Crown for Christmas Page #4

Well, you always do.

Mind if I join you guys?

It's not customary for the

governess to eat with staff.

I think that's up to Fergus,

don't you?

- I see no harm in one more.

- Thanks.

- Here.

- I'll try not to eat too much.

Trust me, with Mrs. Claiborne's

kidney pie, you won't.

I think that's your

second piece, isn't it, Fergus?

Is it really?

It'll be okay.

Fergus tells me you make

a delicious mulligan stew.

Oh, yes! I had more

than one portion of that.

Would you like to give me

the recipe tomorrow?

- I'd love to.

- I'll drink to that.

Cheers, everyone.

I thought Theodora

should have her star.

And it's too high up

for Miss Wick to take down.

Unless she files up

on her broom.

Good point.

I know you talk to horses.

Do you ride them?

A few times

around Central Park.

This park's a little bigger

and quieter.

Thanks.

You know, you can only see

so much from the back of a limo,

but you can see everything

from the seat of a horse.

You ride every night?

It's the only time when

I really feel like myself.

I think that's why

I love New York so much.

Nobody knows me there.

I can stand in line,

get shouted at by taxi drivers.

That's what you want?

You'd be surprised at what

you want when you can't have it.

We should swap lives.

I stand in line and get

yelled at on a daily basis.

I met my wife in New York.

Her family was as royal

and stuffy as mine,

but she wasn't.

We eloped.

- Vegas?

- Niagara Falls.

My father would have

disowned me if he could.

He was a much better king

than he was a father.

I probably

shouldn't say this.

No, please, say it.

Do you ever feel like...

maybe you've become

a little like him?

I'm afraid I might be

going down the same path.

Paths change all the time.

Not in my world.

Fergus tells me

you're an artist.

Oh, he saw a few paintings

at my house, that's all.

That's not how

he described them.

I had a show once,

a couple years back.

Didn't go so well.

So now I just

paint for myself.

That's a shame.

I'd really like

to see your work.

So would he.

Where are your manners?

There's an artist

in our presence.

You taught him that?

He's taught me

a few things too.

It's so beautiful.

Yes, it is.

Thank you for

the royal treatment.

And thank you for treating me

like a normal person.

I'm not sure

that's an even exchange.

Trust me, it is.

I'd shake your hand,

but I know you don't shake.

Good night, Your Highness.

Max. Please.

Well, I should probably...

Good night, Allie.

Good night.

You wanted to see me, sir?

Yes. Lady Celia's

arriving tomorrow.

Make sure her room is ready.

But she's not due

until Christmas Eve.

There's been

a small change of plan.

Good morning, Mrs. Claiborne.

Gingerbread cookies!

Good morning, dear. And how

was the rest of your evening?

Eh. Just another night

in the castle.

It's funny,

I can't remember the last time

the king took anyone riding.

On second thought,

yes, I can.

Never.

Is that gingerbread?

It's not for breakfast.

Good morning, Theodora.

I saw you and Father

riding last night.

Next time don't hold onto

the saddle horn.

Thank you.

Should there be

a next time, I won't.

- Morning, Your Highness.

- Morning, Fergus.

Chancellor.

Your breakfast.

O Christmas tree

O Christmas tree

Your leaves

are so unchanging

Not only green

when summer's here

But also when

it's cold and drear

O Christmas tree

O Christmas tree

Such pleasure

do you bring me

Yes!

What wonderful acoustics

in here.

O Christmas tree

O Christmas tree

Not the original German.

A Christmas song

is a Christmas song.

A royal car has arrived,

Your Highness.

- Are we expecting someone?

- It's not on the schedule.

Ah, that must be Lady Celia.

I thought she wasn't arriving

until the day of the ball.

I invited her

a few days early.

After all,

she'll be family soon.

- That's not your decision.

- Someone has to make one.

The monarchy needs a queen.

Announcing Lady Celia

of Luxembourg.

Maximillian!

Isn't this all just wonderful?

Words cannot describe it.

Theodora, I haven't seen you

since you were tiny!

No. You saw me

three months ago.

And at Easter.

And last year

at the Christmas gala.

I suppose I should

remember these things.

But I did remember this.

Thank you.

I'll open it on Christmas.

Oh, no, open it now, dear.

I can't wait to see it on you.

Ballet. My favorite thing.

And you're just the right age

to start lessons.

You are going to make

an adorable ballerina.

Lady Celia, this is Miss Evans,

my governess.

Nice to meet you,

Lady Celia.

An American governess.

How odd.

I couldn't agree more.

Let's all move

to the drawing room, shall we?

Your Highness.

Who is she?

The horrible lady

my father's supposed to marry.

What better place to announce it

than the Christmas gala?

How perfect.

I vote for a spring wedding.

Of what year?

Aren't you silly.

This year, of course.

We'll send the invitations out

on the first.

That way it gives

anyone who counts

plenty of time

to clear their schedule.

The wedding is being held

at the castle, I assume?

Just as

Maximillian's father's was.

And perhaps a honeymoon

in the Maldives?

You're planning

my honeymoon too?

Our honeymoon.

And I adore the Maldives.

Unless, of course,

you prefer somewhere else?

No, not really.

Father, you don't

look too well.

Maybe you should go to bed.

I'll take you.

- I'm fine, Theodora.

- It is getting late.

You must be very tired,

Theodora.

Oh, I never sleep. In fact,

if you were to get married,

you'd never be alone together

because I'd always be there

day and night.

Theodora.

But I have questions

for Lady Celia.

- Questions?

- Do you like bugs?

As long as they're

in the ground, I suppose.

Do you know how to make

ornaments out of pinecones

- or mulligan stew?

- Theodora, that's enough.

Are you being nice to me

just 'cause you want

to marry my father?

Do you even love my father?

Theodora!

Teddy...

Excuse me.

Your Highness,

let the governess handle it.

Your Highness?

Teddy!

Teddy, wait!

Teddy!

I know you're in here.

Theodora!

Theodora, come out

this minute!

She's locked it

from the outside.

You're not gonna hit me

with that, are you?

I'm going to break a window,

Your Highness.

It's still Max.

Don't believe everything

you're thinking.

You don't know

what I'm thinking.

That I'm a jerk

who wanted to kiss you

when I'm about

to be getting married?

So you do know

what I'm thinking.

- Can I at least explain?

- There's nothing to explain.

This union was arranged

by the throne.

- Aren't you the throne?

- No. I just sit on it.

Apparently, the monarchy's

only popular

when we're getting married

or having babies.

Celia and I were meant

to be married years ago, but...

we see each other

occasionally.

It's just always been assumed

that we'd be together.

You make a beautiful couple.

And I hope

that you'll be happy.

Spare key. Sorry.

Inside, Theodora.

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