Royal Hearts Page #3

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And then I just wanted

something of my own,

so I quit

and never rode again.

And I bet your dad

didn't like that.

I don't think

he's ever forgiven me.

He doesn't have to know.

I'm sure you're pretty rusty.

- Guess again.

- Care to prove it?

I don't have to prove myself

to you or anyone.

Of course you don't.

But you don't want

to humiliate yourself.

I'm sure it was

a long, long time ago.

Not that long.

Look, forget I said anything.

Already forgotten.

I mean, we wouldn't want you

to strain anything royal.

[scoffs]

ALEX:
So you coming?

ALEX:
Books can be

a wonderful gift,

but a ride through nature

cures all.

KELLY:
This is... Wow.

Jane Austen couldn't have

put it more eloquently.

It's beautiful.

Yeah, it is, isn't it?

We have incredible

natural resources here.

Lumber, ore.

Those mountains are filled

with copper and tin

and a rare earth

used in computers.

It's like a postcard.

It is.

We were worried when King

Nikolas was gonna take over,

that things would change.

Change how?

King Nikolas likes to

modernize and industrialize.

But now your dad's here,

we got nothing to worry about.

Well, my dad's here now.

I just need to

convince him to stay.

Why? Is there a problem?

Well, the truth is,

he doesn't feel like

he belongs here.

There's something

I need to show you.

[moos]

Dad, we need to talk.

What are you doing?

Gate needed fixing.

Well, what do you care,

if you're leaving tomorrow?

Something's broke,

you fix it.

That's right.

- Come with me.

- Hmm?

Come on.

These people here

have a real problem, Dad,

and it needs to be fixed,

just like that gate out there.

You can't fix everything

for everybody.

What is it

that you always say?

You never turn your back

on family.

I'm not turning my back on--

Meet King Henry the Brave,

first king of Merania.

And don't you dare tell me

he doesn't look like

part of our family.

Hmm.

Look, you don't need

to stay here long,

but long enough

to knock some sense

into King Nikolas of Angosia.

What?

Two weeks.

Once it's done, I'm gone.

BOSWORTH:

Good morning, Your Majesty.

Yes, your first

appointment today

is with Mr. Grimsby,

a briefing.

What kind of briefing?

I believe it concerns

your address

to the Parliament

Privy Council.

What's that?

The group of elected ministers

who tend to

government affairs.

Anything else?

No, no. Thanks, Boz.

How wonderful. A nickname.

ALEX:
King Viktor

was a good man,

but he didn't know

the first thing about farming.

You know, I wanted you

to know I can do more.

You just say the word,

and I'll be there.

Well, I appreciate that.

Oh, nice chair.

But where do they

put the couch?

Ha! Yes.

Alex was telling me he'd like

to increase the number of sheep.

Yes, well, very good.

First things first.

Your daughter's told me

you're on board

and ready to

get down to business.

Wait a minute.

What exactly does that mean?

Well, I had a great idea, Dad,

and Grimsby agrees.

I invited

King Nikolas of Angosia

to pay us an official visit.

You'll be hosting him

at a state dinner this evening.

Well, then how about

we make it a barbecue?

- No!

- No!

Okay, so that's it?

And we've prepared

a small guest list.

Is there anyone

you'd like to include?

Mm...

Just my dog.

[coughs]

This afternoon,

you will make an appearance

with the Parliament

Privy Council.

Then we have the royal games,

followed by the royal ball.

Royal pain is what it is.

You know why a dog

is man's best friend?

Because he wags his tail

instead of his tongue.

Stop it.

- [Alex chuckles]

- Don't encourage him.

I didn't do anything.

Look, Grimsby, about the meeting

this afternoon,

- I'm not sure I'm--

- Prepared?

Of course not.

How could you be?

- Oh, good, then you'll--

- Write your remarks?

Already done.

I've worked hard

to strike the proper tone.

Do try to read it as written.

The council doesn't care much

for surprises.

Hmm.

[Hank mumbles]

We'll get out of your way,

give you time to prepare.

I told you

not to encourage him.

- I'm not.

- Why are you kissing up to him?

I wasn't.

Look, we're just

kindred spirits.

KELLY:
You know, he needs

to behave like a king.

And you worry too much.

Now you're starting

to sound just like him.

And is that so bad?

Yes.

[regal]

[chuckling]

Off with their heads!

[chuckles]

- Uh, sir, sir.

- Hmm?

I'm afraid the west wing

has been avoided for years.

Would you like me

to kick the door in?

I've seen it done

in American action movies.

It looks rather exciting.

No, I appreciate the offer.

I'm just snooping around.

Oh, well, feel free

to snoop, Sire.

Yeah, can you tell me why

it's all closed off like that?

Yes. Cost-cutting.

The monarchy

lacks the necessary funds

to maintain the property,

so it's rather dank down there.

So I guess that explains

all the repair

that needs doing around here.

Not to worry.

The Parliament Privy Council

expects to raise all the taxes

to cover the expense.

It's all in your speech.

Doesn't seem fair,

folks having to pay

for a house

they don't even live in.

Why, it's the way it's been

done for centuries, sir.

Tell me, Boz, that grassland

behind the castle,

do we own all that?

Oh, yes, does indeed,

all the way to the base

of the mountains.

Hmm.

[engine starts]

- Good luck with your meeting!

- Piece of cake.

Just please don't

start a revolution.

[laughs]

In you go, come on.

Come on, around you go.

- There you go.

- What's her name?

This is Nellie.

She's expecting, isn't she?

That's not bad for someone

who's not a cowgirl anymore.

Hey, if you give her

one of these,

she'll be your friend for life.

So, um, I'm just gonna say it.

I'm sorry for the thing

yesterday.

What thing?

Just being, uh, swotty.

I'm sorry.

I'm just not usually such a--

Princess?

[horn honks]

Oh, no.

King Nikolas is here,

and he's early,

and I am not ready.

King Nikolas.

[chuckles]

You must be Princess Kelly.

Your Grace, may I present

King Nikolas of Angosia.

It's so nice to meet you.

- [kiss]

- I'm sorry.

I didn't expect to--

I thought--

[laughs]

I hope you're not disappointed.

No, Your Majesty.

So I meet with your approval?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Oh, please, Your Majesty

was my father, and I'm Nikolas.

And I clearly don't know

what I'm doing.

Neither do I,

most of the time.

Um...

[laughs]

I'm sorry. I didn't have

a chance to change

before you got here.

Oh, you look perfectly

fetching in straw.

I'm sure you'd love

to go to your room,

freshen up, relax.

Sounds brilliant.

I'll show you the way.

We have tea

in the drawing room at three.

Well, until then.

GRIMSBY:
Lords and ladies,

may I present to you

His Royal Majesty,

King Henry of Merania.

Here's the deal, fellas.

I'm supposed to stand up here

and pretend to make nice

so that you don't mind

when I ask you to raise taxes,

so I can do repairs

and pay some bills

on that castle up there.

Well, to me,

that just don't seem fair.

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