Original subtitles

NETFLIX PRESENTS

No.

This day is too lovely to waste a second.

-Let's go outside. -But why all the rush?

I don't have to go to the court nor meet with the king.

Come.

Alba.

BASED ON "THE COOK OF CASTAMAR" BY FERNANDO J. MUÑEZ.

You look gorgeous.

EPISODE 1 - THE ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT

Good boy.

I should've bet. You would've lost Castamar.

My father used to bring me here when I was a kid.

He wouldn't speak, we just stared. But I felt how important it was for him.

Soon you will be able to do the same.

What do you mean?

You are going to be a father.

Alba…

-But you shouldn't be riding a horse. -I'm fine.

No, no more galloping until the child is born.

Let's go home.

Let's go.

-Careful, Alba! -No! Boy!

-Hold on tight! Hold on to the reins! -Stop!

-Alba! -Stop!

No!

Alba!

Alba.

Alba, my love. Alba. Alba!

Alba!

Alba!

20 MONTHS LATER

My lord.

A messenger of His Majesty has just arrived.

Diego, it is time you abandon your mourning

and answer your king's summons.

I need you to resume your court duties

and take a new position, Council Secretary.

Do not disappoint me.

I await your answer, my lord.

Tell His Majesty…

that there is no answer.

-But, my lord-- -There is no answer!

This is my answer!

Out! Both of you! Get out!

Yes, child. It's really good for you.

Good morning.

Good morning, Father.

Good morning, sister.

Clara.

Brother Juan!

I could've helped you, you should've told me.

It would break your father's heart to see you like this.

But he's no longer with us.

But I promised him I would watch over you.

You don't have to.

Listen.

I'm leaving Madrid in a few weeks…

but I've found you a job.

-No, that can't happen. You know I can't. -Listen.

-Listen-- -I can't.

Clara.

Take this.

It's laudanum.

It will help ease the anxiety about going out.

-Let's go. -Okay.

I'll pray for you.

Let's go.

The Countess of Arcos is starting the concert season.

The same Countess of Arcos whose conversation you so deeply abhor?

Don't be insolent.

I won't have to be with her. The Marquis of Soto offered to take me.

I didn't know you two were so close.

Good morning.

-Diego, my dear. -Brother.

I am so happy you joined us. Serve the gentleman.

Son, you couldn't make me happier.

What about the king's offer? Is it true? Secretary of the Council.

They say many things.

More aloja? It's fresh.

No.

What's wrong?

He's not going to accept.

-But you can't do that, Diego. -I haven't said I won't accept.

-I need time. I need time! -Time won't change anything, Diego.

Diego, listen to me.

You know that I love you like a brother, don't you?

That I would never say anything that could harm you, ever.

Then don't.

Diego, Alba isn't coming back.

-What do you want? -Mr. Elquiza, the majordomo? If I may.

Mrs. Úrsula, she is asking for Mr. Elquiza.

You look pale. Are you ill?

Just a bit faint from the trip.

My credentials and a note for the majordomo.

Cut the onion properly! That's way too thick.

-Mrs. Ursula. -Continue.

Give her a piece of bread and some wine.

I am grateful, madam, but I don't wish to inconvenience you.

As you like.

Are you an angel?

You're an angel!

Get off her, you moron!

She did nothing wrong!

If you prefer to be covered in dribble.

Madam Úrsula.

I think you forgot to knock.

It is not a courtesy visit.

You hired a kitchen worker without consulting me.

She has good references, and the position needed to be filled.

That's not your decision.

I am the majordomo of Castamar. I don't have to justify anything to you.

I thought it was clear you had lost that right.

But we could always speak to His Lordship.

That won't be necessary.

The girl stays.

She will be on trial for a few days.

You.

And you, Beatriz. Come here.

Six pence and three meals a day.

That will be your wage.

Help her get settled in.

-Take care of her. -Yes, madam.

I don't like you.

And I'm not babysitting you.

So get a move on.

-Elisa. -Yes?

Take care of the wine glasses and the crockery.

-Yes, madam. -Hurry.

The rooms must be aired. Every one.

Help with the hens.

When you're done, go to the upper halls and change the candles.

And who said you had to do this on your own?

You need two people. Here, let me help you.

-I'm Elisa. -Clara.

And through this door you can access the servants' stairway.

At the end of the hallway is the mother duchess' bedroom.

And this is where the Lord sleeps now.

This way is the games room.

Here's a small chamber.

And this is the one the Lord shared with Lady Alba, may she rest in peace.

Ángela Foch, the queen's lady-in-waiting.

Forget about protocol, my dear.

I am visiting as a friend.

I won't beat around the bush.

The queen wants to know if she has reasons to worry.

Why would she?

People are talking at court.

They say he refuses to stop mourning his wife,

and he will not accept the position he was offered by the king.

There is no truth in that.

I'll let her know.

Lord Diego, one more thing.

His Majesty the King thinks a healthy man should not be alone.

Do not worry about that.

I'll take care of it.

The first thing we must do is polish the wine glasses and the silver.

You coming?

Clara, did you hear me?

Yes, we must polish the wine glasses and the silver.

He's very handsome.

Does His Lordship have slaves?

No. That is Lord Gabriel, his brother.

Well, I mean, not his real brother, of course.

His Lordship brought him in as a kid, and the lady raised him as her own child.

The affairs of the rich.

Right. The affairs of the rich.

Your Majesty.

I knew you would not disappoint your king, Diego.

No, Your Majesty. I didn't come to accept the position you offered me.

I am here to ask my friend for more time.

I want you back, Diego.

But, Your Majesty…

Your Majesty.

I can't, Your Majesty.

-I cannot betray Alba's memory. -I know.

And that is not what I am asking of you.

Look, I also lost the woman I loved,

and there's not one single day I don't feel guilty about it.

But we have our duties, don't we?

Your Majesty is stronger than me.

No, I am not.

I have been patient so far.

These are hard times, Diego.

And I have enemies.

Your Majesty, nothing would please me more--

Mourning is over in Castamar.

I want a gala. What do you say?

I want everyone to know. The duke is returning to the court.

Your Majesty, it is soon for me.

This is not the friend asking you.

This is God's chosen one commanding you.

And what about those eggs?

The eggs are in the chicken run.

They have to be picked up every morning.

Take a basket, you silly girl.

Or are you planning on bringing them one by one?

Friends?

Friends.

Would you do something for me?

Hi. Pretty girl.

Hi.

Chicken.

Hi.

No one will miss the gala knowing Their Majesties are coming.

-The Marquis of Soto has arrived, my lady. -Let him in, please.

My beloved friend, you look astonishing, as you always do.

You lie better than anyone I know.

Lord Enrique.

I hope you don't mind me taking your mother.

I promise to bring her back safe and sound.

Are you ready? I have exciting news to tell you.

I'll be honest with you.

I have been worried sick about him.

For more than a year, he's been locked up and away from the court.

The announcement of the gala is great news.

I am not of the prying kind, but…

do you know if he'll bring a companion?

A new marriage could be of help.

It would be the best way to show that he overcame his loss.

Yes, indeed it would.

And secure the future of Castamar.

But with whom?

We could look for the appropriate person.

Knowing my son as I do, he would never accept something like that.

"Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."

There is no need for him to find out.

My dear, I don't know what we'd do without you.

Diego.

Brother, I need to keep my mind occupied.

-You haven't practiced in a long time. -Really?

Really.

Then try to beat me.

My dear Mercedes.

My, what a joy to see you.

And how wonderfully accompanied you are. All my friends will be jealous of you.

But go, go ahead, please.

I cannot bear this woman.

Miss Amelia.

Lady Mercedes! How are you? It is so good to see you.

When did you arrive?

I was so sorry to hear about your father's passing.

I heard you were about to be engaged.

No.

Let me introduce you to the Marquis of Soto.

-Miss Castro. -Pleased to meet you.

You are on everyone's lips in Cadiz.

I'm going to sit down. If you'll excuse me.

You must be dry.

Thank you, madam.

Tomorrow at dawn.

Tomorrow at dawn? Come here.

Get off.

She's simply adorable.

She's simply perfect.

She's not engaged.

Miss Amelia.

Lady Mercedes, allow me to say how thankful I am for your invitation.

I'm the grateful one.

I have great plans for these days.

It's the wine that always gets me going.

It is justice!

Look at everything that bastard owns.

But nothing compared to this. God.

God. You're my duchess, you're my queen,

you're my goddess, you're--

Mrs. Escrivá!

Shame on you.

Slut! I want you out of this house at once.

Mrs. Úrsula, I'm begging you. Please, what will become of me?

Get out! Before I report this and have you arrested.

Thief! Get out!

Welcome to Castamar.

-Mother. -Son.

-Did you have a nice trip? -It was wonderful.

Mother.

Didn't you know about the Black son?

No, I did not.

I thought the gossip of the court found its way to Cadiz.

Just as Cadiz's finds its way here.

Lord Enrique.

My dear, come here.

My sons can't wait to meet you.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Castro.

Miss Castro.

He likes to walk.

Son, you have to show Miss Castro around the estate.

There are wonderful views…

Yes.

Lord Diego is asking about the preparations for the gala.

-And what have you told him? -Nothing.

But someone should tell him the truth.

Sensible thing to do without a cook is to cancel the celebration.

No, we cannot do that.

Then you should not have dismissed her.

This is a decent house.

The whole court has been invited.

It can't go wrong.

It means a lot for His Lordship.

We carry on with it.

Dinner will be served promptly at the usual time.

And, Roberto, see to it that it is served with the Indies Company crockery.

Yes, madam.

You will be in charge of the kitchen.

Me?

Yes, why not?

You have been first assistant for a long time.

It shouldn't be hard for you to do better than Mrs. Escrivá.

Very well, then. Everyone, get to work.

Give me a moment.

-Should I bring the menu? -Yes.

You can't read?

I can.

I can't cook.

They're going to fire me, just like Mrs. Escrivá.

I can cook.

We can do it together.

Trust me.

Tell them to wash the vegetables and take out the capon breasts.

Wash the vegetables, and take out the capon breasts.

Miss Amelia, Lady Mercedes gave me this for you.

Is there anything else?

You may leave.

Lord marquis.

What are you doing here? If anyone saw us, I would be compromised.

No one will see us.

What do you want?

I wanted to tell you that you can rest assured.

That your secret is safe with me.

I don't know not what you mean.

You're very young to have suffered so much.

Your father's ruin, his sudden death…

and that scoundrel that deceived you and took away your virtue.

Please leave.

My dear lady, I meant no offence.

On the contrary.

Those documents attest that I have paid off your entire debt.

I want you to become the Duchess of Castamar.

Excuse me.

LILY

LILY - TAB 195. - A - B

He asked you to end your mourning, Diego.

He ordered me to arrange a gala. That's exactly what it will be.

Gabriel, will you leave it be, please?

-What are you doing here so late? -Forgive my insolence.

I remembered I had to keep the fire on.

-I don't know you. -I am the new kitchen apprentice, my lord.

Well… you may leave.

Excuse me, my lord.

Milady.

Lord marquis, I cannot thank you enough for taking a detour to pick me up.

Castamar wouldn't be the same without you.

My carriage suffered an untimely malfunction yesterday.

Your magnificent import berline?

Are you suggesting I should only set my eyes on national products?

Absolutely not.

Our carriage is French, and it has never failed us.

I will bear that in mind, should I decide to change.

You should not.

The marquis' tastes are often too exquisite.

My dear, the Count of Armiño can afford the same caprices as I.

I would not bet on it.

Anyway, I will follow you closely. You might serve me as inspiration.

Then you have some very stimulating days ahead of you, thanks to my husband.

I'm certain of it.

Lady marchioness.

A pleasure.

My dear, let me do the introductions.

Lady Sol and Lord Esteban, Marquises of Villamar.

Miss Castro.

My pleasure.

Make yourselves comfortable.

There is time. A refreshment will be served at 7:00.

Lord Francisco Marlango.

I need my bedroom to be close to Sol Montijos'.

-The same as ever. -Why change?

-Right. -It is nice to see you.

-Ignacio? -Marquis.

Welcome to Castamar.

My Lord Diego, Ignacio Montes, a friend.

-It is an honor to meet you. -Likewise.

Let me handle your introduction to everyone, all right?

All right.

He didn't even notice.

Have you met my good friend Ignacio Montes?

No, I do not… have the honor.

Lord Alfredo Carrión, Baron of Aguasdulces.

My pleasure.

And Lord Francisco Marlango.

Count of Armiño. We know each other.

-We've played cards more than once. -Have we?

I can't believe you don't remember.

Well, no, I do not remember, no.

If you'll excuse me,

there are some people I would like to greet. Gentlemen.

-Excuse me. -I hope you do not owe him any money.

-I don't. -First time in Castamar?

And hopefully it won't be my last.

Do you know the Hurtado de Mendoza?

I never had the pleasure.

I already arranged a game with them. Follow me.

I will.

Smells so good.

I doubt the housekeeper would be happy with Miss Polite giving the orders.

You neither. Keep peeling the pistachios.

My dear.

It is just a moment.

Go ahead.

Go ahead.

-Sugar. -Sugar.

Would you like to take on something very special?

I need you to go to the garden, and fetch the most important ingredient of all.

Thank you. You may leave now.

Are you not getting dressed for dinner? Mother will be upset.

I won't be joining you.

But what is the matter, Gabriel?

It's a private dinner only for the closest ones.

I do not wish to discomfort Miss Castro.

You do not wish to discomfort her or are you upset?

Right.

Perfect.

So where did you learn to do all this?

-The most important thing. -Thank you.

Flowers?

We mix it with a yolk…

And we're ready.

Time stands still to let you savor every dish.

"Savor" has two meanings.

When you savor things, you can taste them or you can enjoy them.

To cook.

To share.

To transmit.

To decipher recipes and to transform them.

Until you find what matters.

The essential ingredient.

Unique for each dish, and for each of us.

That something that makes us special.

The thing we need to find out who we are

and what we will become.

-My lord. -Your Grace, if I may, there's something--

Who took care of the dinner last night?

I regret to inform you I had no choice but to dismiss Mrs. Escrivá.

Diego, here you are.

I've done everything I could,

but I haven't found anyone to take charge of the kitchen.

I am deeply sorry that dinner was not as you expected, my lady.

Mrs. Berenguer, it was so much more than that.

The best dinner served in Castamar for lustrums.

I don't see the need to keep looking for something we already have.

What do you say?

Will you tell me who was in charge of the stoves?

Clara Belmonte, my lord. She is new in the house.

You probably did not have the chance to meet her yet.

Good, so there is our new cook.

Miss Clara is the new cook of Castamar.

I hope you can live up to this position,

and that you are worthy of the opportunity you have been given.

Thank you so much. I will do everything I can.

I hope so.

Now you're definitely on trial.

Everyone, let's work as we did yesterday.

Let's make a gala they will never forget. Carmen, with me.

Beatriz.

To the preparation table with the scullions.

Whatever you say, Your Highness.

My lords, considering this is your main occupation,

you don't seem particularly skilled.

Your husband is not joining us?

He lost interest in hunting long ago.

Is that even possible?

You will have to ask him.

Miss Castro, you don't think you can hunt without firing a single shot, do you?

I praise your taste, but you won't succeed in your intentions with Amelia.

What intentions could I have?

I know your hatred for the duke,

and how badly you want him to marry someone you can manipulate.

We would have been the perfect couple.

-Gentlemen. -How are you?

Fine.

I wanted to learn to shoot.

-To shoot? Yes, of course. -Yes.

You have never shot before?

Give me a couple of days, and your innocent Amelia

will become a woman.

You have to look through here to the target, okay?

Press here to shoot.

-Shoot. -No.

-Yes, yes. -No!

Where is the…

Sprinkle some salt, pepper and parsley.

It is just right. You can carve it.

Take everything out.

They've been in the countryside all day. They'll be hungry.

First, serve the cured meat and the ortolans in grapevine leaf.

Then, the meatloaf and lamb shoulders in olive oil.

What a surprise to have you here.

-I want to see the leftie. -What for?

Is he here or not?

Follow me.

I love this, bawd. Jacinta!

Leftie. Someone's asking for you.

Let them wait!

I don't like to wait.

You know that.

Go.

-You got it? -First, give me what's mine.

Sure.

Bravo.

My lord.

An extraordinary painting.

As was she, my lord.

My man got what you requested.

It opens every door in the palace.

I didn't know you were jealous.

I didn't know that you had such poor taste.

Stay.

You'll enjoy it.

My dear countess.

A wonderful evening. Is it not?

It is.

Lord baron.

Is everything all right?

Everything is perfect, yes.

Five.

Their Majesties seldom leave their palace.

But they could not miss Castamar.

Tie this to your door so that I know which one is your room.

Francisco.

Wait.

I think you dropped this.

Excuse me.

I am so sorry, but it needs to be burning for it to work.

I have taken the liberty to stop by and pick you up.

I hope it's not an inconvenience.

No. You don't know how much I appreciate it.

Look at you.

Your skin is…

magnificent.

So smooth, so luminous.

So young.

You remind me of myself.

Leave us.

What I would have given, to have a friend with my experience at your age.

You look dazzling.

But too demure.

More blush.

And the most important thing is attitude.

We're raised to please their mothers, but we want to captivate their sons.

The duke is undoubtedly the best catch of the court.

But if you want to win him over,

you must ensure that no gentleman in the hall can keep their eyes off you.

See it for yourself.

Attitude.

Gentlemen.

Which of you shall let me play?

Of course.

This is my lucky night.

I think I will have a day to spare.

You don't want anyone to come and find us, do you?

Leave, please.

I could teach you things you can't even imagine.

Leave.

Please leave.

Do you want me to leave?

Yes. Go away, please!

Sure?

Delicious.

Tell the cook that I think it's the perfect dessert.

Hold on.

Thank you.

Tiger-nut milk and imperial slush before the walk.

As they get to the gardens, rosolio, and white and red wines.

Yes, ma'am.

Excuse me. Excuse the interruption, please.

Here are some changes for tonight's celebration.

Good.

The fireworks will announce the arrival of Their Majesties.

Dinner will be served in the garden as planned.

And I want you to take out the bigger pieces of the roast.

That will not be a problem.

There is nothing His Majesty enjoys more.

And I want you, as head cook, to handle it personally.

The roasts outside?

-Yes. -No.

Well, just until you have served His Majesty.

It shall be done, my lord.

Lady marchioness.

Miss Castro.

You look different today.

It may be the hairstyle.

Excuse me.

My dear friend, what is the matter?

Nothing I can speak of.

You can trust me.

And I so desperately need to.

It's horrible, I don't…

What will you think of me?

You are an extraordinary young lady.

There is nothing you can say that will change that.

The marquis…

I don't know how…

came into my bedroom in the middle of the night.

Into your bedroom?

Inside my bed.

I tried to resist…

but not enough.

He did things to me you couldn't even imagine.

Is that possible?

And there is something even worse.

I can't stop thinking about each one of them.

Lady Sol, I think I like him.

I was waiting for you.

It won't be long until my husband notices I'm missing.

Let's not waste any time.

Do things to me I can’t imagine.

The sentry has made the signal.

Their Majesties have just entered the estate.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty!

-Your Majesty. -I want to get off.

-The king wants to get off. -Yes. We are almost there.

I must pray.

Yes. We'll join you.

This is between God and me.

Leave me!

-My love-- -Leave me alone. You leave me, too.

Stay away.

Don't even look at me.

You won't make Him condemn me.

They say lesser beings don't feel.

But then how can they sense that their time among us is coming to an end?

Trying to trick their fear by numbing it with ice doesn't work.

Miss Belmonte, the fire is ready and so are the cuts.

You have to go out.

When they fall inside, they writhe in pain, even if nobody sees.

They say Negroes, animals, and madmen don't feel.

But I can see them on the inside.

Their hearts beating out of control.

Their intense pain.

My own.

The same pain I felt when I learned about my father's execution.

Tell me he's not dead.

The same pain that paralyzes me since that day,

and prevents me from going outdoors.

Your Majesty, we must go.

Your Majesty?

Your Majesty!

The king's missing!

The king is my only concern. You must find him.

Who could be interested in an attack right now?

The king has been making enemies all over Europe for years.

It could have been anyone.

Your Majesty!

Melancholy is not a sickness for a king.

For the sake of the crown, it can never be known.

-For us. -Don't think we're done.

-What does Your Excellency wish? -Kill him.

The legs, we need to roll them in flour before frying them with fat and butter.

Continue here.

Do not let her out of your sight.

What do you want me to find? She's perfect.

Find anything she does outside of Castamar.

You are part of the government of the crown now.

You cannot hide anything that puts it in danger.

You are adorable, Miss Castro. Lord Diego is going to be a fortunate man.

-Lord Diego doesn't see me as you do. -He will.

Get close to him, and he'll soon find arms in which to take shelter.

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