Elizabeth I is "Courting the Valois" in 'The Serpent Queen'
Episode 6 of The Serpent Queen opens with Antoine Bourbon, still feeling the effects of the night before and Ruggiero’s drugged wine. Queen Elizabeth of England and her entourage sweep through the corridors as his brother, Louis, insists she can’t possibly be here; she’s in Flanders awaiting orders. As the Bourbon bros realize they’ve been duped, Henry, Antoine’s son, puts it together; they were drugged so dark deeds – marrying Princess Elisabeth to Philip of Spain – could be carried out. Catherine’s children are outraged, but she explains if they don’t ally with the English Queen, the Bourbons, the leading Protestant family, will strengthen their relationship with Elizabeth and take control.
Elizabeth I: “How are you all not as fat as swine?”
It’s a duel between two powerful queens, with marriage as the weapon. Forget about marrying for love, as Margot wishes to do. Mother knows best, and her son Charles is to marry Queen Elizabeth, uniting the Tudor and Valois dynasties.
