01x04 - Secrets

[bunniefuu]

I don't want to be a dictator.

I want to be a god.

To restore the Republic,

we first have to destroy it.

If this goes wrong tomorrow,

I'd never forgive her.

You're no better

than an actress,

for all your airs and graces!

[Livia] You have

a brilliant future, Marcella.

Don't mess it all up.

It wasn't Iullus.

It was me.

And I'm not sorry at all.

Nobody can hold on to power

legitimately

unless the Senate of Rome

chooses to grant it.

[chanting]

Stay, stay, stay!

Gaius has to become a god.

But the god will have a son.

Let the baby of Gaius Julius

in the womb of Livia Drusilla

die in writhing agony.

[echoing]

Livia, don't go down there.

Push! Come on. Breathe.

[Baby crying]

Your mother's all right.

Mummy.

Livia.

Mummy, what's wrong?

Domina!

Mummy!

Livia. Darling.

[gasps]

-Mother.

-Come on, Little Bear.

Push! Push!

Well done. Come on.

Come on, push.

[straining]

Come on.

[indistinct crosstalk]

-It's gonna be all right.

-Come on.

[screaming]

-No!

-I'm sorry!

-She can do this.

-We'll lose them both.

[screams]

You did it.

You did it.

A boy.

There we go.

Well, that was sh*t.

Better luck next time.

What?

It wasn't like the others.

Another birth will k*ll you.

No, that can't

I have to have a son.

With Gaius, I

I have to.

I'm sorry, darling.

If this gets out,

I'm finished.

You must tell Gaius

as soon as he's back from Spain.

No no.

Your husband has to be told

sooner or later.

If he finds out

I can't give him children,

he'll divorce me

and marry someone who can.

That's just the way it is.

You can't risk

another pregnancy.

-It's a death sentence.

-So is divorce.

-He won't divorce you.

-Uh?

He won't want to.

But in the end,

eventually he'll have to.

They'll make sure of that.

[Octavia] Gaius will be

so disappointed.

[Scribonia] At her age, that

might have been the last chance.

That would certainly

create a dilemma.

Still, Julia must be married.

Are you sure it's best

to move ahead with this

under the circumstances?

We said we'd wait until Gaius

and Marcellus got back.

Why wait any longer?

Because it might upset Livia.

Tiberius will never

get to marry Julia.

Gaius can't stand him.

Even Livia

couldn't swing that one.

If she marries in the family,

it'll be to Marcellus.

We can't wait,

and we can't take any chances.

Well, it might be best

to get it settled

-while Livia is still

-Quite.

We'll move

the minute Gaius gets back.

Livia.

Gaius.

I'm so sorry.

I tried so hard.

I'm sorry.

It's all right.

We'll have others.

Plenty of others.

Is she going to be all right?

She's lost a lot of blood.

Just give it a while

before you try again.

♪♪

Father.

-You're home.

-Julia.

I've missed you.

How've you been?

Get your marks up in Greek?

[scoffs]

I have to go.

I've been just fine,

thank you.

[indistinct chattering]

How is she?

We're so sorry.

[Agrippa] Well, to cheer you up,

we brought you

the latest treasury statements.

We tried our best

to c*ck it up,

but everything

just seemed to go right.

The next time you can send me

to w*r while you stay here.

I've had it up to here

with f*cking politics

and bureaucracy.

What about

the lost Legion Standards?

Uh, the Parthians

just keep putting up the price.

Diplomacy's overrated.

Give me my Legions, and I'll get

our f*cking Standards back,

and plenty else as well.

You did promise me.

Two years in Rome

while you were in Spain,

then I could go back

on campaign.

That was the deal.

It wasn't a deal exactly.

More an aspiration.

We need you here.

I need you here.

[Octavia] Gaius!

We're all so disappointed.

I'm so sorry.

Can we see you in private

before you get busy?

Of course. Come.

It was a f*cking deal.

I was hoping that Marcellus

would be with you.

[Gaius] I left him at Ostia

with Tiberius.

They'll be here any time.

What's up?

[Scribonia] Well

while you were away,

our daughter became a woman.

And so, of course, it's time

to start thinking

about her marriage.

[Octavia]

We always secretly hoped

that when the time came

you would unite our families

by giving Julia in

in marriage to my son,

Marcellus.

[Scribonia] Obviously, there are

many factors to consider

and many suitable candidates,

but nobody could object

to his father's family -

even if it's not

quite as grand as Livia's.

Agrippa's married

to my Marcella,

and Tiberius is betrothed

to Vipsania,

so Marcellus

would be the obvious choice,

if you were to marry

within the family.

Crassus has already suggested

an alliance through Julia.

And he's not the only one.

But, in the end,

there's nothing more important

than family.

I always wanted Marcellus

to have her, too.

[Octavia laughing]

Oh, so we can

consider them betrothed?

But this is very sensitive

politically.

It'll need handling before it

goes public, and I'll need time.

So, for now

this stays between us.

Can't I tell Julia?

She'll be thrilled.

-Or Marcellus?

-No one at all. Until I say so.

-Right.

-Hmm.

[grunting]

Iullus?

Thank you, Primas.

My father's back.

I just overheard them talking.

I'm to marry Marcellus.

Well, we always knew

it would be someone.

And never me.

Your father k*lled mine.

And my brother.

I won't tell.

Tiberius!

Don't worry, darling.

She'll be all right.

He's just upset.

Octavia and Scribonia

called first thing.

Something important.

[Livia] They're coming for me.

And the German

just left the signal.

I told you.

I'll deal with it.

Stop worrying.

-Then why are you still here?

-Go back to sleep.

She'll be fine.

Yes.

Mother is always fine,

Drusus.

You want to get a wh*re?

-Oh, Marcellus.

-Mother, so good to see you.

I missed you so much!

[indistinct chattering]

Look at the little f*ck.

-Tell us everything.

-Spanish tribes are crazy.

Apparently,

the Belgians are way worse.

Anyone would think

he was a soldier.

Maybe he's

a bit more mature now.

Less of a c**t?

Let's make an effort, dear.

Welcome back, Marcellus!

How was Spain?

Harder than we thought, I heard.

You learned to fight at least.

Marcellus was

the best swordsman in the Fifth.

Everyone said so.

[Agrippa] Is that right?

Well, you'll have to give me

a lesson or two sometime.

You're out of practice, Agrippa.

It wouldn't be fair.

Hey!

I can just about

still swing a sword.

Yeah.

Just about.

Don't turn your back

on me, boy.

Don't call me "boy."

Agrippa.

Lessons.

-But Marcellus is here!

-Now, girls, lessons!

Marcellus, take them

to their lessons.

Come along.

Marcellus?

Come on, Iullus.

Welcome back, Tiberius.

Hilarica, tell me,

how is poor Livia?

We've all been so worried.

Agrippa just started a fight

with Marcellus in the atrium.

I've told you before,

Agrippa's jealousy of the boy

needs careful managing.

He's not a boy anymore.

Mm.

Did you see Octavia yet?

She sends her love.

That's nice.

Get some rest.

You won't forget me.

Never.

[Octavia] My dear,

how handsome you are.

I'm serious.

I didn't think you could get

any more handsome.

I got lots of sun,

and I did

You don't look

like you got sun.

I have terrible news.

I got it out of the midwife.

Antigone thinks that

if Livia gets pregnant again,

it shall k*ll her.

And the midwife says the same.

I'm sorry, but

Does Gaius know?

This changes everything.

It's only right that he should

know, don't you think?

Of course it is.

It's up to you.

Are we going to wake her up

for this?

No, we let her sleep.

He wants to see you.

It's something bad.

Is it true

she can't have children now?

I asked you a question.

Get out.

I'm so sorry, Gaius.

It was wrong of Antigone

to keep if from you.

It was.

Poor Livia.

So, Crassus,

I hear you were thinking

of marrying my daughter.

If it weren't for me, he'd have

lost the whole f*cking Danube.

He owes me.

[sighs]

What the f*ck

am I supposed to do now?

Nothing.

Your wife

is the cleverest man in Rome.

And the prettiest.

What is it?

Nothing.

[scoffs]

You're lying.

I can tell by your voice,

which means it's bad news

you think I'm too frail to hear.

He knows.

Scribonia got it

out of the midwife.

And Julia is marrying Marcellus.

They got him to agree.

While you were out of it.

Well, Scribonia

must be thrilled.

Grandchildren with Gaius.

She's waited a long time

for that.

The marriage

is very undesirable.

As is my new situation.

Where have you been?

Who's that?

My new sl*ve, Aprio.

I brought him back from Spain.

[exclaiming]

What's up with you?

I know you're marrying Julia.

Julia?

-Did you know?

-No.

Don't you know how lucky you are

to be marrying Julia?

Everyone in Rome

wanted to marry Julia.

Except Tiberius.

He tried to have me k*lled,

you know? Tiberius, in Spain.

[scoffs]

You're not serious.

My cohort was holding

a river ford.

His was just above,

guarding a pass.

The tribes started attacking

at dawn and we were outnumbered.

And he didn't bring his men

in support?

Mm.

His orders were to hold

the pass, and he did.

A Decurion hid me in a swamp.

Everyone else was k*lled.

I just saw him on his horse,

just watching.

You know,

he's not like we thought.

He's evil.

[distant laughing]

[indistinct chattering]

[Antigone

clearing her throat]

Gaius?

You should be resting.

I'm so sorry

I can't give you an heir.

I know how much

you always wanted one.

I just couldn't face telling you

until I felt a bit stronger.

However

it's now clear

our situation has changed.

The purpose of marriage

is the production of children,

and I'm no longer fit

for that purpose.

You have to divorce me.

It will be expected.

And we both know

it will come to that in the end.

I never cared

what is expected.

No. But you care about

having a son.

I'm sorry, Gaius. I love you.

But I can't be selfish.

-Can we not just wait?

-For what?

My mind is made up.

I'm going to look for a house

a little out of Rome.

My marriage to you has been

the happiest time of my life.

I thank you

with all my heart.

My clerk will handle

the settlement.

[Antigone]

You shouldn't be going anywhere.

Follow me tonight,

with the boys.

She's divorcing him?

Walked out this morning!

Off house-hunting at the lake.

[laughs]

Of course, these days,

she's legally within her rights,

but in my mother's time,

this would never have done.

Still, I mean

there's no denying that it does

simplify everything for Gaius.

How very selfless.

I said I'd make a list

of potential wives.

Ones from suitable families.

Was hoping you'd help.

Of course.

But don't forget,

there's a wedding to plan.

I can't believe it.

What do you care?

-I like Livia.

-It's so unfair.

Well, the main thing is

Tiberius and Drusus

are finished.

Yeah. Obviously,

that's the main thing.

Yeah.

[grunting]

Domina.

You know, I take it,

who I am.

Yeah, not much light

on the ground floor.

But at least you don't get

burned up when it catches fire.

Your wife said

you hadn't been home.

-She's a dancer.

-Actress! [laughs]

How did you know

about this place?

So

After this last time,

I can't give Gaius children,

so we're divorcing.

What?

If you'd like to end

the engagement

between your daughter Vipsania

and my Tiberius,

of course I would understand.

Not for a minute.

I'm so sorry.

Is it true he's not giving you

the Parthian campaign?

Well, you should know.

You always know everything.

I wasn't told about Julia's

marriage to Marcellus either.

He's giving her to Marcellus?

When was this decided?

I don't know.

I wasn't consulted.

I think it's unwise,

politically,

and, of course,

it should've been you.

At least the offer.

Or Crassus after his victories

in the Balkans.

But obviously, he feels

the future is Marcellus.

He's not giving him

the Parthian campaign, is he?

I haven't heard.

I'm leaving Rome, Agrippa.

For a while.

-May I ask a favor?

-The boys.

You want me to adopt them?

Just look out for them.

You know what I mean.

Always.

Always.

Julia!

I knew you'd be out

giving thanks.

Now the gods have given you

everything you ever wanted.

I can't believe she's gone.

Livia.

She didn't even say goodbye.

You know how I found out

I was being divorced?

Your father sent Maecenas

with the paperwork

the day after I gave birth

to you.

You want me to feel sorry

for Livia?

Don't hold your breath.

When were you going to tell me,

by the way?

About what?

My own marriage.

You could at least

have sent Maecenas.

Father

I can never give him a son,

which changes everything.

Whatever I did to deserve it,

I've been punished enough.

So I asked the gods.

Now I ask you.

Let me f*ck my enemies.

There's a small chance if

if things go like I hope.

If I can just survive

next to Gaius.

It can still be done.

It can.

I'll just take one of these.

I think it's really mean.

But she can't give him children.

She almost died trying.

Well, men ought to have a son.

Maybe they should give birth

themselves.

Now you sound like Livia.

I like sounding like Livia.

Agrippa, where have you been?

Livia came looking for you.

Have you heard the news?

My uncle is divorcing her,

and Julia is to marry

my brother Marcellus!

Oh, it's the mark

of the greatest favor.

Marcellus must've distinguished

himself in the Spanish campaign.

Did he f*ck?

She's bluffing.

She won't last a week

out of Rome.

-Livia's very proud.

-I want a son.

I always have.

Is that too much to ask?

Is that my fault?

What else is it for?

All of it.

It's a legacy.

A legacy doesn't have to be

flesh and blood.

You're right.

It's that stupid pride.

Livia Drusilla

of the f*cking Claudii!

I want Julia.

You shouldn't have promised her

to Marcellus.

It should've been me.

Who told you that?

My stupid wife and all

her sisters knew before I did.

I've done everything.

Everything you've ever asked.

You show me no respect.

You don't keep your promises.

You don't give me your daughter.

Agrippa.

I put you where you are,

and Livia kept you there!

Shame on you to get rid of her

the minute she's no use!

You stayed in your tent

at Philippi.

You were too sick to fight

at Actium.

-You coward!

-Agrippa!

Marcellus hasn't earned it.

It's not right.

What about Verina, daughter

of Marcus Verinus Paullus?

Now, she's stunning.

But provincial.

-New money.

-Plenty of it!

Cornelia.

Cornelia, daughter

of Gaius Cornelius Scipio.

I mean,

face like a bench, but

-Gaius!

-Did I not make it quite clear

you were to tell no one

about Julia and Marcellus?

-Brother, I don't

-Your daughter told Agrippa,

and she didn't hear it from me.

You betrayed my trust.

The situation has changed.

The betrothal has ended.

Feeling better?

Gaius. Gaius,

be kind to yourself.

In the space of a day,

you've lost a child,

a friend and a wife.

-I've got work to do.

-Let me speak to them.

He's dead to me.

So is she.

[sighs]

Can I stay here for a bit?

[Livius] Let's say goodbye.

Just us now, Little Bear.

You passed out.

At Piso's on the lake.

The boys are here.

Meanwhile, back in Rome,

Octavia was drawing up a list

of your replacements.

And Agrippa and your husband

had a massive fight over Julia.

The betrothal got cancelled,

and your husband

is no longer speaking

to Octavia, Agrippa or you.

Huh.

You don't seem very surprised.

Did you just block the toilets

before we left,

or does this all have a purpose?

He's isolated.

He'll send for her.

-And what if he doesn't?

-[Livia] Then he doesn't.

Don't worry, Drusus.

-Agrippa will take care of you.

-How?

He's fallen.

Weren't you listening?

What can he do for us now?

I need to speak to Piso.

Alone.

My life is just over.

I tried to k*ll Marcellus

in Spain.

Did I tell you?

[indistinct chattering]

So, now there's something

I have to tell you.

When I brought my father's body

back to Rome,

I made a sacred oath

to his spirit

that I'd do everything I could

to restore the Republic.

Nobody living knows this.

Not even Antigone

and certainly not Gaius.

That would, of course,

be fatal.

Of course, by then

I was married to Gaius,

and I could see

how it might be done.

So I helped destroy Lepidus

and Marcus Antonius,

and everyone else

who got in our way.

But, in the end, I realized

Gaius would never

give his power away.

So now it's all about

what happens when he dies.

After Gaius,

power must go to someone who

would give it back to the Senate

and make sure they take it.

You're not talking about me,

are you?

I'm talking about Drusus.

-Drusus.

-But he'll need help.

When the time comes.

In the right place.

Gaius once asked you

to be consul.

He'll ask you again.

Next time, take it.

Livia Drusilla.

You are your father's daughter.

Always.

Always.

Agrippa.

Agrippa wants to marry Julia.

She's my fiancée.

Who does he think he is?

He's my husband.

That's who he is.

His family is nothing.

Oh, well, it was good enough

for me, apparently.

He's so old.

You've only got yourself

to blame.

She didn't know it was a secret.

Well, if you're going to spy on

people's private conversations,

then you learn

to do it properly.

It was Marcella

that blabbed to Agrippa.

It's not fair.

I'm the the victim here.

What about me?

Or me?

I knew Livia wouldn't

take this lying down.

Ugh.

Don't be ridiculous,

Scribonia!

You'd blame her for the rain

if you could.

You have lost everything!

You created this mess,

you're going to fix it.

You will go to your father

and admit that you betrayed

our private conversation.

-I won't.

-You will!

That will restore his trust

in your mother and me,

and then we can start

to repair the damage.

It's all right for her.

Nobody cares about me.

You're a Roman!

Show some f*cking fortitude!

Gaius and Agrippa

have fallen out.

You may still end up

with my daughter.

He sent for you.

I brought you a letter.

Gaius asks for your help

to solve a crisis

in his affairs.

I would never suggest

that you might have provoked

a calamity

that only you could resolve

in order to remind Gaius what

a divorce would really cost him.

No, but,

even I underestimated

the resentments

buried deep in Agrippa

and his tortured jealousy

towards Marcellus.

Things were said

between Gaius and Agrippa

that should never

have been said.

It's possible

their schism is terminal.

You know better than anyone,

the power of Gaius rests partly

in fear of Agrippa.

When this gets out,

their enemies will gather.

I expect so, yes.

You're wrong, Livia.

He will never back down.

You will rot out here

for the rest of your life,

sharing a bed

with your f*cking pride.

Listen to me, Maecenas.

"I will never, ever,

grow old and forgotten in Rome

"while someone else

f*ck my husband.

I can stand anything but that."

That's what she said?

You're going to have

to go yourself.

Never.

[Livius] She's safe across

the river, Little Bear.

She won't feel a thing.

Were you scared of death?

No one's allowed

to be scared of that.

Not in the army anyway.

It's un-Roman.

Gaius said you did well

in his letters.

He doesn't like me.

I remind him of Father.

Did he tell you that?

No, Marcellus did.

Can we stay here?

I want to stay here.

And do what?

Why do I have to do anything?

Why does anyone?

Oh, I know.

After my service in the army,

I'll stand

for office after office

till I end up in the f*cking

Senate like Grandfather.

He never complained.

And what if I don't want

any of that?

Then, Little Bear,

you shouldn't have been born.

Brilliant.

Idiot.

[Piso] News from Rome!

Everything's been leaked.

Gaius and Agrippa

are at each other's throats.

It's a tit's-out

political crisis.

I don't care what it takes.

I just want it done.

Buy him off with anything else!

We need the f*cking Praetorians

on board

before Agrippa's people

start reminding them who he is.

[continues indistinctly]

[Scribonia]

Don't be sad, darling.

Whatever happens,

it'll be all right.

Why? Because Livia's divorced

and barren?

Some people think

there's more to life than that.

What do they know?

As we become women,

we develop feelings for men.

Sometimes strong feelings.

It's natural.

But those feelings have

nothing to do with marriage.

Every girl must marry

as her father wishes

according to the needs

of the family.

And as things stand,

it can never be Iullus.

You've been given everything

except freedom.

But

as long as you play the game

and give your husband children,

you can do whatever you want.

Just be

discreet.

[Dog barking]

[Julia] My dearest love.

My father's furious with me

for blabbing about

the engagement,

and I'm confined to my room.

Who knows which fat old goat

I'll be marrying now.

Could be anyone in the Forum.

My heart is breaking.

We've often spoken

of a life together.

Can we not just do it?

We can be free

and live in Egypt or the East.

Somewhere my father

will never find us.

I await your reply

with impatience and love.

You ready?

Well, this is a mistake.

Where's your sword?

I didn't bring it.

That's not how things

are decided.

If you want Julia,

you can fight for her.

Or are you afraid?

'Cause I'm not afraid.

Look, nobody said

you were afraid.

-Yah!

-Ow!

[grunting]

Argh!

[grunting]

-[screams]

-Stop, Agrippa!

[groans]

[grunting] I can't see.

Your father was a great man.

Get the f*ck off me!

[Iullus] "Marcellus

doesn't deserve you.

"My father was twice the man

his father was,

"and Agrippa's family

are nothing.

"You should be mine,

"but my birthright

is denied me.

"Your father has ordered

an expedition to explore Arabia,

"under Marcus Aelius Gallus.

"I asked your father.

"I am to go with Gallus.

"I may find honor

or death or both.

But my last thought

will always be of you."

[sobbing]

Julia?

Livia.

-You look well.

-I am, thank you.

How are you?

Fine.

Thank you.

All good.

Found anywhere yet?

No, nothing suitable.

The prices out at the lake

are silly.

[exhales]

I ran into Agrippa.

-Agrippa?

-I blame myself.

You know, when you needed me,

I was in a mess.

When I needed you, you divorced

me and went off to the lake.

I wasn't making lists of men

to replace you.

You're bluffing,

and you know it.

I am the daughter

of Marcus Livius Drusus,

and I never bluff.

You put family

above everything else.

It's your only weakness.

And if you really want

to be a god [scoffs]

you'd better get over it.

Agrippa was wrong,

and he knows it.

I told him you wanted

to reward him for his loyalty.

-What?

-By giving him the honor

of recovering the army's

lost Standards in Parthia.

You promised him that campaign!

Generals get above themselves.

Look at f*cking Crassus!

Agrippa doesn't want your power.

He wants your love!

And that campaign

is the one thing

he desires more

than your daughter.

But I made it clear

you'd given your word

to Marcellus,

and now it was

a question of honor.

He now sees

you meant no disrespect

and accepts

Julia must marry Marcellus.

He asks for your forgiveness.

He's here now.

Will you see him?

Because if you can't,

you'll have to k*ll him.

Can you do that, Gaius?

[sobbing]

Shh, shh.

-What's the matter with you?

-Everything's all right.

Everything's all right!

-Everything's all right!

-What?

-Marcellus will marry Julia.

-Oh, yes!

My brother has invited us all

to dinner to celebrate.

We will meet in the atrium

at dusk.

Oh, and don't forget

the list of girls for Gaius.

[Marcellus]

So, that's that then, Iullus.

I am stuck with Julia.

My uncle said I'm to sit

in the Senate soon

to get some experience.

Of sitting in Senate.

I wish I was going to Arabia

with you, though.

Other people

wait years for that.

To sit in Senate.

Conquering Arabia.

That's

a real adventure.

Come on.

We're going to be late

for dinner.

What are you doing up here?

[sobbing]

Hey.

[Gaius] Our family has a lot

to be grateful for tonight.

We ask the gods

to protect

my daughter's marriage

to Marcellus.

And my brother Agrippa

and his campaign

to recover the lost

Eagle Standards from the East.

And my nephew Iullus

and his great odyssey to bring

Arabia under the rule of Rome.

I hope you didn't wait for me.

No, no.

We only just lay down.

Welcome home.

The traffic was a nightmare

on the Appia.

Always is at dusk.

[Agrippa] He's right.

You should've left earlier.

That's good advice.

Thank you, Agrippa.

So, after what happened,

Livia and I spoke

about a divorce.

Obviously.

But I don't want her

to marry anyone else.

And neither does she.

And I still have

my beautiful daughter

and with Marcellus,

she'll give me my sons.

Yes, she will.

To the happy couple.

[All] To the happy couple.

[Antigone] I told you

he wouldn't divorce you.

The one thing he wants more

than a son is power.

Maybe I can give him that.

♪♪