- 17 hours ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:03My husband Julian married his elder brother's widow Cecilia to secure his title.
00:09My daughter Adele and I waited for him on a crumpling farm.
00:12A kind passerby warned me.
00:13Julian has already been made count. Why are you still here?
00:18So I took Adele to the royal capital to find him.
00:25But Cecilia, his widowed sister-in-law fed Adele poisoned and cakes.
00:30Adele convulsed, then vomited black blood lured onto the carpet.
00:35Ellie, help!
00:38I screamed and lunged for her, cradling her as I wiped the poisoned blood from her lips.
00:44That was when Julian walked in.
00:47Julian! Save her! Please, call a court position for our daughter!
00:52I crawled toward him and clutched his boots, begging.
00:55Julian looked down at me, then slid an arm around Cecilia's waist.
01:00What madwoman is this, screaming in my castle?
01:03His voice was ice cold. He kicked my hand away in disgust.
01:07Drag this woman, and that little bastard outside the city.
01:11Beat them to death!
01:14As the guards dragged me away, I heard Cecilia give a cold laugh.
01:20Genevieve, if you stay alive, how can Julian and I rule this castle in peace?
01:32The vows Julian had made were long forgotten.
01:36Adele and I died full of hatred.
01:40When I opened my eyes again, cold wind poured down my throat.
01:44I had not died in the hall of the Count's castle.
01:47The gods had heard my curse and sent me back to the day Julian was officially made count.
01:53I threw away the wild berries in my hand and sold the farm.
01:59Then I carried Adele back to Anjic Castle and snelt.
02:04Begging my father to forgive me.
02:06Father, your daughter was wrong.
02:10My father stood inside the drawbridge, watching me through an iron gate.
02:17Are you sure this time?
02:19Genevieve, what makes me believe this isn't another win?
02:21Father, I won't run again.
02:23You said that last time.
02:24You said Julian was the bravest knight you'd ever seen.
02:28You said he deserved your heart more than the man on the throne.
02:31I said nothing. Those words were mine. Every last one.
02:34In the end, father relented.
02:37Come in. Stop embarrassing me at the gate.
02:39I stood with Adele in my arms, my legs gone numb.
02:43Margaret, the housekeeper, hurried over to support me and said softly,
02:46My lady, his grace sent men to the Black Forest for years to look for you.
02:49I froze. Margaret sighed, but the people there said you'd moved long ago.
02:55No one knew where you'd gone.
02:57The foyer hearth burned bright. Father sat in a high-backed chair.
03:01Tell me, how did you live these past five years?
03:04I stood before him while Margaret carried Adele to the side parlor.
03:08At first, it was fine.
03:10Julian told me to wait for him at the farm.
03:13He sent silver every month.
03:15By the fourth month, I was picking wild berries in the woods.
03:19Adele was born during a snowstorm.
03:21No one helped me.
03:23I cut the cord myself.
03:25Three days after she was born, Julian's messenger came.
03:29He said Julian was working to inherit the title.
03:32He told me to wait a little longer.
03:36That little longer became five years.
03:39Do you know why he never came?
03:42Father opened his eyes.
03:43They were already red.
03:46I know.
03:48He had to marry his widowed sister-in-law to inherit the title.
03:52Those people at the church granted him a dispensation.
04:00So what will you do now?
04:02Father asked.
04:04Do you want to accuse him of bigamy before the church?
04:06I can send someone with the papers.
04:08But think carefully.
04:09Once this becomes public, Adele will be dragged into it.
04:14It could damage her reputation.
04:16I cut him off.
04:17Julian has nothing.
04:19From start to finish, he has only an empty title and a mountain of debt.
04:23Father was silent for a while.
04:24What did you ever see in him?
04:27I closed my eyes.
04:29It was autumn, six years ago.
04:31I had gone hunting.
04:32A storm hit on the ride back.
04:35I was separated from my guards.
04:37Julian lay in the mud.
04:38One leg bent wrong.
04:39I had my guards carry him to a nearby farm.
04:45I splent his leg with branches and washed his wound with holy water.
04:49On the fourth morning, I opened the farmhouse door.
04:52My name is Julian.
04:53I am the second son of the Count of the Eastern Border.
04:55That was how Julia introduced himself.
04:57I stayed at the farm and cared for him for a month.
05:00The day he could walk, he limped into the yard.
05:03He saw me mounted, ready to return to Angor Castle.
05:07Will you come back?
05:09He said.
05:09Maybe.
05:10I said, looking down at him.
05:12Then I'll wait for you here.
05:13He said it, then tore a cord from his neck.
05:15A copper ring hung from it.
05:18This isn't worth much, but it's been with me for ten years.
05:21Take it, when you come back.
05:23I'll give it back.
05:24I took the ring.
05:27When you come back.
05:30Julian smiled.
05:33I'll tell you a secret.
05:37After that, I went back every few days.
05:41One night, he suddenly said,
05:43Genevieve, I want to marry you.
05:44He came over and dropped to one knee.
05:46I know I have no land and no title, but I swear I will love only you for the rest
05:50of my life.
05:51Count or beggar, you are my wife.
05:53He held my hand and slid the copper ring back onto my finger.
05:57That night, we swore our vows before the farm statue of the gods.
06:01When he kissed me, I thought that was the end of the story.
06:04So you believed him.
06:06Father's voice pulled me back into the foyer.
06:08I'll ask you one last time.
06:12He came to stand before me, looking down.
06:15Are you sure this time you won't climb the wall and run in the middle of the night?
06:21I won't.
06:22Her voice was firm.
06:24Good.
06:25He turned and walked deeper into the foyer.
06:28Tomorrow morning, I'll send men to the church with a complaint, accusing him of bigamy.
06:32Father!
06:33I stopped him.
06:35I don't want it submitted privately.
06:37He turned back, his eyes cold as ice.
06:42What did you say?
06:44I mean, I raised my head and met his eyes.
06:48I want the ruling, but I also want a public trial.
06:51I want him to admit, before the queen region, that he abandoned his wife and daughter.
06:57Father stared at me for a long time.
06:59Then he smiled.
07:00You are my daughter after all.
07:02When you turn ruthless, even I hardly recognize you.
07:07I ordered Margaret to deliver a letter to a cloaked man.
07:11He was my father's best rumour runner.
07:13The sort who fed whispers into taverns.
07:15Adele had fallen asleep on the rug.
07:17Margaret brought in hot soup and lowered her voice.
07:20My lady, people outside are saying Count Julian abandoned his first wife in the Black Forest to die.
07:25All for a title.
07:27How far has it gone?
07:29I lifted the soup and took a sip.
07:31Now they say that after marrying his widowed sister-in-law, he sent men to the farm to silence you.
07:36I want him sleepless.
07:38I looked out into the night.
07:41If he can still sleep, he won't panic.
07:43If he doesn't panic, he won't act.
07:46In less than five days, the rumour filled every street in the capital.
07:51A lame old sailor slapped a table and said,
07:53Have you heard about that new count of the eastern border?
07:56He had a first wife. Left her in the Black Forest to die.
07:59Then came the fish market.
08:01A vendor gossiped.
08:02I heard he wanted the title and his widowed sister-in-law.
08:06So he sent men to kill his own child.
08:09Even in the saloons where nobles gathered, people murmured.
08:13Count Julian, the one who built his fortune in his wife's dowry and tossed her aside.
08:18That's him.
08:19They say his first wife still has the marriage contract.
08:22If it reaches the church, he may lose everything.
08:25Then why doesn't he bring her back?
08:26Bring her back?
08:27He married his widowed sister-in-law.
08:30That's bigamy. The church won't spare him.
08:35Margaret brought these words back to me every day.
08:38That night, father stood at the stairs of the east tower, holding a cup of hot wine.
08:42Using the rumours to force his hand.
08:45He said,
08:46You know the whole capital is talking.
08:48So he'll have to check whether you're truly dead.
08:51Father took a sip of wine and watched me for a long time.
08:55Genevieve, you're using your own life as bait.
08:58Father, fish was already bitten.
09:00I smiled at him.
09:03Julian's captain of the guard took five men into that black forest farm at midnight.
09:08They broke down the door and searched every corner.
09:11They found no one.
09:12The captain set a fire and burned the whole cottage to the edge.
09:17When he returned to the capital, Julia asked,
09:19Did you see them die inside with your own eyes?
09:22The captain said,
09:24The fire was huge.
09:25Even if they weren't dead, they couldn't survive.
09:28Julian took 30 gold coins from his purse and threw them on the table.
09:32Go drink.
09:33Take this to your grave.
09:35The captain seized the coins and left.
09:38The moment the door closed, Julian leaned back and let out a long breath.
09:43He smiled.
09:45These words came from an informant father had planted in the Count's kitchen.
09:50After I heard the report, I lifted Adele onto my lap.
09:54Adele, would you like to go somewhere with lots of people and lots of good food?
09:58Adele was gnawing a piece of dry bread.
10:02She looked up at me.
10:04I want to go.
10:06Julian was holding an autumn harvest feast.
10:09It was his celebration after being officially invested as Count of the Eastern Border.
10:15He meant to present Cecilia as Countess, so the capital could see he truly owned the castle.
10:20On the day of the feast, night fell early.
10:24I lifted one corner of the carriage curtain and glanced out.
10:33Margaret, after I go in, stay in the carriage with Adele.
10:36My lady, you're going in alone?
10:39Alone. I placed Adele in Margaret's arms.
10:42When I send someone for you, bring Adele inside.
10:46Remember, if anyone asks who you are, I pinched Adele's cheek.
10:52Say I am the Grand Duke of Anjen's granddaughter.
10:55I am looking for my mother.
10:57Margaret, its lips moved.
10:59But in the end, she said nothing.
11:04I stepped down from the carriage.
11:06The doors to the banquet hall were shut tight.
11:08I raised my hand and knocked three times.
11:10No one answered. I knocked three more times.
11:13This time, the door cracked open.
11:14A butler poked his head out and looked me over.
11:16The banquet has already begun. Without an invitation.
11:19I don't need an invitation.
11:21I pushed back the hood of my cloak, revealing my whole face.
11:24The butler froze.
11:25His gaze moved from my face to my collar, then stopped on the golden lily.
11:28You... you are?
11:29Tell Count Julia.
11:31An old friend from the Black Forest has come to dine.
11:33The butler's face changed.
11:34He stumbled back, turned and ran into the hall.
11:36Nobles filled both sides of the long table.
11:38Goblets hung in mid-air.
11:40Forks hovered over plates.
11:41Every eye fixed on me.
11:42Then I saw Julian.
11:43He sat at the head of the long table, Celelia on his left.
11:46When he recognized my face, his fork slipped from his hand and struck the silver plate.
11:50Color drained from his face, inch by inch.
11:54God, the hall!
11:56Cecilia screamed.
11:57The hall erupted.
11:58Who is that woman?
11:59Why is she wearing Andam's lily?
12:00The Grand Duke of Andam's lily.
12:02Could she be Lady Genevieve?
12:03Wait.
12:04She said an old friend from the Black Forest.
12:06The first wife from the rumours!
12:09I stepped across the tiles, one step at a time.
12:13Julian stood so fast his chair toppled behind him, but he did not pick it up.
12:17He rounded the table and came toward me.
12:20Genevieve.
12:22His voice was dry.
12:26How can you be here?
12:28I stopped.
12:30Were you going to say your captain came back and reported a huge fire?
12:35That I couldn't have survived even if I wasn't dead?
12:39Julian's face turned ashen.
12:43His lips trembled.
12:44If you don't believe me, I can go through it piece by piece.
12:49My voice was not loud, but everyone in the hall heard me clearly.
12:57Should I start with the night you married Cecilia?
13:00You drank red wine by the hearth.
13:04Then you said,
13:06Now no one can stand in my way.
13:09Cecilia pointed at my nose and shrieked.
13:12Guards!
13:13Drag this mad woman out!
13:16Shout.
13:18I cut her off.
13:20Shout louder.
13:21Let the people outside see Lady Cecilia ordering around Lady Genevieve of Anjou.
13:26Cecilia's finger shook.
13:28You are not Anbar's daughter.
13:30The Grand Duke disowned you years ago!
13:33Is that so?
13:34I raised my right hand, showing the solid gold signet ring on my index finger.
13:40Then I turned its face towards the candlelight.
13:44Then do you recognize this ring?
13:46It bears the Ducal Cronin of House Anjou.
13:50Julian stepped closer and lowered his voice.
13:53What exactly do you want?
13:54Must you make me in front of everyone-
13:56In front of everyone what?
13:58Admit you sent men to the Black Forest to kill me.
14:01Or admit you committed bigamy by marrying your widowed sister-in-law without any church ruling.
14:08Someone at the long table stood.
14:10What did she say?
14:12He sent men to kill her.
14:14Gods above, that's a serious crime before the church.
14:16So the rumors were true?
14:17A vein bolted on Julian's forehead.
14:20His hands clenched into fists, loosened, then clenched again.
14:26Genevieve.
14:27His voice shook.
14:29Can we speak in private?
14:33In private?
14:34I laughed.
14:35Five years ago you spoke to me in private at the farm.
14:38You swore you'd come for me within three years.
14:40In the end, you sent men to kill me.
14:44And now you want me to speak with you in private?
14:47I turned to the nobles at the table.
14:49My lords and ladies, do you want to know what sort of man he is?
14:53No one spoke.
14:55Six years ago, someone broke one of his legs.
14:58They left him in a black forest marsh to die.
15:00I saved him.
15:02He traded one copper ring for my whole life.
15:04I raised my left hand.
15:06I slid off his old copper ring.
15:08Then I held it up to the candlelight.
15:10Low murmurs moved along the long table.
15:12I bore him a daughter in that farmhouse.
15:16After he left, he never came back.
15:18The murmurs in the hall grew louder.
15:21Cecilia suddenly rushed over and grabbed Julian's arm.
15:23Tell her!
15:24Say we married only after the church approved it!
15:27Say you and this woman were never lawfully married!
15:31Say it!
15:32Julian shook off her hand.
15:33Shut up!
15:37What's going on to shut up?
15:38Buried as elder Julian's silky wrong was in.
15:41Cecilia's voice was sharp enough to pierce the ear.
15:44Julian!
15:45What do you think you can still keep?
15:46She's alive!
15:47She's wearing Anaphon's lily!
15:49We're all finished!
15:51We're all finished!
15:52The two of them began arguing in front of the long table.
15:56I stepped back and watched them tear at each other.
16:00I brushed my skirt and turned toward the door.
16:03Genevieve.
16:04Julian chased me from behind.
16:07Right.
16:08I stopped at the doorway.
16:09I forgot to tell you one thing.
16:11Her Majesty the Queen Regent couldn't attend today.
16:15But she sent someone.
16:17Fear showed in Julia's eyes.
16:20I pushed open the door and stepped into the night.
16:23Margaret stood beside the carriage with Adele in her arms.
16:26When she saw me, she hurried over.
16:28My lady.
16:29How did it go?
16:30I took Adele and kissed her forehead.
16:35Adele, come on.
16:36Mama will take you inside for meat.
16:38When I pushed open the oak doors again with Adele in my arms, the noise in the hall died at
16:42once.
16:43Everyone was looking at me.
16:44My lords and ladies.
16:46My voice was not high, but it reached the whole hall.
16:50There is something I would like you all to see.
16:52The parchment unrolled, revealing dense lines of Latin.
16:55At the bottom were two signatures.
16:57One was mine.
16:58The other was Julian's.
17:00This is the marriage contract Count Julian de Mornay wrote before the gods six years ago.
17:04I pushed the parchment aside.
17:06Julian could not speak.
17:08The parchment passed down the long table from hand to hand.
17:13Several nobles exchanged glances and began murmuring.
17:16Just then, a woman stood.
17:19She was Baroness Villabort.
17:20She was looking at my ears.
17:23Lady Genevieve, are those pearl earrings the Queen gave you for your 15th birthday?
17:28I paused slightly.
17:30You recognize them?
17:31Of course.
17:33That year at the Queen's birthday banquet your mother took your hand and brought you before Her Majesty.
17:38The Queen placed those earrings on your ears herself.
17:41Baroness Vilcord turned to Julia.
17:42Count Julia, I know a liar when I see one.
17:46She pointed to the blood seal on the parchment.
17:49This marriage contract is real.
17:50You cannot fool me.
17:54Julian's face collapsed completely.
17:56Enough!
17:57Cecilia glared at Baroness Vilafor, her eyes red.
17:59What gives you the right to say it's real?
18:01You're not a church judge!
18:03The Baroness gave her a cold look, then sat down and said no more.
18:07Cecilia turned to the nobles at the table, and tears suddenly poured down her face.
18:11My lords and ladies, I am only a poor woman.
18:13My husband died.
18:14I had two children and an empty castle to keep.
18:16Julian came to me and said the church had granted a disipersation.
18:19He said he had no wife.
18:20She sobbed and covered her mouth with a handkerchief.
18:22I truly didn't know he had a first wife.
18:24I was deceived too.
18:26I watched her perform.
18:27I waited until she finished that round of tears before speaking.
18:31You didn't know?
18:32Let me help you remember.
18:33I called towards the door.
18:35Bring him in.
18:36The door opened.
18:37A lame middle-aged man came in, dragging his left leg.
18:41He walked to the long table and stopped.
18:43Cecilia stopped crying.
18:44She stared at the man's face.
18:46Who are you?
18:47I don't know you.
18:48Lady Cecilia may not know me, but I know her.
18:51The man took a cloth bundle from his coat and opened it.
18:53Inside lay an old copper key and several black and silver coins.
18:57My name is Pierre.
18:58Five years ago, I was Count Julian's messenger.
19:00Every month, his lordship gave me a pouch of silver.
19:02I took it to his wife in the black forest.
19:04He placed the copper key on the table.
19:06This is the key to his lordship study drawer.
19:09Every month, he put the money in that drawer.
19:11I took it and left.
19:12For the first three months, I delivered it.
19:15In the fourth month, Lady Cecilia sent for me.
19:18Cecilia's lips began to tremble.
19:22Her ladyship said those coins no longer need to be sent.
19:26That lady has no use for them now.
19:28I asked, does his lordship know?
19:30Her ladyship said his lordship knows.
19:33We agreed on it.
19:35Then she gave me 20 silver coins and told me to keep quiet.
19:41Pierre raised his head and looked at Cecilia.
19:44My lady, I spent those 20 silver coins, but I kept this key.
19:50I knew someone would ask about it one day.
19:55The hall exploded.
19:57She withheld the silver.
20:01Every month.
20:02How was the woman in the black forest supposed to live?
20:05Cecilia shot to her feet, pointed at Pierre and streaked.
20:09You lie! You're a paid liar! Who sent you her?
20:13She pointed at me.
20:17How much did she pay you?
20:20Pierre did not flinch.
20:22My lady, I took no money from her.
20:25I came on my own, because I owe the lady in the black forest my life.
20:29His voice dropped.
20:31When I brought the silver in the third month, she was heavy with child.
20:33Her belly was so big she couldn't bend.
20:35I couldn't sleep that night.
20:37The next day I went to the Count's manor to find his lordship.
20:40The guards stopped me outside.
20:43Lady Cecilia sent word.
20:45Speak again, and we'll break your other leg too.
20:51Pierre lifted his trouser leg.
20:53A scar marked his left calf.
20:57That was their answer.
20:59Cecilia's lips quivered.
21:03Julian slammed the table. The wine glasses jumped.
21:08Enough!
21:10Pierre, you're dismissed! Get out!
21:13My lord!
21:14You knew Lady Cecilia broke my leg five years ago, didn't you?
21:18Pierre said it calmly.
21:20At the long table, someone set down their knife and fork.
21:26Cecilia suddenly drew a letter from her bodice and held it up.
21:31Don't believe this cripple! I have evidence too!
21:35What evidence?
21:38A love letter Julian wrote to his widowed sister-in-law?
21:41Or one you wrote to the captain of the guard?
21:47Cecilia's face flushed scarlet.
21:52I never wrote to the captain!
21:56The letter slipped from her hand.
22:02A servant picked it up and handed it to old Count Morton.
22:07The old Count glanced over it.
22:09This letter was written by Lady Cecilia to Count Julian.
22:14He read aloud.
22:16Dearest Julian, the woman at the farm.
22:19When do you mean to deal with her?
22:22While she lives, I can't be mistress of this castle in peace.
22:26Every night I dream she has come to my door.
22:30The old Count did not finish.
22:32He handed the letter to the person beside him and shook his head.
22:37Enough!
22:38Cecilia gave a piercing wail and lunged for the letter.
22:41Two maids stopped her.
22:42She struggled, her hair coming loose.
22:45Her gold hairpin fell and snapped underfoot.
22:48She screamed.
22:49He said the church would never recognize our marriage while that woman lived.
22:53He said she had to disappear.
22:56Julian roared back.
22:58I did it!
23:00I never said that!
23:03You didn't?
23:07Should I repeat what you said in my bed?
23:10In front of everyone?
23:12Cecilia was furious.
23:14You mad woman!
23:15Shut up!
23:17Julian slapped Cecilia across the face.
23:19A sharp sound rang through the hall.
23:22Cecilia held her cheek and stared at Julian, eyes wide.
23:29Then she laughed.
23:33Fine!
23:34You hit me!
23:37Julian, you hit me!
23:38She turned to face everyone, and her voice was no longer strirl.
23:42My lords and ladies, I will tell the truth.
23:46I knew he had a first wife.
23:48I knew from the start.
23:51The hall fell silent.
23:54When he came to me, he brought the church's dispensation papers.
23:58He slapped them on my table and said,
24:00Sign this, and I'll be the count.
24:03You'll be the countess.
24:05As for the one at the farm, I'll send her off with a little money.
24:09I asked, what if she won't leave?
24:13He said, then make sure she can't.
24:20Cecilia looked at Julian.
24:22You said it in my bed.
24:25Naked.
24:26Holding me.
24:27Saying, Cecilia, only you deserve to be my wife.
24:31Julian's mouth hung open.
24:35I stood to the side, watching the two of them tear at each other.
24:39When the door opened again, a young man entered.
24:43A silver cross hung at his chest, and a sealed letter was in his hand.
24:48Two church guards followed behind him.
24:51The atmosphere in the hall shifted.
24:54Who is Julian de Mornay?
24:56Julian's face was white as paper.
24:59I am.
25:00The young man came before him, and unfolded the letter.
25:04The church requires documents within seven days.
25:08Prove your marriage to Genevieve de Anzan is lawful.
25:12Or prove it was lawfully dissolved.
25:15You are suspected of bigamy, so the church has opened an investigation.
25:20Julian's hands shook.
25:29He edged closer to the deacon. The deacon took one step back.
25:33Count.
25:35Are you trying to bribe me?
25:40Julian froze.
25:42I wasn't.
25:44That look in your eyes matches the merchant last month.
25:47He tried to buy false testimony from me with fifty gold coins.
25:51The young deacon said it without expression.
25:54I won't take your money.
25:55The church doesn't take dirty money.
25:58Someone in the hall laughed.
25:59Julian's lips trembled.
26:01The deacon turned to me and bowed slightly.
26:04Lady Genevieve, did you submit the complaint?
26:08I did.
26:09I stood.
26:10Are you certain you want the church involved?
26:12I am.
26:13I nodded.
26:14Even if this means Count Julia may be excommunicated.
26:17Even then.
26:18The deacon nodded, made several notes in his book, then turned to leave.
26:21At the door, he suddenly stopped.
26:23One more thing. The Arpa ship asked me to pass on a message.
26:27What message?
26:28The guards are watching.
26:30The deacon looked at him. The door closed. Julian's legs went weak.
26:33One hand braced on the table, the other gripped the chair back.
26:36Cecilia suddenly screamed.
26:39I am carrying his child. You cannot annul the marriage. The church cannot.
26:44Every eye in the hall turned to her belly. Someone frowned.
26:47You're pregnant?
26:48Yes.
26:49Cecilia nodded desperately.
26:51I'm carrying Julian's child. The church cannot void the marriage. A child cannot be fatherless.
26:57Are you sure it's his?
26:59I said. Cecilia glared at me.
27:01What do you mean?
27:04I mean...
27:05I looked at her.
27:07Your captain of the guard, Edmund, visits your bedchamber late at night. The fifteenth and thirtieth of every month, doesn't
27:13he?
27:14Cecilia's face turned grey-green.
27:17How did you...
27:18How did you...
27:18You're lying. Nothing of the sort.
27:21Your own maid told me.
27:23I said.
27:23Should I bring her in to face you?
27:25Cecilia's lips trembled valiantly. Her gaze darted across the long table. Then she found Julian.
27:32Julian was looking at her with an expression she had never seen before. There was no love in it. No
27:37pity. Not even anger. Only disgust.
27:43Julian, say something. This child is yours. Yours!
27:47She lunged to grab his sleeve. Julian flung her hand away so hard she fell to the floor.
27:51Don't touch me. You and the captain, did you think I didn't know?
27:55You knew?
27:56Cecilia sat on the floor and looked up at him.
27:59You knew? And you still slept with me?
28:02Julian shut his mouth. This time the woman who entered was Queen Regent Isabella's lady-in-waiting.
28:07The lady-in-waiter swept her gaze across the hall and spoke.
28:10Her Majesty the Queen Regent has heard what happened at the Count's feast.
28:14She is deeply shocked.
28:16No Count should betray vows, deceive the church, or abandon wife and child.
28:22Therefore, Her Majesty commands that at Julian de Mornay's powers as Count of the Eastern Border are suspended at once.
28:28His fend will be held by the crown. He is not to...
28:31The lady-in-waiting paused and looked at Julian.
28:33He is not to reside with Cecilia de Mornay.
28:36Cecilia gave a short scream.
28:38By what right?
28:39She shrieked.
28:40By what right does the Queen interfere in our family affairs? By what right?
28:44The lady-in-waiting said coldly.
28:46Every Felden title, from Count upward, falls under the crown.
28:50Her Majesty the Queen Regent is the realm's supreme regent. Is that reason enough?
28:55Cecilia's mouth opened, but no words came.
28:58The lady-in-waiting turned to Julian.
29:00My lord.
29:01No, I can't call you that for now.
29:04Mr. Julian, do you object?
29:07Julian lowered his head.
29:10No.
29:11The lady-in-waiting came to me and handed me a small silver badge.
29:15Her Majesty says that if you need help, bring this badge to the palace.
29:18She will receive you in the West Parlour.
29:20I accepted the badge.
29:21Please thank Her Majesty for me.
29:23The lady-in-waiting nodded and left with the guards.
29:26After the door closed, the hall stayed quiet for a long time.
29:32Julian slowly walked up to me.
29:34His head was bowed, his shoulders sunken.
29:38Genevieve.
29:39His voice was horny.
29:41I looked at him and said nothing.
29:43Tell them to hold off.
29:44I'll explain things to the Church.
29:45Speak to Her Majesty for me.
29:47I can put in a word?
29:49I almost laughed.
29:50You are Adele's mother, after all.
29:52We are, after all.
29:53After all what?
29:55He raised his head.
29:56After all, I still love you.
29:59I looked into his eyes.
30:01Julian, you wore that same face six years ago.
30:04You wore it when you knelt and asked me to marry you.
30:07W-what face?
30:08The look of a man in love.
30:10Julian's lips trembled.
30:11This time it's real.
30:12This time what is real?
30:13Your love for me?
30:14Or your fear of dying?
30:16I gave a cold laugh.
30:17I won't speak for you.
30:19Your crimes are yours.
30:20Explain them to the Church.
30:21Explain them to the Queen.
30:23Julian's eyes reddened.
30:24Then he knelt.
30:25In front of dozens of nobles, he knelt before me.
30:28Genevieve.
30:29His voice shook.
30:30I was wrong.
30:31I truly was.
30:32Forgive me this once.
30:33He reached out.
30:34I stepped back.
30:38Adele?
30:39Adele was still chewing half a piece of cake.
30:42Remember how this man looks on his knees.
30:44If anyone ever tells you, your father is a hero, tell them heroes don't kneel and beg.
30:50Adele looked down at Julian, then up at me.
30:53He isn't my father.
30:54She said in her soft little voice.
30:56He's a bad man.
30:57I lifted Adele and wiped her greasy mouth.
31:00Who?
31:01Who?
31:01Adele pressed her face to mine.
31:03Let's go.
31:04I turned towards the door.
31:06No one stopped me.
31:07Julian was still kneeling on the floor.
31:10Cecilia huddled in the corner, her hair loose.
31:12I pushed open the oak door and walked into the night.
31:17My carriage waited by the square.
31:19Beside it stood an old black carriage.
31:21Margaret jumped down from the first carriage and took Adele.
31:24My lady.
31:25His grace is here.
31:26She nodded toward the black carriage.
31:28I paused.
31:29Father lifted the curtain, showing half his face.
31:32Get in.
31:33I went over, stepped onto the carriage board and climbed in.
31:36The compartment was dark, lit only by a small oil lamp hanging from the roof.
31:40Father sat opposite me holding a cup of hot wine.
31:42Are you satisfied?
31:45I leaned back and let out a breath.
31:47Not yet.
31:48Why?
31:49His title has not been formally stripped.
31:52Cecilia's still carrying his child.
31:55That child isn't his.
31:57Father took a sip of wine.
31:59I checked.
32:00I turned to look at him.
32:01Cecilia's captain of the guard, Edmund, visits her bedchamber every three days.
32:07Sometimes at night, sometimes by day, when Julian is out.
32:11Father took a sheet of paper from his coat and handed it to me.
32:14This is the headmaid's testimony.
32:17I looked at the paper and suddenly laughed.
32:23Father, when did you start investigating?
32:26The night you knelt at the castle gate.
32:29I said nothing.
32:31Outside, the horse's hooves sounded at an easy pace.
32:35Adele slept in Margaret's arms.
32:38Her mouth was slightly open.
32:41One hand still clenched a small piece of bread from the feast.
32:45Father looked at me.
32:48What do you plan to do after the trial ends?
32:54Father, tomorrow I want to visit Mother's grave.
33:00Take Adele.
33:04Your mother never got to meet her.
33:09All right.
33:10The carriage turned onto Ania Castle's drawbridge, its wheels grinding over stone.
33:16I lifted the curtain and looked back.
33:20The Count's castle was still lit.
33:23Seven days later.
33:26The church court's judgement arrived at Angu Castle at noon.
33:32I stood in the kitchen and put kneaded dough into the oven.
33:36Adele stood beside me on a little stool, pinching a lump of dough.
33:41Margaret brought the judgement in.
33:47My lady, the church has ruled.
33:51Read it.
33:54Margaret unrolled the parchment.
33:56The church court rules that at Genevieve de Jong and Julien de Mornay are lawfully married.
34:02He swore before the gods.
34:05Marriage contract and witnesses proof.
34:07Julien de Mornay is guilty of bigamy.
34:10His marriage to Cecilia de Mornay is invalid.
34:13Julien de Mornay is stripped of the title, Count of the Eastern Border.
34:18His fief is reclaimed.
34:19He may never hold public office again.
34:22Cecilia de Mornay is guilty of adultery.
34:25Her property is forfeit.
34:27She is stripped of the church's protection and must leave the capital within ten days.
34:35Margaret finished reading.
34:38Only the oven crackled in the kitchen.
34:41Adele looked up at me.
34:42Mama, was the bad man taken away?
34:46Soon, I placed the dough in the oven and shut the door.
34:50Wait a little longer.
34:51The bread will be ready.
34:52Father entered the kitchen at dusk.
34:55He wore plain clothes and carried a paper parcel.
34:59Inside were three silver white fish.
35:01He knelt in court and cried.
35:03Father scaled the fish as he spoke.
35:06The archbishop asked,
35:07Have you anything to say?
35:09He said,
35:09I was wrong.
35:11I should not have abandoned them.
35:12I regret it.
35:14And then?
35:20Then the archbishop said,
35:21Regret doesn't feed the hungry.
35:23It doesn't bring back the dead.
35:26Then he ruled.
35:27Father placed the fish on a plate and wiped his hands.
35:31Cecilia was expelled from the count's castle this afternoon.
35:34The crown stripped her of custody over her two legitimate children.
35:39She had to go to the dock district alone, heavily pregnant.
35:43I hear she had nowhere to stay and sat crying on the church steps.
35:47I opened the oven.
35:48The smell of bread poured out.
35:50I took out the bread and set it on the windowsip to cool.
35:55Let her cry.
35:57I took out the bread.
36:00We eat.
36:03Adele rose onto her toes.
36:05I lifted her and let her take one herself.
36:09Hot.
36:10Blow on it before you eat.
36:13She puffed her cheeks,
36:14loom twice,
36:15then took a big bite.
36:17Good!
36:18Father looked at me,
36:20the corner of his mouth twidging.
36:22Father, what do you want to say?
36:25Nothing.
36:26He turned, carrying the cleaned fish to the stove.
36:31Tomorrow morning I'll make fish soup for your mother.
36:33She loved it.
36:34I did not answer.
36:36Outside the window,
36:37the last autumn leaves lifted in the wind
36:39and fell into the castle courtyard.
36:42Father, thank you.
36:44Don't say things like that.
36:46He did not turn back.
36:47I smiled.
36:51Adele finished one roll and grabbed another.
36:55Mama, will we eat bread tomorrow too?
36:58Yes.
37:00Every day.
37:03Will the bad man come back?
37:05No.
37:07I held her a little tighter.
37:10He'll never dare come back again.
37:12I closed the kitchen door.