The King's Chambermaid

Tasting notes

The king is stuck in a cold marriage and a very long week of Harvest Court, where a servant is dispatched by his wife each morning to help him into his robes. She takes her sweet time about it. Episode 1 gives him a ring to fetch, a guard to scold and an invitation to meet when the clock strikes twelve. In episode 2 she turns up early and bold, after a year of watching him from the kitchens, and they both know the risk. Then the queen comes calling, and the bedchamber door has been bolted from within.

Flavor profile

Rank and risk collide: she serves, he rules, and the queen has the real power over both. The line crossed is the throne room's oldest rule. The free episodes stay with whispers, locked doors and long looks.

Allergy advice Contains: palace intrigue, midnight appointments and unfortunate timing. May contain traces of scandal and silk.

Best enjoyed A splendid match for a candlelit evening when you feel like a costume drama with some bite.