Reign

Previously on Reign...

Have you any news from your daughter, the queen of Spain?

She wants Henri on the throne,

not his older brother.

Leeza will allow Charles to remain king

while Henri's delayed.

I feared that Mary's wedding would empower other nations.

- She could invade! - If she does,

she will not find you alone. I am here, Elizabeth,

and I will not forsake you.

Since Nicole has her hands on Charles,

we'd best control her.

- You can do that. - I'm not sure bedding the lover

of the king is a wise idea.

I can't help wishing that, at the right time,

I'd met someone like you.

Lord Moray and Mary have developed

an uncanny, nearly preternatural ability

to undermine me.

So I had her home watched.

You betrayed me, Emily.

James drew you in with lies and used you.

As much as I might want to, I can't call off

this wedding to Darnley, because...

I'm pregnant with his child.

Only a suggestion, but perhaps some

additional percussion throughout,

its strong beat a representation

of the king's own mighty heart.

Aha.

More percussion throughout.

Mary!

I'm glad you've come.

So, what do you think?

Well, you commissioned it for your coronation.

It need only please your ear.

I need to borrow my private secretary.

You may have him back when we're finished.

David has been indispensable in planning my coronation.

Thank you for allowing him to assist me.

- Of course. - Mary...

um, it has been nearly a month since our wedding.

Might you at last allow me to visit your chambers tonight?

You do still desire an heir?

I've been traveling, Darnley...

And a show of face to the people is always advised,

but you have also been avoiding me. Mary, we are wed...

Which is why you need to plan

your coronation. I don't have time

to discuss this. David?

Come with me.

Play it again.

I've invited Lord Hamilton to court

in the hopes that he will stay for Lord Darnley's coronation.

As a powerful Protestant, his family's support is vital

if I wish to take the English throne.

What may I do to help?

Well, there are issues that divide us.

In addition to having a very strong claim to my throne,

Lord Hamilton sent a... a marriage request...

before I chose Darnley.

Ah.

- Jealousy. - It goes beyond that.

A blood feud has long existed

between the Hamiltons and Lord Darnley's family.

If I wish to gain Lord Hamilton's support,

it's best accomplished without Darnley.

I've arranged a full itinerary

for Lord Hamilton and his guests when they arrive.

I need you to keep Darnley occupied

with... planning for his coronation,

- so that their paths never cross. - I'll involve Darnley

in every detail, no matter how small,

so that you may focus on the larger issue of politics.

Thank you. I'll let Darnley know when the time is right.

Good news. Lord Hamilton has accepted your invitation.

If the Protestants of Clan Hamilton agree

to stand with you, it will prove to the world

that you are a tolerant queen.

And Knox would be greatly weakened.

Lord Hamilton is sure to tell

his Protestant ally about our meeting.

Is it possible the Reverend Knox

will just sit back and do nothing?

You must see Emily.

If her husband has plans

to interfere with our negotiations,

she may know something about them.

You know, Darnley won't be happy when he learns

that you've met with the Hamiltons behind his back.

My concern is for Scotland,

- not for Darnley's bruised feelings. - And if his feelings

interfere with your legacy, you do need to produce an heir.

Actually, James...

- I am already pregnant. - So soon?

Mary, that's wonderful!

No one can know. Not even Darnley.

- Not yet. - Of course.

You will be an amazing mother.

Thank you, James.

I don't know what I'd do without you.

Am I interrupting?

Hello, James.

Hello, Greer.

Uh...

I'll leave you two.

I think I've made a horrible mistake.

At your wedding, I told James

how much I desired to have a man like him in my life.

I had hoped it would encourage him

to express his own feelings,

if he had any for me. Instead, he now treats me

with the same affection he shows the furniture.

He's respecting your circumstances.

You are still married, Greer.

So is Emily Knox.

You shouldn't take it personally.

Things aren't always as they seem.

Isn't it wonderful?

There's something about a bathhouse that is

so incredibly... sensual.

Yes. If one enjoys the dampness of sweat.

Poor Jane. You're overheating

because you're not dressed properly.

You may go.

And see to it that I'm not disturbed.

Were you seen?

I was not.

Would you like to hear what's being planned

for your birthday celebration this evening?

Is it you and me in bed...

with you feeding me cake?

Mm, close.

A gala in your honor.

Hundreds of nobles and dignitaries.

It's the perfect opportunity for you to peruse a number

- of potential suitors. - These suitors,

- are they Catholic? - The majority.

With Mary now wed to Darnley,

your only hope of gaining the support of Catholic nations

is with a Catholic union of your own.

Good. I will need your help

if I am to choose wisely.

Of course.

I have a... thorough understanding

of your politics, but also your...

personal tastes.

Good. I will need to find a husband

who I can not only tolerate,

but who will not plot to have my head removed.

Agreed. Your neck must be protected at all costs.

You do understand that

our current relationship

is only temporary.

Once a match is made, we will need to stop this.

There's no confusion.

I'm your advisor first,

your lover second.

And right now...

I'm done giving advice.

I want to thank you.

You've done wonders with Charles.

He no longer suffers night terrors,

- his confidence grows daily. - Stephan.

I've been looking for you.

Mm, I see you have Nicole well in hand.

Mm.

I'm turning her into a proper lady.

She wants to be a courtesan.

In return, she is guiding Charles for us,

- keeping him in line. - Well, if only

that were enough for Leeza, queen of Spain

and of meddling in French politics.

She still wants Charles off the throne.

She believes that Henri is the man to keep France Catholic.

The Protestants have been troublesome of late.

A firm hand is needed.

Well, a firm hand will be needed

to keep my sons from each other's throats.

And after agreeing to let me handle matters,

Leeza went behind my back and she wrote to Henri directly.

And he is on his way here now,

fresh from his latest defeat of the Turks,

aware that Spain wants him on the throne.

Toppling the Turks.

You know, I have to say, he does sound impressive.

He's ambitious.

And Charles,

he's no match for his younger brother.

Nicole must get him to willingly abdicate

and disappear from the world's stage.

And once he does, we must pray that the people accept it,

and leave him in peace,

because I cannot survive the loss

of another son.

It's gorgeous.

- There is another reason for my visit. - Hmm.

An important task for you, regarding Charles.

It won't be easy, but

you will be well rewarded.