honour.

It's my soldiers who should be honoured.

Such modesty becomes you, brother.

I have learnt much.

Which is why I want you by my side in government.

It's entirely against protocol.

The protocol that I dictate.

I'm no longer a child to be humoured.

And I'm not given to empty gestures.

I would not be another of your lap dogs.

Besides, Versailles is complete and the war won.

What more could any man ask for?

You can rest, sire.

Enjoy your success.

But I'm not finished yet.

Sire?