Isn’t it the same everywhere? What Queens— princesses, sisters, daughters are for? Henry gave me a fortune and castles because if he killed me, my brother would start a war. I was Queen for six months but— a pawn the entire time. And a thorn in Henry’s side. [She tries to be reassured by his presence, by him stating they’ll have to go through him first. But even the mightiest of Queens have their limits, and she has passed it.]

There is no Holy Roman Empire anymore. There is no looming war to prevent my execution. And I’ve said such awful things—- it’s understandable he wants my head.

No ones been able to stop Henry, when he wants something. Not the pope— not his advisors, his people, his wives—- not even God. [She can’t help it at that point. The helplessness— the intense fear of impending death—- it’s broken a woman so pious she spent her entire life chaste, and her early years swallowed away by veils. Fear has made her feel doubt. Perhaps if she burrows her face in her hands, he will not hear her weep.]