Reign quotes

Since Mary queen of Scotland was a child, the English have wanted her country and her crown... She is sent to France to wed it's next king... To save herself and her people... A bond that should protect her... But there are forces that conspire, forces of darkness, forces of the heart... Long may she reign...

She's on her way.

Mary Stuart, you mean. I heard.

You don't sound very enthusiastic. You were playmates once.

She had skinny legs, a missing front tooth, and strong opinions.

I'm sure the other tooth has come in. The opinions you can ignore. Isn't that right Catherine?

Love is irrelevant to people like us.

Mary

[Speaking into the night] I don't know who you are, or why you hide, but your warning saved me. Danger surrounds me here, and I am in your debt.

Mary

[Lightning flashes] Are you in danger too?

Mary

I was at French court before, you know, when I was your age. I never saw any ghosts.

But what if they saw you?

Nostradamus

[To Queen Catherine] I saw your son's future... his union with Mary. She will cost Francis his life... Mary will bring your son's death.

Queen Mary Stuart

I don't know who to believe or to trust.

Mary

I'll protect you.

Lola

You can't even protect yourself.

Have your visions altered?

Nostradamus

No. Mary will bring your son's death. You cannot relent. You must continue to sacrifice.

When you came to my room, I-I shouldn't have said what I did. There were other ways of handling this.

Queen Mary Stuart

Handling what? Me? You do do realize that we're going to be married someday, don't you?

Believe me, I know.

Queen Mary Stuart

I know you had a life before I got here.

It's not about that.

Queen Mary Stuart

Don't you think that we owe it to each other, to our families, to our countries, to give it a chance?

It's not that simple.

Queen Mary Stuart

Not that simple? What's not simple? We've been engaged since we were six! It's all arranged. How awful must you find me to do this?

It's not you. You're-you're beautiful and clever and unpredictable, but it-it... it doesn't matter. What matters is what's right for my country.

Queen Mary Stuart

I thank you for your protection last night, but I need to speak with Colin.

Speak to your assailant? Why?

Queen Mary Stuart

Because he is the love of my dear friend. And if there was any misunderstanding, if I sent the wrong message in my joy at the wedding...

Take care, child. If anyone knew you were even asking this...

Catherine, she needs to know.

Gossip poisons, too. It can poison a young queen's reputation, her heirs' right to the throne, an entire kingdom.

You may have behaved foolishly, but you are not responsible for your countryman's actions.

Queen Mary Stuart

Colin McPhail is my subject. I am his queen, and I demand to speak with him.

Witnesses have come forward. The boy played a role in an English plot to destroy your engagement and Scotland's alliance with France.

Queen Mary Stuart

An English plot. You're sure?

You must know if he'd been successful in his assault, you'd be unfit to marry our son; to marry any royal. My dear, this was not an action of passion. It was treason.

But it's all settled now. Colin's been executed.

Queen Mary Stuart

What?

He was beheaded this morning.

France is not as strong as you might think, or care, which maybe you don't, but I do. I'm going to be king someday, responsible for my people. And right now, an alliance with Scotland could destroy France.

Queen Mary Stuart

You don't want to marry me. You don't want this at all.

Things could change.

Queen Mary Stuart

Well, it isn't your decision, it's your father's.

You don't see him pushing a wedding either, do you? All engagements really do is hold alliances. He's betting we might need Scotland, I'm betting we'll find more support elsewhere. I know it's not what you want to hear.

Queen Mary Stuart

But you won't love me. You won't let yourself.

You must leave immediately. This was an assassination attempt. You were nearly poisoned.

Queen Mary Stuart

By who?

Someone with ties to the Protestant throne of England, no doubt. They'll be found and dealt with.

Queen Mary Stuart

Poor Sister Helen. I didn't know...

That she was your taster? Every meal you've eaten has been tasted for poison since you left your mother's breast. Mary, you are the queen of Scotland.

Queen Mary Stuart

I brought you something to decorate your swords with.

Now's not a good time.

Queen Mary Stuart

Oh.

Next time, you should be announced. My page is there for a reason.

Queen Mary Stuart

I don't understand.

You shouldn't be here.

Queen Mary Stuart

Why do you sound so... are you alone? Are you with someone?

If you are ever going to be the Queen of France, you need to understand something. Kings do not answer to their wives.