Mary Tudor's Residence

Rafe Sadler and Wriothesley enter Mary Tudor's residence to find her household under Pole family sway. The Poles mock Cromwell's authority openly while Mary demands submission from her visitors. She refuses the oath, clings to her title as princess, and avows loyalty to Rome. Defiance saturates the air—Wriothesley sees unbreakable resolve, Rafe detects calculated performance meant to paint her a martyr if forced to yield.