Original subtitles

I have to talk to you.

One of your courtiers

kicked me in the stomach.

What?

Who was it? I will... I will call the guards

and they will be banished from...

Really? — yes!

She laughs

really.

She laughs

Careful.

They chuckle — oh!

Mmm...

Did you like these? — let me.

So sorry I...

Clock chimes

what are you doing?

We couldn't wait for you any longer.

But...

But that's my job.

Mm, it's the other way...

No. I think a bit tighter.

Yolande: Tighter? — Marie: Yeah.

Ah! Not so tight!

Yolande: Sorry! — they chuckle

Marie: You have a little bit of...

Indistinct chati'er

they giggle — thank you.

Lam balle sobs

indistinct chati'er

You do know my heart is shattered?

It is with the greatest happiness

that I can announce the queen is pregnant with our first child.

Crowd gasps and chati'ers

we'll never get rid of her now.

Not unless it's a girl.

If it's a boy, we're finished.

So?

You have grown two inches...

Since the 27th of August.

Is that normal, or?

For a pregnancy of six months?

Perfectly normal.

God help us if it's a girl.

We will have plenty of opportunities to have sons.

Please tell that to my mother.

Don't worry about mama.

You have me now.

I do.

She chuckles

I'll go.

Marie: What is it?

Louis?

Is this what they think of me?

Victoire: Poor Louis.

How dreadfully embarrassing to play the cuckold.

Mind you, chartres does look impressive.

They laugh — extremely!

They giggle

well, you know what they say.

There's no smoke without fire.

Both: Mm—hmm.

What do you think, provence?

I couldn't possibly comment on that filthy smut.

Th ey laug h

this isn't just about me.

This is a grotesque attack on us.

I will deal with it.

Like you dealt with the white doves?

I wasn't in charge of that investigation, majesty.

Steps were taken but unfortunately, they were not completely successful.

That is why I have asked maurepas to begin his investigation immediately.

Marie: How can I trust him?

He wanted to lock me up in a convent and throw away the key!

We have to put the past behind us.

We must act swiftly before the iibelle spreads to Paris

and to Europe.

Let me protect you.

And how do you propose to do that?

We close the gates.

Nobody enters, nobody leaves.

Not until we find answers.

We'll show this court that we mean business.

Search versailles.

Guard chati'ers

guard: Fall in line, men.

Go upstairs!

Absolutely outrageous.

Have you any idea who I am?

Get your hands off me!

Angry chati'er

your disdain for the queen is hardly a secret.

Is that a crime?

Well... it's a...

It's certainly a sign of...

Disrespect.

How far are you prepared to go, madame de noailles?

The libelle is the product of a warped mind.

My mind, as you're well aware, maurepas, is far too straight.

He chuckles

guard: Go on, over there...

This way, gentlemen.

The public rooms have been scoured

hundreds of courtiers questioned

and what have we found?

Nothing.

What do we do now?

We move closer to home.

Well, we have no choice.

Very well. Do it.

Maurepas grunts

thank you, maurepas.

Do you have a moment?

I'm working.

I feel obliged to voice my concern.

Do you now?

Your sense of duty truly knows no bounds, brother.

What is it?

It's about the investigation.

Have you even considered the possibility that chartres is the father?

Y—your concern is unwarranted.

Come on.

You've seen the way he looks at her.

The man is cunt—struck.

Saint—georges: The question that's on everyone's lips.

Tell me.

Is this an accurate depiction of the duc du chartres?

Stop that! He sniggers

it's in the ballpark.

Though I'm not sure the artist captures antoinette in her best light.

They chuckle

I wonder how she's taking it.

She's not like us, saint—georges. She's...

She's a sensitive soul.

Do I detect an air of wishful longing?

Am I speaking to a man who has fallen in love?

Love... is not a word I recognise.

Lust then.

Primitive, insatiable lust!

Th ey laug h

monseigneur.

Come with us.

What's going on?

Thank you for coming to see me.

Did I have a choice?

I invited you here because, er, you're...

Depicted in the libelle.

Has it caused you distress?

On the contrary.

It has lifted my spirits no end.

Do you have any idea who may be responsible?

None at all.

As the heir to the house of Orleans

wouldn't you benefit from casting doubt on the bourbon line?

It's not me who calls her the ostrich bitch.

Why aren't you investigating the bourbons?

I'm investigating everyone.

This is an outrage!

Father would spin in his grave!

"Ostrich bitch."

Those words first came out of your mouths, did they not?

Oh... dear lord, have mercy.

What will happen to us?

Bugger all! We're not criminals.

But you must admit you said it.

Yes. — no!

We admit nothing.

You ought to be ashamed of yourself, maurepas.

Without us, you wouldn't be sitting in that chair.

Oh, for which I am immensely grateful, mesdames.

Nevertheless, I intend to be thorough in my investigation.

Are you responsible

directly or indirectly...

For the libelle?

Perhaps...

Inadvertently, we might...

Be quiet.

Antoinette only has herself to blame.

Are you suggesting

that there is some truth in the libelle?

That is all we are prepared to say.

Knock on door

door opens

are you insane?

We can't be seen together.

I only want to know how you are, my love.

They won't give up

not until they destroy me.

It will all blow over, I promise you.

Please, please, chartres.

You can't stay.

Footsteps approach

Distant birdsong

imagine yourself drifting...

On a calm and sunlit river.

As your body relaxes...

You can let go.

Drift...

And let go.

Now, turn your thoughts

to the source of your distress.

How do you do this?

How do you manage to calm me down

even in the middle of this nightmare?

It's my job.

When will you stop

being so stubborn?

Accept a position in my household.

Gong rings

ringing extends

hold her image...

In your mind.

She is a small fly

and you can flick her away.

Gong rings

try it now.

Flick the polignac fly away.

She inhales deeply

distant laughter

Lam balle: There is somebody

you have to meet, toinette.

Well, you're looking extremely flushed.

Who is it? I'm intrigued.

Dr mesmer.

Yolande scoffs — he was all the rage in Paris

and now...

He is all the rage at versailles.

Dr mesmer is an imposter.

He is a charming man.

And what do you know about charming men, superintendent?

How do I look?

Oh, don't answer. I've been eating for Austria.

France.

You've been eating for France.

France.

I'm sorry.

Maurepas has been interviewing mesdames this afternoon.

Well, I wouldn't be at all surprised if those vicious old goats were behind this.

They would never do anything to hurt me.

You, perhaps!

They would revel in my downfall.

It could be anyone.

Come on! It can only be a member of your family.

And what exactly makes you so certain about that?

It's obvious!

To everyone except for you.

I need to know if there's any truth in it.

Truth in what?

You and chartres.

Your majesty.

Your majesty. — good evening.

So...

Tell me.

Who's next in the firing line?

I don't want to talk about the investigation.

Oh. What shall we talk about then?

The weather.

They scoff

Josephine gasps

oh!

Shall we eat? — yes, let's.

Mmm!

Will you have something?

I am not hungry. — oh.

Try this.

It'll do you good.

She sucks

she chuckles dryly

have another oyster.

You're eating for two now.

I need you to keep digging.

She might be hiding something.

Chartres, for example.

Leave it to me.

Fox cries in distance

coins rati'le

this will barely keep me in stockings.

If you're looking for financial security

why don't you take a position in her household?

A position?

What do you suggest?

Lady of the bedchamber? Mistress of the robes?

What more do you want?

I will accept nothing that requires me to grovel to the superintendent.

You must be so excited about the new arrival?

We are very happy.

May I touch your bump? — I don't...

Isn't it a joy to be pregnant?

When did you last feel it kick?

Mm, I can't be certain. Perhaps...

This morning.

What?

Well, I don't feel anything.

Nothing at all.

Are you quite sure it's still alive?

She gasps

Marie sobs

I would have expected better of you, madam.

He whistles

bravo.

That was...

Remarkably callous, even for you.

Why should she have a baby

if you won't let me have one?

Knock on door

door opens

Louis xvi: May I come in?

How are you feeling?

Oh, I feel on top of the world.

Please...

Please forgive me.

Forgive you for what?

For accusing me of committing adultery or for your monstrous family?

Both.

Clock ticks

How is life at versailles, madam?

It can be a lonely place.

So far from your own family.

It's been such a difficult time for you.

The pain, suffering of a failed pregnancy.

A strain on your marriage, no doubt.

How is this relevant to your investigation?

Well, there's been... talk

about some distance

between you and provence.

But still, he is your husband.

You clearly feel a great sense of loyalty towards him.

Do I?

Casting doubt on the legitimacy of the heir

would work to his advantage.

If you suspect my husband, why don't you speak to him?

Yes, of course, how could I forget?

Monsieur is above the law.

Madame isn't.

Nobody apart from the king is above the law.

But only the king can interview his brother

if he feels there is reason to do so.

I admit...

My marriage is not as happy as I'd hoped.

I admit to feeling lonely in this soulless place.

And I admit to the grief of not being able to hold my own child.

But I am not so bitter in my misfortune

to accuse an innocent man.

Why should I suffer the indignity of being interviewed?

I'm your wife!

Perhaps it was unwise to upset my brother.

You upset him all the time!

That's different.

You should know that maurepas was more interested in you than me.

He can't touch me.

Sir, there is news.

Indistinct chati'er

man: Get off me!

Maurepas: A tip—off enabled us to locate the printing press in the town.

I can finally confirm that the court is now clean.

Thank you, maurepas, thank you.

However...

The original's still missing.

So it can come back to haunt us?

Oh!

Who was behind this?

Oh, no, no, don't take it personally.

Versailles is a snake—pit, spewing out poison.

The snakes generally end up destroying each other.

If they don't destroy us first.

We must narrow down the investigation.

The Orleans threat is obvious.

Is it?

On the other hand, the birth of a dauphin

makes the crown slip further away from your brother's reach.

What do you suggest?

We close in on them.

Louis xvi: The question of who is responsible looms large in my head.

Provence or chan'res?

I think / know the answer.

Maurepas: This was discovered in your apartment.

Well...

Obviously, it's been planted.

You would say that, wouldn't you?

Whatever you may think of me, I am not capable of this.

My feelings for her run far too deep.

Are you confessing your love for my wife?

I'm pleading my innocence.

That doesn't answer my question.

I am not responsible for the libelle.

Maurepas: But the evidence cannot be disputed.

This is the original.

Let me speak to him.

You can't.

He's been placed under armed guard.

What is this really about, Louis?

Chartres' guilt or your jealousy?

Does your loyalty to him come before your trust in me?

You owe me an apology.

I have nothing to apologise for.

My apartment was ransacked.

What the hell were you playing at?

It wasn't a game.

It was crystal clear from the start your wife's lover was responsible.

One more word about my wife

and you will regret it.

How can you be so Nai've?

Not so na'ive, actually.

Josephine's miscarriage?

There was never a pregnancy, was there?

If you can lie about that, what else are you capable of?

Steam hisses

Yolande: I refuse to believe for a second that he's guilty.

Lamballe: Chartres is a scoundrel! I know him better than you do.

Yolande: Yes, of course, just like you knew that mesmer was a genius!

Lamballe: You can tease me as much as you like, yolande

it is like water off a duck's back. — shut up...

Yolande: You look pretty wet to me. — shut up!

She sighs leave me alone.

Toinette. — both!

Both of you.

Knock on door

Thank you.

Gong rings

you know your own mind, majesty.

I can't change that, and nor do I wish to try.

Please. I need you.

I need your help, dr mesmer.

I'm overwhelmed with anxieties.

I don't have the spirit

to face them alone.

Oh, but you do.

The Princess de lamballe was simple to treat

because she's suggestible.

She lacks what I call "animal magnetism"

hence her delicate nature.

In your case

it courses through your veins.

Then why am I so terrified?

Because you don't believe in your own strength.

Trust your instincts

and you will find it.

Provence: Well, you must have told someone!

Who was it?

Why would I discuss my fake baby with another living soul?

Because you are a witless

hysterical fool!

Is that the work of a witless, hysterical fool?

Doves coo

You?

Yes.

Me.

He laughs — she sighs

Distant giggle

distant laugh

Door shuts

She sighs

Look at me.

Look me in the eye and tell me it wasn't you.

Of course not.

But unless you believe me, then what good is a clear conscience?

She sighs

I believe you.

You know how I feel about you, antoinette.

Yes.

You merely tolerate me.

He scoffs

She screams — liquid splashes

Distant groans

Marie wails

Marie yells

She groans

Marie groans

Marie cries

Marie yells

doctor: Push.

Push, push. — Marie groans

she yells — just keep pushing.

She yells

doctor: Push, push.

Marie groans — push.

Marie yells

shh.

She grunts repetitively

she groans

laughter echoes

chicken clucks

she groans

she wails

shh.

Sh e sou eals

she gasps

Marie groans in distance

she moans — shh. It's me.

Hold my hands. Hold my hands.

Breathe. Breathe.

Marie gasps — it's ok, it's ok.

It's ok, it's me, it's me. Just breathe.

Please, just keep breathing.

It's alright, it's alright.

Just... just breathe.

Only a few more. Alright? Only a few more.

Ok, you can push. Push, push.

Push. —idonttmnklcanm

yes, you can. Come on, push, push.

Marie groans

hold my hand. — Marie growls

hold my hand. — come on.

Marie groans

she screams

she screams

baby cries

indistinct chati'er

see what it is? What is it?

Baby cries

madam?

Madam? — boy or girl?

Boy or girl? — Louis xvi: Madam?

Toinette?

Louis xvi: Madam!

Lam balle: Toinette?

Louis xvi: She's... someone... someone do something!

Louis xvi: Madam, madam, listen to me, listen to my voice, madam.

Please...

They gasp

baby coos

baby cries softly

she gasps is it alright?

Is it alright?

Marie gasps

may I present to you...

Madame royale.

Josephine inhales — Marie: Oh, my god.

Provence chuckles

my little girl.

Oh, you may not be the dauphin...

She kisses but you are no less precious to me.

Baby coos

Marie chuckles

she's so warm.

Louis xvi: She's so beautiful.

Indistinct whispers

welcome.

Thank you.

You have brought me great joy.

Door shuts

maurepas: Hm.

Good work, yolande.

To madam royale.

To us.

Our positions are secure.

For now.

I have no doubt one way or another, you will outlive your brother

and become the king of France.

Well, it won't be for lack of trying.

And I will be your oueen.

Dear god.

I pray you'll be dead before then. — mm!

Try to be your best self, just to amuse me.

We make a good team.

Knock on door

come in.

Monsieur.

The king has asked to see you urgently.

Marie hums

Humming continues

hello.

She gasps

chartres.

I have been liberated to offer my heartfelt congratulations to my queen.

Louis finally came to his senses.

I am so happy.

Have they found the bastard?

Not yet.

Horse neighs in distance

I don't believe you.

I give you my word.

It was all her. I... I had nothing to do with it.

You are a liar.

I could have you both executed for treason.

Louis.

But I can't do that to my brother.

The court will be informed that a disgruntled equerry

was arrested fleeing with the original engraving.

Thank you.

He grunts

but don't think for a minute that I am going to forgive you.

You may still be the heir to my throne

but you will never play a role in the government of this country.

Do you understand?

Yes.

"Yes, sire."

Yes...

Sire.

Get out.

Get out.

Footsteps run

oh, she's a beauty.

Yes... — he chuckles

just like her mother.

My daughter's a bourbon Princess

from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.

Of course.

Oh, chartres! You're back.

How did you manage to slip the guards?

Oh, I persuaded them to release me into your custody.

I refuse to take responsibility for you.

However, this little one...

Meet madame royale's governess!

Chartres: You trust her with your child?

I trust her with my life.

Oh, punch me? — they chuckle

yolande: She is just beautiful!

Indistinct chati'er

yolande: Stop it...

Chartres: It's true. — yolande: No, it's not true!

Chartres: She's got your mouth.

She sobs softly

chartres laughs — baby coos

Marie: You're just awful...

It's unbelievable!

How could she let us down again?

I doubt she was planning to, ma.

If she's anything like you

this is the beginning of a long line of bourbon babies.

We will hold off on Bavaria.

Why?

We can't rely on France to send us troops

until our alliance is sealed.

And we can't wait any longer.

Prussia is closing in on my territory.

We can.

And we will.

When do I get to make a decision around here?

Not until I'm dead.

Horse snorts

Maria: Mercy has informed me of the new arrival.

Iimp/ore you to stop wasting time, toinette.

I can't wait another eight years for you to deliver the dauphin.

I suppose there's a strange sort of comfort in knowing who your enemies are.

Louis xvi: They won't step out of line again.

Horse neighs

Crowd cheers — indistinct chati'er

woman in crowd: Here she comes!

Thank you.

Crowd clamours

women clamour

you're so beautiful!

Church bell rings

woman in crowd: Ostrich bitch!

Voice echoes: Ostrich bitch!

Archbishop: Marie—therese Charlotte of France.

Baby cries — archbishop speaks Latin

Maria: I am delighted that you named the child after me.

But producing a daughter

is like producing a mouse.

It counts for nothing in diplomatic relations.

It's time for you to do your duty to Austria, toinette.

Archbishop continues in Latin

Baby cries

archbishop continues in Latin

amen. — amen.

All: Et cum spiritu tuo.

Baby cries

Baby cries

woman's voice echoes: Ostrich bitch!