We have one man to thank for this triumphant return: Narcisse.
Narcisse is living his best life as regent of France and by best, I mean most evil.
Hes called young King Charles to court to discuss marrying Claude off to the very rich Duke Boinel.
Credit: Sven Frenzel/The CW
Claude is understandably livid when she finds out Charles has agreed to this arrangement.
Narcisse, though, isnt as pleased as you would imagine.
All of the gold Boinel handed over for Claude has gone missing.
Catherine denies the accusations, but she cant deny Narcisses power over Charles is strong.
Shes losing her son to her nemesis.
Out of all parties involved, Claude has the most reason to be upset.
Boinel leans a little on the creepy side, and Claude has to choke out her I do.
As Claude rides off with the Duke to his estate, the girl looks broken.
That final moment she shares with Leith as her carriage leaves is enough to make a robot feel.
Leith, like any heartbroken young man, heads to the local pub.
It seems our ex-lovers have had a bit of a role-reversal.
Whats the cause of Greers sudden belief in living outside of the box your birth has placed you in?
A visit from her baby daddy, Pirate Handsome Face, thats what.
Pirate Handsome Face has her rethinking everything.
When Claude wont apologize for her behavior, he hits her in the face.
Catherine warned him that Narcisse was only looking out for No.
1, and he has no reason to protect the royal family.
The little king is about to make some big changes.
For the first time since weve met him, the young boy actually acts like the king he is.
You guys, Charlesisin charge.
He makes it clear its in each council members best interest to oust Narcisse and make Catherine regent.
When Catherine busts into Marys chambers and triumphantly announces I am regent!
its hard not to stand up and applaud.
The best part of the entire thing is that Catherine just had to sit back and let it happen.
What is this, amateur hour?
Like Catherine de Medici would ever leave her fate to chance.
Catherine heads out into the Royal Forest of Secrets to meet with… Duke Boinel.
Catherine hands him his gold, which was payment for HITTING CLAUDE.
Scheming Catherine has not lost her edge.
Mary, thanks to Greer, has been able to decipher correspondence between Gideon and his queen.
Mary confronts Gideon, and has an idea that could help them both.
Queens have needs too, okay?
Since Gideons every move is being watched by his guard Jeffrey, theyll have to be convincing.
The two set up a little dinner date where Jeffrey can see them.
to get out of the rain.
It is quick, but oh, is it mighty.
Its enough to persuade Jeffery into thinking Marys in love with Gideon.
Its enough to persuade all of us.
Mary surprises the ambassador with the good news: Agatha is coming to France.
To celebrate, Gideon plants another one on the Queen of Scots, but she pulls away.
Mary says their relationship is too complicated for it to go any further.
Thats all Gideon needs to hear to know Mary feels what hes feeling.
Guys, did their fake love just turn into real love?
Meanwhile, in England:Good Queen Bess could certainly use a win, couldnt she?
On top of all of that, Lizs attempt at turning Lady Lola into her BFF is backfiring.
Or, as Wet Blanket William calls it, personal diplomacy.
Fortunately, Elizabeth has plenty of time to win Lolas trust.
Concealing her pregnancy, however, is a different matter.
She, a true Brit, wants to angst over this plan with a nice cup of tea.
William has received responses to Elizabeths hasty proposals, and they arent good.
Mission accomplished, unidentified arm!
As you could guess, this poison forces Elizabeth to miscarry.
Dudley tries to cheer Elizabeth up with the news that hes been exonerated in Amys murder.
So who poisoned the Queen?
But what say you, Royals?
When its on, Mary means business.
The Queens Corner of Harsh Lady Truths:
