Original subtitles

Louis.

Louis, can't you hear that?

The flowers. They're singing.

Henriette.

Let me bathe in the lake.

(Heaving breathing, footsteps on snow)

Sire!

Please, go no further.

(Panting)

A bad dream, your Majesty,

that is all.

Smelling salts will help.

(Coughing)

You were sleep walking, Sire.

(Shivering)

Has Fabien returned?

Is there news of my son?

He will find him, Sire.

(Labored breathing)

A thousand men have died here, building this.

Thousands more may perish still, before the work is done.

Versailles is a wondrous creation, Sire,

an artifact for all eternity.

A king will write his epitaph in stone or he will write it in blood.

I wonder what mine will be.

Is Rohan captured?

Nowhere to be seen.

(Breathing)

Monsieur Marchal, the Dauphin.

(Frightened breathing)

Your Highness.

(Whimpering)

Are you alright?

Hey, hey. (Whimpering)

My name is Fabien Marchal.

I serve your father. You're safe.

You're safe.

(Knocking)

(Heavy breathing)

(Gunshot)

(Grunting)

Is he alive? Let's see.

(Painful groaning)

Yes.

(Whimpering)

Bind him.

(Grunting)

♪ I'm the King of my own land,

♪ Facing tempests of dust, I'll fight

♪ until the end.

♪ Creatures of my dreams,

♪ rise up and dance with me.

♪ Now and forever,

♪ I'm your King.

Our informants in the kingdom of France grow by the day.

There is no shortage of courtiers who will talk for money.

I'm all ears.

The king has quashed the rebellion which threatened his son,

recently rescued from Brittany, I believe.

The French also captured the ring leader who...

I'm afraid it's one of our agents, Chevalier de Rohan.

Shame. He was a very promising spy.

He will be replaced?

Naturally.

Versailles grows in stature day by day.

Exterior works are complete.

The palace is bursting at the seams with new rules called etiquette.

Noble tenants increase in number.

And the King's bed?

The king is remaining remarkably faithful

to his first mistress, Madame de Montespan,

who is now fully installed as the principal favorite

in the royal household.

And the brother?

Prince Philippe enjoys an animated social life away

from Versailles at his family home in Saint Cloud,

while his lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine,

remains in exile.

This new spy, tell me more.

Young. Very willing, very able.

Let us hope so.

Why do you need a historian?

I need a writer with a loyal mind,

and the heart of a poet.

Is that why we're going to the theater?

Possibly.

I'm cold.

(Kissing)

We're going to Paris, Madam.

Breathe fresh air while you can.

With the king in Paris, we shall focus on preparing an agenda

to present to his Majesty tomorrow upon his return.

Louvois, what is the status of the prisoner?

Alive. Unrepentant.

Awaiting his Majesty's decision.

De Reynaud, what does the justice ministry have to report?

Reynaud, did you not hear Colbert addressing you in council?

(Coughing, spluttering)

(Cries of shock)

- Help him! - Call the guards!

He is dying!

(Clattering metal)

(Laughter)

(Voices murmuring)

(Coughing)

(Audience talking)

Full house.

How satisfying.

You can't be that satisfied with Chevalier still exiled.

(Laughter)

How do you keep warm?

It's called a blanket. Green and full of feathers.

A bit like you.

The King's here.

Don't look at him.

Have you seen his coat?

He should be on stage.

Take it from me: he's never off it.

You must promise

when we return, you'll let my lady do your cards.

(Sighing)

(Sighing)

I have heard good things about this writer.

I want you in my cunt.

(Snickering)

Your Majesty!

My name is Thomas Beaumont, playwright.

The story you're about to see,

takes place many hundreds of years ago.

But despite what you might have read,

the past is not a prologue.

History offers us not a context, but a lense.

A lesson for our present and...

There's been a poisoning, you must come with me at once.

(Spitting)

And, although this is a story of the men of yesterday,

doubt not that in this moment,

in this very space, they live again.

Reborn, reaching out over the centuries, to show us all

that as the sands of our lives dwindle and vanish,

we are, all of us, making history.

Here, and now.

(Clapping)

He's clever, you know.

Very sharp.

- Who? - William of Orange.

He poisons my minister to show what he can do,

to show how close he is to poisoning me.

I'm almost impressed.

You realize what is going on in Europe, across the world,

Versailles is a shining jewel

that glows in the night. She's beauty, she's power.

There can be no doubt of what we symbolize.

So it is then, that an ambitious upstart in Holland

will look over at his glorious neighbor, the symbol of his power,

sees it starting to grow.

And what do you do when your enemies' fortunes rise?

- When their fields blossom? - Poison their well.

Drip by drip. You take all that is nourishing them

and pollute and defile it with venom.

He knows what he's doing. He tried to take my son.

Instead, he's taken my love, my peace, my sleep.

Now, he takes my minister.

But soon, I will take his life,

and that will be the end of it.

Did he pay you? When you fought for me in the Spanish Netherlands?

The Dutch came to you.

They made an approach and they gave you money.

(Quiet laughter)

(Sniffing)

(Groaning)

(Grunting)

(Heavy breathing)

Something has hurt you.

I wonder what.

William of Orange paid you to hurt me,

to take my son, poison my minister.

Poison what minister?

You think me a fool.

You believe it is William who hates you,

but trust me, everybody hates you.

Then know this:

when my scribes chronicle my days,

I will ensure they erase every last knub of you.

No drop of ink shall mark your time.

No image, nor crest, nor lock of hair.

Your worldly goods, all burned.

Your lineage disowned, cast out.

Forgotten.

You'll be to history what you are to me now:

nothing.

Unlike you, Majesty,

I do not care how history will paint me.

(Clanging metal)

My astronomers tell me

that one day, very soon, the moon will traverse the sun

and for a few seconds, our day will become night.

Remember that moment if you can,

because whatever your fate

it is at that instant that you shall meet it.

(Door closing)

I was worried.

(Kissing)

You're burning.

(Door opening)

Is the King awake?

His Majesty is not yet risen.

I will wake him for the lever as usual at eight.

I need to see him at once.

When he wakes, your Majesty, I will inform him.

Although you know his many commitments.

I can assure you, I'm acutely aware of those.

(Moaning)

(Laughter)

The more of you I consume, the hungrier I become.

I do not satisfy, then.

You stimulate my appetite, Sire. I'm not ashamed to admit it.

How else am I going to prevent you from

walking to the water in the night?

I'm worried I'll wake up one day and find you presenting me with a fish.

Do not eat that.

It's only a biscuit.

It's not been tested. Bontemps!

He nibbled on it last night, no?

He must test it again.

Send for the Officier de Bouche and his Esquire de Cuisine.

And prepare the room for the lever.

At once, Sire.

Two tasters.

(Door closing)

It that your concern?

I would have thought at least three.

One each for the hall, the kitchen, and the table.

(Door opening)

Who will be next, do you think?

Next?

Now that poor sweet Henriette is gone,

there is, as it were, a vacancy.

Don't tell me Philippe will not be married again.

It's clear that he must. But to whom?

I've not yet decided.

Hmm.

I can't wait to help.

(Kissing)

Where were you?

In the forest, collecting herbs.

Minister Reynaud died one hour ago.

Long great pains, swift decline.

Our Henriette was the same.

Identical.

And you need me to examine the body?

I do.

But burn it afterwards.

Take every precaution.

I appreciate your concern for my safety.

It is the King's safety that concerns me,

nothing more.

Many stand to benefit from Reynaud's death.

A few enemies in court, Cassel being one of them.

Not to mention the widow herself.

I believe the Reynauds were clients of Cassel,

when he held power in his lands in the north.

That power is gone along with much of his land.

In any case, your investigation must bear fruit,

and quickly, Marchal.

A poisoner entered the King's Council...

Nothing proves the crime occurred here.

We must act quickly to stop

the inevitable wave of rumors.

- Communication is monitored? - Yes.

All letters are being opened

and offending material will be adjusted or burned.

What of a successor to the Chancellery?

De Foix is keen, but lacks experience.

His mother's a good friend of my family.

Lesigny has more.

I've known him many years.

Time is no judge of loyalty.

I wish to meet each candidate in turn.

If I may, Sire,

might Mr. Colbert address them first together?

Whatever for?

If they're all with him, your Majesty,

they will not be in their apartments.

(Foreboding music)

Madame de Reynaud,

do you know of any enemies your husband had,

as minister of justice?

I cannot think of anyone.

He was loved equally by all.

Was he a good husband?

(Sniffing)

We had our disagreements, like all couples do,

but he was devoted,

and I to him.

(Crackling)

I shall miss him so very much.

It's all I ask of you, your last stop

before retiring, always. Why do you abandon me?

Should I say a Hail Mary?

(Sharp inhale)

The matter of your conscience and your soul is for another day, Sire.

I talk merely of the commitments between us.

At any rate, I'm glad you are here.

It is good to see you.

Thank you, Sire.

It's good to see you, too.

I have a problem, however.

I want to ask your advice.

I will help if I can.

(Footsteps)

Oh.

There you are.

Three heads is better than two in this case.

(Smirking)

That depends on the heads, of course.

Your Majesties.

I'm sure I don't understand.

You're no doubt both aware that my brother needs a new wife.

Since you both know him, and know me,

it is my feeling that between us, we will find the perfect choice.

I would rather it was women

who were advising me than anyone else,

since it often takes a woman to know another woman.

Wouldn't you say?

I don't think this is appropriate.

Perhaps, but it is necessary.

Sire, while I respect your wishes of course,

selecting so important a person in court

is surely a matter for a King.

Or a queen.

There are so many roles

for a queen, I wonder whether you're ready to perform them in some way.

Whatever role I occupy

in the King's life holds no candle on your own, Your Majesty.

I stopped holding candles many years ago, Madam.

You see, isn't this fun?

Perhaps if we discussed the candidates?

Are we all gathered?

Where is Gaston de Foix? Is he here?

- I am now. - Very well.

(Door opening)

Check all the rooms, thoroughly.

(Heavy footsteps)

(Door shutting)

(Door opening)

Hello, Cassel.

I must teach you how to knock.

It's a useful social tool.

Involves hitting things. You'd enjoy it.

Our court etiquette is quite clear.

Yes, I know. The King's social handbook favors the pinky.

Useless method, scratching a door.

How can anyone hear that?

I'm forever breaking my nails.

But where are my manners?

Would you care for a rat?

- Freshly caught. - I'm investigating Reynaud's death.

And you wish my advice?

You did not care for him.

No, no, I hated him.

The person who poisoned him probably didn't like him either.

- Why did you dislike him? - Tremendous bore.

Reynaud's family used to petition mine for credit,

as I remember.

I almost set him to work plowing my fields with his wife's face.

She has a very agricultural jaw.

He took many of your lands, did he not?

After the fall of your house,

they were sold at a substantial discount.

Excuse me, I'm late for a game of cards.

It stands to reason I'm a suspect.

You must be desperate to search my quarters, so by all means,

help yourself.

It seems we are down to three.

- It cannot be Montpensier. - No.

I agree.

Her time has passed.

What about Princess Palatine?

She's not suited to court life.

Who is, before they get here?

Quite so.

Is she suitable for my brother?

None of them will ever live up to Henriette.

Then it must be Caumont.

- So it appears. - She would be a fine choice.

Although.. still, no matter.

Very well then.

Wait.

Speak, Madam Montespan.

I don't mean to question her character,

but I couldn't help but overhear

that she traveled to Bordeaux to rekindle a romance with a commoner.

Why?

For love, so it appears.

And he has fallen for her,

but who can blame him? She's very beautiful.

A man would find her quite the catch.

Would it be fair to marry Philippe to someone in love?

Marriage is not for love, as much as it is for the state.

Well then, we have the perfect candidate.

Madam is right.

She's the plainest.

Being plain, she must work very hard at conversation.

- She might be fun. - She's young, no doubt fertile.

Lands in the east, near Lausanne.

Very true.

Close your eyes and she's almost a man.

(Knocking)

(Door slamming)

If I may be so bold...

What would you have done if they had chosen someone else?

The Palatinate territory will be an excellent ally against the Dutch.

Now, both now feel like it was their decision,

which is better for everyone,

don't you think?

Indeed, Sire.

(Mandolin music)

(Talking)

The next few days are auspicious, Madame de Foix.

An eclipse in the light tells of great change.

- Do go on. - Of course.

Excuse me a moment.

(Dice rolling)

(Talking)

(Laughter)

(Woman laughing)

You're wearing last week's cuffs, Cassel.

Today's fashion favors the sleeve.

I give my advice freely, since our grandmothers were cousins.

That is surely worth a morsel of assistance.

Too kind.

I do not claim your encyclopaedic knowledge of modern etiquette

except when it comes to winning at cards.

Your mother might be lucky,

or does your family curse span the generations?

A man of youth has plenty of time to recoup his losses, Cassel.

A man of experience has no need,

since he tends to be so much better at cards.

(Woman laughing)

Madame de Reynaud, such a jolly little thing since her husband died,

- Don't you think? - Inheritance does that to a woman.

- Have the apartments been searched? - They have.

And was anything found?

Nothing to imply knowledge of poison or any implements to create it.

(Door closing)

Now for the widow's quarters.

Foul.

A gift, from the Duke de Cassel.

"With warm wishes for the feast of the Immaculate Conception."

What kind of man gives a rat as a gift?

Cassel.

I need you to be my ears in the salons.

Talk to your friends, I want to know the rumors.

At the moment, the only subject is Reynaud's widow.

She's very young. Will she inherit all his property?

The will declares it, the King approves of it.

His fortune is hers.

She doesn't say much in public.

It might help to hear her in private.

I agree.

Then I shall need new clothes.

I must at least appear to be a woman on the rise.

You're doing a good job of that already.

(Horse neighing)

(Pounding staff)

Where is Thomas Beaumont, the playwright?

I've looked all over.

I want him in my theatrical troupe.

Will he be here tonight?

Where can I find him?

Versailles, Your Highness.

The King gave him a position.

He left this morning.

Oh, really.

(Breaking wood)

(Screaming)

Excuse me.

You will detail the life of his Majesty's court here.

Focus only on the glory of the King.

He is the light that shines eternally in our hearts.

Yes, Mr. Colbert.

(Door closing)

(Woman talking)

(Laughter)

Sire.

May I present Thomas Beaumont.

The court historian you requested.

Ladies and gentlemen, we're about to start.

Your Majesty, when the light of the sun hits the glass of the mirror,

its shape and disposition coax the sun's rays into a common beam,

a focal point of light with the potential for enormous power.

The mirror, Sire, is you.

The scrap of driftwood, why, that is Holland, of course.

(Laughter)

Should your attention turn toward the Dutch republic, behold.

As Archimedes once roasted Roman ships from a promontory,

(Exclamations of surprise)

(Clapping)

(Laughter)

While it nourishes and protects us, the sun is also all powerful,

and, if he chooses, may decimate his enemies.

I thank you Villette, for this timely reminder.

(Door opening)

(Door closing)

- Will you come with me? - Sire.

Let him wait his turn.

Will you come with me to the cards?

Madame Agathe taught me a love spell.

I think I've heard it.

Very well. I shall hear my fortune.

Sire...

Bontemps, I nearly forgot. I took a bath yesterday

and the olive soap was gone.

Would you be a dear and order me some from Paris?

My ladies just don't seem capable.

Give her what she wants.

(Door closing)

(Door closing)

My dear. Madame Agathe!

You mentioned an extremely important consultation,

but I did not dare dream it would be here.

Now I hope you understand how vital it is

that he be inspired by you.

I bring only the best for you, my dear.

In the time of an eclipse, a deck of great power and prophecy.

Speak only of the glory you see. Nothing more, just the light.

Yes, but even in the light,

it is our shadows that speak the truth.

The glory. The glory, as you say.

I'm glad you understand.

Just look at you.

Like the blooming of a winter rose.

(Door opening)

Majesty, this is such a great honor.

Well, Sire.

Please approach the table.

And please,

split the cards.

Madame Agathe is very talented in divination.

Then she will no doubt know exactly what I am about to say.

I cannot see your mind, Sire.

I see only what is on the cards.

I listen only to them.

Only they may speak the truth about your future.

The labyrinth.

- Is something wrong? - What do they say?

Perhaps the decks are mixed.

What do they say?

What glories do you see?

I'm told the content of the cards does not reflect their message.

In many readings, yes, but this combination of cards,

I cannot lie to my King.

I see no glory.

(Clearing throat)

Thank you for all the fun. We're leaving.

(Door slams)

You have seen paradise,

you built it for yourself.

But now a scourge is coming.

Five points of the same vengeful star.

The well is poisoned,

but still you drink.

Hell will rise, Sire, and consume all you have built.

The fires are coming, not just for you, but for all of France.

Terrible things happen to Kings.

(Gasp)

(Heaving breathing)

(Sob)

(Heavy breathing)

(Panting)

If you see me under a woman's influence in matters of state,

I want you to tell me directly of your concern.

And I vow to you,

whoever she is, she will be gone the next day.

I have your word?

Until my dying day, Sire.

We found this in Madame Reynaud's apartments.

Good work.

(Door opening and closing)

The silver vials found in your room: can you explain the contents?

I can.

It is powdered Satyrion root, from a rare exotic orchid.

The ladies call it "fountain of youth,"

acquired at great expense, I might add.

I gave my husband a little every day.

To kill him.

To enhance our marriage. It drives the blood

to the organs of pleasure. Both sexes benefit.

My husband found it effective.

His ardor was significantly improved.

- Sold in Paris, I presume. - No, I acquired it here at court.

From whom?

It depends on your circle. Some powders are freely available,

on the table, like salt,

for powders of this quality, one has to ask.

Money passes through numerous hands and powders arrive.

You believe it is poison.

It is poison that killed your husband, of that I am sure.

Don't be ridiculous, it's perfectly harmless.

- I don't understand. - Fountain of youth, indeed.

I arrest you in the name of the King.

Get your hands off me.

You may leave his Majesty and I alone.

(Door closing)

How did you know it was me?

I sensed you, Sire, as always.

If I may, before you begin,

Madame Agathe was beyond reproach.

The moment was only meant to divert you from your troubles,

just for a moment.

Instead, I feel it's driven a wedge between us.

I know there's no way to atone for what's been done,

but I offer you my sincere apologies,

with all of my heart, and my soul, and my body.

And my mind.

- I feel a draft. You must be cold. - Would you care to join me?

Breathe the fresh air while you can, your Majesty.

What did you want to tell me?

I forget.

(Kissing)

(Door opening)

(Door closing)

Is it too much? I wasn't sure.

Many ladies tell me of a popular volume that is read at court,

The Pleasures of Venus? It's an instruction book

to help improve the quality of amorous congress.

There's a new edition that strongly advocates the use of stimulants.

Widow Reynaud said the same thing.

- Where is she now? - Under arrest.

She poisoned him?

Either that, or someone wishes very strongly for us to believe so.

I've been thinking about your brother.

Not recently, I hope.

Have you spoken to Philippe?

Does he have the happy news of his bride?

He remains at Saint Cloud.

When does he return home, to Versailles?

I want to speak to you about that.

(Birds chirping)

What about Gaspard?

Guillaume?

The Busseys?

Is no one coming? Where is everyone?

Versailles.

You're not everyone.

It's time for you to come home.

I am home.

This is my home. You're sitting in my home.

Why can't you announce yourself with a "Bonjour!"

Like a normal person.

The King has sent me to your soirée in his stead.

You sent him an invitation, didn't you?

It appears I did.

Well.

Help yourself to some drinks.

I'll go hide until this is over.

Enough is enough, isn't it?

The past has gone.

Has it?

I believe so.

Has yours?

- Tell me, how is your husband? - Please.

How is the old goat? Still a drunken lunatic?

He remains in his lands, Your Highness. I do not see him.

I heard he held a funeral for you, buried you in the back garden.

You look well, considering.

Our shadows walk alongside us, do they not?

Versailles has changed.

I know, I've had a hand in it.

Tell yourself that.

Your brother listens to opinions.

Does he cock his ear, like so?

- Fix you with his eyes? - He hears me.

No, he makes you think that.

Which is, as you will find out, what makes him Kingly. It's not the same,

at all.

He sent a rider to Rome two weeks ago.

He's agreed to arrange

for the return of the Chevalier de Lorraine.

In exchange for what?

Oh.

May I just say, the King has made a list of replacements and my son

is the only credible name upon it.

Prepare yourselves for pleasant news.

I have it on good authority that the new minister's apartments

are nothing short of lavish.

Hm.

Pardon my ignorance, but

isn't Monsieur de Foix a little young for the job?

His family goes back to the time of Clovis.

Please, continue.

(Laughter)

(Coins falling)

(Coins clinking)

(Coins clinking)

Once, you could have bet all night and not made a dent in your fortune.

Alas, Sire, those days are long gone.

I'm doomed to remain here,

enjoying the fruits of your glory.

You do not miss your land?

Everyday, Sire, though I must admit, the flowers

are much prettier here.

Come to my apartments after my promenade.

There is a matter I wish to discuss with you.

The smell of failure.

Hard to wash off, poor fellow.

(Moaning)

(Groaning)

(Grunting)

His Majesty entrusted me to devise an appropriate punishment for you.

But what kind of pain, I asked myself,

would be fitting for a man who betrayed the King's trust,

abducted his first born, killed the woman he loved most?

Then it struck me.

We're all graced by the King's favor.

We're blessed

every day to witness the grandeur of his creation.

We truly live everyday in Paradise.

Imagine, to live under the sun and not feel its warmth,

to know the breathless beauty of this world,

but not be able to look upon it,

ever again, that,

that would be far from Paradise.

That would be pain everlasting.

(Frightened moan)

That would be Hell.

(Spluttering)

(Panicked breathing)

(Sighing)

May you live long in Hellfire.

The King's favor is no longer upon you.

You are no longer worthy to gaze upon his glory.

(Moaning)

(Crying)

(Screaming)

(Screaming)

(Screaming)

(Door closing)

(Slap)

Do I not bring you money and clients and riches

and you defy my word before my King?

Do not doubt my gratitude,

Madame.

- I gave you a King. - And I have given you more.

(Breathing)

Much more.

Once, those cards helped you win your King.

Showed you the way to his bed.

Did you doubt me then, dear heart?

Don't you love him now?

Don't you want to keep him safe?

What I saw in his cards could not be silenced.

What I saw,

was a sentinel of warning,

and it will help you keep your King.

(Sigh)

Please tell me what to do.

So many questions.

Luckily,

I have a few answers.

(Clearing throat)

To calm your nerves dear.

(Murmurs encouragement)

I'm presenting my invasion of Holland.

I will henceforth view any opposition to my plans of war as treason,

and they will be dealt with swiftly by my new minister for justice.

The Duke de Cassel.

A blessing, Bossuet, if you please.

(Clears throat)

Actiones nostras, queesumus, domine, aspirando

praeveni et adiuvando prosequere

ut cuncta nostra oratio et operatio

a te semper incipiat et per te coepta finiatur.

Per Christum, Dominum nostrum.

Amen.

Amen.

(Coughing)

(Panting)

In case I don't see you, have a lovely Christmas.

(Gasping)

(Slicing of flesh)