Home Screenwriting Products Screenwriter Community Screenwriting Store
ScriptBuddy - Screenwriting Software for the Web

Screenwriter Community

Back to List of Published Screenplays
View/Leave Feedback

Crushing Kingdoms
by Mandey (26251@students.olatheschools.com)

Rated: PG   Genre: Drama   User Review:
NOT YET
RATED

Prince (later king) John is planning something corrupt. How will he be stopped? It will take teamwork.


This screenplay is copyrighted to its author. All rights reserved. This screenplay may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.



INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
A well-dressed man and an equally well-dressed young man
enter the room, the girl following them dressed in servant's
clothing. There is silence as the man sits down on the
throne. He is King EDWARD and the young man standing in
front of him is his son, Prince JOHN. They appear to be in
the middle of an argument.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Solemnly)
So you do not deny this murder,
John?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Aye, I do not. It was a matter of
necessity, for she hath created
plots against you.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Voice is firm and
       leaves no room
       for argument.)
Stop with this insolence!
                                                            
There is a brief pause, tensions remain high but EDWARD
relaxes somewhat.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Almost pleadingly)
End this childlike game so that we
may be done with it, for I know
that your mother hath loved me
well.
                                                            
                       JOHN
‘Tis not so! You make yourself a
fool in light of her misdeeds. You
cannot pretend she was truly
loyal, you cannot!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Getting angry
       again, nearly
       exasperated)
Admit you know not what you speak,
John, lest you prove yourself a
liar!
                                                            
                       JOHN
Father, listen to the servant
girl. She was there!
                                                            

2.

The servant girl approaches the king's throne. Her name is
KIMIMELA.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
Highness, she want for bad things
happen to you. I had not know of
this before, but is all true.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Do you not see? Mother was guilty
of treason. Even this girl, who
used to work under Mother,
supports what I hath telled to
you.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Stares hard into
       JOHN's face)
She may backeth your claim, but
who can say by what means she hath
chosen to do so?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Father, I have not any dark
promises to my name. Who am I to
seize the support of the world and
rise up against you?
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You are my heir, and I know well
the ways of an heir. Your motives
lie in gaining what is not yet
yours in the quickest time
possible. Do you deny it?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Getting defensive)
I tell you, I hath acted to spare
you and not to harm you!
                                                            
                       DEVONA (OS)
Here you are, Father, at last.
                                                            
Princess DEVONA enters. She is younger than JOHN but is very
observant.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
      (Enters and
       curtsies to
       EDWARD, then
       leaning in to
       speak a bit more
       quietly)
            (MORE)

3.

                       DEVONA (cont'd)
I fear that to take him at his
word would beget destruction. As
he hath soiled his hands with
murder, he hath surely soiled his
tongue with a falsehood.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (CHUCKLES lightly,
       as if he expects
       no better of her)
You say this in ignorance for you
do not know of this, sister.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
      (Turning to leer
       at JOHN)
I know weller than you think! It
is an innocent woman who lie in
the royal tomb, and you besmirch
her golden name to serve your
selfish purpose. May comeuppance
yet swoop down, John, and put end
to this madness!
                                                            
                       JOHN
Madness? If that is what you
believe, who am I to assess your
views but a madman? Our mother’s
name is not all that lies
besmirched, my dear sister, but I
will no longer attempt to show you
the innocence I possess!
      (Brushes past
       DEVONA to LEAVE
       the room in a
       huff)
                                                            
 
INT. ROYAL DINING ROOM - DAY
                                                            
EDWARD and DEVONA are sitting at a table. JOHN is standing
in the doorway, eyes locked with EDWARD's.
                                                            
EDWARD breaks the eye contact. JOHN makes his way over to
the table.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Good evening.
      (Seats himself)
                                                            
                       DEVONA
      (Scoffs)
A good evening but for a murderer.
                                                            

4.

                       EDWARD
      (Looks up again)
Children!
                                                            
DEVONA and JOHN stare at each other for a while as the
EDWARD begins to eat.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Quietly)
The farmer Mr. Branstrum hath
confessed and is penned. He is a
widower and has admitted his
children to our castle staff. They
will arrive after they set all
other affairs in order.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
      (Excitedly)
Do they speak English well?
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Aye. They be of a Scottish
descent. Both are of the working
variety, having raised under a
farmer's roof. They seem of good
sense and good breeding.
      (Glances at JOHN)
The eldest hath a particular
beauty about her.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Is this an attempt to make me a
commoners' wife, Father?
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Perhaps. Will it not add a sense
of connection to the people? Will
it not show my faith in our
countrymen?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Aye, Father, it will.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I wonder what she look like.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
You will have seen soon enough,
son, and all shall be arranged if
you find her fitting.
                                                            

5.

                       DEVONA
For a murder he'll find her
fitting enough.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Devona!
                                                            
                       DEVONA
I know your only reason to kill
mother was her unwillingness to
submit to your cause, and you
might have will to remove Miss
Branstrum in the same way!
                                                            
                       JOHN
The only cause I defended was the
greater good. If you have now
finished with this grave
insinuation, I tell you that I
only do what doth need be done and
do so in the name of justice.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Justice! You say its hands saw fit
this fearsome deed, but the mighty
hands stilled when yours did not!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Firmly)
Stop this, child! We do not sit
here to claw at each other but to
eat. Not another word from your
lips.
                                                            
DEVONA silences. She still looks up to glare at JOHN.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Weary)
Your mother's main lady-in-waiting
belongs now to you.
                                                            
JOHN looks like he's about to say something but doesn't.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
What be her name?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Devona, personal involvement with
the help be nothing but a confuse
of roles. Emotion hath no place in
a work relationship.
                                                            

6.

                       EDWARD
Nice of you to concern yourself,
John, but I see no wrong in the
query. Her name, John, do you not
know it?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I do. Her name be Kimimela. She
come from Africa land and is
unskilled with language.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Verily so. I may have a Branstrum,
perhaps?
                                                            
                       EDWARD
A Branstrum?
      (Beat)
I see no reason to the contrary.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Thank you, Father!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (Brushes off the
       thanks)
So, John, have you recoveréd from
your wear?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Aye, I nearly have.
      (Places comforting
       hand on EDWARD)
How are you faring? I worry about
the pain doth felt.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Ah, my John! I be of better
spirits, but not by far. This
thing will take its grisly toll,
and take ten-fold by the time of
its end.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Nods
       sympathetically)
What time doth the Branstrums
arrive?
                                                            
                       EDWARD
They sayeth by tomorrow's moon or
by the one that follow.
                                                            

7.

                       DEVONA
I am done eating, Father. Where be
Kimimela?
                                                            
                       EDWARD
She still hath tasks. Patience
will prove a fortuitous virtue for
you, my young one. She be in the
garden, but I pray you not disturb
her.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
      (Nods)
I go now. Fare thee well and good
till morn's light.
                                                            
                       EDWARD
Aye, and the same.
                                                            
 
EXT. ROYAL GARDEN - NIGHT
                                                            
The sun is setting. KIMIMELA is working away in the royal
garden as JOHN comes out to see her.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Your act was good, Kimimela, he
now believes my word.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
      (Happily)
Is glad to hear. John, you act was
the good.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You think so?
      (Considers proudly
       before going on)
We're going to receive two more
servant girls within the next two
days.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
      (Questioning)
Two?
                                                            
JOHN holds up two fingers and KIMIMELA sees this,
understanding.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
They is of England?
                                                            

8.

                       JOHN
Nearly so. They be from Scotland.
                                                            
KIMIMELA nods but says nothing. There is a silence between
the two. KIMIMELA begins to work again.
                                                            
The camera fades this scene into black.
                                                            
 
INT. FARMHOUSE: KITCHEN - NIGHT
                                                            
Two girls are sitting at a worn wooden table, eating a meal.
They are Mr. Branstrum's daughters. BONNIE is the prettiest
of the two, and also the oldest. Her sister's name is
EARLENE.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Softly)
It won't be all that bad.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Looks up at
       BONNIE)
Oh yes it will. You know it well
as I.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
We'll be kept safe and cared for.
We can't even expect that of our
only relatives, Earlene. They need
less worries, for they be getting
on in years.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
'Tis true. Aw, but stop bringing
it up. I know it, Bonnie, really I
do.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Right. Well I'll say no more about
it, shall we head on up to bed?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Aye.
      (A pause)
And the coachman comes at dawn?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Aye. Get yourself ready for bed,
Earlene, and do it quick. The
later our bedtime, the smaller the
night between us and dawn.
                                                            

9.

                       EARLENE
      (Gets to her feet)
But dawn has to come eventually!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Brief silence)
That it does. I'll be with you
soon, but I'm going to clean up
the table first.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I don't see why you'd bother.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Beat)
I don't know what you've done with
your pride, Earlene, but I've
still got ahold of mine. I can
control my destiny for this one
last night, and that'll be enough
to hold me.
      (Gives EARLENE a
       little push)
Now, go on.
                                                            
EARLENE walks out of sight. BONNIE sits down at the table
again, looking worried. She cleans up the dishes, then blows
the room's only candle out.
                                                            
 
INT. FARMHOUSE: GIRLS' BEDROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
The sky can be seen through an uncovered window, and it's
the kind of blue that comes just before sunrise. BONNIE can
be seen as she lies asleep upon a small bed. Her body only
occupies half of the bed, as if she had been sharing it.
                                                            
BONNIE wakes and can make out the fact that EARLENE is
missing. She sits up and lights a candle, getting to her
feet. She leaves the room.
                                                            
 
INT. FARMHOUSE: KITCHEN (CONTINUOUS ACTION) - NIGHT
                                                            
BONNIE looks around in the room, which is the main room of
the farmhouse, and sets the candle down on the table when
she sees no EARLENE. She leaves the room, and returns a few
moments later with a bible. Sitting down near the light, she
genuflects, then opens the bible.
                                                            
BONNIE flips a couple pages, but the camera stops its focus
on her in order to zero in on the simple, glassless window.

10.

The sky is still the deep blue of almost-dawn. FADE this
shot into one of the same angle, but of the early stages of
a sunrise.
                                                            
In that same shot of dawn, a horse-drawn carriage pulls up.
The camera zooms out and BONNIE is seen looking at the
carriage through the window.
                                                            
 
EXT. FARMHOUSE - DAY
                                                            
Camera angles for this scene start from up on the carriage.
                                                            
BONNIE steps out of the house and approaches the carriage in
her nightclothes.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
Would you be Miss Branstrum?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Aye. The king sent you, did he?
                                                            
                       DRIVER
Aye.
      (A beat)
Why aren't you dressed, lass?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Looks down at
       herself before
       looking back up)
I lost track of the time.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
Hmph. Well, do you have a trunk or
something of the like?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
I do. And you're not here for just
myself, I have a sister you're to
take to the castle as well.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
      (A little annoyed)
Well I don't have all day. Go
fetch her!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
I will, sir. I'll give you a
farthing for your trouble too.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
Ah, well thank you, lassie!
                                                            

11.

                       BONNIE
      (Nods)
I'm going to dress, and then I'll
fetch my sister. She ran off this
morn, but I think I know just
where she would've went.
                                                            
 
EXT. CHURCH'S GRAVEYARD - DAY
                                                            
EARLENE's back is to the camera and she is kneeling on the
ground, already dressed for the day. BONNIE walks into the
camera's view from the side. She kneels next to EARLENE,
putting an arm around her.
                                                            
Camera ZOOMS IN to the backs of the two girls, not fixing on
either one of them in particular in order to get both girls
in the same shot for the entire scene.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
You were right.
                                                            
EARLENE sniffs and leans her head against BONNIE's shoulder.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Dawn came.
      (Starts to gently
       stroke EARLENE's
       hair)
You thought you could run away,
but it caught up to you. Didn't
it?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Shakily)
It...it's not fair!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Aye. Life isn't fair.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Sits up, frowning
       at BONNIE)
No, Bonnie. Don't you dare act
like you're not afraid!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
I never said I wasn't. Do you
think that anyone lives without
fear in this world? Anyone at all?
It's a terrifying place.
                                                            

12.

                       EARLENE
      (Pulling away from
       BONNIE's arm)
Well, we should escape! Why not,
if you're afraid too.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Turns to look at
       her)
Because my worries are in God's
hands now, Earlene. And you know
that staying is the right thing to
do. You might even like it. You
never know.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
You're not Mother, Bonnie! Stop
trying to be her.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
I'm not. But you're welcome to
think whatever you like on the
matter.
      (Gets to her feet)
Come on, Earlene, there's a driver
waitin' for us.
      (Offers EARLENE a
       hand)
                                                            
EARLENE ignores the hand, but stands. Now the tombstone
comes into view. It says:

"RONA BRANSTRUM
(1542-1573)"
                                                            
EARLENE takes one lingering glance at the tombstone, and
nods, silently allowing BONNIE to lead her.
                                                            
 
EXT. CARRIAGE ON RANDOM DIRT ROAD - DAY
                                                            
BONNIE is watching the landscape and seems to be deep in
thought. EARLENE is fidgeting somewhat.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
I hear the Prince be looking for a
common lass to wed.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Distractedly)
Oh really?
                                                            

13.

                       EARLENE
      (Surprisedly)
Well why would he do that?
                                                            
                       DRIVER
      (Shrugs)
Who knows, lass.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
This king be an odd man. He
doesn't do things the normal way
at all.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
Aye, if that ain't the
understatement of the year!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Looks up,
       speaking softly)
Well, this does seem like a big
opportunity for many girls.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Oh now I see it, Bonnie! This is
why we're going to the castle
afterall, isn't it? You want to be
able to marry the prince yourself
so that you won't have to work
ever again!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Well, what be the wrong in that,
Earlene? You tell me to quit
acting like your Mother, and you
chastise me when I do! Can't I
grasp a single opportunity for
myself?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
No!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
It isn't like I have much of a
choice in the first place. I was
summoned! What would you do in
this same circumstance?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I'd think of how unfair I was
being to my sister!
                                                            

14.

                       BONNIE
Unfair? Earlene, without this
marriage we'd both be on the
streets. Is that what you want? Do
you want that, Earlene?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (A beat)
You'll never be as good as Mother!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Well good then, because I'm not
trying to be! I was never supposed
to be responsible for you, you
know. I'm just doing the best I
can with our options!
                                                            
EARLENE buries her face in her hands and starts to cry.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Oh, what now? Poor little jealous
Earlene, she'd rather live life as
a beggar than feel inadequate. For
once, she doesn't have the best of
everything around her, so she's
going to throw a fit and ruin the
opportunity for the rest of her
family!
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Picks her head up
       out of her hands)
Close your mouth, Bonnie! You
don't know anything! You are no
sister of mine, all my family is
dead!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Oh, well is that was you want,
Earlene? Do you, perhaps, want me
to jump out in front of this
carriage? Tell me, Earlene, just
what will you do when my body is
trampled?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I will be glad!
                                                            
BONNIE glares at EARLENE and turns away from her, starting
to watch the countryside again.
                                                            
 

15.

EXT. CASTLE ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
The carriage has just parked when the late queen's brother
LANGSTON Forbes is escorted out of the castle's front doors
by ELMO, a male worker in the castle.
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
Don't listen to that boy, Edward!
He's bad news, he is. You know
that Arella would have gave
anything for you!
      (looks at the
       girls)
Try and talk some sense into him!
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Into whom?
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
The king! He's willing to conform
to the notion that his late wife,
my sister, was plotting murder! He
hath no evidence, yet he believeth
the liar!
                                                            
                       EARLENE
What liar?
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
Why, the prince, of course! He was
found to have killed his mother,
admits to it.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
This be the prince that is set to
soon marry?
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
Aye, there be only one prince.
Make the king come 'round somehow!
Make him see truth!
                                                            
                       ELMO
That be enough of that, sir.
      (Leads him farther
       from the door)
I beg you leave the castle now.
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
      (Nods to ELMO and
       then turns to the
       girls)
Ever since the king woke up today,
            (MORE)

16.

                       LANGSTON (cont'd)
he coughs. I worry this be the end
of his rope. Mark my words, you
who witness: if this be by any
hand but God's, it be by prince
John's.
                                                            
LANGSTON leaves. The DRIVER steps down from the front of the
carriage and helps the BONNIE and EARLENE get down as well.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
      (To ELMO)
There be any truth to what the man
spake of?
                                                            
                       ELMO
I don't rightly know, sir.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
Well surely you must have an
opinion on the matter!
                                                            
                       ELMO
Let me help you with that trunk,
Miss Branstrum.
      (Helps BONNIE get
       the trunk down
       and then turns to
       DRIVER)
Good day, sir.
                                                            
ELMO leads the girls into the castle and firmly shuts the
doors.
                                                            
                       DRIVER
      (To himself)
This kingdom be heading for ruin.
                                                            
DRIVER laughs in a daunting way and climbs back up into the
seat.
                                                            
 
INT. CASTLE HALLS - DAY
                                                            
ELMO is leading BONNIE and EARLENE through the castle. ELMO
is also carrying their trunk.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Is it true that the king be
getting sick?
                                                            
                       ELMO
It is.
      (Beat)
            (MORE)

17.

                       ELMO (cont'd)
Would you like your room to face
the East or the West?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
East. I do love a sunrise. And
what of Earlene?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
What about me?
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (To EARLENE)
She speaketh of your quarters, of
course.
      (To BONNIE)
She can room with you, if you
wish.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Turns to BONNIE)
Yes! I can't sleep alone.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Shh, calm yourself. I know that.
                                                            
ELMO walks through the doorway of the girls' new room, puts
the trunk down, and comes back out.
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (Looking at BONNIE)
Would you like a tour of the
castle?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Thank you, but I would like to
meet the prince first. I am
certain Earlene would love to be
shown around, though.
      (Pushes EARLENE
       gently toward
       ELMO)
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Yes, I would!
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (To BONNIE)
Are you certain you don't want to
join us?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Very. Now, to the prince, if you
please.
                                                            

18.

ELMO nods with a bow, and then starts to lead them again.
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN'S DEN - DAY
                                                            
JOHN is sitting at a desk and is reading a book in the light
from the window.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Sir?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Doesn't look up)
Yes?
                                                            
                       ELMO
I brought the Misses Branstrum.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Looks up)
Oh.
      (Stands)
Welcome to the castle.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
It's very lovely.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (To BONNIE)
Not as lovely as you are.
      (Takes BONNIE's
       hand)
You will marry me?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
It would be an honor.
                                                            
EARLENE leaves the room. BONNIE looks after her, but turns
back to talk to JOHN. ELMO takes this chance to follow
EARLENE's example by exiting.
                                                            
 
INT. GIRLS' ROOM (CASTLE) - DAY
                                                            
KIMIMELA is changing the bedclothes. She looks over at the
door as EARLENE enters the room.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Oh...hello.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
Hello. Are you of Scotland?
                                                            

19.

                       EARLENE
Aye.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
What get you so sad?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Well...
      (Sits down in the
       room's CHAIR)
I guess I am merely jealous.
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (Stands in the
       doorway)
I wouldn't feel so bad if I were
you, Miss Branstrum.
      (Enters the room)
Prince John is a very selfish man.
There is a lot that you should be
made aware of, now that the
marriage is bound to occur. She is
your sister, afterall.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
      (Stops making the
       bed)
This sister marry the prince?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Aye.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
Pardon me.
      (Exits)
                                                            
                       ELMO
He might be trying to take over
the castle. Mind you don't let
that slip out, though.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Trying to take over? What hath he
done for you to say so?
                                                            
                       ELMO
Well, you have heard his claim. He
sayeth that the queen, who seemed
of pure heart, plotted against the
king. I suspect that he said this
only to excuse her death. He slain
her himself, miss, and Kimimela
saw him do it.
                                                            

20.

                       EARLENE
Who be Kimimela?
                                                            
                       ELMO
The servant girl that maketh the
bed.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Why did she leave in such bad
spirit just now?
                                                            
                       ELMO
She cares about the prince a great
deal. Do not ask me why this is
so, for I do not know.
                                                            
 
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
                                                            
Running, KIMIMELA finds JOHN walking through a hallway.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Good morning, Kimimela.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
No good morning! John, Scotland
girl say you marry!
                                                            
                       JOHN
Well of course I'm getting
married. I should have a queen,
should I not?
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
But you kiss me!
                                                            
                       JOHN
Aye. But that's in the past. Why
don't you run along and continue
to ready their room?
                                                            
KIMIMELA looks stunned and then starts to walk back toward
the room.
                                                            
                       DEVONA (OS)
You should learn to practice what
you preach.
      (Walks into
       screen's view)
                                                            
                       JOHN
Devona!
                                                            

21.

                       DEVONA
Aye, John, 'tis me. You told me
not to set close to Kimimela, but
I heard about how you kissed her.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I did nothing of the sort.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Denial can only get you so far,
John.
                                                            
                       JOHN
It can get me a kingdom.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
You admit to plotting, then?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I admit to nothing. You cannot
change father's mind, Devona.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
I can! He be a smart man.
                                                            
                       JOHN
He be a blinded man. And now he
hath attracted some sickness.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
The one who blinded him is
yourself! I will not let you win,
John, mark my words.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You can do nothing, for when I am
king I will first lock you in the
dungeon.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Of that we will see.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Aye, we will. And soon.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Walks into
       camera's view)
Hello, John.
      (Beat)
Be this your sister?
                                                            

22.

                       JOHN
      (Beat)
Aye, she be. Her name is Devona.
Devona, this is Miss Bonnie
Branstrum.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Not Miss Branstum for long, eh?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Aye, for we marry soon.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Have you checked on Father's
condition, Devona?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
I have. He looketh in bad health.
His death may arrive very shortly.
                                                            
 
INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
EDWARD is dead. He lies in an old-fashioned coffin and there
is a line of VILLAGERS who each say a silent goodbye.

Behind the coffin, on the opposite side of it from the
VILLAGERS is JOHN and DEVONA. They say nothing, but both
appear to be very saddened.

BONNIE and EARLENE are in one corner of the room, watching
the villagers file past the body. They are wearing elegant
dresses. They start to whisper to each other.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Leans in a little
       closer to BONNIE)
The servant boy says he also
thinks the prince is lying about
his late mother.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Leans in a little
       as well)
Aye, the princess seems to agree.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
There was a servant girl with him
at the time of his kill. She
defendeth him.
                                                            

23.

                       BONNIE
The princess said he had blinded
the king, but I don't think she
meant it literally.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Did not the king die at the
prince's hand?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Perhaps...but how would he get him
sick?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I do not know.
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN'S DEN - DAY
                                                            
JOHN is sitting at his desk again, writing. He looks up when
EARLENE enters the room.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Miss Branstrum?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Evening, highness. Where be my
sister?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Preparing for the wedding.
      (Beat)
Bring me a glass of wine, will
you?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I won't.
                                                            
                       JOHN
I beg your pardon, Miss.
      (Puts down quill)
Might I remind you that I am now
the king?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I know that. Your father hath been
murdered.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Murdered? He was merely sick.
                                                            

24.

                       EARLENE
You did something to make him that
way. We all know you did.
                                                            
                       JOHN
We?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Yes, we. It's true that you're a
killer, then, is it?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Perhaps. Though, no one outside
the castle would dare believe you.
In fact, I'm locking you away
before you can ruin anything else.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Do it, then. I know Devona is
going to finish you off, once and
for all!
                                                            
                       EDWARD
      (To ELMO, in the
       next room)
Elmo!
                                                            
ELMO enters the room.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Highness?
                                                            
                       JOHN
Take her to the tower and put her
in a cell.
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (Bows)
Yes, sir.
                                                            
 
INT. DINING HALL - DAY
                                                            
JOHN is seated at the head of the table and BONNIE is at his
right. DEVONA is at his left. LANGSTON is also there.

Both ELMO and KIMIMELA are standing against the wall and are
watching them all eat, serving trays in hand.
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
Thank you again for inviting me,
Miss Branstrum.
                                                            

25.

                       BONNIE
It is of no trouble. I still am
sorry about your sister.
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
Aye. Though, I am sorry for your
sister as well.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Thank you.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Don't you think it rather strange
that she would refuse to work for
such a well-raised man?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Earlene is a strange girl, Devona.
She does not take kindly to any
sort of work under another man, no
matter what.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Ah. Perhaps it was poor reasoning,
then?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
It's likely. Why don't you go talk
to her to see?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
That idea is of merit. I shall go.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Langston, would you like some more
wine?
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
Yes, thank you.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Kimimela, get another bottle from
the cellar.
                                                            
KIMIMELA nods and leaves the room. ELMO follows her until
JOHN stops him.
                                                            
                       JOHN
There be no need to follow her.
      (Beat)
I would like some brandy myself.
                                                            

26.

                       ELMO
Yes, sir.
      (Walks over to
       JOHN's side and
       pours some brandy
       into his glass)
                                                            
                       DEVONA
I would have some too, Elmo.
                                                            
ELMO pours her some brandy.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
      (To ELMO)
Come with me to visit Earlene,
will you? And stand guard. I do
not have the key.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Aye. Do you wish to come with us,
Miss Branstrum?
      (Looks over at
       BONNIE)
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Glances at JOHN)
No. I wish to speak with Kimimela
about the wedding plans.
                                                            
KIMIMELA comes back in with a glass of previously poured
wine on her tray.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
      (Stops next to
       LANGSTON and puts
       the glass in
       front of him)
Sir.
                                                            
                       LANGSTON
      (Takes a sip)
This has a distinguished flavor.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Aye, it does.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Beat)
Kimimela?
                                                            

27.

                       KIMIMELA
      (Walks over to
       BONNIE)
Miss?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Come with me to my rooms and help
me get into the new dress for more
fitting.
                                                            
KIMIMELA nods and when BONNIE stands she starts to follow
her.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
I think we should visit Miss
Branstrum now, Elmo.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Aye.
                                                            
 
INT. GIRL'S ROOM (CASTLE) - DAY
                                                            
KIMIMELA and then BONNIE enter the room, BONNIE shutting the
door behind her.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Did you put something in the wine
you gave Mister Forbes? Tell me
truthfully.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
What you speak?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
You know what I'm talking about!
It was poisoned, wasn't it?
                                                            
KIMIMELA stares at BONNIE for a moment.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
      (Softly)
Yes.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Beat)
Kimimela, I would like you to lead
me to the tower she spake of. I
would like to speak with Earlene.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
      (Nods)
Yes, Miss.
                                                            
 

28.

INT. PRISONERS' TOWER - NIGHT
                                                            
ELMO, DEVONA, and EARLENE are all inside the cell with the
door opened.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
How have you been, Miss Branstrum?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Fair. The prince is planning
something else, though. He locked
me away so I would not interfere.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
He wanted to do the same with me.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Why did he not?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
It was an empty threat. He thinks
I can do nothing to thwart him.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
What has he been doing on the last
couple times he left the castle?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
I think he has been forming a
stronger military.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
Well that is good.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Not necessarily. I worry about the
kind of beeks he has been reading,
one in particular includes
horrific wartime illustration.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Then it is as I feared. I wonder
how he hopes to receive the
support of the country.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
He be planning a war, then?
                                                            
                       ELMO
Aye.
                                                            
KIMIMELA enters the cell, BONNIE entering just after her.
                                                            

29.

                       BONNIE
John hath been poisoning Lanston
and also the old king.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Looking at
       KIMIMELA)
It is the servant girl that
witnessed his attack.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
So the poison hath made them sick?
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Aye. And tell us the truth,
Kimimela, what happened the night
John killed the queen?
                                                            
Everyone turns to look at KIMIMELA.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
There...no treason. He stab her. I
ask why he stab her and he no say.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I knew it! And Bonnie, he's
planning a war.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
War? How do you know this?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
From the books he is reading and
the fact that he has been working
with the army.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
And the people will support him?
                                                            
                       ELMO
Most probably.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Why?
                                                            
                       EARLENE
I am not certain.
      (Turns to ELMO)
What else has he been doing?
                                                            

30.

                       ELMO
Well, he has been preparing a
speech for the countrymen. You can
read, Princess?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Aye. We should investigate it, and
with haste.
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN'S DEN - NIGHT
                                                            
There is a view of the inside of the door as it is unlocked
from the outside. First ELMO, closely followed by DEVONA,
enters. Then enters EARLENE, BONNIE, and KIMIMELA.

All five, led by ELMO and DEVONA, gather around king John's
table.
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (Picks up a scroll
       of parchment that
       has been written
       on)
This be it.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
What say it?
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Shh. I am trying to figure it out.
      (Accepts the
       scroll and begins
       to read)
He is planning to lead an attack
on some of our own villagers,
posing as an army of Scotts!
                                                            
                       ELMO
It is worse than I feared! We must
remove him from power.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Nods)
Worry not, we will figure
something out after the wedding.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
      (Places the scoll
       back on the desk)
We should take our leave. It would
not do to be found in his den. Ten
he might lock me up afterall.
            (MORE)

31.

                       DEVONA (cont'd)
Elmo, return Miss Branstrum to the
tower.
                                                            
 
INT. ELMO'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
JOHN stumbles in, clutching at his side. His nightshirt is
stained with blood. He hovers at the side of the bed.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Hoarsely)
Elmo.
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (Wakes up)
Sir?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Sits down at the
       edge of the bed
       with a groan)
I've been st-stabbed.
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (Gets out of the
       bed)
Who was it?
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Lays down on top
       of the rumpled
       bedclothes)
Miss Bra-anstrum.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Miss Branstrum?
      (Beat)
Nevermind, I will be back shortly
with bandages.
                                                            
JOHN nods and then rolls over and groans, clutching at his
side.

ELMO stops watching him and exits the room.
                                                            
 
INT. KITCHENS - NIGHT
                                                            
EARLENE is sitting on the floor in a corner of the room,
looking frightened.

There is a large basin of bloody water on top of the range.

32.

This is where EARLENE placed the knife.

ELMO enters the room and immediately spots her.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Earlene! I should not have allowed
you escape of your imprisonment.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
      (Quietly)
I do not want him to kill the
villagers.
                                                            
                       ELMO
None of us want him to kill the
villagers. But now he will know I
am plotting against him.
                                                            
                       EARLENE
He may not. Perhaps he will blame
Devona or the other servant girl.
                                                            
                       ELMO
      (Moves over to
       wherever the
       cloth for
       bandages is
       located)
I hope, for all our sake, he does
blame the other servant girl.
      (Grabs some cloth
       for bandaging)
I have to get back to the king.
Remain in this spot.
                                                            
 
INT. BONNIE'S ROOM - NIGHT
                                                            
ELMO is seated in the chair near the bed and DEVONA and
BONNIE are sitting upon the bed.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Stabbed him? Oh my brave, foolish
Earlene!
                                                            
                       ELMO
I am hoping he does not conclude
that we let her escape.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Oh did you, Elmo? You disobeyed
me!
                                                            

33.

                       ELMO
She promised me she would not do
anything rash.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
It is sad to see her lie so.
                                                            
                       ELMO
I found her in the kitchens late
last night and I told her to stay
where she was. She did not listen.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
She is probably back to Scotland
by now.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
I think John will suspect that I
let her out. What do you suppose
he will do?
                                                            
                       ELMO
I suppose he will lock you away.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
We need to end his rule soon.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
We must wait until after the
wedding.
                                                            
                       DEVONA
Aye.
                                                            
 
INT. BONNIE'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
BONNIE is talking to ELMO. ELMO is once again seated on the
chair and BONNIE is seated on her bed.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
I will rejoice when this day is
over.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Aye. The sooner it ends, the
sooner he ends.
                                                            
KIMIMELA enters the room.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Hello, Kimimela. Help me to get
dressed.
                                                            

34.

                       ELMO
I am sure you will be beautiful. I
have to ready the prince. Good bye
for now, Bonnie.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Good bye, Elmo.
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JOHN is asleep on the bed.

ELMO enters the room. He unwraps the bandage on JOHN's side.
                                                            
                       ELMO
It appears that you have been
attended to already.
      (Rewraps the
       bandage)
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Opens his eyes)
The wedding is today.
                                                            
                       ELMO
Aye.
                                                            
 
EXT. FRONT ENTRANCE - DAY
                                                            
Some of the VILLAGERS are gathered in a crowd at the front
of the castle.

JOHN and BONNIE exit through the front doors and JOHN steps
forward, his hand on her shoulder, to make an announcement.
                                                            

35.

                       JOHN
We all know the treason that the
Scottish farmer Branstrum
committed with the rebellion he
organized, led, and admitted to
creating. He has been killed
already, rest assured. And today I
do not merely marry any woman. The
countries of England and Scotland
shall be united in strength,
united in purpose, for that is my
dream. I hath married this girl
who previously was called Bonnie
Branstrum in hopes that peace will
prevail. May we not have another
falling out like the last
rebellion!
                                                            
The VILLAGERS cry out in agreement.
                                                            
 
INT. JOHN'S ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JOHN and BONNIE are lying in bed together, asleep.

JOHN wakes up, sitting up because he is coughing pretty
hard.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Opens her eyes
       and sits up as
       well)
John?
      (Places a hand on
       his shoulder)
Are you alright? Perhaps you
should stay in bed for the day.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Sniffs)
I think it is nothing.
      (Starts coughing
       again)
                                                            
                       BONNIE
I am worried. Perhaps you have
caught whatever your father and
Mr. Forbes died of?
                                                            
                       JOHN
I do not think I could have.
                                                            

36.

                       BONNIE
Why not?
                                                            
JOHN does not answer her.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
I think I may know why.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Truly?
      (Turns to look at
       her)
                                                            
                       BONNIE
Yes.
                                                            
JOHN starts coughing again.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Wraps her arms
       around him)
It is alright, John. I know about
everything.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Everything?
      (Coughs a single
       time)
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (Starts to run a
       hand through his
       hair gently)
Yes. I know of your false
accusations and your plans to
start a war by killing the
innocent villagers and your
poisoned wine.
                                                            
JOHN stares at her.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
It be alright, John. All of it is
now over. I suppose you are dying
now.
                                                            
                       JOHN
The poisoned wine!
      (STarts coughing
       again)
I cannot believe I did not
recognize its effect. I do not
remember drinking any wine.
                                                            

37.

KIMIMELA enters the room.
                                                            
                       JOHN
You!
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
I put wine on you.
                                                            
                       JOHN
      (Coughs twice)
On me?
                                                            
KIMIMELA approaches the bed.
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
      (Places her hand
       on the bandaging)
On you.
                                                            
                       JOHN
Elmo told me that my bandages had
already been changed before the
wedding!
                                                            
                       KIMIMELA
Yes. You no king any more.
                                                            
JOHN starts one final coughing fit and then falls
unconscious. He is dead.
                                                            
 
INT. THRONE ROOM - DAY
                                                            
JOHN lies in an old-fashioned coffin and there is a line of
VILLAGERS who each say a silent goodbye.

Behind the coffin, on the opposite side of it from the
VILLAGERS is BONNIE and DEVONA. They say nothing, but both
appear to be very saddened.

ELMO and KIMIMELA are in one corner of the room, watching
the villagers file past the body.
                                                            
                       VILLAGER 1
      (Reaches out and
       pats the back of
       BONNIE's hand)
It be very sad. First king Edward
and now John's death so shortly
afterward.
                                                            

38.

                       VILLAGER 2
      (Nods)
He was always a sweet boy. His
death is such a shame.
                                                            
                       BONNIE
      (With tears in her
       eyes)
Aye, it is.
                                                            


FADE OUT.


Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
Feedback
There is currently no feedback for this screenplay.

Back to Top of Page
Leave Feedback
You must be logged in to leave feedback.
Home    My Account    Products    Screenwriter Community    Screenwriter's Corner    Help
Forgot Your Password?    Privacy Policy    Copyright 2024, ScriptBuddy LLC.    Email help@scriptbuddy.com