#matinaux

Queen Francesca: Good morning!

Marco: Good morning Your Majesty

Queen Francesca: Lovely to see you again Marco

Eden: Your Majesty

Queen Francesca: It’s lovely to meet you Eden. I’m looking forward to this interview. Marco has spoken so highly of you

Eden: I’m honoured ma’am

Marco: Will we be interviewing you today as well your royal highness?

Isabella: No, you don’t have me Marco. I’m just here to watch and learn today.

Marco: A man can hope, can’t he?

Isabella: I’ll have a word with my assistant and get back to you.

Marco: As efficient as ever your highness

Isabella: Well you’ve twisted my arm Marco

Marco: Alright then. Let’s get started. Her Majesty is on holiday after all. 

Cameraman: We’re rolling in three... two...

Eden: Your Majesty thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. 

Queen Francesca: Yes well, there’s not much else to do when one is on holiday is there?

Laughter

Eden: We are very much aware that this is the first interview that you are sitting down for. 

Queen Francesca: Yes, it is

Eden: There is a lot the people would love ot learn about you, and hear you speak from your own experience ma’am

Queen Francesca: Such as?

Eden: Such as your coronation ma’am

Queen Francesca: Ah, that was ages ago, I can hardly remember it

Eden: Well we’ll be grateful for what you can remember ma’am. How did it feel, the moment it was announced to the nation that a new Queen was going to be crowned, after centuries had passed since there was a monarch in Saliceau?

Queen Francesca: I felt a sense of triumph honestly

Eden: Triumph, ma’am?

Queen Francesca: Yes, I’ve always believed that Saliceau thrived best when it was a monarchy. The intention behind the dissolution at the time was... honorable of course, the wellbeing of the people should always come first

Queen Francesca: However, no matter how honorable the cause was, Saliceau ended up being left in the hands of idiots who didn’t know the first thing about running a country-

Isabella: Stop! Stop!

Queen Francesca: What is it?

Isabella: You can’t say that mother!

Queen Francesca: Why not? It’s true isn’t it?

Isabella: (sighs) Please give us a moment Marco, Eden

Marco: Of course your highness

Isabella: Let me fix your hair

Queen Francesca: Why did you stop me? I can say whatever I want, I’m the Queen aren’t I?

Isabella: Yes, well it’s because you’re the Queen that you shouldn’t just say whatever you want

Marco: (whispers) Focus in on them

Queen Francesca: You’re so sensitive Isabella

Isabella: Right, now imagine how much more sensitive the rest of the nation will be

Isabella: Now let’s try again. And this time, try to smile more

Queen Francesca: I thought the point of the interview was for the people to get to know me

Isabella: Mother

Queen Francesca: (sighs) Fine

Marco: Ready when you are, Your Majesty

Juliette: Looking for someone Jackie?

Jacqueline: Um...

Jacqueline: Um... Ingrid?

Ingrid: How can I help you, your royal highness?

Jacqueline: Has anyone else arrived recently? 

Ingrid: As far as I know miss, everyone that RSVPd is here. 

Jacqueline: Did anyone with the name Jackson RSVP?

Ingrid: No your highness, I’m sorry

Jacqueline: ...Thank you Ingrid...

KB: Dude, are you even listening to me?

Olivier: No

KB: Harsh

Olivier: Excuse me KB

Olivier: I can’t believe it. The birthday girl is actually crying

Jacqueline: It’s not my actual birthday yet

Olivier: But we’re all here to celebrate because of you, aren’t we?

Jacqueline: He should’ve been here

Olivier: Jackie-

Jacqueline: He told me he’d come. He always said he’d come but time after time he’s let me down. And now when I needed him here the most he just...

Olivier: I’m sorry Jackie

Jacqueline: What do I do?

Olivier: I’ll tell you what you’re gonna do. We’re gonna thank God for waterproof makeup while you dry your tears. And then we’re both gonna bo back out there to all the people who did show up for you. We’re all going to sing while you, Frankie and Jules cut your cakes. We’ll dance and drink until the early morning, except Frankie. And for the whole night you won’t think of Jackson once. 

Olivier: Then you’ll spend the next few days doing your royal things and when you’re ready, you’ll give Jackson a call and dump his sorry a**. Because he doesn’t deserve a girl as perfect as you. 

Jacqueline: Thank you Ollie

Olivier: What are best friends for? Now come on, we have three cakes to devour

Francine: For goodness sake

KB: What?

Francine: Aunt Bella is watching me like a hawk

KB: As she should be

Francine: So you’re taking her side?

KB: You know I’m always on your side

Francine: But?

KB: Let’s not push it, okay? Now put down the drink and let’s go somewhere with less surveillance

Francine: You’re such an idiot KB

KB: What happened then was not my fault

Francine: It was entirely your fault

KB: You were the person who set her off

Francine: (laughs) Because you gave me confidence that you could handle it. I wouldn’t have provoked her so much if I knew you would f*** it up that badly

KB: Yeah well, it all worked out in the end. But I only did it for you so you should be happy

Francine: Of course I am

KB: You should be grateful to me too

Francine: Should I? Now you’re just pushing it

Francine: Wait! Oh my God!

KB: Frankie-

Francine: T-This was a mistake

KB: Frankie, wait

Francine: No! This never happened okay? So don’t think about it and don’t speak about it! Ever!

KB: Why are you trying so hard to deny that you have feelings for me?

Francine: You’re delusional

KB: It would be easier for me to accept your behaviour if that were the truth! But I know I’m not delusional and so do you!

KB: Frankie!

KB: Tell me you feel nothing when I hold your hand

Francine: I feel nothing

KB: You’re lying

Francine: No I’m not

KB: Then what about when I do this?

Francine: ...Still nothing

KB: I can feel your heart racing

Francine: Let go of me before I punch you in that pretty face of yours

Jackson (over the phone): Hey Jackie

Jacqueline: Jackson...

Jackson (over the phone): Where are you right now? I’m over at your place and there’s no one here. Not even Ellie. 

Jacqueline: I’m in Matinaux right now

Jackson (over the phone): What are you doing in the countryside?

Jacqueline: ...I don’t know... I mean my whole family and our closest friends came here for a party to celebrate Frankie, Jules and I’s birthday

Jackson (over the phone): S***!

Jacqueline: Language

Jackson (over the phone): I totally forgot

Jacqueline: I know... you always do

Jackson (over the phone): I’ll make it up to you I promise! My friends and I are throwing a party next Saturday so we can go and then spend all of Sunday together

Jacqueline: I won’t be back by then

Jackson (over the phone): You’re not going to be there for the party? (sighs) how about-

Jacqueline: I think we should break up Jackson

Jackson (over the phone): ... What?

Jacqueline: You heard me

Jackson (over the phone): Where is this coming from suddenly?

Jacqueline: You’re very ignorant if you didn’t see this coming with the way you’ve been treating me

Jackson (over the phone): Does Olivier have something to do with this? You’re there with him right now aren’t you?

Jacqueline: Stop dragging Ollie into everything that happens between us Jackson.

Jackson (over the phone): You’ve been secrelty hooking up with him this whole time haven’t you?

Jacqueline: So now you’re accusing me of cheating? Is this your way of making yourself feel better? You know you haven’t even apologised for not showing up and you have the guts to accuse me of something like that and you don’t expect me to break up with you.

Jackson (over the phone): Fine Jackie. I’m sorry I didn’t make it

Jacqueline: I’m sorry too

Jackson (over the phone): Jackie-

Francine: Come on Jackie! I want this over sooner rather than later!

Jacqueline: Sorry! Coming!

Jacqueline sighs

Simon: Hello princess

Jacqueline: Hi papa

Simon: You look down. Is something worng? Did someone bother you?

Jacqueline: No

Simon: Was it Frankie?

Jacqueline: (laughs) No papa

Simon: Was it a boy?

Jacqueline: ...No

Simon: ...I see

Jacqueline: It’s not papa, really

Simon: ... Okay. Then how about you get dressed

Jacqueline: Huh?

Simon: Let’s go for a walk

Jacqueline: Thanks for suggesting this papa. I feel better already

Simon: I’m glad to hear that

Jacqueline: Also, I’m sorry we haven’t been able to spend as much time together lately. School has just been... a lot

Simon: What about it has been a lot?

Jacqueline: Everything. The classes, the assignments, the people

Simon: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still heartbroken

Jacqueline: Papa

Simon: We’re not as close as we used to be princess and i miss you. I feel like I’ve been replaced in your life.

Jacqueline: You know you’re the most important man in my life papa

Simon: Am I?

Jacqueline: Of course

Simon: Even with all the boys flocking around you?

Jacqueline: None of them even come close

Simon: I just want what’s best for you. I want you to always be happy so seeing you so down alone in your room breaks my heart

Jacqueline: I know. Thank you papa 

Simon: I love you princess

Jacqueline: I love you too. And I promise I’ll call you more often in school too.

Thaddeus (over the phone): So, I suppose I should be saying happy birthday now?

Juliette: You know it’s not my actual birthday Ted. Grand-mere just wanted us to celebrate together.

Thaddeus (over the phone): I know. I also still think it was very kind of your grandmother to do this for you all.

Juliette: Yes... or maybe she was just using us as an excuse to escape from Marseille

Thaddeus (over the phone): Are you having fun?

Juliette: I am... but I wish you were here

Thaddeus (over the phone): Well isn’t it enough for now that we’re under the same sky?

Juliette: No, that’s not good enough for me. Especially since everyone here has someone to be with. Jackie is with Ollie, Frankie is with KB and I’m... by myself

Thaddeus (over the phone): You have it better than them when you think about it?

Juliette: How so?

Thaddeus (over the phone): When the party ends, Ollie and KB will be leaving to go to sleep in their own rooms. But I won’t have to. 

Juliette: You mean you’ll stay on the phone with me the entire night?

Thaddeus (over the phone): If I have to. If that’s what it takes to cheer you up

Juliette: If your intention was to make me miss you more, you succeeded

Thaddeus (over the phone): (laughs) I’m sorry, I’m supposed to be making you feel better

Juliette: Well I appreciate that you’re trying

Thaddeus (over the phone): I’ll make it up to you when you get back. But for now I think you should go enjoy the rest of your party. 

Juliette: Next week can’t come fast enough

Thaddeus (over the phone): Just in case it takes its sweet time to come, I’ll call you again tomorrow, okay?

Juliette: Okay

Andrea: Hey Jules!

Juliette: Goodness! You startled me. 

Andrea: Sorry

Juliette: No it’s fine. What brings you out here? 

Andrea: Um... your mom asked me to check on you since you’ve been out for a while.

Juliette: How kind of you. You really have grown up, now you’re the one checking up on me

Andrea: I’m not a little kid anymore you know

Juliette: Maybe, but I’m an adult and you’re still in high school so you’ll probably always be a little kid to me

Andrea: That’s really unfair Jules. I’m a grown man. I’ll prove it!

Juliette: Andrea stop! Are you insane? What is wrong with you!?

Maxime: Shouldn’t I be the one asking that question?

Andrea: Maxi-

Maxime: You disgust me... both of you

Juliette: Maxi! Wait! D*** it!

Isabella sighs

Matthew: What is it?

Isabella: The past few days have been surreal

Matthew: I know

Isabella: No engagements, no papers, no institution, just family and peace. Why haven’t I ever thought about coming here on holiday?

Matthew: Because you don’t think about holidays at all. You work just as much as your mother.

Isabella: I’m sorry Matty

Matthew: What for?

Isabella: I’m conscious of the fact that I’ve been neglecting you...as your wife

Matthew: I wouldn’t describe the past few days as neglect, especially the past few nights. That’s been my favourite part

Isabella: No... but the past few months have been

Matthew: (sighs) Bella, I know what I signed up for when I asked you to marry me. I’m not so fragile that I don’t understand when you have work to do. Besides with all your sister’s engagements being dumped on me, I’ve barely had time to myself these days

Isabella: I know... but I promise I will make more of an effort to spend more time with you. Just the two of us

Matthew: I’ll look forward to that. But for now, I’ll be running on the momentum of the past few days

Isabella: That’s right, you’re leaving soon aren’t you?

Matthew: I am. I would’ve been able to stay longer but there’s been a sudden issue with one of my patronages that I need to see to in person

Isabella: I’ll sue them for taking you from me

Matthew: I’ll look forward to that

Isabella: If it’s not too much to ask, please keep an eye on my father

Matthew: Your father? Why?

Isabella: ...He’s just been on my mind a lot lately. What he’s doing, who he’s seeing... Never mind, forget I asked

Matthew: Why not ask Robyn for help?

Gabriel: It’s been nice

Queen Francesca: What’s been nice?

Gabriel: The silence of it all. I mean, unlike you, I take holidays often but just this, having the whole family around, is so peaceful

Queen Francesca: Is it? I’m itching to get back to work. It feels like my country will fall apart if I’m not there for a day

Gabriel: Of course

Queen Francesca: What?

Gabriel: I expected you to say that, Your Majesty

Queen Francesca: (laughs) Don’t tease me Gabriel

Gabriel: Whatever you say Franny

Silence

Queen Francesca: You look far away

Gabriel: Do I?

Queen Francesca: Yes

Gabriel: Maybe I am... a bit

Queen Francesca: What does that mean?

Gabriel: I’m heading back to Marseille

Queen Francesca: Already? After literally just sighing and going on about how perfect it is here, right now?

Gabriel: It’s important

Queen Francesca: Is it because of her?

Gabriel: Who?

Queen Francesca: Your other woman. I know there is one

Gabriel: You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m heading back because one of my patronages needs my attention. Urgently. You can ask Matthew about that

Queen Francesca: You know the interesting thing about being married to someone for almost 40 years? You find it so easy to tell when they’re lying. 

Gabriel: ...

Queen Francesca: I don’t know how long you’ve been seeing her, but did you really think I wouldn’t notice? As cold as I am Gabriel, I am a woman. I know when my partner’s heart no longer belongs me just as easily as I know when his body doesn’t. 

Queen Francesca: I also know that you don’t have anything work-related scheduled for the next two weeks. So, who is she?

Gabriel: ...I think you should take this time to get some rest Franny, you’re clearly not thinking straight.