You are Elisabeth of Valois, Princess of France, betrothed to Prince Carlos of Spain. You feel sure you'll love him.
You meet him, and you do, and he loves you.
Your father gives you to the King instead.
You are Elisabeth, Queen of Spain. The man you love becomes your stepson.
Even a letter is almost too much, but all he writes is "trust the man who gave it to you".
The Marquis of Posa begs you to see your son again... Maybe one last meeting would clear the air.
Carlos wants to leave for Flanders. You suppose that would be best.
You try to say only what a mother should, but your composure only hurts him more.
He has a manic episode in front of you, hallucinating the relationship you should have had.
Hiding your love is killing him, to show it would kill both of you.
Your husband is suspicious of every moment you spend alone.
You don't let it get to you; that is, you pretend it doesn't.
In Spain, it turns out, burning heretics is a cause for grand festivities.
Of course, the Queen has to preside alongside her consort.
Carlos crashes the "party" with a petition for mercy, to end the religious war in Flanders. He could have chosen a better time.
For a moment, you think you're about to see your husband and son kill each other, before Posa steps in.
Your husband has your jewel-case stolen, and finds Carlos' portrait inside. He accuses you of adultery.
This time, just for once, you stand up to him.
It was one of your friends who slandered you. She confesses.
She confesses, as well, to having done with your husband what she accused you of doing with your son.
You are the Queen of Spain. You come from France.
Carlos is sentenced to death for rebellion.
Posa comes to you with a plan.
His life, for his closest friend's. For your beloved's.
You doubt this is what Carlos meant by "trust this man", but what choice do you have?
Which life matters more, when both isn't an option? Would Philip believe the truth? Will he fall for the lies?
He goes back to Flanders.
Or tries to. The King has yet another change of heart.
All for nothing? Innocent lives, sacrificed love, whatever fight you could put up with so many chains?
You don't know what's happening, what's real, who's alive, which ghosts have come back, whe-
You are Elisabeth of Valois, Princess of France, betrothed to Prince Carlos of Spain. You feel sure you'll love him.
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