transcript under the cut ↓
𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |
[???] Amelia!
[AMELIA] Victoria.
[AMELIA] Thank you so much for hosting us.
[VICTORIA] It’s always a pleasure. How long has it been, a year?
[AMELIA] I’m sure we’ll catch up on everything this week. How have you been?
[VICTORIA] It’s been wonderful! I hope you enjoy the welcome luncheon—
[PHILIPPA] So...?
[EMILIA] No.
[PHILIPPA] Nothing!? Gosh, I’m tired and I’m not the one dating him.
[PHILIPPA] Every time I read the news there’s so many couples getting engaged. Seems like it’s the right time to do it.
[EMILIA] He wouldn’t know about that.
[EMILIA] He’s not that type of guy. You know, to follow trends.
[PHILIPPA] Well, what kind of guy is he?
[EMILIA] Funny, kind, smart—
[PHILIPPA] You sound like you’re like his mom, not his girlfriend. I thought he just stayed at home, he’s like your housekeeper. At least he’s hot.
[EMILIA] Why does everyone say that?
[EMILIA] Don’t tell anyone, but Sarah, my mom’s assistant, told me he met with my mom back in December. He’s being considerate and doesn’t want to outshine his sister.
[PHILIPPA] It makes sense, in a way. Two royals? Engaged? It’d be bigger news, definitely. You’re right! I can’t wait. Can I be a bridesmaid—
[ALEXANDER] Since when are our sisters friends?
[MAUD] You never notice anything. She has invited her to all her birthdays. I never got my invitation, your sister is so sweet.
[ALEXANDER] I noticed you’ve been spending a lot of time in Monaca.
[ALEXANDER] Aren’t you a princess of Winchester? Did you switch titles or—
[MAUD] How’s Xavier? He looks well on his Simstagram.
[ALEXANDER] Shut up.
[AMELIA] Alexander, come here, please.
[VICTORIA] Maud.
[MAUD] Cheers, to overbearing mothers.
transcript under the cut ↓
𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |
[AMELIA] I’m being extremely fair, if Theresa wants to go on that trip, she has to maintain a good average. That’s all I’m asking for— [fade out]
[AMELIA] Emilia?
[EMILIA] Y—Yes, mom?
[AMELIA] Are you alright? You seem distracted.
[OLIVER] You can go rest if you want, we won’t land for another hour.
[EMILIA] I’m fine, dad. Thank you, though… When you two moved in together, did either of you hesitate about it?
[OLIVER] Not that I remember. It just felt natural to do it, we essentially lived together already. I just packed and moved to Clermont.
[EMILIA] You didn’t ask him to move in!?
[AMELIA] No, I was waiting for him to do so on his own. I was hinting at it.
[OLIVER] She means she kept asking me not to leave.
[AMELIA] That’s not true, Emilia. He kept being photographed leaving and your grandfather didn’t like that.
[OLIVER] Is this about Lorraine Manor? Did Christopher not like it?
[EMILIA] ...I haven’t told him yet. I’m just waiting for the right moment.
[AMELIA] I’m shocked, I thought you two were doing so well, why the sudden mistrust?
[OLIVER] That’s none of our business—
[AMELIA] What are you wearing?
[ALEXANDER] What’s wrong with it?
[AMELIA] You’re about to have a meeting with a Queen, not hang out with your friends. Go change immediately, we’ll be landing soon.
[ALEXANDER] Why are there solo events on my schedule? I thought that was Emilia’s job.
[AMELIA] You won’t be alone, if that’s what you’re worried about. A Winchesterian royal will be with you. Now go change.
[ALEXANDER] Ugh, fine.
[AMELIA] Always with that terrible temper.
[OLIVER] I wonder where he got it from.
transcript under the cut ↓
𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |
[EMILIA] I was thinking maybe we could go into town with Tessa. There’s this bakery we always go to that we both love since we were younger and they sell this— [fade out]
[EMILIA] Chris?
[CHRIS] Hmm? Sorry, I got distracted. What were you saying about Tessa?
[EMILIA] Chris. Are you nervous?
[CHRISTOPHER] ...Maybe. I don’t want your family to not like me.
[EMILIA] They already like you, they’ve done so for years.
[EMILIA] My cousins, my uncles and literally everyone only has good things to say about you.
[CHRISTOPHER] Is your mom on that list too?
[EMILIA] Yes! She just has a different way of showing it. Last time I talked to her, she said you were “formidable.”
[CHRISTOPHER] What would your mom and I even talk about?
[EMILIA] Uh... My mom likes Monacan wine. You do too.
[CHRISTOPHER] That is not a very extensive list of things we have in common.
[EMILIA] I’ll be there always, so don’t worry, okay?
------------------
[OLIVER] Will you please promise me you will be nice to him? For Emilia.
[AMELIA] Why do you expect me to be rude to him? I’ve been nothing but civil for years.
[OLIVER] You pretend he doesn’t exist most times.
[AMELIA] I’m busy enjoying the time we have with our daughter when visit her in Monaca. If I recall correctly, I got him a Christmas gift.
[AMELIA] Would someone who doesn’t like him get him a gift? I don’t think so.
[OLIVER] I got him that gift, you put your name next to mine.
[AMELIA] Same thing.
[OLIVER] Just don’t—
[EMILIA] Mom! Dad! We made it!
[EMILIA] I missed you two so much! I wish you two would move to Monaca so I’d see you more often.
[AMELIA] You’ll be home soon enough, sweetie.
[EMILIA] Where’s Tessa?
[OLIVER] Somewhere upstairs. She’s been waiting for you.
[AMELIA] Christopher. Nice of you to join us.
[CHRISTOPHER] Thank you for inviting me, ma’am.
[AMELIA] No need to thank me. Emilia told me the rest of your family is spending time in Melide. What a shame you couldn’t go and had to miss it.
[EMILIA] Don’t worry mom, Chris will have as good as time as he could’ve had in Melide here.
[OLIVER] Yes, we’ll all make sure you'll feel welcome, Chris.
[OLIVER] Why don’t you two go upstairs and rest a little? Lunch will be served in around two hours so you’ll have some time to rest until then.
transcript under the cut ↓
𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |
[AMELIA] It’s charming, especially with how the horse stables are coming along but I still think it’s too big for her to live alone.
[OLIVER] No reason to worry, Christopher would keep her company.
[AMELIA] Oh, him. I suppose.
[OLIVER] You can’t be annoyed at him when you were the one that suggested the idea for him to join Emilia. She didn’t ask you to do that.
[AMELIA] I’m always thinking on how to make her happy. Him staying for a little longer was an obvious choice.
[OLIVER] Queen Helena was kind to give him permission to do so.
[AMELIA] She didn’t. I don’t think he’s aware of basic protocol, even one as simple as needing permission from a monarch before representing the crown.
[AMELIA] Hopefully he didn’t make the great Monacan queen upset too much, her platinum jubilee is one she must fantasize about.
[OLIVER] Amelia.
[OLIVER] I’ve spend enough time with Christopher to know he’s quite charismatic. Very kind. Combined with Emilia, they’ll make a great combination. People will love them.
[AMELIA] You know better than anyone the public is not easily swayed. If he doesn’t try, Emilia will shine on her own and overshadow him completely. They wouldn’t accept him as a possible consort.
[OLIVER] He will try.
[AMELIA] I’m looking forward to it then.
transcript under the cut ↓
𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |
[OLIVER] Alexander, your mom isn’t happy. You know the Cordelia representatives are visiting, you were supposed to be with us in the morning. [OLIVER] [sighs] Just call me back, please. The sooner she knows why you didn’t come, the less angry she’ll be. Bye, we love you.
[OLIVER] Where is he—
[OLIVER] Sarah, a second please?
[SARAH] Yes, sir?
[OLIVER] Are those photos from last night?
[SARAH] Yes. He was spotted in Monaca with Princess Cora, Duchess of Yorkton. A true socialite, she isn’t exactly the media sweetheart.
[SARAH] The photo was published by the Monacan press, there’s nothing we could’ve done to stop it from going out.
[OLIVER] I see. Can her finding out wait? I don’t think she’ll be happy about it.
[OLIVER] It’s better if Alexander gives her an explanation first.
[SARAH] Of course, sir. But she definitely won’t like it, I can tell you that.
[OLIVER] Is it that bad?
[SARAH] By her standards, yes.
[OLIVER] May I see?
[THERESA] Wait, Redd is on your island? Let me in!
[THEODORE] No.
[THERESA] Don’t be mean! I only have two paintings. Please!
[MUA] Almost done, ma’am.
[AMELIA] Thank you, Michelle. Without your help my eye bags would be definitely the main star of all photos.
[MUA] If I may say so, they aren’t that obvious. The media just love to nitpick.
[AMELIA] Mmm, isn’t that right. Especially when Empress Athanasia looks younger than me when she’s actually older— Oliver. Is everything okay?
[MUA] Your Royal Highness. I’ll be back, ma’am.
[OLIVER] Everything’s fine. Have you heard from Alexander yet?
[AMELIA] Nothing at all.
[AMELIA] The only thing I know is that yesterday he was going to have a little get-together with his friends in his apartment. Why?
[OLIVER] Well, turns out he wasn’t even in Gardania.
[AMELIA] What do you mean?
[OLIVER] ...
[OLIVER] And?
[AMELIA] He’ll be fine. He’s just hungover. This is just disappointing. I thought he was getting better on being at least responsible.
[OLIVER] He still has a lot to learn.
[AMELIA] I don’t think he ever will. I’ve given him plenty of chances when I clearly shouldn’t have.
[OLIVER] What are you saying?
[AMELIA] He needs guidance— a little push in the right direction.
[OLIVER] Nothing is little with you.
[AMELIA] Don’t worry about it. Lets let him rest.
transcript under the cut ↓
𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |
[HARRY] Can we take a break?
[OLIVER] Already? We're just getting started. You’re getting old.
[HARRY] We’ve been playing for like, two hours.
[HARRY] Remind me who sprained his ankle after playing just fifteen minutes of soccer?
[OLIVER] I tripped because of you. I’m not helping you next time.
[OLIVER] Is Margaret here?
[HARRY] No, she’s visiting family abroad with Madeleine. She’d probably would’ve joined us otherwise.
[OLIVER] Hmm.
[HARRY] Sorry I can’t give you insider information on how Amelia’s doing.
[OLIVER] It’s not that.
[HARRY] If it helps, three days ago we disagreed on this year’s Thanksgiving dinner date and instead of berating me for ten minutes, she just smiled and thanked me for my opinion.
[OLIVER] So it was you who put her in a bad mood that lasted our whole appointment that day. Thanks.
[HARRY] She can’t be that bad in front of Dr. Goldberg.
[OLIVER] No, she isn't. She actually listens to her.
[HARRY] Her agreeing to go to therapy, even if it’s couple therapy’s is not something I would’ve imagined, ever.
[HARRY] She used to say she didn’t need a therapist because mom already knew everything about her.
[OLIVER] Well, we’ve barely gone to three sessions.
[HARRY] It’s something compared to before.
[OLIVER] Yeah, that’s true. She’s actually letting me hold her handwhen we’re in private again.
[HARRY] I’m happy for you— See what we did, we summoned her.
[AMELIA] I heard you.
[HARRY] That was the point.
[AMELIA] Good thing you’re here, because I found out very alarming news. Christopher’s sister is engaged.
[HARRY laughs]
[OLIVER] Is there... something wrong with Charlotte being engaged?
[AMELIA] Obviously. When we got engaged, anything the public could talk afterwards about was when would Harry propose to Margaret.
[AMELIA] It’s the same scenario with Christopher and Charlotte. Only now, it’s Emilia being involved.
[HARRY] A wedding? I had my bet on Madeleine being first. You won.
[AMELIA] Mmm. Not going to happen.
[AMELIA] Her public approval rating is at around seventy percent. An engagement would make it plummet.
[OLIVER] Emilia already told us she has no plans on getting married anytime soon.
[AMELIA] And what about him? He could very well want a long engagement.
[HARRY] Has he even mentioned it to either of you?
[OLIVER] He hasn’t. We don’t see him very often, though.
[OLIVER] He is coming over for winter break with her.
[HARRY] Oh... maybe then?
[AMELIA] Of course not.
[HARRY] You’d say no to him?
[AMELIA] ...
[OLIVER] Amelia... he makes her happy.
[AMELIA] He is not going to ask me anything, so no reason to dwell on what I’d say to him. I’d do what I think is best for her.
transcript under the cut ↓
𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 | 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 |
[AMELIA] Theodore's already here. He's waiting in my office.
[OLIVER] He's early?
[AMELIA] He is not Alexander.
[ALEXANDER] Mom?
[AMELIA] Alexander? What a surprise. What are you doing here?
[ALEXANDER] I... have a meeting with you?
[AMELIA] Not that I recall. There must have been a confusion, we have a meeting with Theodore about his dukedom.
[ALEXANDER] What? A dukedom?
[OLIVER] Amelia, wait.
[AMELIA] Hmm?
[OLIVER] Did you do this on purpose?
[AMELIA] What do you mean?
[OLIVER] There’s never schedule mishaps, you always double check them. We agreed we’d tell him together in a private meeting. Not like this.
[AMELIA] I must've missed this one. My mistake.
[AMELIA] Alexander—
[ALEXANDER] Why are you giving Theodore a dukedom before me? I’m older than him. What about Emilia?
[AMELIA] She’s getting a duchy too. Before him, of course. I didn’t take this decision lightly, your father and I don’t think you’re ready for a dukedom just yet.
[ALEXANDER] So I just won’t get one?
[AMELIA] Of course you will! All in due time, maybe within the next five to ten years? Maybe sooner, maybe later.
[ALEXANDER] But it’s not fair—
[AMELIA] Alex, you are almost twenty-five years old. You’re way too old to be throwing a tantrum. The decision is final. I did warn you last summer that the management course was essential. You should’ve listened like both Theodore and Emilia. But unfortunately, it’s too late now. Don’t look so defeated, keep your chin up. We’ll talk again soon, we’re late for our meeting.