This is Arturo. He's an old
family friend and a leader
of the finest theater troupe in Italy.
You met him when you were just a child.
And now I meet you as King of France.
It is a great honor to
perform for your court.
Mother tells me your troupe
performs all over Europe.
Thanks to the generous
patronage of the Medici family.
But tonight's performance will be
unlike anything you have seen.
It is an Italian comedy.
Wonderful. We could use a happy ending.
What better way to celebrate
your rule and mine, huh?
And I expect both you and
your sister to be there.
Queen Mary wishes to speak with you.
Privately.
I did not misunderstand.
They plan to kill Elizabeth
after she names me her successor.
You know that I spent
time with Elizabeth,
and I liked her. But she is your foe.
Catherine, she is my cousin.
Mary, her death would mean
the end your rivalry.
You can unite England and
Scotland under your rule.
You yourself said that it's
important not to set a precedent
of killing monarchs.
You wouldn't be killing
anyone. The Vatican would.
How thinly veiled is that?
After a bitter rivalry,
I take Elizabeth's throne
and benefit from her death?
The world would blame me.
There is every chance
I would be struck down in retaliation.
The Vatican must know that.
I'm just a pawn, aren't I?