- 1 day ago
The Maid'S Secret Heirs Became Royal Heirs - Ep
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00On my last night as a maid, before I left the palace, an unknown noble forced himself on me. I
00:06had just turned 18.
00:09Just for this night.
00:11The royal herald read the queen mother's decree aloud in the corridor.
00:15By order of her grace, the following maids are released from service and permitted to return to their homes.
00:24Martha, Dorothy, Clara.
00:30Clara, God be praised. You are free at last.
00:35I packed my bags that night, just a few worn dresses, and the silver coins I saved up for my
00:40mother.
00:40Late that night, I took an oil lamp to bid Leah farewell.
00:44Crossing the gardens, a hand yanked me back to a room.
00:48Who is there? Let me go!
00:51Before I could see his face, he threw me onto a bed.
00:54Stay, just for this night. Who are you? You smell of spring.
00:59Let me go. I have been released from service. I am to go home tomorrow.
01:05You will stay.
01:06You cannot do this!
01:07He ignored my resistance and kissed me brutally.
01:10My dress ripped apart. Coldness and despair swallowed me whole.
01:15I beg you, please, no.
01:18I sobbed and shoved his chest. He did not budge an inch. I knew the strict palace rules. A maid
01:24sleeping with a noble face the gallows.
01:27Dawn broke. I opened my eyes. The room was in ruins. The man beside me slept on. He was very
01:33handsome, but I dared not linger.
01:35Terrified of being caught, I grabbed my clothes and fled. I looked back one last time, at the golden cage
01:41that trapped me for ten years.
01:43I thought my escape was the end, but the nightmare had only just begun.
01:48I returned to the village and saw my mother. She had aged, hair turning gray. When she saw me, she
01:54held me and wept for a very long while.
01:56I kept the palace horror a secret. I only told her I was discharged safely. I wanted a quiet life
02:02with her.
02:03A month later, my body began to change. I panicked, yet I dared not speak of it. My mother noticed
02:09something was amiss.
02:10She quietly took me to the most experienced midwife in the village. The midwife trekked me over. She confirmed I
02:17was with child.
02:18My mother's face went pale. She looked at me in tears.
02:21You're not even married. How can you have a child? The villagers will talk. They'll shame you.
02:28I knew in a village as traditional as this, an unmarried pregnancy was the worst kind of disgrace.
02:34When I touched my belly, I felt a living soul, my own flesh and blood. I clenched my teeth and
02:40said,
02:41Mother, I mean to keep this child. No matter what others may say, I should bring this child into the
02:45world and raise it well.
02:46Mother gave in. She helped cover up my growing shape. But secrets slip out. As my belly swelled, the nasty
02:53rumors spread like wildfire.
02:55Clara broke the rules. She brought back a bastard from the palace.
02:59What a disgrace to Clara's family. Harlots like Clara should be stoned.
03:03Clara's mother is a fool, raising a girl with no morals.
03:08The words cut like knives. Every day, they pierced my heart. The true torment came from my own blood.
03:15My brother Walter and his wife Matilda.
03:18My brother Walter was a greedy snob. I slaved away for ten years at the palace.
03:23My silver had gone to support the family, paying for their new cottage and cattle.
03:27When I returned, he showed no gratitude. Disgusted by my scandal, he beat and cursed me.
03:33My sister-in-law Matilda was even worse, vain and greedy. Seeing my state, she schemed to cast me out.
03:40She aimed to steal my last few coins. She gossiped in the square every day, calling me a hussy who
03:46lay with passing strangers.
03:47No one knew whose child I carried, claiming I was thrown out and brought my bastards home to burden the
03:52family.
03:53That's right. No one knows who's thrown out and only brought shame and burden back home.
03:59In the end, I was driven from home. I took shelter in a run-down stable on the village edge
04:04to feed myself and the child within me.
04:06I rose before dawn to wash clothes, chop wood and clean animal stalls, any filthy work I could find.
04:11My mother pitied me. She always smuggled me fresh eggs and dock bread. But Matilda cursed her bitterly every time.
04:18Six months later, I gave birth to twins. A boy named Edmund. A girl named Eleanor.
04:23Edmund took after me. Quiet and sensible, Eleanor favored her father. Big eyes and a sweet face.
04:28My children became my anchor. They gave me a reason to live, however bitter and weary life became.
04:34Seeing Edmund and Eleanor smile made everything worth it.
04:37But the village children echoed their parents' cruelty. They called my twins bastards.
04:42One day, Eleanor ran home in tears. She buried her face in my chest.
04:46Mama, they say we don't have a papa. They called us bastards.
04:52You are not bastards. Your father fell terribly ill. Your father went far away for a cure. He will return
04:58when he is well.
05:00Mama, I don't need a papa. I only need you and Eleanor. I will protect you both. No one will
05:06ever hurt you.
05:06He was only five, yet he had more sense than many grown men.
05:10Edmund had a rare mind. He would crouch outside the village chapel.
05:14He listened to the priest's sermons. He memorized everything upon first hearing.
05:19I touched his hair, my heart full of pride and sorrow.
05:22My son was gifted, but I had no coin for a monastery school.
05:26I made a silent vow. I would get him an education.
05:29So that one day he might make something of himself and never be despised as I had been.
05:34So the days dragged on. I thought I would spend my whole life in that broken stable, swallowing every insult
05:40with my children beside me.
05:42But I had not foreseen that the royal blessing of an heir would change the fate of the three of
05:46us forever.
05:47That morning, a loud horn blasted through the village.
05:51Lord, Lord Bennett is here! The royal steward is picking children for the blessing!
05:57The village went wild. Parents dragged their children toward the square.
06:00The blessing of an heir was a grand royal banquet. The queen mother prayed for a royal grandchild.
06:07The king had no heirs. The queen mother sought heaven's favor that the royal line might endure.
06:12Every year, children across the realm were chosen to enter the palace and receive holy favor.
06:18I wanted no part of it. I knew our lowly status. We would only face mockery.
06:24People like us only get mocked. Clara, let Edmund and Elena try. If chosen, Edmund and Elena get to see
06:31the palace.
06:31They might meet a noble patron. Then perhaps no one will dare bully you again.
06:36I hesitated. I saw the longing in Edmund's eyes. I finally nodded. I held their little hands.
06:42We stood at the very back of the crowd, watching from afar.
06:46Lord Bennett looked every inch a royal steward. Velvet robes, mink-trimmed hat, and heavy emerald rings.
06:53Holding a parchment scroll, he inspected the village children one by one.
06:57Suddenly, his eyes locked onto Edmund. I saw his pupils narrow. The parchment slipped from his trembling hands.
07:03He stumbled toward Edmund, staring fixedly at his face.
07:07So like. Far too like.
07:09Then he turned sharply and locked his eyes on me.
07:12You and his majesty. What is your relation?
07:15Just then, Bailiff Benson swaggered over.
07:18My lord, this boy is Clara's bastard. Unknown breeding. He has no right to attend the blessing.
07:25Benson was the local tyrant. A snob who always despised me.
07:29He once tried to drown me in the river for my unwed pregnancy. Claiming it was village law.
07:34Only my mother's desperate pleading had saved my life.
07:37Benson, I beg you, don't kill Clara!
07:40Hearing the word bastard, Edmund's face flushed red. He glared at Benson.
07:45I am not a bastard! I have a papa!
07:48Shut your mouth, little rat!
07:51Clara! How dare you bring your filth to Lord Bennett! You shame our village!
07:56I will teach you a harsh lesson today!
07:58Bailiff Benson, I beg you! Spare Clara and the children!
08:02They are innocent!
08:05Take it out on me!
08:08Do not harm my mother or my children!
08:11Very well. Since you protect them so fiercely.
08:15By village law, she is to be cast into the river!
08:18Just then, Lord Bengner dropped to his knees. He faced Edmund and shouted.
08:24Forgive me! Forgive me!
08:28Then, he stood up and turned to me.
08:31Mistress Clara, please bring your children. And come with me to the palace for the blessing.
08:37Everyone was stunned. Me too. Benson stammered in shock.
08:40Lord Bennett! What is the meaning of this?
08:44I was bewildered. I had no idea why his attitude changed so drastically.
08:48But I knew one thing. This was our only chance to escape that wretched village.
08:53Alright.
08:54As we left, Matilda and my brother Walter stood in the doorway, glaring at me bitterly.
08:59I knew they would never let this go. But I no longer cared.
09:03I just wanted my children out of this vile place.
09:06On the carriage ride, Bennett kept staring at Edmund, his eyes unreadable.
09:10Why did you choose my children?
09:12Clara, you will see when we arrive. Just, whatever happens at court, keep your composure.
09:18Dread pooled in my stomach. A massive storm was brewing. I could feel it.
09:23At the palace, Bennett hid us in a guest chamber. Maids dressed us in clean, fine fabrics.
09:29It was the twins' first time wearing such finery. Their eyes sparkled with joy.
09:34But I sat with my heart in my throat. Everything in the palace felt so familiar.
09:38And yet so strange. I dreaded seeing old faces. I was terrified my six-year-old secret would come to
09:45light.
09:46On the day of the blessing, I took both children by the hand.
09:49We followed the crowd toward the Queen Mother's grand throne room.
09:53Maids and guards lined the corridors. Everyone went quietly about their appointed duties.
09:58And the air was solemn. Suddenly, a shrill voice pierced the air.
10:03Well, is that not Clara?
10:06What are you doing here?
10:08I turned and saw Maude, my cousin. She married a local huntsman.
10:12She brought her son Odo for the blessing too. Maude had always envied me.
10:16In the village, she often joined Matilda in tormenting me.
10:19Ignoring her, I pulled the children and walked faster.
10:23Oh, Clara! Are these your runks?
10:26I never heard the bands read. Did some stray cur get you with child?
10:31Edmund squeezed my hand.
10:33Mama, do not heed her.
10:35Eleanor hid behind my dress. She started to cry in little frightened sobs.
10:39My children have a father. He has passed. Gone? More like you do not even know his name.
10:47You dare bring bastards to the blessing? Stop dreaming of clawing your way into the court.
10:52Shameless woman.
10:53The other parents began whispering as well, pointing fingers at us.
10:57So this is that disgraced maid.
10:59How absolutely shameless.
11:00Bringing bastards into the royal court.
11:02It is an ill omen.
11:03Filth like that should be kept away from the ceremony.
11:05I trembled with anger, and tears filled my eyes.
11:09Edmund suddenly pulled free of my hand.
11:11Do not insult my mother! You are the shameless one!
11:15You little bastard! You dare talk back to me? I will slap you senseless!
11:21I lunged forward to shield him.
11:23At that moment, Edmund's foot slipped.
11:25He crashed to the marble floor.
11:27Blood gushed from his nose.
11:29Edmund!
11:29I screamed in horror.
11:31I dropped to my knees to grab him.
11:33And then, a familiar figure stepped out of the shadows.
11:36He wore a crimson velvet robe, white ermine at the collar.
11:40He exuded absolute terrifying power.
11:43It was him, the man from that night.
11:45Six years ago, my blood ran cold.
11:48My legs buckled.
11:49I fell to my knees and buried my face in the floor.
11:52Your Majesty, please forgive us.
11:55Edmund and Eleanor quickly knelt beside me.
11:58He stopped in front of me.
11:59I felt his hard gaze burning into me.
12:02Calculating, and faintly familiar.
12:04Look up.
12:05His voice was a deep rumble.
12:07Not the raspy tone from that dark night.
12:09Just for this night.
12:10But just as commanding.
12:11I lifted my head, trembling.
12:14I dared not meet his eyes.
12:15His gaze shifted down to Edmund.
12:17The boy is bleeding.
12:19Take him to the healers.
12:21Thank you, Majesty.
12:24But as I turned, his scent washed over me.
12:27It was the same as that night six years ago.
12:29My heart slammed against my ribs.
12:31A horrified thought struck me.
12:33Could it be that the stranger from that night, King Edric?
12:36I pushed the thought away.
12:38I dragged the children away quickly.
12:39But I felt his eyes searing onto my back.
12:42We reached the Queen Mother's hall.
12:44She sat on a gilded throne.
12:46Regal, but terrifyingly stern.
12:48The parents and children all knelt before her to pay respects.
12:51The Queen Mother looked over us all.
12:53And at last, her eyes settled on Eleanor.
12:56She smiled.
12:57Whose child is this?
12:59Your Grace.
13:00This is my daughter, Elena.
13:02Your Grace, I must speak!
13:03This girl is an unwed wench!
13:05She brought bastards to the blessing!
13:08She mocks your royal authority!
13:10The Grand Hall fell dead silent.
13:12Every single eye locked onto me.
13:14Is this true?
13:17Your Grace, I...
13:19It was against my will.
13:21I was ravished.
13:24Ravished?
13:25Your Grace!
13:26Do not believe her lies!
13:27She was a palace maid!
13:29She broke the rules and bore bastards!
13:32She taints the royal court!
13:34Execute her!
13:35They are bastards!
13:37They have no father!
13:38We are not bastards.
13:40We have a father.
13:44Your mother never married.
13:46How are you not bastards?
13:49Your Grace, this shameless strumple deserves the lash.
13:54Marge, the Queen Mother's head maid, stepped up and barked.
13:58Guards!
13:59Drag this woman away and flog her!
14:02The guards stepped forward with whips in hand.
14:05All the blood drained from my face.
14:07Edmund and Eleanor threw themselves over me, using their little bodies to shield me.
14:11Do not hit my mother!
14:12Do not hit her!
14:14The whip cracked across my back.
14:16Agony exploded through my veins.
14:18I wrapped my arms around the twins.
14:20I sobbed desperately.
14:22It is all my fault!
14:24Please do not hurt my children!
14:27The leather struck me again and again.
14:29Hot blood soaked through my dress.
14:31Stop hitting my mother!
14:32You monsters!
14:34Mama!
14:35Mama!
14:37You wicked old witch!
14:39Stop hurting my mother!
14:40The entire hall gasped.
14:42My heart stopped.
14:43I clamp my hand over his mouth.
14:46I stare at the throne in horror.
14:48Silence!
14:49How dare you speak to me like that!
14:51He curses her grace!
14:53Guards!
14:53Drag this little beast to the dungeon!
14:57Your Grace!
14:58I beg for mercy!
15:00He is just a child!
15:01He knows nothing!
15:03Edmund ripped my hand away.
15:04By kingdom law, children under seven are not put to death!
15:07I am only five!
15:09Your Grace!
15:11You are the king's mother!
15:12You must know right from wrong!
15:14You cannot kill the innocent over petty lies!
15:17The queen mother froze.
15:19She never expected a five-year-old to cite royal law.
15:22Your Grace!
15:23Look at him!
15:25This fatherless bastard is wild and feral!
15:28Indeed, Your Grace!
15:29If this wild rat isn't tamed, he will become a menace!
15:34A man must protect his mother first!
15:36If I cannot even defend Clara, how can Edmund ever be loyal to the crown and defend the kingdom?
15:43Your Grace!
15:44You punish us blindly!
15:46How will the people ever truly trust you?
15:48The queen mother was speechless.
15:51Her face turned an ugly shade of red.
15:53At that moment, the herald's voice came.
15:57His majesty, the king!
16:04My chest tightened.
16:06I looked up on instinct.
16:07He strode into the hall.
16:09Eyes locked onto me.
16:10Seeing my bloody wounds, his brow snapped together.
16:13A flash of pity crossed his eyes.
16:15Our gazes met.
16:16The air sucked out of the room.
16:17His stare was deep, searching, and unreadable.
16:20I lowered my head at once, my heart pounding wildly.
16:23The king stopped before the throne.
16:25He gave a slight bow.
16:27Mother, what has happened here?
16:29Your majesty!
16:30This woman bore children out of wedlock!
16:32She brought bastards to the blessing!
16:34She let her wild rat curse her grace!
16:37She deserves death!
16:39She served in the palace?
16:41Yes.
16:42She was a maid, discharged at 18.
16:47The king's frown deepened.
16:49He walked toward me, one slow step at a time.
16:52Six years ago.
16:53Were you in the garden?
16:55I trembled all over and dared not answer.
16:57That night was my darkest secret.
16:59If it were uncovered, my children and I would die.
17:02Suddenly, Lord Bennett burst through the grand doors.
17:05He fell to his knees.
17:07Your majesty!
17:08Your grace!
17:09I bring urgent news!
17:13Speak!
17:15I chose this boy for the blessing for one reason.
17:18He is a mirror image of his majesty as a child.
17:21I feared royal blood had been abandoned among common folk.
17:24I had to bring them in!
17:26What?
17:28What did you say?
17:30These are the king's children!
17:32Impossible!
17:33My mind spun.
17:34Total chaos.
17:35The man from that night, six years ago, was the king.
17:38Then Edmund and Eleanor.
17:40Were they prince and princess?
17:41The king looked at me, his eyes steady.
17:44Mother, it was Clara that night.
17:47King Edric knows Clara's scent well.
17:49Edric, are you insane?
17:51Clara was a maid!
17:53How could King Edric touch Clara?
17:56Your majesty, Clara is of low birth.
18:00She is an unwed mother with a ruined reputation.
18:03How could such a woman be the queen?
18:05These children are of uncertain birth.
18:07You cannot claim them.
18:09Your majesty!
18:10Clara lies with every man back home!
18:13Those brats are not yours!
18:15Don't let this horrid trick you!
18:18Your majesty, I never lied!
18:20That night, I thought you were a palace guard.
18:23I fled in terror.
18:25For six years, I swallowed my pride in the countryside with our children.
18:28I never touched another man.
18:31Edmund and Eleanor are your blood!
18:33You lie!
18:34You were discharged in May.
18:36The brats were born in January.
18:38The timing does not align.
18:40It is a pathetic lie.
18:42Your grace, your majesty!
18:43They were born before their time.
18:45They came a month early.
18:46Premature.
18:49Your grace!
18:51Your majesty!
18:52She is lying!
18:54Those brats were full grown!
18:56In the village, Clara often met with strange men.
18:59We caught Clara on the spot!
19:00Yes, your majesty!
19:02We swear on it!
19:04Clara is a filthy harlot!
19:06Clara is unfit for your bed!
19:08I looked at them, trembling with anger.
19:11They spun vicious lies to gain noble favour.
19:14My mother was dragged in.
19:15Seeing my bloody back, she broke down sobbing.
19:19Your majesty!
19:20Clara is innocent!
19:22The babies were early!
19:24I delivered them myself!
19:26Walter and Matilda just want Clara's coin!
19:29They are framing her!
19:31Shut up, mother!
19:32You are seeny!
19:33Stop talking madness!
19:34Enough!
19:35We will investigate.
19:36If they hold royal blood, I will claim them.
19:39But if Clara lied to steal the crown, I will have her head.
19:43The king looked at me, his eyes soft but firm.
19:46Clara, I believe you.
19:47In that second, all my terror and grief melted into tears.
19:52Everyone doubted me, but he chose to trust me.
19:55I had not expected Marg to be so reckless.
19:58While the queen mother and the king were occupied in discussion,
20:01she secretly locked us in the palace dungeon.
20:03The cell was dark and damp, reeking of rot.
20:06Slime coated the floors.
20:07Rats scurried in the shadows.
20:09Eleanor wailed in terror.
20:11She clung to me tightly.
20:12Marg marched in with several maids and guards.
20:15She carried a tray with three cups of poison.
20:17Clara, you cursed her grace and tried to pass common-born children off as royals.
20:22You deserve death.
20:24Today, you and your little bastards all die.
20:28The queen mother promised a fair trial.
20:30You have no authority to execute us.
20:33The queen mother?
20:35She has troubles enough of her own.
20:37She forgot about you.
20:39Drink it, Clara.
20:40Spare yourself the pain.
20:42The guards lunged to grab us.
20:44Edmund rushed at them and shugged Marg.
20:45Old witch!
20:46Don't touch my mother and sister!
20:48Marg flew into a rage.
20:50She slapped Edmund across the face.
20:52Blood dripped from his lip.
20:53He refused to back down, sinking his teeth into Marg's wrist.
20:59You little rat!
21:01You bit me!
21:02The guards ripped Edmund off.
21:04They rained kicks and punches on him.
21:06I threw myself over him, covering him with my own body.
21:09Stop hitting him!
21:10Take it out on me!
21:13Heavy blows landed on me.
21:15I grunted in agony.
21:17Blood spilled from my mouth.
21:19Stop hitting my brother!
21:21Stop hitting my mommy!
21:29Drink it, Clara.
21:30Or I kill your brats first.
21:32I stared at her vile face.
21:34Despair crushed me.
21:35Were we truly going to die here today?
21:37Just as the poison touched my lips,
21:40a voice thundered like a god.
21:42Step away from her, you vile hag!
21:44He stormed in, kicking Marg to the floor.
21:47The poisoned wine spilled across the ground.
21:50He came to me at once.
21:51When he saw the wounds upon me,
21:53he pulled me into his chest.
21:54Clara, are you alright?
21:57Your Majesty, I'm alright.
21:58But the children...
22:00The king saw the bruised twins.
22:01He turned a cold gaze upon Marg.
22:04He barked at the guards.
22:05Drag her to the gallows.
22:07Hang her now!
22:08Mercy, Your Majesty!
22:09I beg you!
22:11I shall never dare such a thing again!
22:16Don't be afraid, Clara.
22:18While I am here,
22:20no one shall ever harm you again.
22:22He marched us out of the dungeon
22:24and brought us to a palace bedchamber.
22:26He also summoned the royal physician
22:28to treat our injuries.
22:30Watching him tend to us with such care,
22:32my frozen heart began to fall.
22:34This was the man who disgraced me six years ago.
22:36Now, he fought to protect me.
22:38I knew then,
22:39there was no going back for us.
22:41After that rescue,
22:43the king never left our side.
22:44He looked at Edmund and Eleanor.
22:46His eyes spilled over with fatherly love.
22:49Edmund was wary at first,
22:51distant and defensive.
22:52But under the king's patient care,
22:54he slowly came to accept him as his father.
22:56Outside those doors,
22:58the court was in open turmoil.
23:00Duke Mortimer rallied the old-bled nobles
23:02to pressure the Queen Mother.
23:03They flatly refused to accept the twins' royal blood.
23:06They poisoned her grace's ears daily,
23:09demanding our immediate exile.
23:10A low-born, ruined commoner
23:12had no place mothering the crown.
23:13The king is utterly bewitched!
23:15God knows whose bastards those really are.
23:17If Gutterborn will inherit the throne,
23:18the royals become a joke of the whole realm!
23:19Your grace,
23:20the realm cannot survive such disgrace.
23:22Remove Clara and the twins
23:23before the crown is stained beyond repair.
23:25The vicious rumors exploded.
23:27Even the Queen Mother started to cave.
23:29My low birth was a bitter pill she couldn't swallow.
23:31To silence the court once and for all,
23:33the king made a ruling.
23:34He decreed a public trial of the Holy Relic
23:37to prove their lineage.
23:38Then let the realm witness the truth.
23:41I decree a public trial of the Holy Relic
23:43to prove their lineage.
23:45That morning,
23:46the Grand Cathedral was packed with elite lords.
23:48Beneath the towering dome,
23:50the sacred fire roared.
23:52Duke Mortimer stepped up first.
23:54Your majesty,
23:55if the relic stays dark,
23:58you must execute this fraud
23:59and her bastards on the spot.
24:02Protect the crown's honor!
24:05And if it lights up, Mortimer,
24:08you swore your duke's dear's forfeit.
24:10Mortimer flinched,
24:11but he held his ground.
24:13I stand by my word.
24:16The Queen Mother sat on the high dais,
24:19her expression grave.
24:20The king stood nearby,
24:21his gaze unwavering.
24:23I held Edmund and Eleanor close.
24:25My nerves were eating me alive.
24:27The Archbishop brought forth the ancient relic.
24:30It was a royal ring set with a ruby.
24:32Legend said only true king's blood could wake it.
24:35Otherwise,
24:36the ruby slept forever.
24:38The entire cathedral fell silent.
24:40The king drew his dagger to slice his palm.
24:42His blood dripped onto the ring.
24:44A second later,
24:45the dormant ruby flickered with a faint glow.
24:48Love .
24:48the tomb
Comments